Firecrackers only buy in regular stores
New Year’s Eve fireworks can only be purchased on the last three days of the year. Fireworks should only be purchased in regular shops such as supermarkets; under no circumstances should they be purchased from “hawkers” or abroad. Anyone who orders online should make sure that the online shops are reputable and checked. Sold to adults only.
Pay attention to check numbers
Only tested and approved fireworks may be burned in Germany. This can be recognized by the CE mark and the test number. Firecrackers that have been tested by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) have the identification number 0589 in conjunction with the registration number. In addition to the BAM, there are eleven other EU-recognized testing centers for pyrotechnics. It is not permitted to possess, distribute or set off illegal fireworks. Anyone who violates these regulations must expect prison sentences or fines of up to 50,000 euros. “Illegal fireworks can cause serious injuries, such as blast trauma, burns, loss of limbs, chemical burns, shortness of breath or lung damage,” the police said. So-called Poland firecrackers are also considered illegal fireworks. These often look like legally available fireworks, but lack the CE mark and test number.
Do not use homemade or manipulated firecrackers
You should stay away from home-made fireworks, as well as firecrackers that have been “improved”. Such fireworks are considered particularly dangerous and are prohibited. Every year people die trying to DIY New Year’s Eve fireworks. One problem: the explosion time is difficult to calculate. The firecrackers can explode earlier or much later than expected. In addition, the production of illegal explosives is prohibited. Anyone who does so is committing a criminal offense. Prison sentences range from six months to five years.
Transport safely
Firecrackers are classified as dangerous goods due to their explosive nature. This means that special care must be taken when transporting them. It is recommended that fireworks be transported in their original packaging and in the trunk. A maximum of three kilograms of net explosive mass (NEM) is permitted per vehicle. Firecrackers should not be transported on your own body.
Proper storage
Fireworks should be packaged, stored in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children. A maximum of one kilogram of net explosive mass may be stored in living spaces; in non-inhabited rooms it may be up to ten kilograms.
Pay attention to burn-off times
Rockets, batteries, etc. may not be fired at will. Officially, fireworks may only be set off on December 31st and January 1st; outside of these times, special permits must be obtained. Apart from this regulation, there are sometimes further restrictions. In some places, burning on New Year’s Eve is only permitted between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Find out about the applicable regulations in advance.
Pay attention to prohibited zones
In some places firing is completely prohibited, for example due to increased fire risk. It is generally forbidden to set off fireworks in the immediate vicinity of hospitals, children’s and retirement homes, churches, thatched and half-timbered houses and in areas with large crowds.
Read instructions for use
If you want to prevent injuries, you should read the instructions for use carefully before lighting the fuses on the fireworks.
Observe age requirements
The BAM experts say clearly: “Fireworks do not belong in the hands of children.” When purchasing and using fireworks, it is therefore important to pay attention to the minimum age. New Year’s Eve fireworks may only be lit by adults aged 18 and over. The use of small fireworks such as sparklers and table fireworks is permitted from the age of 12.
Safe lighting
Light and throw firecrackers in your hand? Please don’t! The BAM experts recommend placing firecrackers on the ground and lighting them one at a time. Rockets should under no circumstances be fired directly from the hand; instead, stable launching devices – such as a heavy bottle or a drinks crate – should be used. Setting off fireworks indoors is strictly prohibited.
Beware of duds
Only fireworks that are undamaged and have no visual defects should be used. Unexploded bombs and misfired fireworks must under no circumstances be lit again. If a fuse has already partially burned out, this can lead to an unexpectedly rapid explosion. Instead, wait at least 15 minutes and then dispose of the fireworks properly. Tip: Before firecrackers, rockets etc. end up in household waste, place them in a bucket filled with water to avoid any risk of fire.
Maintain a safe distance
Anyone who wants to fire fireworks in category F2 – which includes fireworks batteries and rockets – should maintain a minimum distance of eight meters. When firing, you should also pay attention to obstacles such as trees, balconies, cars and people. This is particularly true for angled batteries
Alcohol and drugs
New Year’s Eve fireworks should ideally be lit sober and not while intoxicated by alcohol or other drugs.
Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
