Fireworks transport fears
‘Explosive susceptible to accidental triggering’
Enthusiasts hauling petards by hand, with no protective gear, at Ħondoq ir-Rummien bay after being transported by boat from Malta. The huge explosives then travel through the narrow streets of Gozo.
Fireworks transported through Malta’s streets could be ignited accidentally by an electromagnetic signal from electricity cables in the streets or even mobile phones, The Sunday Times has learnt.
The fireworks trade in Malta is increasingly turning away from the traditional method of lighting petards with fuses (usually a piece of string coated with a flammable material, which is lit with a match or lighter) in favour of electronic initiators or electric matches.
These are susceptible to being triggered by accidental impact or through electromagnetic interference coming from high voltage cables, strong radio transmitters and even mobile phones.
The technology is comparable to that used in conventional explosives by the military or quarrying companies.
But while in these cases safety practice dictates that the initiator should only be attached immediately before detonation, local fireworks enthusiasts often introduce these triggers while building petards or before leaving the factory with them.
“They are practically building their fireworks around the igniters. This means the minute this device is placed inside the petard, the explosive is armed and susceptible to accidental triggering... it means that a fault in the device or an electromagnetic field could potentially trigger a blast,” an explosives expert with intimate knowledge of the industry told The Sunday Times.
The practice raises the spectre of an explosion during transportation, particularly in urban areas, where electromagnetic fields are more likely.
Fireworks destined for Gozo from Malta or to be let off from barges in Grand Harbour or the Sliema/St Julian’s area are usually transported in large quantities, often exceeding one ton, in the midst of dense urban areas.
The issue had been flagged in a report by the Vella Commission, which in 2011 carried out a comprehensive review of fireworks accidents of the past 30 years and made a series of recommendations, which have not been implemented to date.
The document reported anecdotal evidence about the practice of arming fireworks early and recommended it should stop immediately, describing it as “an accident waiting to happen”.
Sources have confirmed to The Sunday Times that the practice is widespread and growing, particularly since elaborate fireworks displays, those synchronised to music and even those launched from barges could not realistically happen without the remote control offered by the igniters.
The transition to these igniters also happens to be a safer option for enthusiasts, who, with traditional fuses, have to light up petards by hand and then quite literally run away before the petard launches.
Godfrey Farrugia, a pyro-technician, confirmed the practice to arm the petards before they leave the factory.
However, he said that placing the triggers at the factory was actually safer than carrying out the “laborious, mind-boggling” process onsite, often in the middle of a field.
He also said that enthusiasts disabled initiators by unplugging the supply wires from the batteries and tying them together, a process called shunting.
However, the Vella report pointed out that scientific literature is not conclusive on whether this procedure is enough to avoid the risk of accidental triggering.
Moreover, explosives experts insist the practice does not eliminate the risk, particularly if the shunting is not done properly, in the case of malfunction or if the igniters are of inferior quality. On this point, Dr Farrugia admitted there is currently nothing regulating the quality of igniters (which can be bought by anybody over the internet) being used enthusiasts.
“I believe there needs to be a standardisation of igniters. Only good quality igniters should be on the market. If there is regulation, nobody will be able to buy online.”
The chairman of the 2011 commission, Prof. Alfred Vella, said the issue of igniters is one of the least talked about in the industry, pointing out there is hardly any regulation on the transportation of fireworks.
“It’s an issue which is beyond my expertise in chemistry. But the military, the world over, absolutely does not accept this practice.
“So if that is the military practice, am I going to be a cowboy and ignore it?” Prof. Vella said.
He said the commission’s own probing in this area often elicited a strong reaction, and enthusiasts described such a concern as an overreaction.
“They often insist there has never been a problem and it’s true. One of the problems is that there is no data on this, particularly locally.
“There hasn’t been a problem so far but do we want to wait for a problem to happen and then say, what have we done?”
In Qala, concerns have been raised by deputy mayor Paul Buttigieg, who complained that the bulk of fireworks destined for Gozo passed through his village after landing in Ħondoq ir-Rummien.
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Carmel Ellul
Nov 12th 2012, 20:53
Static electricity is generated during very dry weather when even using a nylon comb will spark if used to do one's hair. Some explosive dust around and the place goes up. These explosions rarely happen at night when it is normally humid, but during the hot afternnon , I do not know if the studies made by these learned experts have put this weather condition in their analysis. 1/2
roderick vella
Nov 12th 2012, 16:14
Evertytime there's a fireworks accident, we have an ongoing agenda against this particluar Hobby. may I just remind those persons who in their comments labelled maltese pyrotechnics as 'fools' that the Maltese are the best in this particular sector!!
