Igniters in focus in fireworks factory blast investigations
The Għarb factory should never have had so many fireworks in one place, especially when people were still working there, pyrotechnics inspector Servolo Delicata said yesterday.
"They went very much beyond the limit of what should have been stored on site," said Mr Delicata, who spoke to The Times just before his appointment on a board of inquiry set up to look into Sunday’s blast.
Mr Delicata said that although the law regulated the amount of potassium nitrate and chlorate (two of the most unstable fireworks materials) that can be kept in the factories, a newer compound, potassium perchlorate, was not regulated and, therefore, gave rise to a loophole.
"Small accidents happen in fireworks factories and it's very likely that a small explosion in the working area spread quickly because of the large amount of fireworks that were on site,"he said, explaining that a chain of explosions made it possible for the damage to be so wide-spread, so much so that the two men who were taken to hospital severely burnt,were standing 50 metres from the main blast site.
The explosion was so powerful it left a large crater in the ground. Debris could be found hundreds of metres away from the site of the factory. The ground was littered with petards and car parts could be seen a long distance away from what was left of the vehicles themselves.
Although many speculated that a fire could have started from trucks or the fireworks they carried, Mr Delicata thinks the trucks were not a likely cause. If something were faulty in the vehicles it would have most likely caused problems during transport not when they were parked, he argued.
The fireworks were carried to Gozo on a barge and taken by trucks to the factory, where they were parked in the yard. They were purchased from five factories in Malta: Għaxaq, Lija, Kirkop, Qrendi and the St Sebastian factory in Qormi, sources said. The Qormi factory claimed two lives last February when an explosion rocked the facility in the limits of Ħandaq, Qormi. An explosion occurred at the Għaxaq factory last year but luckily no one was injured.
In previous years, people at the Għarb factory site told Mr Delicata the fireworks bought from Malta were stored in separate places like, say, a container in the field where the explosives were going to be let off from. It was possible that there was a mistake somewhere,Mr Delicata said, but the fundamental problem being bred in factories was that "no one is scared anymore".
Most of the people who frequented the factories were not knowledgeable enough, he added.
Mr Delicata said it was too early to say what caused the blast or other unexplained explosions in the past months, which some are attributing to an inferior batch of chemicals.
However, he raised questions about the igniters, used to light up the fireworks. Although igniters have been used for several years, very little is known about them and their chemical consistency changed when they were bought from different companies, making them very dangerous.
Mr Delicata said that although the Farrugia factory was not known to use igniters that much, in the wake of so many casualties in the past year, he still thought igniters might have been a contributing factor in this tragedy. "Sometimes igniters go off on their own," he said. "I think that instead of calling a moratorium on fireworks for two years, we should call a moratorium on igniters."
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R.Camilleri
Sep 9th 2010, 19:52
F'kull xoghol tal-hajja hemm riskji, f'dan hemm izjed. Ghalhekk wiehed irid ihares irregolamenti u ma'jilghabx man-nar b'nuqqas ta'informazzjoni dwaru. Veru kienet tragedja ghax grat go zewg familji. Setghet kienet akar fost familji diversi ohra kieku lahqu waslu xi nies ohra biex igorru in-nar. Hemm bzonn issa li wiehed jevalwa sew x'setgha gara u x'qed jigri f'dan ix-xoghol halli kemm jista jkun innaqqsu l-perikli. Neleminah hija xi haga 'Out fetched' hafna. Fejn jidhol il-bniedem l-eliment ta' zbalji dejjem jibqu. Dan bhal kull xoghol iehor, ---- bhalma kellna dan l-ahhar bl-ispluzzjoni tar-Rig taz-zejt, dawk li hemm mirduma fil-minjira u ohrajn. Ninghaqad ma' nies ohra fit-talb ghal dawk mitlufa u ghall dawk li hallew warajhom. Xi haga li ddum biex tinsa. Imma dik hi il-Hajja. Jien kont tlift lil Hija ta' 45 sena fuq il-post tax-xoghol li kien kwazi fejn kien joqghod meta gratt id-dizgrazzja u kien halla lil martu u erba ulied warajh. Mulej ghatihom il-Mistrieh ta' Dejjem. Madonna harisna minn kull periklu tal-hajja. Grazzi bil-quddiem.
