The City's Fire Safety Section is currently enforcing legislation regarding fireworks in its municipal area. This section will also make sure that the public is safe at shopping malls and large shops in the event of a fire or other hazards.
The Fire Brigade warns that any person who discharges any firework within the area of jurisdiction of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and any person who permits any fireworks to be discharged on any premises without the written permission of the Chief Fire Officer will be guilty of an offence and will be duly prosecuted.
The Fire Brigade Service shares the following important information with residents:
Situation
During the festive season many ignorant people in Tshwane will set off fireworks without the permission of the City of Tshwane's Fire Chief (Chief Fire Officer). This may cause a fire hazard, noise nuisance and, in severe cases, injury.
What are fireworks?
Fireworks are firecrackers, starlights and rockets.
Crackers: There is quite a wide variety of cracker sizes available on the market today – from the tiny ones to the so-called "bomb" crackers which are also the most dangerous when not used without caution. Most injuries occur because people do not read the instructions on the wrapping before they fire off a cracker. Furthermore, children should not be allowed to set off any kind of firework without strict supervision from a responsible adult.
Starlights: These are the sticks that restaurants put on cakes and then set alight for clients who are celebrating their birthday. They are fairly safe to use by adults and children.
Rockets: These are fairly safe to use if the instructions on the wrapping are followed consistently. Be very careful not to relight a rocket that did not discharge the first time. To be safe, put the rocket in a bucket of sand, douse it with water and throw it away.
Why do some people like to fire off fireworks?
This question can be debated without coming up with one simple answer. The only conclusion we could reach was that, for some or other reason, some people just like the loud noise crackers make. That they get a big thrill from setting off a cracker just to get a reaction from other people remains a mystery. Some inconsiderate cracker dischargers will even set off crackers near small children and/or animals.
Rocket dischargers are usually people who like to entertain their family and friends. This is fine, because the beautiful light made by the rocket is really entertaining. By looking at the different colours made by different rockets one can be swept away to a wonderland of bright, colourful, exploding light.
Parents like to give their children lit starlights because they enjoy the children's reaction. Most children like to wave the lit starlights around and are fascinated by the lovely light they make. Some children may be frightened by the sparkles they make. Parents should be careful that their children do not throw burning starlights onto combustible material such as dry grass.
Where are fireworks allowed to be discharged?
NOWHERE on a private residential premise within the boundaries of Tshwane!
The Fire Brigade Service may grant written permission for the private discharge of fireworks on the following sites only:
(a) Sports fields not owned by City of Tshwane, but only after written approval has been obtained from the owner
(b) Smallholdings, on condition that, in the opinion of an authorised member of the Fire Brigade Service, the vegetation, shrubs and/or crops on the smallholding under consideration permit the discharge
(c) Any other suitable open spaces not owned by City of Tshwane
The private discharge of any fireworks must be supervised by a responsible person of 18 years of age or older.
Is it legal to set off fireworks?
NO! It is not legal to set off fireworks, UNLESS you have written permission from the Fire Chief.
The following regulations make the discharge or handling of fireworks illegal:
1.Regulation 9.18(d) of Government Gazette 1604 of 8 September 1972 (dealing with the selling of fireworks to a person under the age of 16)2.Regulation 19.9 of Government Gazette 1604 of 8 September 1972 (dealing with permitting children under the age of 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision)3.Regulation 10.34(c) of Government Gazette 1604 of 8 September 1972 (dealing with the use of fireworks in a public place without the permission of the local authority)4.Section 38(3) of the Tshwane Fire Brigade By-law, Local Authority Notice 267 dated 9 February 2005 (dealing with the use of fireworks without the permission of the Chief Fire Officer)
Who enforces these regulations?
The Fire Safety Section has been tasked with organising, coordinating and carrying out, among other things, the following functions during the festive season:
1.Enforcing legislation regarding fireworks2.Ensuring the safety of the public at shopping malls and large shops in the event of fire or other hazards
What happens if one breaches the regulations?