More permits should be issued as specially in Gozo, since there's only one fireworks factory left!!
Mr Peter Korsten
Nov 12th 2012, 22:31
Yes... there's only one factory left, because all the others exploded. I remember laying awake one night at 0:52, and hearing an explosion from the far end of Gozo. That was not one where anybody got killed; those two explosions came later.
Every person is entitled to his hobby, but if this hobby means that I'm in danger of being blown up, I do have serious issues with that.
James Dewar
Nov 12th 2012, 22:33
In the light of recent and previous tragedies it is very difficult to accept that "the Maltese are the best in this particular sector". I wonder by what yardstick they are being measured and how those labelled as the worst will compare?
Johann Tonna
Nov 13th 2012, 22:04
James Dewar, its very simple, find any international fireworks forum or magazine and find out yourself ;)
Peter Bonello
Nov 12th 2012, 14:02
jien nirrispetta lil dawk bin namra ghal loghob tan nar, specjlament li jafu li qed jissugraw hajjithom ghad delizju taghhom... li ma neccettax hu li fil process ta transport qed jiperikulaw il hajjiet ta nies innocenti. jien nahseb huwa bizejjed jekk jiehdu ftit prekawzjonijiet... 1. skorta ta puluzija/suldati, 2. ikunu imarkati sew il vanijiet, u, 3. ma jaddux minn zoni urbani!
E Farrugia
Nov 12th 2012, 11:28
Statement ghal kollox zbaljat dan!!
"Fireworks transported through Malta’s streets could be ignited accidentally by an electromagnetic signal from electricity cables in the streets or even mobile phones, The Sunday Times has learnt."
Mr Mario Zammit
Nov 12th 2012, 08:45
Before chritisising and all of you think are experts in fireworks and pretend your are Mr's Know everything, better if you try to come up with proposals on safety. From your comments seems you dont understand anything about fireworks. Pls. leave the job to the experts. Or you all have a hidden agenda?
James Dewar
Nov 12th 2012, 22:34
Experts?
Mario Micallef
Nov 12th 2012, 07:57
niehu gost meta nara certa nies jiktbu..ghax iparlaw fuq hafna affarijiet u bhas-soltu ma jifhmux A minn B. huwa evidenti li la n-nar ma tantx fih xi tbill subajk fih allura jsib hafna kritika.possibli min dawn il-hafna intelligenti kulma jaghmlu fil-hajja ma jfallu qatt?bl-istess argument fil-prattika tan-nar(u min jifhem jista jikkonferma)li taghmel haga 99 darba tajba u mal-100 darba toghla
Joe Fenech
Nov 12th 2012, 07:32
Ban fireworks altogether. Whoever wants fireworks can buy them from abroad!
Walter Sultana
Nov 12th 2012, 01:34
Cell phones are highly Loaded with HI TECH to Day ,And they can easy IGNIGHT The POWDER ,If someone use his or hers CELL PHONE, if they are close to it . Cell Phones Can cause Fires sometime when they are Charging . Some bombs can go off by using Cell phones ............WALTER Sultana Gozitan living in Ontario Canada ..............
Mr Adrian Zahra
Nov 12th 2012, 08:32
Can you please state the scientific basis for your assertion here above. Failure to do so will just confirm that yours is just cheap talk.
Johann Tonna
Nov 11th 2012, 23:12
Giex affarijiet ha nghid. 1) Kelb rieqed la tqajmuhx, u 2) Iddardrux l ilma li tixorbu minnhu. Qazzistu kullmhawn bil kummenti fil vojt issa!! Ma tipretendux li jgorruwhom bil helicopter hux ghalli jista jkun???
Mario Pandolfino
Nov 11th 2012, 22:24
xi zmien ilu fejn il lum hemm il gnien li qabel kien it-torpedo depot l-imsida kienu mietu tnejn min nies li kienu fuq truck li kien qed igorr nar tal festa u sploda .l-rgiel kienu Pace u Grasso.Kien issema ground tal football ghal dawn il vitmi gewwa rahal gdid.Kaz iehor aktar ricenti kien meta patrol boat li kienet qed igorr nar illegali splodiet u mietu zewg pulizija u 5 suldati.Il Malti jinsa.