James A. Tyrrell
Sep 7th 2010, 19:45
I do not think that fireworks in Malta should be banned and I don't think those who died would want that either. But I think every right thinking person has to agree that something is very wrong with the way things are at present. I suspect that the chemicals being used are being sourced from China where manufacturing standards are practically non-existent. I further suspect that various factories get together and order in bulk to further save money. This means that there are other factories just waiting to explode.
The Government must step in and close these factories down immediately and have them checked by AFM explosives experts to ensure their stability. Please don't wait until a truckload of these things explodes passing through a village!
Vince DeBono
Sep 7th 2010, 17:57
IF Mr Delicata's so-called premature comments could jar fireworks enthusiasts to be more careful, then let him speak more. Why wait for a final report in silence - with possibly another calamity happening?
Victor Borg
Sep 7th 2010, 17:17
The ulterior aim of the majority of commentators here is not borne out of empathy for the victims or eagerness to see fireworks done in a safer way - rather, they only have one aim: to banish fireworks and cultural-religious traditions-feasts in Malta that they consider low.
This attitude is caused by the reverse-psychology of insularity (in that insular people consider their own nation's culture as low, and grovel at imaginary superior foreign cultures). And I was like that too: 20 years ago, I thought that fireworks are air and sound pollution, and that feasts are just a nuisance.
But then I became an international travel writer, and I travelled constantly in the past 15 years - I am currently writing this comment from China - and the more I travelled, the more I realised that (1) fireworks in Malta are the best in the world and the only distinct Maltese art-form; (2) the cultural-religious festivals in Malta are unique and fantastic.
I am not religious (ie, I never go to church), but travel has made appreciative and proud of the unique aspects of Malta's cultural manifestations, especially feasts and fireworks.
www.victorborg.com
C.Busuttil
Sep 9th 2010, 01:51
I agree with you 100% especially when you write that the majority of commentators here is not borne out of empathy for the victims or eagerness to see fireworks done in a safer way. They just believe they are superior to others whom they consider low class people.
The idiotic theories some have written also show totally NO knowledge about the subject but they still open their mouths. Especially when it comes to the materials used had been the reason for the latest tragedies it would have occured during the preparation of the mixtures one of the crucial stages of fireworks NOT when its is sealed and ready to be let off.
Is-soltu Gahan Malti jiftah halqu minghajr ma jkun jaf xejn
Frank Camilleri
Sep 7th 2010, 15:04
If I am not mistaken, Mr Delicata is one of the members of the Pyrothecnics Committee within the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs and also one of the inspectors who ensures that manufacture,storage and transportation of fireworks is made according to security and safety procedures. He is also a member on the Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the probable cause for such explosions. Doesn't he consider it too early to make such public assumptions before the report is finalised? He is also aware of having a central location to store all manufactured fireworks somewhere in Dingli. If in the affirmative, doesn't he consider such recommendation a little bit too risky and contrary to what he has stated about the excessive storage of fireworks at the Gharb Factory?
Are the fireworks inspectorate aware of the dangers of truckloads of fireworks being transported on our local road network? What precautions are being taken to prevent a recurrence of the Gharb tragedy on one of our roads or possibly within our villages? Has it been confirmed that fireworks were sent to Gozo under police escort?
Inspectors should also ensure that "the people who frequented the factories should be knowledgeable enough"
Andrea Seychell
Sep 7th 2010, 13:52
http://vimeo.com/14720323 go to this link and see the explosion. it was very terrifying scene
Joseph Calleja
Sep 7th 2010, 13:00
Five people are dead and one still in critical condition. I would like to pass our sympathies to the loved ones and friends of the deceased. There are a lot of questions about why all this happened and nobody knows exactly what happened, not even the experts, so please stop making ridiculous guesses. This is the fifth fireworks explosion this year alone and we still don't have any clue what the reason for these explosions are? The 2 main questions are what is causing these explosions and is there a common factor. We still don't know so in the meantime there should be a moratorium on all fireworks till the experts find out what is causing these explosions or if any of the accidental explosions have something in common. It is a bit too late to ask how these explosives got here or where they came from. Too many accidents, too many wasted lives. It should not be so easy for a fireworks factory to blow up like that? Too many questions, not enough answers.
