PYROTECHNICS

As Christmas and New Year holidays approach, and based on past experience, citizens and economic entities are intensively acquiring pyrotechnic products for subsequent use or sale.

An analysis of the situation regarding the circulation of pyrotechnic products indicates a sharp increase in their flow into the republic during the preparation and celebration of Christmas and New Year holidays.

The use of pyrotechnic products, as a rule, causes a negative reaction from citizens, their justified appeals to various authorities to take measures against those responsible and maintain proper public order, and leads to injuries, primarily among minors.

Every year, there are citizens who, circumventing the law, try to distribute pyrotechnic products of dubious origin in the district.

Illegal import, distribution, and, as a consequence, use of these pyrotechnics by our citizens, and most frighteningly, by children, is taking place.

The fact that minors are involved in the distribution of pyrotechnics is alarming, as illegal traders of dangerous items use them to avoid responsibility for violating established legal rules.

To identify and suppress illegal sales of pyrotechnic devices, including in markets and other public places, and to prevent their use by citizens, territorial internal affairs bodies, in cooperation with interested parties, annually conduct a set of preventive measures.

To identify and suppress the aforementioned facts, the internal affairs bodies of Postavy district will conduct a set of preventive measures aimed at suppressing the illegal sale and use of pyrotechnic products from December 5, 2019, to January 10, 2020. Checks will be organized for both specialized sales points for pyrotechnic products and other possible sales locations (markets, stores, etc.).

IT IS NECESSARY TO REMEMBER

The circulation of pyrotechnic products in the Republic of Belarus is possible only after their compliance with the requirements of the Technical Regulations has been confirmed. Pyrotechnic products (hereinafter – PP) are subject to mandatory confirmation in the form of a declaration of conformity or certification. The certificate of conformity (declaration of conformity) indicates the hazard class. The necessary documents must be held by the seller.

Each pyrotechnic product must be accompanied by an instruction manual containing information on the shelf life, hazards, and limitations on the scope of application. The text of the instruction manual must be clear and legible.

The sale of household pyrotechnic products is prohibited to minors under 16 years of age (para. 33.1 of Council of Ministers Resolution No. 703).

For violations of the rules for handling pyrotechnic products, both administrative and criminal liability are provided for in the legislation of the Republic of Belarus.

Information on the prohibition of selling certain goods to minors is posted at the points of sale of these goods. In case of a dispute, the buyer must present a document containing a photograph confirming their age (para. 34 of Council of Ministers Resolution No. 703).

In accordance with Ministry of Emergency Situations Resolution No. 3, the use of pyrotechnic products in buildings (structures) and premises is prohibited. It is also not allowed to set off fireworks and use pyrotechnic products on the territory of recreation centers and children's health camps. It should be noted that the use of pyrotechnic products is prohibited during mass events.

Currently, administrative liability for illegal sale, use, and transportation of pyrotechnic products is provided for by the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus.

Regarding the transportation of pyrotechnic products by individuals, it is necessary to conduct a check for the presence of elements of an administrative offense provided for in Article 12.7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (Illegal entrepreneurial activity) in the actions of these individuals.

When using pyrotechnic products in public places, the actions of offenders may be qualified under
Article 17.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (petty hooliganism).

If pyrotechnic products cause damage to life and health of citizens as a result of their use, criminal liability arises under various articles, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the consequences.

As a rule, the use of pyrotechnic products causes a negative reaction from citizens, their justified appeals to various authorities to take measures against those responsible and maintain proper public order, and also leads to injuries, primarily among minors. Therefore, I would like to warn and also tell esteemed parents to exercise more thorough control over their children on the eve of Christmas and New Year holidays.

Head of the Department of Law Enforcement and Prevention
of Postavy District Department of Internal Affairs
Police Lieutenant Colonel
D.A. Sologub