Suggestions have been made by a government-appointed pyrotechnics committee to make the production of fireworks safer. The government has accepted these recommendations and a Department of Information statement recently said that they will be implemented gradually. It did not, however say how gradual the implementation would be.

The question that is being asked now is whether these proposals – once implemented to the letter – will be enough to prevent accidents that have unfortunately cost the lives of so many fireworks enthusiasts over the years.

Only last year, five men were killed when a fireworks factory blew up in Gharghur, which was certainly the biggest tragedy ever to be recorded. Others have died in similar accidents that have taken place over the years – practically not a single year passes by without accidents being reported in fireworks factories.

And, each time an accident happens, a national debate erupts as to whether or not fireworks should continue to be produced and let off. Some extremists call for a total ban of the hobby, but the general feeling is that fireworks – part and parcel of our culture and traditions, particularly during the summer village feasts – should continue to be manufactured, albeit under the strict observation of safety rules that have been set up.

Malta is known for being among the top countries when it comes to fireworks displays, and most of us have appreciated the colourful shows that characterise our village feasts and national occasions, such as when Malta became a member of the European Union and, only last Tuesday, joined the eurozone.

On the other hand, most of us do not enjoy the loud, noisy petards that are let off, sometimes very early in the morning. These types of fireworks are just “noise”, and it is thought that the tradition started many years ago, as villages “boasted” about how many fireworks they had as they celebrated the feast, and to let other villages in the vicinity know about it, through the loud noise that reverberated over a good stretch of land. Well, if there is a part of the fireworks tradition that should be weeded out, it is this part.

The 20 proposals that have been submitted by the pyrotechnics committee are, in the committee’s words, “only preliminary”, as more recommendations are expected in the future, after a monitoring exercise over a longer period of time.

While it is understandable that a complete elimination of accidents is impossible, due to the nature of the work involved, the proposals that have been made do go some way in trying to reduce the risks. For example, the reduction of the amount of chemicals that are allowed on site at any given time, does reduce the risk of explosions, and if they still occur, the blast would be more contained.

The committee is also encouraging the use of different chemicals which are less hazardous, while banning others which are extremely risky.

What is important is that any regulations that are drawn up are implemented to the letter. And it is up to the fireworks enthusiasts themselves to make sure that this happens. After all, they are the ones who are constantly in danger and therefore should make sure that the element of risk in the manufacturing of fireworks is reduced to a minimum.

The committee recommended a study on the regulations of the “outside safety distance” from inhabited buildings and roads. This matter should be taken seriously as there is a great risk that third parties are involved when accidents take place. It has happened in the past and therefore matters should be taken in hand to rectify the situation.