Chris Borg
Nov 11th 2012, 20:56
u every body just shut it up. this is one thing that its a proof that we need more fireworks factories. especially in gozo. also please. you people that don't even know whats the subject. just make a pleasure to yourself and don't even try to speak. you are being ridiculous. also i would like to tell the author of this masterpiece that Lies go to hell. and they burn just the same as fireworks do.
Peter Murray
Nov 11th 2012, 22:32
Cant all be experts-or a dicator- like you can we?
william cauchi
Nov 12th 2012, 01:06
Gee wizz, what an intelligent reply. How encouraging.
Peter Midler
Nov 11th 2012, 19:00
Everyone (or at least every decent citizen) is justly concerned about transporting fireworks through the roads of Gozo. But what about the route taken in Malta? This fireworks do not just find its way on a boat to Hondoq ir-Rummien!
Nixtieq insaqsi jien. Kemm huma kompetenti dawn in-nies biex jittrasportaw dan il-materjal go nofs il-popolazzjoni? Kemm tista tadfdom?
Joscar Camilleri
Nov 11th 2012, 18:01
Kullhadd iparla bl addocc u jivinta .Paroli bla sens u fatti xejn.Ghatuna ftit nifs u halluna bil kwiet u qabel ma tippublikaw l ewwel araw xinhuma il fatti u mhux taqbdu tfajjru bl addocc halli tbezzghu lin nies u bhekk tkunu qed titpaxxew ghall interessi taghkom u lil piroteknici ghawdxin u Maltin halluwom ha jghixu bil kwiet.
Maria Borg
Nov 11th 2012, 21:53
Mela ghax ma ittiniex il fatti int Sur Camilleri?
Johann Tonna
Nov 13th 2012, 22:21
Marija Borg, jekk trid il fatti sir afhom int, u mhux tibla dak kollhu li jintqal!
Joe Galea
Nov 11th 2012, 16:51
The solution is a very simple one. Just apply the same regulations and methods of transport for fireworks which are applied for shows in London, New York, Sydney and notably Spain and steer away from where MP Dr Refalo lives.
GL Calleja
Nov 11th 2012, 16:31
There is nothing wrong with fireworks if done and set off according to the rules. Because nothing ever happened while transporting these petards through residential streets does not mean it could never happen. It only takes one time to create a disaster.The problem is that there is no supervision whatsoever and as I often say, "We are Maltese and we do as we please". Accidents are caused.
Gordon Grech
Nov 11th 2012, 16:19
Rather than stopping this practice can the government help us gozitans and buy a professional truck and then it is used to transport fireworks for all feats ? Many tourists and Maltese travel to Gozo to see the feasts and the fireworks displays. The economy boost in Gozo is only in summer and the feasts plays an important role. We have no place where to work. We can only buy fireworks from Malta.
Joseph Micallef
Nov 11th 2012, 16:07
Għawdex dejjem repubblika għaliha.... Fejnha il-health and safety authority? Fejn huma r-regoli ta' l-UE? Naħseb mhux UE, iżda 'uuuwweeee uuuwweee' meta togħla xi kamra tan-nar! Serjetá ZERO f'dan il-pajjiż.
Mr Victor G Mercieca
Nov 11th 2012, 15:51
Aerial images of Gharb FWF aftermath goto www.airphoto.com.mt
Clint Muscat
Nov 11th 2012, 15:37
To whoever wrote this article please give proof that petards transportation with fuses is a common practice. This is a blatant lie! And also the claim that fuses can be spontaneously ignited by electric cables or mobiles is also baseless. There is no scientific proof for this. So these claims are simply being published to harm local pyrotechnics.
Philip Mizzi
Nov 11th 2012, 15:31
3/3 These 3 bloggs are intentionally written in english to shame our politians in the eyes of the world! Let the world know what an amaturish parliament we have in this country! Shame. Zimbabwe would have done better than you lot! Hiding behind the excuse that accidents just happen is totally wrong and now obsolete. 99% of all accidents are CAUSED. This has been empirically proven many times.
Clint Muscat
Nov 11th 2012, 15:26
Please stop inventing and putting local pyrotechnics into bad taste. The truth is that most of the fireworks factories do not do what this article states even the authorities have failed to enforce a proper law on fuses!! I am 100% sure that most pyrotechnics are very much aware of the hazard posed by fuses and thus they only connect the fuses on site of allowing fireworks.