J. Spiteri
Sep 7th 2010, 12:27
Qisha din l-ewwel darba li saret tragedja bhal din go fabbrika (?) fejn jinhadem in nar tal-festi ! Tghallima xi haga mit-tragedji tal-passat ?? X'passi konkreti ttiehdu biex ikunu aktar protetti dawk li jahdmu n-nar u, wisq aktar, dawk li jistghu jitilfu hajjithom iccocentament, li lanqas biss ikunu midhla ta' dan id-'delizzju', kif gara fin-Naxxar ftit taz-zmien ilu? Tragedji bhal din saru u jibqghu isiru. Jghaddu ftit tal- jiem u kollox jerga jigi ghan-normal, qisu qatt ma gara xejn. Imbaghad business as usual; wara kollox, the show must go on, mhux hekk?
G.Portelli
Sep 7th 2010, 12:21
To all those commenting about one place where to manufacture fireworks I should say that they do not have any idea about what they are saying. One small factory makes such devastation. Imagine what would be the result if the factory included all the fireworks for all the feasts in Malta. I shudder to think
Another thing. There is too much pique amogst villages. This is becoming deadly. Everyone wants to make more fireworks to be better. They make miracles to make ends meet to collect money and eventually work out all those fireworks. A reasonable amount is a solution even though it never eliminates the risks of injury or death. Societies should stop this nonsense. They can use their money in a sensible yet non destructive way like feast decorations where the work done can be enjoyed for generations.
A. Duca
Sep 7th 2010, 14:02
The advantage of having a single plant with the capabilities of producing fireworks is that enforcement is finally made possible. It is not humanly possible to scatter the already scant and stretched resources of this nation any further.
Unless such action is taken, no Maltese individual can ever rest assured that these explosives are being handled by true professionals.
Philip M. Bonello
Sep 7th 2010, 12:06
Surely it's about time that every fireworks factory had HD-CCTV to record every movement such we can actually see what triggered the explosion and learn from it. Surely we can't afford more people dying. Fireworks, though a fine art which we have hone to spectacular levels, needs to be regulated heavily such that accidents are prevented. Doesn't the OHSA come into this, somewhere??
Jimmy Magro
Sep 7th 2010, 12:02
I always remain baffled why the bloggers cannot accept the fact that accidents happen, and human beings are bound to die.
At the workplace, sports, traveling, on holidays, diving, driving, etc - people have died in all circumstances. People that are enaged in fireworks know that there is a risk and it is a decision they take from their free will.
Fireworks accidents happen even where the people are professional. The risk is there and it can be minimised but not toally eradicated.
I am not a fan of fireworks but although there is need for regulation, the country cannot be controlled by BIG BROTHER.
Maltese believe too much in big government when the solution should be to minimise government intervention in our lives.
There is a saying "who dares wins" but it seems that sometimes this should read as "who dares dies". Life is beautiful and we should do everything to protect our life and not endanger it.
K Formosa
Sep 7th 2010, 14:30
Jimmy, yes it's their choice if they end blowing themselves up.
The problem lies when third parties are involved - third parties nothing to do with fireworks.
Did you forget the Naxxar incident? Someone who had nothing to do with fireworks got killed. Yes that's unacceptable
Francis Bellizzi
Sep 7th 2010, 11:34
I think our fireworks factories are unprofessional. We should do same as abroad. Let the professionals do the work, and before someone says that our people are professionals, I say, let the figures speak for themselves. The government must stop thi carnage.
victor rodenas
Sep 7th 2010, 11:18
Soon, when the Winter TV. programmes start, I am sure that there will be a programm on fireworks tragedies on all the stations.Experts will talk and talk ,fireworks workers will talk and talk ,the police representatives will talk and talk,the TV. presenter will talk and talk.......then after a few months we will hear another BOOM...BOOM.Another fireworks factory explodes and the story repeats itself......sirens...weeping...and funerals.
