SAFETY RISKS POSED BY PYROTECHNIC MATERIALS

Abstract

Abstract: Pyrotechnic materials are one of the types of explosives which are used to manufacture products for military and civil purposes. These materials, in the event of improper storage or use contrary to their intended purpose, may work in an uncontrolled manner. In extreme cases, the phenomenon of a mass explosion involving the entire load, warehouse or transport vehicle may occur, which in turn may lead to significant losses in people or property. History cites many cases in which the explosion of spectacular pyrotechnic products, generally considered harmless, had catastrophic consequences for the life and health of many people. The risks associated with the use of pyrotechnic materials may result, among others, from: negligence on the part of producers, or organizational local authorities, lack or failure to maintain an appropriate level of security by sellers, organizers of mass events and users themselves. Due to the amount of storage in one place, pyrotechnic materials pose a particularly high risk in the places of production and storage. Over the years, there have been many disasters related to the accidental initiation of energetic semi-finished or finished products. This article describes accidents related to the activation of pyrotechnic materials in Poland and abroad. Methods for determining the degree of hazard posed by dangerous goods and examples of the Test Series 6 carried out for pyrotechnic articles are also presented.