Philip Mizzi
Nov 11th 2012, 15:23
2/3 All the deaths of the relatively recent past fireworks accidents and any future accidents lay on the conscience of those IN THE HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT that have the power to do whatever it takes to have fireworks and its activities sensibly and effectively controlled. This amateurish approach regarding the whole fireworks issue is nothing short of a third world country’s mentality!
Philip Mizzi
Nov 11th 2012, 15:21
1/3.....What is the government waiting for to take robust efective action?! Another tragedy?? Are votes more precious than lives?! What is the opposition doing about it? Waiting to take the opportunity to take advantage and win votes should the government try to curb and control fireworks activities?? SHAME ON ALL OR HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR ALLOWING SUCH ABUSE OCCURRING AND RECOURRING. ISTHU!
Astrid Vella
Nov 11th 2012, 14:31
If you think about it, this issue is potentially FAR more dangerous than what has been focussed on up to now, ie. safety in fireworks factories. Imagine the possible death toll if a truck explodes in the narrow streets of Qala, or on the crowded Sliema/St Julian's seafront. Or if a boat explodes when Hondoq or Exiles are thronged with swimmers. It doesn't bear thinking about!
JIMMY ATANASIO
Nov 11th 2012, 14:28
maltese people are all whiners me included.it is in our nature to bitch about nothing and everything but in this case the goverment should stop them from using electronic starters.with everybody having a cell phone or computers one just might compute with them and set them off.
Mr leo attard
Nov 11th 2012, 14:06
the picture shows unloading at hondoq. I have witnessed even worse situations with boats and cars nearby and people swimming in the area while the unloading took place. In fact, in a recent letter of mine i even described the deck chair hiring stand and person standing right where the man in blue and white is standing!
Mr C Galea
Nov 11th 2012, 14:00
another reason why petards must go forever.
Rodrick Azzopardi
Nov 11th 2012, 13:43
Fireworks are great. I am very proud to say that maltese are the best in the business in the entire world. But it irresponsable if
you put yourself and especially others at unnecessary risk. Wish to thank these guys for entertaining us and keep it up!!!!
Patrick Pace
Nov 11th 2012, 13:28
The whole point here is that while fireworks enthusiasts have a right to enjoy their passion and indeed compete abroad and bring honours for Malta, they are not above the law. Creating a life hazard to innocent people by not following safety procedures or by cutting cost and utilising inferior equipment bought over the internet is a crime in its own. Politicians please take note!
Mario Stellini
Nov 11th 2012, 13:18
As to those that compare this issue to the use of cars, please note that whilst transport is essential for a country to survive, fireworks are definitely not. Driving is not a "hobby" that a few fanatics pursue and many people try to avoid it. We cannot avoid an explosion that occurs in our street that has been brought upon us by a fanatical fireworks enthusiast
Carmel Grima
Nov 11th 2012, 13:07
Food for thought.
Many years ago a family man with a wife and 4 children in my town adopted the habit of helping out with the manufacturing of fireworks at his club premises. When his wife got to know about it she told him in no uncertain terms 'Either you stop putting your life at risk or go,leave and forget about us'.
It worked, he stopped being such a fool !!
Ing Carmel Grima
G Baldacchino
Nov 11th 2012, 12:58
I see nothing wrong in the picture!!! Should they carry the petards using a fork-lifter 5 at a time? Isn't it better like this, doing things slowly but surely. Secondly, if these highly explosive materials are so dangerous in our streets, why don't we also stop the gass distributors and the fuel tanks distributors too? Fireworks accidents had never nothing to do with their transporportation.
Paul Pulis
Nov 11th 2012, 17:11
Fuel is a commodity which we cannot do without. Petards are not.
