Caution, fireworks!

During the New Year and Christmas holidays, citizens traditionally use pyrotechnic devices to create a festive mood. These items are widely available in retail stores. However, when purchasing and setting off such devices, often while under the influence of alcohol, not everyone considers the rules for handling them.

Pyrotechnic devices have their own classification depending on their purpose, conditions of use, and degree of potential hazard. The legislation, particularly by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus, has established rules to ensure safety, regulating the use, sale, and storage of pyrotechnic devices (Safety Rules for the Manufacture and Use of Pyrotechnic Devices, approved by Resolution No. 32 of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus dated October 4, 2004, Fire Safety Rules of the Republic of Belarus. PPB Belarus 01-2014, approved by Resolution of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus dated March 14, 2014 No. 3).

The established rules also apply to domestic pyrotechnic devices.

When purchasing a pyrotechnic device, pay attention to its labeling. The marking on the device must allow for its identification. Each device must be accompanied by an instruction manual containing information about its expiration date, hazards, and application limitations. The instructions may be printed on the body of the device, and the text must be clear and legible. Imported products must have an instruction manual and a certificate of conformity from the country of manufacture, as well as a translation of these documents into Russian or Belarusian.

Disassembly and modification of pyrotechnic devices are prohibited, as is their use for purposes other than intended or under conditions not specified in the operating documentation.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that the use of certain pyrotechnic devices requires special knowledge and skills.

Article 23.48 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus provides for administrative liability for violation of the rules for handling pyrotechnic products. Violation of the rules for the use of pyrotechnic products, which negligently caused grievous bodily harm or less grievous bodily harm, or damage in a large amount, death of a person, or grievous bodily harm to two or more persons, entails criminal liability under Article 299 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

Be careful, take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Senior Prosecutor of the Department for Supervision of Legislation Enforcement and Legality of Legal Acts
Irina Kryukovskaya