The government has outlawed the use of ammonium perchlorate in fireworks: a high-powered chemical that is used as a propellant fuel in Space Shuttle rocket boosters and military rockets.
Fireworks enthusiasts said the chemical compound was previously used for the brightest of the coloured fireworks (“stillel tad-dawl”), and acknowledged the potency and danger of the chemical.
The new rules are the first to be issued since the recommendations of the ad hoc Pyrotechnics Commission were finally presented to Minister Tono Borg last month, after a series of fatalities and serious damages to residences.
“This is only a part of an implementation process and the one requiring subsidiary legislation which can be easily implemented. Following Cabinet’s decision, a process has been commenced of informing and consulting stakeholders in the implementation of the commission’s recommendations,” a spokesperson for the ministry of Justice and Home Affairs said.
Ammonium perchlorate, an important oxidizer, is a particular compound used to power the Space Shuttle rocket boosters – the pair of large solid rockets used by the Shuttle during the first two minutes of powered flight after lift-off.
Also for the first time, enthusiasts who start learning about the manufacture of fireworks will be issued with a category ‘D’ licence, which means they will have to attend a course of instruction before receiving a category ‘B’ license – the licence which permits its holder to assist in the manufacture of fireworks under the supervision of a category ‘A’ licensed person.
The ‘D’ license will only be valid throughout the duration of the instruction and until candidates sit for their pyrotechnics exam.