Tony Sciberras
Nov 11th 2012, 12:50
The Commission is right. So please stop the practise to avoid a tragedy.
kenneth farrugia
Nov 11th 2012, 12:47
imma kif f dan il pajjiz kullhadd iparla fuq xi haga li ma jkunx jifhem fiha. halluna u dejquniex ahna kburin bil festi ghax wara kollox kummerc ikun hawn . u bilhaq kif hadt ma jsemmi min dawn il pampaluni li jahsbu li jifm f kollox li il maltin dejjem gabu unuri kbar ghal pajjiz taghna fejn jithol il-loghob tan nar ? ftakru kemm il darba erbahna lil igganti tad dinja. we are proud and thats it
Patrick Pace
Nov 11th 2012, 13:23
Sur Farrugia qed tkun egoist minghajr limitu! HADD mhu qed jissugerixxi li ma tkomplux tgawdu id-delizzju taghkom imma jekk biex tiehu pjacir int u id-dilettanti bhalek tridu tipperikolaw il-hajja ta min huwa totalment innocenti allura ser iggibuna lanqas biss jiddispjacina meta isir xi incident u jintilfu il-hajjiet (prezzjusi) ta nies li jahdmu in-nar.Ejja inkuna naqra maturi u flimkien naslu!
Alex Buds
Nov 11th 2012, 13:39
And what about safety? 4 people just died a few days ago Mr Farrugia!
Explosives experts are quoted in the article. Mela mhux "kullhadd iparla fuq xi haga li ma jkunx jifhem fiha"...
Joe Galea
Nov 11th 2012, 14:14
Fl-argument tieghek minn sigurta fuq ix-xoghol tan-nar qlibt fuq min hu l'aqwa fid-dinja, argument li assulutament ma jregiex.Nahseb li wasal iz-zmien li biex il-gvern jikkuntenta liz-zewg nahat ,kemm lil-dawk id-dilettanti li qieghdin kif nighdilhom jien fuq "DEATH WISH" u kemm lil-dawk bhali li huma kontra porvli u splussiv biex jikkonsidra johrog permessi biex in-nar jigi mahdum biss fuq filfa.
Mark Bonello
Nov 11th 2012, 14:26
Are you also proud of the fact that the local industry is proportionatly the world champion in terms of deaths and accidents? Nobody disputes the talent of the dilettanti but that does not give you a licience to do what you want. I'm sorry, if it's down to choosing between the advice of explosives experts and an independent commission or that of the enthusiasts, i choose the former, any day.
Nazzareno Cortis
Nov 11th 2012, 15:15
My friend----------If you wnt to kill yourself---it is your problem-----but at least let others live!!!! There were many human lives lost in the name of festas-----there were many fire factories blown up causing deaths!!!! Experience is showing that one by one ---the fire factories----at some time or another will get the same outcome!!! So please don't let your hobby kill you and innocent people!
Philip Mizzi
Nov 11th 2012, 16:16
Kenneth, inkunu kburin meta dan x-xoghol jibda jsir b'mod professjonali, ikkontrollat u min nies kompetenti li jifmu x'hini il-kimika li qedin jilghabu bija. Ma nitqarqux billi nghidu li ma tista taghmel xejn biex tevita u li tkun miktuba ghalik. Dik hija filosofija skaduta. L-incidenti huma ikkagunati u ma jsehhux minghajr ragun! Dejjem ikun hemm xi kagun li seta gie evitata. Rari tkun mod iehor
C. Agius
Nov 11th 2012, 12:34
Why do we always choose the easiest thing to say? Ok so firework making is a dangerous hobby, so why not make stricter rules to go with. It has been in our culture for so many years and it has attracted so many foreigners and tourists to Malta and now because of accidents happening we abolish it. Reasoning with the same argument we then should abolish diving, driving, paragliding, ect
Christian Sciberras
Nov 11th 2012, 12:53
There have been repeated concerns about dubious practices in this industry.
If they don't want to accept regulations, there's no other way than a national ban.
See, diving, driving and paragliding all require certifications and proper clearance - unlike fireworks, where certificates are completely unnecessary in the long run. Most enthusiasts only get the certificate after years.
William Spencer
Nov 11th 2012, 14:08
More rules, stricter rules, duh !!
No one takes notice of any rules already, so what would be the point of more rules ?
Christian Sciberras
Nov 23rd 2012, 00:41
William - There's two steps to rules: Existence and Enforcement.
There cannot be any enforcement if there are no rules in the first place, ultimately invalidating your argument.
As to breaking of rules, it would be different if soldiers were used to guard fireworks....you don't want to break rules in front of armed soldiers.....
E. Azzopardi
Nov 11th 2012, 12:26
This happens also in Sliema. This summer I could not believe my eyes when a truck with fireworks, some quite huge, arrived at the quay near Independence Gardens. These were taken on boats to the waiting barge!!!!