Gordon Grech
Sep 7th 2010, 11:07
Igniters are not so safe as many are saying. Mr. Delicata had the guts to speak and we are in need of such people. We cannot be left in a blind corner. Even though static electricity they can spark. Yesterday I had a conversation with Mr. Delicata in Gozo and I expressed my worries on these igniters, what chemical reactions can these produce and the way these must be managed. If the material we purchase is inferiority, the probabilty is that it will burn during the mixing stage and not when the mortal is ready to be used. The same it applies to these so called fuses ''igniters'', these are not inferiority material but there is a lack of knowledge of how to be used. I am terrible shocked that my collegues in gozo passed away. The scene of devastation is horrific. Although no one knows what went wrong, it is time that persons involed in the manufacturing of fireworks wake up. We are in a position of high risk. Too many accidents are occuring and this is due to lack of knowledge and information.
Christian Sciberras
Sep 10th 2010, 00:11
Since we seem to have a major enthusiast in the discussion, I'd like to ask you:
1. What are the precautionary measures taken?
2a. How structurally sound are these factories?
2b. Were the structures really meant for fireworks?
2c. By "meant" I don't want the usual empty talk about who did them....where they DESIGNED with fireworks in mind??
3a. What surveillance is there in the area, if at all?
3b. What stops me (or anyone else) from using those *explosives*, *ahem* productively *ahem* elsewhere? (hint; the recent arson/bomb attacks)
4. Who trained the current experts we have here? Chemical mixing is not the same as fishing for tuna, saying so from personal experience...
5a. What are the authorities that are supposed to supervise these activities?
5b. What is their experience in their field (is it just "the usual chemicals used in Maltese pyrotechnics")?
Right now I can't think of anything else. If you really care about my concern, please do reply to this message, or you can contact me directly at uuf6429@gmail.com
Christian Sciberras
Sep 7th 2010, 11:05
Comments like A SPITERI's explain why nothing will happen about ANY problem in Malta.
If most people think exactly like him/her (ie, they deem themselves expert in any subject - when they most certainly are not), how exactly will we get REAL experts to work, when we have so many FRAUDS around??
A SPITERI
Sep 7th 2010, 10:49
Jiddispjacini nghid imma lil dan misshom jibaghtuh jiccekja barra min malta ghax ha jimla l imhuh ghalxejn ghax imkien mad dinja qat ma instemet din tal igniters . veru illi meta jkun qed jereq bniedem jaqbad ma tibna biex isalva imma b dawn l istejjer li qed jinaghdu mhux ma tibna qed naqbdu imma ta traba. ahjar jaraw kif ha jaghmlu u jnaqqsu il piki ghax il kumplament kollu paroli fil vojt.
Christian Sciberras
Sep 7th 2010, 11:02
Paroli fil-vojt tieghek.
If any of his words were moot, he hit the nail on it's head with this comment:
"The Għarb factory should never have had so many fireworks in one place, especially when people were still working there, pyrotechnics inspector Servolo Delicata said yesterday."
He did raise some valid points. Where are yours (other than "his comments are crap")?
A Zahra
Sep 7th 2010, 11:34
Readt his: This is a real authority on the matter of pyrotechnics in the USA.
http://www.skylighter.com/skylighter_info_pages/Books/fireworkssafetymanualofca.htm
My bet is that what happened at Gharb lies in the section
CHLORATES AND THE SUN.
J. Debono
Sep 7th 2010, 14:23
@ A. Spiteri
Only a fool tries to argue with Mr. Servolo Delicata, in an argument where pyrotechnics are involved!, as he truly IS THE EXPERT.
peter gee
Sep 7th 2010, 10:47
"The fireworks were purchased from five factories in Malta: Għaxaq, Lija, Kirkop, Qrendi and the St Sebastian factory in Qormi" This means that all this dangerous material was being carried around on our public roads. Imagine, next time your on the road, a truck in front of you could be full with fireworks. What about all the bumps and potholes? Surely there must be some regulation about the transport of hazardous material. I shudder to think what would happen if a truckload of fireworks exploded, or will action only be taken when another tragedy takes place?