Any person who, by any act or omission, commits a breach of the regulations will be guilty of an offence. They will be liable on conviction to a fine of not more than R5 000,00, or to imprisonment for a period not longer than six months, or to both the fine and imprisonment. The explosives, if any, in respect of the transgression, may be confiscated, in which case the cost of their disposal will be borne by the accused.
What can I do when my neighbour or any other person sets off fireworks illegally?
(1) If you can identify the person you saw setting off the fireworks, (2) you are willing to give a sworn affidavit and (3) you are willing to testify in a court of law, then you may report the person to the –
Emergency Services Department at 10177 and 012 310 6300/6400; or
By-law Enforcement Centre at 012 358 0070
What effect does firecrackers have on animals?
None, unless you set off the firecrackers.
The National Council of the SPCA's plea to the public is: PUT ANIMALS FIRST. IF YOUR DOG CAN HEAR A GRASSHOPPER EAT, IMAGINE WHAT A FIRECRACKER SOUNDS LIKE.
The National Council of the SPCA advises the following to safeguard animals against the effect of fireworks:
1.Ensure that all pets are kept indoors.2.If a pet is particularly sensitive to loud noises, consult your veterinarian in time to enquire about a sedative for it. Homeopathic alternatives are available.3.Take rabbits or other outdoor animals into a secure and quiet area, such as an outbuilding.4.Close the curtains and leave the TV or radio on to camouflage the noise of the fireworks.5.Ensure that all pets are properly identified. Ask your veterinarian or local SPCA about micro-chipping. Alternatively, use a collar and tag.
To help you celebrate this festive season safely, the City of Tshwane is offering you the following tips about fireworks (after obtaining written approval to set them off):
1.Always read and follow the directions on the label.2.There must be an adult present.3.Buy from reliable sellers.4.Use fireworks outdoors only.5.Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).6.Never experiment or make your own fireworks.7.Light only one firework at a time.8.Never re-light a dud firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).9.Never give fireworks to small children.10.If fireworks must be stored, store them in a cool, dry place.11.Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then putting them into your refuse bin.12.Never throw or point fireworks at other people.13.Never carry fireworks in your pocket.14.Never put fireworks in metal or glass containers when discharging them.15.Always wear eye protection when you light fireworks and never let any body part protrude over the firework.16.Stay away from illegal explosives.17.Stay away from the hot stuff! It's a lot cooler!
GUIDELINES TO A MORE FIRE-SAFE ENVIRONMENT DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON
From a fire safety point of view, exhibitions in and the use of mall, arcade and thoroughfare areas, hamper evacuation during emergency situations. According to Regulation T1(1)(a) of the National Building Regulations promulgated in terms of Act 103 of 1977, buildings must be so designed, constructed and equipped that in case of fire, the protection of their occupants and users is ensured and that provision is made for the safe evacuation of these occupants or users.
The width of walkways in malls, arcades and thoroughfares is calculated after establishing the population that the specific building can manage, along with further criteria such as precautionary measures to eliminate the spread of fire, ie safety distances between opposite window fronts.
Regulation T2(2) of the same legislation states that any person who causes or permits any escape route to be rendered less effective or to be obstructed in any way and so hinder or prevent the escape of any person from a building in case of fire or any other emergency will be guilty of an offence.
In order not to contravene the above provisions, the following guidelines may be used where applicable:
1. GENERAL
(a) If any obstruction exists in the middle of the walkway, no exhibitions or displays are allowed in the opposite areas of the walkway.
When any function or exhibition out of the ordinary is to be held, such as displaying a show car inside the areas mentioned previously, the Chief Fire Officer must be notified a week before the event.
(b) Items on exhibition must not interfere with the positions of firefighting equipment.
(c) Items on exhibition are not allowed to be stacked, or in the case of single items such as carpets, stacked higher than 2 m.
(d) Items on exhibition are not allowed to interfere with any door opening or to cause an obstruction in such a door opening.
(e) No emergency route may be used to store any item. Emergency routes must be kept clear at all times.
(f) No flammable substances, such as liquid petroleum gas, are allowed in the building and walkways.
(h) No item on exhibition in the walkway areas is allowed to have a fire load exceeding 25 kg per square meter.