The quay was full of people, mainly children jumping and swimming.
How can people, created by God, be so irresponsible towards other human beings? Will somebody take charge please?
Ann Clark
Nov 11th 2012, 12:07
It would make no difference if they made fireworks illegal in Malta. They would just carry on doing regardless. It would just be one more law that the Maltese would flout.
james camilleri
Nov 11th 2012, 12:03
Min mindu l'aw wire ixortjat jista jihu meta tkun ghadej fit triq jew b'mobile.
Ma nafx ghala jaqlaw il-parolli fuq haga li ma ikunux ghadhom icekjaw fuqa.
Joe Morana
Nov 11th 2012, 11:51
This news item is alarming. Citizens/residents rightfully expect appropriate explanation and adequate actions from the 'Authorities' concerned to safeguard public safety and wellbeing.
Sadly Malta and Gozo have repeatedly paid a high price in human lives in connection with fireworks manufacture and regrettably it seems no lessons have been learnt.
Charles Muscat
Nov 11th 2012, 11:48
Ban all feasts this is a thing of the past. New generation hardly believe in these statues anymore.
After all adoring a statues is pure insanity.
kenneth farrugia
Nov 11th 2012, 12:36
Mr Muscat, if you don t like feast and don t believe in statues, speak for yourself because we in our village of Zurrieq believe and love our feasts. If you don t like it go abroad, we don t need you to speak regarding our feasts. We live for it. Mr and Mrs Farrugia from Zurrieq Malta Europe
Paul Zammit
Nov 11th 2012, 11:47
And as I've been saying for the last 20 years (well ... that would be since the day I was born), tiny, apparently insignificant, negligences cause massive tragedies! That's why u get huge munitions factories operating for years on end without a single mishap whereas our miniscule petard 'factories' blow off every single blessed year!
fredu debono
Nov 11th 2012, 11:31
fireworks must be abolished immediately and all permissions must be retreated.
Stephen Mangion
Nov 11th 2012, 12:03
Couldnt agree more
james camilleri
Nov 11th 2012, 12:05
so we must abolish all cars since accidents are happining on a daily bases.
E. Azzopardi
Nov 11th 2012, 12:27
Totally concur if we have somebody with galls!! But we do not.
Andrew Spiteri
Nov 11th 2012, 14:54
Prosit ee!!! veru kumment matur hafna. Mela ghax ikun xi haga hazina, naqbdu u nwaqqfu kollox u mhux naraw kif nirrangawha. Kieku nofs il-popolazzjoni tispicca hekk, kulhadd bla licenzja tas-sewqan, bla tobba, bla avukati, etc... Qisek qed tghid ghandek frotta hazina minn kannestru shih, tehles minn dik hazina mhux mit-tajbin!!!!
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 11th 2012, 11:24
A situation brought about by the action or inaction of the two main political parties,same with hunting and trapping.Both parties are afraid to lose votes and are held hostage by fireworks enthusiasts. The ignorant lot can't be expected to be aware of the dangers; tho' some are aware to some extent they are prepared to take the risk. But they have no right to put other people's lives in danger.
Philip Mizzi
Nov 11th 2012, 16:19
Prosit.
Michael Schembri
Nov 11th 2012, 11:22
Mela haseb li qieghdin l'Afghanistan dan jew!!!!
Mr Bartolo Edward
Nov 11th 2012, 11:21
It is a bit difficult to accept that a shorted electrical resistance can carry an electrical current of enough strength to ignite an explosive and this by being out of tune with an electromagnetic signal! While I make it clear that unnecessary danger should always be avoided, I would like someone to explain.
Andrew Terry Buttigieg
Nov 11th 2012, 11:50
All you really need is a minuscule spark and some explosive powder. Something with a huge current and voltage rating switching on or off creates an electromagnetic pulse. The pulse is picked up by everything that is metallic or can conduct electricity in the vicinity. That pulse is picked up on all frequencies except perhaps Gamma to X-Ray frequencies, and may be enough to create a spark.
Mr Bartolo Edward
Nov 11th 2012, 12:44
If you are referring to switching power supplies, these are well protected from radiating electromagnetic fields because those create design problems usually involving high voltage transients that can cause switching power transistors to fail.