L Spiteri
Sep 7th 2010, 11:49
Anothe tragedy did in fact take place but apparently memories are short. I am referring to the Mar 12, 2008 devastating explosion in Had Dghejf Street, Naxxar
Mark Camilleri
Sep 7th 2010, 10:41
Cell phones are danger in factorys due that some cell phones batterys can short and get fire, in fireworks factory cell phones are all left in the kitchen.. It is placed at the outskirts of factory not near workshops and the main store. Igniters do not ignite with cell phone radiation ,,, the known way that can ignite when there is static , so for that the end of the wires are shorted .. no circuit. and from consulting with professionals of igniters makers they must never be under pressure, very rare happenend in lab test at the manufacture of igniters. and when they ignit during pressure test they are rejected. It can happen in fireworks factory when when one pulls the igiter cable from the "murtal" . All igniters cables are all taped around the mortals before they are stored. I make fireworks and I do not agree with people saying comments without any fireworksbackground. Fireworks is always danger and people is always trying to make it safer . In old times KUBRITwas used , after it was found dangerus it was stopped. People always trys to make it safer not Malta but in the World.
GVella
Sep 7th 2010, 10:30
It would be interesting to know what routes the trucks loaded with explosives took, and what safety precautions were taken, when these deadly vehicles were being driven from Għaxaq, Lija, Kirkop, Qrendi and Qormi to the point of embarkation and then from Mgarr to Gharb.
A. Duca
Sep 7th 2010, 10:29
1) All fireworks factories constructed to date should be closed down with immediate effect.
2) All fireworks should be manufactured in one or more locations, but as few as possible. The number of firewors factories allowed on the island should equal the number of chemicals which must be stored in separate locations.
3) Alternatively, chemicals should be stored in a number of warehouses. Again, there should be as few warehouses as safely possible. The chemicals should then be mixed into fireworks in a separate plant.
4) Only qualified professionals should be allowed access to the new, state-of-the-art factories. The single entrance, along with the several emergency exits of each of these factories should be under constant surveillance.
5) When transporting the explosives to their designated sites, the routes should be planned carefully, and should not pass through inhabited areas. Authorities should make intelligent use of roads, as well as shores. All areas through which the explosives are transported should be evacuated.
Contributions, amendments or even criticism are welcome.
Christian Sciberras
Sep 7th 2010, 11:09
That is just perfect. Too bad the proposal won't ever get accepted.
A.Charles
Sep 7th 2010, 12:52
I would like to add that the chemicals and other materials imported for this industry must be of the highest quality.
N Lia
Sep 7th 2010, 10:27
How about installing surveillance cameras which would record all work being carried out at a factory and keeping the recordings off-site at some authority office.
With today’s technology this is possible at minimal cost and I think it would certainly help to identify the possible cause of so many accidents and also any abuses that would be made.
victor pulis
Sep 7th 2010, 10:22
From the article one can deduce that the fireworks industry is run in an amateurish way. Can the public be informed who transported these explosives from Malta to Gozo? Just saying that it was a private launch is not enugh. We want details. We also want details about the fireworks transportation on our roads. Through which villages did the trucks pass? What if the explosion happened on a road full of vehicles? Not a far fetched possiblity. As I always say "Malta pajjiz tad dilettanti."
Julian Delicata
Sep 7th 2010, 10:20
To all those stating that Mr. Delicata should be removed from the baord of inquiry:
Pls take note that he stated these comments BEFORE he was made a member of the board...pls let us not judge so quickly!!
Alfred Grech
Sep 7th 2010, 10:07
I read a lot about cell phones which, it is claimed, they can even be a danger at petrol stations.
Could cell phones be a danger in fireworks factories?
Just a thought!!!
Anthony Caruana
Sep 7th 2010, 10:05
Dawn il-kummenti aktar insibhom ta insult jien ghax allajbierek nafu dan kollu u nhallu kollox ghaddej u l-vittmi dejjem jizdiedu.
N.B. Ta min wiehed jinnota li l-vittmi mhux il-mejta imma dawk li jhallu warajhom. Nahseb ma hawnx sitwazzjoni aghar fil-hajja milli omm tghannaq it-tebut ta wliedha....kif rajna ftit tal-gimghat ilu!!
