Brussels, 22/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 22 May, the European Commission welcomed the adoption by the European Parliament of the proposal aiming to simplify the internal market for pyrotechnical items. From now on, the use of fireworks will be safer, as the new rules call for clearer labelling and instructions, drafted in the language of each member state in which the product is available for sale. Products which comply with the safety rules will bear the “EC” marking, indicating that they meet all of the requirements laid down in the legislation. Manufacturers must keep all relevant documentation for ten years.
The products affected by this update include fireworks, pyrotechnical items used in cinema or theatre productions, pyrotechnical items for use in the automotive industry, such as gas generators for airbags or seatbelt pre-tensioners. The new rules aim to facilitate access to the market and to step up protection for life and property, thanks to harmonisation and tightening-up of the rules which govern their safety. Fireworks will be classified in the following categories: - category F1 (minimum age 12 years): fireworks which present a very low risk and a negligible sound level and which are designed to be used in confined spaces, including fireworks designed to be used inside residential buildings; - category F2 (minimum age 16 years): fireworks which present a low risk and a low noise level and which are designed to be used outside, in confined areas; - category F3 (minimum age 18 years): fireworks which present an average risk, which are designed to be used outside, in large open spaces and with noise levels which are not dangerous to human health; - category F4 (minimum age 18 years): fireworks which present a high risk, which are designed to be used only by people with specialist knowledge and with noise levels which are not dangerous to human health.
The member states may raise these age limits if this measure is justified by reasons of public order, public health or public safety. They may reduce the age limits for individuals who have received or who are receiving appropriate professional training. (LC/transl.fl)