CONTROL OVER FIREWORKS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29342, 22 October 1960, Page 11

CONTROL OVER FIREWORKS

Regulations On Display

Some retailers have apparently been unaware of the regulations gazetted last year providing for the covering of fireworks so they are protected from any source of ignition, but big firms with a big business in fireworks as November 5 approaches have their preparation made to protect the fireworks. The regulations have been in force since August of last year, and the Department of Internal Affairs, which administers them, will keep a close watch this year to see that they are complied with.

Mr L. R. Osmond, the Chief Fire Officer in Christchurch, said yesterday that he particularly welcomed the regulations and the attention which had been drawn to them recently. “We have always been concerned about fireworks in shops." he said. “As well as the very real danger of property fire or injury to persons, there is another great danger of panic. A big shoo on a busy Friday evening will have as many people in it as a theatre, and there could be dangerous panic if fireworks exploded." Regulation 72 of the Explosives Regulations. 1959. says that no fireworks shall be displayed or stored in any place to which members of the public have access unless the fireworks are placed in a closed container or covered by glass or other incombustible material in such manner that the fireworks are protected from any source of ignition. It also provides that no fireworks shall be displayed in any position, including shop windows, where the sun's rays can strike them. *

Fireworks exceeding 20001 b in quantity must be stored in a building of reinforced concrete or other approved fireproof materials. and the building must not be generally occupied.