Paul Konti
Nov 11th 2012, 19:17
I do not think this has anything to do with the resistance of the wire. The way I see it is like this. A shorted wire forms an inductor. Together with stray capacitance, this becomes a tuned circuit resonant at a certain frequency. If a transmitter sends a signal at that particular frequency, the tuned circuit picks it up and triggers a gadget connected to it, igniting the petard.
Charles Muscat
Nov 11th 2012, 11:15
I blame the church for all of these accidents, but the church think its looking good by showing a display to keep followers at bay.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 11th 2012, 11:32
Have you been following what the Church was trying to do over the past two years, through Fr Gouder? Please, get your fact right before starting to blame left, right and centre!
Charles Muscat
Nov 11th 2012, 11:41
And no more no more feasts either.
Henry S Pace
Nov 11th 2012, 11:02
Fireworks are mostly transported through village cores.
In gozo transport passes through the main streets to reach the far end of the villages.
Can some expert tell us what would be the result if an expolosion occures in say triq it-tigrija in Victoria.?
ONLY GOD KNOWS
Mr Vincent Buttigieg
Nov 11th 2012, 11:36
Dear Mr Pace, all the fireworks that are landed in Hondoq Bay are transported to their destination from the main street of Qala, where I live with my wife and son and where we have our small touristic activity.
If an accident happens here it would be more serious than if it took place in Republic street, Victoria, and frankly I have witnessed enough abuses with this transport not to be worried.
David Mizzi
Nov 11th 2012, 12:10
And if a truck full a gas cylinders explodes???
Philip Mizzi
Nov 11th 2012, 16:29
David, thallatx il-hass mal-gass. L-industrija tal-gass hija ikkontrollata u imhaddma b'mod kompetenti u effettiv. Hemm xi kapurjun li jista jiggarantixxi li l-industrija tan-nar gewwa Malta hija ikkontrollota u imhaddma minn nies kompetenti?! Ir-riskju ta garr ta gass huwa ferm zghir, imma ir-rikju ta garr tan-nar (specjalment meta tikkonsidra li huwa mahdum mid-dilettanti) huwa ferm ikbar!
william cauchi
Nov 11th 2012, 11:01
Are we safety conscious as the Dutch, maybe not yet. But if it can happen in Holland, it could happen anywhere.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S52p2AMISFk
Or in the USA,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5ThtcqRXDc
Scary, is an understatement.
Peter Murray
Nov 11th 2012, 11:13
Nothing whatsoever is entirely risk-free where humans are concerned the issue is to minimise those risks and sadly you will find that in most cases of such incidents safety corners were cut and someone along the line didn't comply with safety regulations to prevent this happening.Acts of God do exist but they are as rare as a honest politician!
Gordon Borg
Nov 11th 2012, 12:00
good reaserch
Philip Mizzi
Nov 11th 2012, 15:59
William, the videos provided only prove how dangerous fireworks are. Having such accidents happen in USA or Holland does not make uncontrolled (or poorly controlled) fireworks more acceptable! What the authorities must understand is that ACCIDENTS DO NOT JUST HAPPEN BUT THEY ARE CAUSED. This fact has been empirically proven time and time again by thousands of accident investigations of all sorts.
Mr G Caruana
Nov 11th 2012, 10:55
This habit of turning a blind eye and no problem so far has to stop. Have you forgotten Sina Sammut and those 4 houses in Naxxar?
Alan Quigley
Nov 11th 2012, 10:41
The regulation of health and safety is non-existent in Malta. The only way to stop these stupid people from endangering their own and, more importantly, other people's lives is to apply the law, fine them or imprison them. But that won't happen and deaths and serious injuries will continue to be the consequence. Incompetence added to stupidity equals disaster.
Victor Pulis
Nov 11th 2012, 10:41
I am ready to accept explosions in the middle of fields with the resultant consequences but I do not accept being put in danger by some irresponsible fool while driving behind a truck laden with explosives.
Carmel Tabone
Nov 11th 2012, 11:07
you are right. We must ban all transport of fireworks from being transported on busy or public roads full of houses. So the best solution should be, do not manufacture fireworks from where you cannot let them off.
Joe Scerri
Nov 11th 2012, 10:39
Perhaps when we have an explosion in the middle of a narrow street some sort of action will be taken, and even then we would spend years discussing and creating useless committees and sub committees. Bla, bla bla. Unless one of the victims would be a politician or a family member.
