idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
The BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing has tested 202 new fireworks for their safety this year. Amendments to 20 known fireworks were also tested. 146 fireworks were approved, 56 were rejected and 45 approvals were recalled. Thus about 28 % were refused.
In comparison to the previous year the refusals decreased from 39 % to 28 % which indicates that the positive trend of last year continues. This is due to the importers intensifying preliminary tests and increasing their influence on production control in China. Those approvals affected were recalled because of missing proofs of suitable quality assurance procedures.
Due to the negative experience in the toy industry, BAM extended its chemical analyses to try and identify forbidden substances. Fortunately, very few offences have so far been identified. In this respect, fireworks class IV (for use by persons with specialist knowledge only) which are intended for the Netherlands and stored largely in Germany are currently causing problems.
Fireworks without BAM approval, or with falsified approval markings, may be very risky. Their handling safety and quality level cannot be judged. Fireworks are not toys because they contain explosive substances and can give rise to dangerous consequences.
An approval marking may for example read: BAM - P II - 2526.
The new European Directive 2007/23/EG concerning placement of pyrotechnical articles on the market, including of course New Year's Eve fireworks, came into force in 2007. The directive is supposed to reduce trade barriers and, in addition, harmonise the quality and safety of pyrotechnical articles in Europe. In future only one "approval" will be necessary for Europe. For fireworks, a conformity assessment procedure will then be performed which consists of a type test and a contract confirming the quality assurance module. The European Union member states have until January 2010 to implement this directive into national legislation. Naturally, this also applies to Germany where the implementation is due by the 4th Explosive Amendment Act.
The existing European standards for Class I to III fireworks are currently being revised by the international working group of CEN TC 212, whose presidency is being provided by BAM, and checked for their conformity to the guideline. BAM is one of the few institutes in Europe which already carries out such tests according to the European standards today.
BAM is the first and so far only notified body in Europe (as of 19 Nov. 2008). This notification is the prerequisite for the execution of conformity assessment procedures.
Enquiries about currently offered goods and the exact production figures can be made at
Verband der Pyrotechnischen Industrie
(Association of the Pyrotechnical Industry)
An der Pönt 48
40885 Ratingen
Phone: +49-2102-18 62 00
Information:
Lutz Kurth
Working Group Pyrotechnics, Division II.3 Explosives
http://www.bam.de/fg-23.htm
Phone: +49 30 8104-1234
Internet:
List of certified fireworks (status: 1 Dec. 2008)
Class I: http://www.bam.de/p1.htm
Class II: http://www.bam.de/p2.htm
Tests of New Year's Eve Fireworks by BAM
with photos to download:
http://www.bam.de/de/aktuell/presse/pressekonferenz.htm
Criteria of this press release:
interdisciplinary
transregional, national
Miscellaneous scientific news/publications, Transfer of Science or Research
English
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