Safety at fireworks factories (2)
Would any readers of The Times know how the lethal volatile chemicals used in the manufacture of fireworks arrive in Gozo, presumably from ports in Malta?
In other words, would I be driving behind a van or car loaded with explosive chemicals as I make my way in my car to board the Gozo ferry? Even more worrying to me is the thought of my car being parked, with all my loved ones around me, on the ferry next to a vehicle carrying such chemicals.
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Mr Adrian Zahra
Nov 13th 2012, 04:52
Raw Chemicals used in the manufacture of fireworks pose zero explosive danger. They can pose other hazards when taken out of their original containers ( as per their specific technical Sheet). Normal Practice is for all the chemicals used to be transported into their original containers. Hope this helps to set your mind at rest.
James Tyrrell
Nov 14th 2012, 03:46
Adrian we are not talking about the transportation of raw chemicals, some of which are not safe by the way as you state, but truckloads of ready-made fireworks sometimes weighing over a ton with their electronic initiators already fitted. There is a big difference and I doubt if anyone's mind is at rest!
GL Calleja
Nov 12th 2012, 16:13
This is all empty talk.The ones responsible and higher ups, like Her Majesty is keeping mum on all this. Why?The elected officials should step up and do their job.Stop the madness and do not take a chance that one day an explosion like this might take place and take lot of innocent lives with it, not just the workers.The church buys most of these fireworks.Where does the church stand on all this?
Karl Consiglio
Nov 12th 2012, 15:47
Yes we had the same discussion the last time a factory blew up in Gozo, I'm all out in favour of banning them.
James Tyrrell
Nov 12th 2012, 15:04
Fireworks should never be carried on the ferries, but it has been admitted in the past I believe that this has happened. Now they usually arrive by boat at Hondoq in Qala even when the place is full of people and are transported sometimes by the ton to various villages in Gozo by truck. They of course have their electronic initiators already fitted so they can explode at any time. Only in Gozo!
R. J Bernard
Nov 12th 2012, 11:17
I believe that the fireworks arrive at Hondoq from Malta and are then driven through the narrow streets of Qala and other villages as they are distributed throughout the Island.
Peadar Farrell
Nov 12th 2012, 17:34
I was of the view that this (Hondoq) is the landing point for completed and ready to fire fireworks made up on Malta. Its the raw chemicals that are used in the fire works factories here on Gozo that I was thinking about.
R. Agius
Nov 12th 2012, 11:00
Cut the crap would you!
First and foremost a volatile substance needs to be a liquid so volatile is not the perfect adjective.
Secondly, only raw materials are imported such as nitrates and sulphur which are then mixed in the fireworks compund usually through an automated system.
Thirdly the fireworks should NEVER board a ferry.
Peter Murray
Nov 12th 2012, 11:52
SHOULD NEVER board a ferry doesn't automatically imply this is NEVER the case -for who ensures they do not?
Peadar Farrell
Nov 12th 2012, 12:38
A lot of things should NEVER happen but they often do. A vehicle can be involved in a road traffic accident and may have chemical aboard that would not normally explode but could do so then. The heat on the ferry in summer could change a chemical's properties and I guess all the raw chemicals DO arrive on the Ferry.
Eric Soames
Nov 12th 2012, 12:58
R. Agius: Why write a pleasant informative and reassuring response when a touch of angry rudeness will do.
Please choose the reason of your report below: