The Ministry of Emergency Situations has provided guidance on the proper use of pyrotechnics to ensure that New Year's celebrations are not spoiled for oneself and others. The specialists' recommendations are posted on the Ministry's website, according to BELTA.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations has provided guidance on the proper use of pyrotechnics to ensure that New Year's celebrations are not spoiled for oneself and others. The specialists' recommendations are posted on the Ministry's website, according to BELTA.
First and foremost, the Ministry advises to study the user manual, which must be attached to the pyrotechnic product, printed on its casing, or on the packaging. The text specifies usage restrictions, adherence to which will ensure the safety of people and the preservation of property.
The rescue agency strongly recommends never dismantling fireworks, either before or after use. "It is necessary to determine in advance the location where the fireworks will be launched. The size of the area should correspond to the maximum size of the danger zone indicated in the instructions. There should be no trees, power lines, or other overhead obstructions," the Ministry noted.
It is strictly forbidden to launch pyrotechnic devices in constant or gusty winds. The use of pyrotechnics in inclement weather is also unsafe. "If a prepared firework is left in the rain for 3-5 minutes, then even if the fuse has been kept dry, there is no guarantee of a successful launch. Moreover, some types of pyrotechnics become dangerous to spectators after getting wet. For example, soaked rockets may deviate from vertical flight, and the charges of soaked firework batteries will ascend to a negligible height and detonate in close proximity to observers," the Ministry warned.
During the preparation for launching fireworks, the location of spectators should be determined. They must be located outside the danger zone. According to rescuers, the best effect from fireworks is observed when the wind blows away from the spectators, carrying the smoke aside, and the distance is chosen so that the observers view the effects at an angle of no more than 45 degrees. The optimal distance is at least 30-50 meters.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations emphasizes that the person launching pyrotechnics must be sober. Their task is to place and securely fasten the items in advance in accordance with the user instructions. Additionally, they must be prepared to respond promptly to unforeseen situations. It is best to ignite the fuse from arm's length, without bending over the pyrotechnics or touching them.
Before launching, the fuse cord must be freed and straightened. Before igniting it, it is necessary to check which side of the item is the top and where the burning elements will be ejected from. Fireworks should be placed on a firm, level surface. Those with a small base area should be secured by piling soil around the sides or placed in dense snow. This will help prevent possible tipping.
Rockets and flying fireworks should be launched away from residential buildings, structures with dilapidated roofs, or open attics. For ground fireworks, a smooth surface that does not impede their movement should be chosen. This could be ice, level ground, asphalt, or smooth concrete. After launching the pyrotechnics, the fireworks organizer must immediately leave the danger zone and prevent unauthorized persons from entering the launch area. The Ministry of Emergency Situations reminded that spent, unfired pyrotechnic devices and their dangerous elements must be removed. Specialists advise doing this no less than 10 minutes after launch.