Report highlights ways to improve firework safety and reduce the harm caused by fireworks
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has examined ways to improve the safety of fireworks and to reduce the number of fires, noise and disturbances caused by fireworks. The report does not recommend any restrictions on fireworks supplied to consumers.
The report was prepared for Parliament, which required the report in its statement in 2022 when it rejected the citizens’ initiative to restrict the use of fireworks (“Rajat räiskeelle”).
Most common fireworks still to be available to consumers
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment does not propose any new restrictions on category F2 and F3 fireworks supplied to consumers. The report was not able to identify fireworks or products in certain category that caused more danger than others. The current legislation contains broad restrictions and safety requirements for category F2 and F3 fireworks.
The report underlines that all fireworks are dangerous when used negligently, contrary to instructions or while intoxicated, for example. The user of a firework is responsible for its proper use.
The age limit for the use of fireworks is 18 years, and fireworks may not be handed over to minors. However, fireworks still end up in the possession of minors. The report calls for the responsibility of adults purchasing fireworks.
The number of accidents caused by fireworks has decreased over the past ten years. Monitoring will continue. It is possible to restrict the use of fireworks if accidents and disruptive behaviour increase.
New restrictive measures in certain areas and near buildings
The report proposes that in order to reduce noise, fire and rescue departments could prohibit the use of private fireworks in general or for certain users in areas where fireworks cause disturbance to humans or animals. The prohibition could be applied to situations where fireworks are used repeatedly subject to notification or during the nesting period of protected animals under the Nature Conservation Act. It is also proposed that the police be given the right to restrict fireworks demonstrations if they cause disturbance.
The report also proposes that fireworks could be banned in the vicinity of buildings. The required safety distance would be decided separately in connection with any legislative amendments. This provision would help prevent fires and disturbances caused by fireworks, which previous restrictions have not been able to reduce to a significant degree.
New penal provisions possible
Consumers order some fireworks from abroad. Category F4 products, which are prohibited from consumers, have come into possession of Finnish Customs. Explosive material from these products may also be used for criminal purposes. According to the report, penalties could be imposed on consumers ordering such fireworks, but further studies are needed to amend the provisions.
Next steps to be introduced in stages
The regulation of fireworks is mainly based on the Chemicals Safety Act and the Pyrotechnic
Directive binding on all EU Member States (Directive 2013/29 of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to the making available on the market of pyrotechnic articles).
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment proposes that necessary amendments be made to legislation to the extent that they are within the limits allowed by the Pyrotechnic Directive.
In addition, the Ministry considers it important to exert influence on the possible revision of the Pyrotechnic Directive, on which the European Commission is currently conducting a study. The Commission’s report may result in changes to the Directive.
Finland to exert influence on the possible revision of the Pyrotechnic Directive
Because the national provisions on fireworks are based on the Pyrotechnic Directive, not all amendments to fix the shortcomings identified in the Ministry’s report can be made to national legislation. The report therefore proposes areas for Finland to exert influence in case the Pyrotechnic Directive comes under revision.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, some category F1 fireworks resemble toys. Fireworks may end up in possession of minors. However, the Directive does not provide for a national ban of category F1 fireworks. In this regard, Finland could exert influence on the revision of the Directive.
Similarly, Finland could propose that the noise level of fireworks be lowered. The current maximum noise level for products in category F1–F3 is 120 decibels from the safety distance. Maximum noise levels could be proposed for fireworks based on product categories.
Fireworks ordered online are delivered to consumers in regular post, which is in violation of the Act on Transport of Dangerous Goods. This can cause dangerous situations. In addition, category F4 products are supplied to consumers, even though they are prohibited from consumers. The report proposes that the Commission be asked to evaluate how the monitoring system for fireworks could be enhanced. In connection with the revision of the Directive, Finland could advocate a reform where the transfer of fireworks is monitored similarly to other explosives.
Inquiries:
Chief Specialist Tarja Virkkunen, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 048 252