18 replies to this topic

[Andrew]

It does not restrict the size of firework you can make though!! I do not know of many publically available rockets that have more that 100g of comp in.

[Richard H]

Anthony, as much as we dislike it, test have shown that these items need to be reclassified. You cannot argue with the UN.

[The_Djinn]

point to ponder..
did you know that rockets without there sticks are 1.1 classified !

[Richard H]

The 1.1G classification only applies to stickless maroon rockets, where the principle effect is report by flash composition. Colour star effects are considered 1.3G and 1.4G respectively.

[Richard H]

I think you are confusing consumer firework standards with transport and storage. The UN defines regulations for the transport of all explosives, which are assigned to hazard classification 1. Within this are several divisions and compatibility groups. This includes military explosives, fireworks, party poppers, cracker snaps, everything.

Of interest to fireworks are the following:

Divisions:

1.1 - Mass explosion hazard
1.2 - Projection hazard
1.3 - Fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both
1.4 - Substances and articles which present no significant hazard

The compatibility groups G and S are also of relevance:

G:

Pyrotechnic substance, or article containing a pyrotechnic substance, or article containing both an explosive substance and an illuminating, incendiary, tear- or smoke-producing substance (other than a wateractivated article or one containing white phosphorus, phosphides a pyrophoric substance, a flammable liquid or gel, or hypergolic liquids).

S:

Substance or article so packed or designed that any hazardous effects arising from accidental functioning are confined within the package unless the package has been degraded by fire, in which case all blast or projection effects are limited to the extent that they do not significantly hinder or prohibit fire fighting or other emergency response efforts in the immediate vicinity of the package.

Fireworks for consumers are generally 1.4G and this means if an accident occured during transport or storage of these items in any appreciable quantity then there would be no significant hazard in comparison to an accident involving 1.1G articles.

Well defined and scientific tests have shown that 1.4G is no longer an accurate classification code (a product of the hazard division and compatibillity group) for SOME consumer fireworks, like large rockets. There is little point in pretending these items do not need reclassifying when the cold hard facts say they do.

As I say, these items are not being banned. Assuming you can collect rockets from some of the large retailers with 1.3G stores then there won't be a problem.

[Richard H]

Does Enschede mean anything to you? Tests have shown these things do happen. I agree that most cakes do not pose an explosion hazard, but the projection hazard is the problem.

[Richard H]

Yes, but it prompted the subsequent tests on consumer fireworks! What is the point of arguing about it. The regulations have changed and that's that.

[Spyrotechnics]

Anthony - you need to make up your mind - on one hand you are banging on about quiter fireworks etc etc and now you are arguing that new classifications will spoil the fun of the large rockets, not sure I ever witnessed a quiet large rocket??

[Spyrotechnics]

I can't believe that you are actually laughing about what happened in Enschede


You are one sick individual and have no place on this forum as far as I am concrened