(i) The use of any dangerous or hazardous chemicals is prohibited unless clarified with the Chief Fire Officer.
(j) All electrical installations to be used in the walkway areas must be done by a qualified electrician and certified as safe.
Note: In some centres there are walkways that are too narrow for a display or exhibition. That is why the Chief Fire Officer requires that a lay-out diagram of all floor areas concerned be submitted, so as to determine safe positions for displays and exhibitions.
2. COVERED OR ENCLOSED PARKING LOTS
(a) Where covered or enclosed parking lots directly adjoin walkways, these walkways must be sealed off by means of mechanically or smoke-detection assisted self-closing smoke control doors.
(b) No combustible materials are allowed in the near vicinity of smoke control doors.
3. STOREROOMS OR WAREHOUSES
(a) The height of goods or merchandise has to be restricted to 500 mm from the ceiling or any electrical point or sprinkler head.
(b) Shelves for the storage of goods or merchandise must be positioned 1,1 m apart to allow for easy movement between them.
(c) No storage of goods or merchandise is allowed between the shelves.
(d) Empty packaging must be removed regularly from the storerooms or warehouses.
(e) Goods or merchandise may not be placed in front of firefighting equipment.
(f) Flammable liquids should not be stored in a storeroom or warehouse unless the storeroom or warehouse has been designed for them.
(g) If the centre, shop or warehouse does not have a flammable liquid store, no more than 40 ℓ of Group 3.2 (thinners, benzene, methylated spirits, etc) and 200 ℓ of Group 3.3 (turpentine, paraffin, etc) flammable liquids are allowed inside the building or on the specific premises.
4. EMERGENCY EXITS AND ESCAPE ROUTES
(a) Emergency exits and escape routes must be kept clear and free from any obstructions at all times.
(b) If the back door or escape door of the premises is locked, a key for it must be kept in a "break glass" holder, which must be affixed to the inside wall next to the door.
(c) Ensure that there are adequate symbolic safety signs to indicate the escape directions and escape doors.
5. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
(a) All Christmas decorations that are to be installed in a shopping centre must comply with the requirements of paragraphs 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c).
(b) Ensure that the decorations that dangle from the roof or ceiling are 500 mm or further away from the ceiling, electrical power point or sprinkler head.
(c) All electrical Christmas decorations must be installed by a qualified electrician and certified by that person as safe.
(d) No Christmas decorations may form any obstruction in any walkway.
6. FIREWORKS
6.1 Keeping and dealing in fireworks
(a) The premises where fireworks are handled must preferably have two exits. Where premises have only one exit, the fireworks must be located in the back of the premises relative to the exit.
(b) The doors of the exit(s) must be unlocked and unbolted during normal business hours and there must be an open walkway between the counter containing the fireworks and the exit. No obstructions may be placed in this walkway.
(c) No fireworks may be displayed in a window or any other place where the public can meddle with them.
(d) Every dealer in fireworks must display notices reading "DEALER IN FIREWORKS" on the outside of the premises and in a prominent position at every entrance. Symbolic signs representing "NO SMOKING" and "NO OPEN FLAME" must also be displayed in prominent positions inside the premises.
(e) Nobody is allowed to smoke inside premises where fireworks are kept, stored or handled, or allowed to enter such premises with an unprotected light or open flame.
(f) All fireworks that are not on display must be stored in a lockable metal container.
(g) A licence to deal in fireworks must be obtained from the Chief Inspector of Explosives before dealing in fireworks.
(h) Dealers are not allowed to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 16.
6.2 Handling of fireworks
Any person who discharges any fireworks within the area of jurisdiction of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and any person who permits any fireworks to be discharged on any premises without the written permission of the Chief Fire Officer will be guilty of an offence and will be duly prosecuted.
CONCLUSION
The public can help to ensure a safer festive season by alerting the Fire Brigade Services Division to contraventions regarding the above.
Complaints regarding fireworks can be reported to the – Metro Police on 012 358 0070 Fire Brigade on 012 310 6300/6400 in the case of a fire hazard to premises or 012 310 6200