Jesmond Micallef
Sep 7th 2010, 10:03
Very interesting reading indeed. This explosion was an all mighty one as some of the photography very clearly illustrated. I also did notice the crater too from the aerial footage and the horrific devastation. There is no room here for amateurs, simple as that. If people are not scared for themselves, thats a real pity, but they should be scared for others.
Hopefully, the explosives and other related chemicals together with igniter technology will be very well scrutinsed by the Board of Enquiry. Science has alot to offer in accident prevention and safety and the Board of Enquiry will surely present its findings but also recomendations.
This explosion on Gozo is the worst I have seen so far and sincerely hope that very concrete and affirmative action follows once and for all.
On previous occasions, I have also commented on storage and sources of ignition within fireworks factories.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100222/local/fireworks-factory-blows-up
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100224/local/devastation
patrick zammit
Sep 7th 2010, 10:01
"The Għarb factory should never have had so many fireworks in one place"
"Most of the people who frequented the factories were not knowledgeable enough"
The trouble in Malta is that we think that laws and regulations do not apply to us and that they are "hmerijiet". We also think that nothing will happen to us. We feel that we are sort of immune.
That is why we need enforcement which is almost nonexistent not only in the case of fireworks manufacture but also in a multitude of other cases (drink driving, smoking, vehicle emmissions, driving in general etc).
g ellul
Sep 7th 2010, 09:58
The media have reported that these fireworks were transported to Gozo by means of a yacht or barge escorted by the Police. Could the Police Department issue a statement confirming Police escort to this barge or whatever?
I wouldn't like to travel to Gozo by ferry with the thought of truckloads of explosives aboard. Gozo Channel has denied the transport of explosives on its ferries, but you never know what's on the trucks being lifted on these ferries.
Do the employees on the Gozo ferries carry inspections of the contents on the heavy vehicles carried by the Company on its ships? I believe the general public deserves these explanations.
Ray Buhagiar
Sep 7th 2010, 09:45
With such comments from Mr Delicata he should be removed from the board. He and his department/ superiors has a lot to answer for if they did not report the use of unregulated chemicals and other problems that he now mentions.
EJ Formosa
Sep 7th 2010, 09:43
So many EXPERTS, yet so many tragedies!!!!!!
J. Schembri
Sep 7th 2010, 09:40
It would be interesting to know how the fireworks were transported over to Gozo. Is there a particular insurance company behind all this?
RMangion
Sep 7th 2010, 09:45
There was an araitcle yesterday on this website. Gozo channel does not transport this stuff, a private launch or barge was used and it was escorted
Fenech MD
Sep 7th 2010, 14:24
To add to RMangion's comments, read this article
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100906/local/no-fireworks-carried-on-gozo-ferries
Six soldiers and policemen died exactly 26 years ago when fireworks being carried on a patrol boat exploded off Comino.
Joseph Camilleri
Sep 7th 2010, 09:38
Could there be a reason extraneous to fireworks manufacturing.
This Nokia exploded in August 2010.
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/08/18/man-killed-exploding-nokia-mobile-phone/
Raymond Cutajar
Sep 7th 2010, 09:35
The Mother of all Excuses
Loophole always a designed intervention to get away from prosecution fullstop
A Pace
Sep 7th 2010, 09:31
This is jumping the gun a bit. Let the investigations proceed before making public statements. I hope the investigation will not stop at understanding explosives or igniters. Investigations should be broadened to include such important aspects as the issue of permits, the location of fireworks factories, the transportation of explosives through our streets and neighbourhoods, and across to Gozo (are the Gozo ferries used for instance?), the storage of explosives, proper road signs and perhaps mandatory website information on location of fireworks factories, revised regulations of explosives materials, building and safety standards and procedures, and countless other issues. The public has a right to be informed about such matters. There are also matters related to responsibility, a list of persons present at fireworks factories, liability, insurance, damages to third party property, and danger to innocent, mostly unknowing victims. How are precautionary principles to be implemented? Every fireworks factory in the country should be properly investigated and perhaps closed down if necessary. This would be but a small price compared to the loss of lives through negligence, and especially negligence dressed up as an accident.
