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New Year's Eve Firecrackers — Riskfree
The same procedure as every year, shortly after Xmas, preparations for the New Year's Eve celebrations start. In Germany, this day is called “Silvester” (not to be mixed up with the first name (Sylvester). As the Gregorian calendar determined in 1582, the last day of the year, December 31, is the obit of Pope Silvester. The tradition of fireworks is much older.
In Germany, fireworks are considered as pyrotechnical things and respectively fall under German law on explosives. In the Explosives Act parliament considers the risks of injury and accidents. The most common injuries from fireworks are burns, fractures of the finger, or even its loss. A splinter in the eye is similarly dramatic. However, loss of hearing is the most underestimated injury. Loud bangs can not only result in trauma with hearing disability but also cracks in the eardrum – eventually with permanent disability.
Who may ignite Fireworks?
Normally, only trained pyrotechnicians may ignite fireworks. This profession requires special permission following the Explosives Act and will be granted, when the applicant is 21, shows the required training, and proves his personal reliability and suitability.
Exclusively on New Year's Eve, private persons are allowed to burn firecrackers – but only those of a certain class. Whoever wants fireworks, on other days, like weddings, public festivals, must apply prior at the competent office for special permission. This permission will determine during which time corridor fireworks may be ignited.
Fireworks Classes
The Explosives Ordinance distinguishes between four classes of pyrotechnic articles according to their hazardousness:
Class 1
“Smallest Fireworks”
e.g. crackers, snap'n pops or sparklers, table fireworks.
They are available throughout the year – and for the youth.
Class 2
“Small Fireworks"
e.g. normal firecrackers, small rockets, fountains, cannon blasts, so-called battery or compound fireworks with a high number of shots and different effects
Class 3
“Middle Fireworks"
e.g. rockets with limited altitude and lesser explosives as in class 4.
Class 4
"Big Fireworks "
e.g. especially rockets for larger spectacles.
Class T1
"Technical Fireworks"
for all adults
Class T2
"Technical Fireworks"
only sold to professionals, the pyrotechnicians
What is permitted on New Year’s Eve?
Disregarding such fireworks available during the whole year, like snap'n pops or sparklers, the selling period is exclusively on the three last working days before New Year’s Eve. Only class 2 fireworks may be sold. Fireworks may only be lit on December 31 and January 1. However, do not light any crackers near churches, hospitals, senior citizens residences; this is forbidden.
Consequences of Violations
Violating the prohibition of the ignition of fireworks from 2.1. to 30.12. of a year is according to §46 no. 8 SprengV an administrative offense, which can be punished according to §41 para. 1 no. 16 SprengG with a fine of up to 50,000 EUR. Negligent action is sufficient for this.
It is also a criminal offense to handle, distribute, import, or carry out explosive substances without the required permission, or to hand them over to persons who are not permitted to handle them. The penalty can be imprisonment for up to one year or a fine, and in the case of endangering the life and limb of third parties or property of special value, even imprisonment for up to five years.
You should pay particular attention to this
But even if you follow all the rules and regulations, for your safety and the safety of others, you should make sure to buy only properly marked fireworks. It's best to buy from a dealer who knows how to do this. Also be careful when buying on the Internet, where untested cheap products are often offered.
Hint:
Fireworks of all classes (except class IV) must be tested and approved by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). Whether the approval is available can be recognized by the printed approval mark (e.g. BAM-PI number, BAM-PII number). In recent years, illegal crackers from Poland or China have caused many casualties.
If you then follow the instructions for use and handle the explosives with care, the New Year's Eve fireworks will be a joy for everyone and the start of the new year will not be overshadowed by accidents or injuries.