Tone down the noise!

Money spent on fireworks should be controlled to avoid excesses that are often driven by pique, Gozo’s College of Parish Priests is recommending.

In the light of the economic sacrifices families have to make, it is unfair to blow so much money on fireworks

“In the light of the economic sacrifices families have to make, it is unfair to blow so much money on fireworks,” the college said.

In a four-page pastoral note, the college has issued guidelines ahead of the summer festa season to educate, improve safety precautions and reduce the negative impact of fireworks.

The college also called for noise associated with fireworks to be restrained. The use of petards has long been criticised by the public for offering nothing but loud bangs and no spectacle.

“Not only should noise levels not surpass the limits set by law, but sensitivity should be shown towards the vulnerable in society from those in hospital, to the elderly, the sick, babies, pregnant women, children... and animals,” it said.

The college recommended that it should be the parish priest, together with his commission, who should determine the parish’s budget for fireworks.

In the case of Victoria’s parish this was the responsibility of the musical societies’ respective committees. The practice to give a detailed account of the money collected and spent every year on fireworks should be continued.

The college also wants to ensure all those involved in manufacturing fireworks are protected and urged auto-regulation that goes beyond just adhering to the law.

There should be greater control in ensuring explosive material is stored safely and all those who do not hold a licence should be prohibited from setting foot inside fireworks factories.

In the light of this, it proposed that every fireworks factory should have a security officer on site to ensure the procedures adopted during the manufacturing stage adhered to the principles of health and safety.

There should be no experimentation on chemicals or new products unless the ‘recipe’ was authorised, while those involved in producing fireworks should attend regular courses to remain abreast of any new developments, among others.