A Zahra
Sep 7th 2010, 09:31
May everyone use the loophole and use Potassium perchlorate. Potassium perchlorate based compositions are much less sensitive. Suffice say that it has a much lower solublity in water and has a much higher meting point when compared to chlorates as a result of the high energy required to split the Potassium to CLO4 radicle bond. which is the primary requirement to start the release of oxygen and the resulting energetic oxidation of the fuel component of the composition..
Joe Camilleri
Sep 7th 2010, 09:26
Good morning about this potassium perchlorate loophole.
Joe Mangion
Sep 7th 2010, 09:21
Dawn is-suppozzizzjonijiet kollha ftit jinteressawni. Zgur mhux se jinteressaw lil dawk il vittmi, mitwielda jew le, li hallsu b'gildhom. Dan il flagell kollu jista jibqa sejjer u qisu ma gara xejn? L-awtoritajiet, huma min huma, iridu jiehdu id-decizjonijiet necessarji, popolari jew le, ha jigu eliminati dawn is-sitwazzjonijiet. Ma nistghux niobqu nistahbew wara rapporti u rakkomandazzjonijiet.
A Zammit
Sep 7th 2010, 09:21
The same person has blamed ESD for the Mosta accident when humidity was in excess of 75% which makes it practically impossible to for any living object to accumulate charge. Sorry Mr Delicata but better start basing ourselves on facts rather than presumtionsif we want to get somewhere.
Igniters are the safest thing in the whole fireworks industry and are used all over the world from london to Sydney to create choreographed displays. So much is the case that even the international shiping of such units is allowed withour special requirements.
In my life I have used tens of thousands of igniters and never I say never have I experienced an unintented ignition.
There is only on thing about igniters their end must be shorted and protected to avoid accidental ignition as any source in excess of 2 Volts capable of driving a minimum of 200mA will ignite the device. Now if igniters are left dangling from shells and coming in contact with a vehicles chasis which by the way can become alive due to vehicle circuitry problems then definitely it's not the igniters fault but the users.
Charles Sammut
Sep 7th 2010, 10:01
Check your facts. The relative humidity at Rabat, at the time of the Mosta/Dwejra blast was in the region of 25%. I quoted Rabat because it is the closest and at the same elevation.
Peter Korsten
Sep 7th 2010, 10:12
"In my life I have used tens of thousands of igniters and never I say never have I experienced an unintented ignition."
Just one is enough.
G.Portelli
Sep 7th 2010, 12:13
You are right Mr. Zammit. There is another thing which may be said. Static electricity and therefore a small Voltage can build up even on clothes especially those with synthetic material like those used in feasts. This can be a real hazard if wires are dangling around the shells. A small spark will ignite the firework. Precautions should be of utmost importance apart from education.
David Muscat
Sep 7th 2010, 09:16
I have to admit I am Shocked with Mr. Delicata's comments, mainly because of the timing these comments are being put forward and by the fact that Mr. delicata is one of the members of the inquisitory board appointed just yesterday. In my opinion Mr. Delicata should make such allegations once the required investigations are finalised. Though I am doubtful Mr. Delicata can actually do an unbiased investigation at this stage.
Claiming that the cause of all these accidents this year is so obvious and 'in our face' makes me think 'then why is this comming out only now?'
An earlier intervention to such a simple problem could have been taken a year ago saving a bunch of lives including these 5 poor fellows.
S Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 09:13
I quote Mr. Delicata "Most of the people who frequented the factories were not knowledgeable enough". Unquote..Why is it now that Mr Delicata has come out with this? Why didn't anyone including Mr. Delicata raise his voice on this matter for measures to be taken to rectify the problem?.. It looks like after the last two tragedies there are lots of questions which remains to be answered
Fenech MD
Sep 7th 2010, 09:11
"Sometimes igniters go off on their own," he said. "
Jien ma nifhem xejn fil-loghob tan-nar, imma jekk dawn jistghu jaqbdu wahedhom, inkomplu narmawhom fil-pjazez, fix-xemx, fil-qalba tal-belt/rahal????
Din gennata! Kif jithallew isiru dawn l-affarijiet meta jafu l-periklu kbir li hemm???
l fenech
Sep 7th 2010, 09:06
Kullhadd gharef wara.