The members of the Weapons and Explosives Interventions of the Las Palmas Civil Guard Command have carried out inspections in various establishments that sold pyrotechnic articles, in the three islands of the eastern province of the Canary Islands, on the occasion of the Christmas holidays. In Lanzarote, the agents carried out inspections in four establishments and in one of them illegal sale of pyrotechnic products was detected, for which it was reported and brought to the attention of the Government Delegation.
These inspections consisted of verifying that the sales establishments have products that comply with the regulations (packaging, cataloging, labeling, CE marking, safety instructions), as well as that the establishment in question has the mandatory notification or authorization for sale and comply with the required safety conditions; security system, alarm connection and fire protection, among other requirements.
Boxes of pyrotechnic material seized by the Civil Guard
The Civil Guard inspected twelve establishments during the Christmas period that were usually dedicated to the sale or did so temporarily. Alleged administrative infractions were detected in six of them, which were duly reported to the Government Delegation in the Canary Islands.
Likewise, the precautionary intervention and seizure of more than 35 kilos of net material of pyrotechnic articles, of different categories, was carried out. The current Regulations for pyrotechnic articles and cartridges establish minimum ages for the acquisition and use of pyrotechnics, depending on the categories, specifically for category F1, 12 years, for category F2, 16 years and for category F3, 18 years.
Other Inspections regarding pyrotechnics
In addition to guaranteeing safety in the sale of pyrotechnics, other activities are also carried out in the field. Specifically, the inspection and control of pyrotechnic shows carried out by experts in fireworks. On the occasion of the celebration of patron saint festivities and festive events, such as the end of the year, pyrotechnic shows were held in different municipalities.
According to the Pyrotechnic Articles and Cartridges Regulations, from certain quantities of material it is required to present a security plan or a security and emergency plan, in addition to the fact that the show can only be carried out by a company of experts.
The inspections of these shows, carried out both prior to and at the time of assembly of the activity, were carried out with the aim of verifying that safety regulations are complied with regarding distances to the public, buildings, homes, educational centers, gas stations, etc. Also, the specialists of the Weapons and Explosives Intervention verify in these cases the traceability of the pyrotechnic articles, maximum permitted calibers, qualifications of the personnel of the expert company and everything related to the protection of citizen security.