Pule' Carmel
Nov 11th 2012, 10:39
Mintoff asked me to study the electromagnetic radiation effect on the unloading of high explosives and detonators in our ports especially those around Deutche Wella which radiated one Megawatt of Electromagnetic power. Myresults indicated that for a loop antenna of one metre square I could generate enough power to light a six volt light bulb. I switched of Deutche Wella for the safety of people.
william cauchi
Nov 11th 2012, 10:23
If I knew that a truck carrying a one ton explosive device with the detonator already in place, was going to pass in front of my front door, should I be happy, should I be just uninterested, should I take a day off and go to the beach with my family or should I, like my father did, start digging an air raid shelter?
Peter Murray
Nov 11th 2012, 10:11
Accidents do wait to happen -THEY ARE CAUSED!Usually through abject cretinous behaviour or total non-compliance with safety regulations(or a combination of both) by those involved in the manufacturing or handling of fireworks.Have these people-or regulators(!)- never heard of the COSHH regulations applied stringently and robustly in this industry-CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS/HARMFUL to HEALTH.
Mr Adrian Zahra
Nov 11th 2012, 10:07
The biggest proof that your so called expert is wrong is that every year hundreds of thousands of igniters are used all round the world. And to date there is not one single.accident attributrd to these devices.
james camilleri
Nov 11th 2012, 12:14
ghaw xi hadd li fl'ahhar jaf fuq xiex qed jitkellem ,mhux kulhadd jitkellem u ma jifimx
Mr Adrian Zahra
Nov 11th 2012, 10:05
The only proven method of accidental.ignition to electric igniters is b
y friction or impact. But that is something applicable to nearly everything in the fireworks industry.
Victor Pulis
Nov 11th 2012, 09:59
“There hasn’t been a problem so far..." Which means there hasn't been an explosion in the middle of a town, village or city yet.
But as usual action will be taken only when it's too late.
Pamela Hansen
Nov 11th 2012, 10:59
What action? Have you seen any real action after all the tragedies so far?
Victor Pulis
Nov 11th 2012, 11:25
Action in the form of reports and recommencations on paper so far!
C Galea
Nov 11th 2012, 09:56
Those fireworks are a walking time bomb by those low voltage detonators .Qala local council should do all it can to save guard the local community
Mr Adrian Zahra
Nov 11th 2012, 09:56
Fireworks igniters cannot ignite unless there is at least 100 mA of current flowing. Dose any one know what level of emf field intensity is required to induce 100 mA in a piece of wire. Usually the kind of level which would kill you by other means.
Mr Bartolo Edward
Nov 11th 2012, 11:31
The induced emf depends on the size and orientation of the wires and the intensity of the EM wave. My guess is that with current technology the induced voltage should be in the range of a few millivolts if not less. However, only tests can confirm this.
Mr Adrian Zahra
Nov 11th 2012, 09:52
Military detonators are a totally different beast when compared to igniters.
Jay Oatmon
Nov 11th 2012, 09:51
It seems the so called enthusiasts are not taking even elementary safety precautions.
They are building these explosive devices with the 'we know best, so don't mess with us' attitude even though this results in explosions and deaths.
For me the answer (assuming there is outright ban), is one purpose built remote facility for the manufacture of all fireworks, with security run by the AFM.
Mr Adrian Zahra
Nov 11th 2012, 09:48
Can you please publish the scientific basis of such arguments. Because the
research done to date disproves totally the theory that electric ignitors can be initiated by emf.
B. Storace
Nov 11th 2012, 09:46
The explosion which terminated the lives of an entire family a couple of years ago was caused by fireworks which had just been transported half way across Gozo to Gharb. The consignment arrived sometime in the morning, was left in the trucks for a couple of hours then something happened and BOOM. We all know the sad result. Safety first please. When will we accept the dangers caused by dilettanti.
Marco Farrugia
Nov 11th 2012, 09:35
if the fuse is shunted, how could there be any dangers that the fuse detonates given that there is no potential difference between the two poles of a fuse? ... just asking
Jay Oatmon
Nov 11th 2012, 17:00
Vibration during transport / movement dislodges the 'shunt' then you have a primed bomb - simples.
Mark Bonello
Nov 12th 2012, 23:22
What about a malfunction? The point here is that the fireworks industry expects maltese society to share the risk because mounting igniters on the launching site rather than at the factory is inconvenient. It's about priorities and the grand majority of Maltese would rather prioritise safety.
Please choose the reason of your report below: