Globally, firecrackers serve as a vibrant symbol of celebration across diverse occasions. In India, they hold a particularly significant and cherished place in nearly every home during Diwali, the festival of lights. However, this integral part of festivities unfortunately often leads to burn injuries. Carelessness, coupled with the inappropriate production or use of fireworks, frequently results in severe and preventable accidents. The impact of firework-related injuries extends beyond the immediate harm to the patient, imposing a heavy burden on families, the healthcare system, and society at large. With an annual incidence of firecracker-related injuries in India standing at 7 per 100,000 population, and an alarmingly high number of young adolescents involved in such incidents, this issue warrants greater attention from a public health perspective. Directions to the manufacturers on safe handling of firecrackers The manufacture of firecrackers involves highly sensitive and flammable materials, posing inherent risks to workers and the surrounding environment. They outline essential safety protocols, quality control measures, and responsible practices that all firecracker manufacturers must adhere to, ensuring a safe working environment and the production of safer products for consumers. Adherence to these directions is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Key directives for manufacturers Strict adherence to explosives rules and regulations: Comply rigorously with the Indian Explosives Act, 1884, and the Explosives Rules, 2008, including all amendments and relevant standards laid down by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Ensure all necessary licenses and permits are obtained and renewed regularly from the competent authorities. Infrastructure and facility safety: Building Design: Manufacturing units, especially those involving chemical mixing, must conform to prescribed standards. Buildings should be constructed from non-flammable materials, with adequate ventilation and multiple, clearly marked exits that open outward and remain unobstructed. Shed Separation: Mixing sheds and other critical process areas must be adequately separated from each other and from other buildings (e.g., 3-5 meters distance with baffle walls for mixing sheds). Housekeeping: Maintain immaculate cleanliness throughout the factory premises. Promptly clean any chemical spills. Keep platforms, passages, and gangways free of obstructions. Electrical Safety: All electrical installations must be in conduits with flameproof junctions. Avoid loose wiring or any sources of spark or ignition. Main switches/circuit breakers should be easily accessible from outside the premises. Chemical handling and storage: Segregation: Store chemicals separately according to their compatibility and hazard classification to prevent accidental reactions. Mixing Procedures: Chemicals must be mixed by trained personnel in designated, isolated sheds. Ensure workers are positioned near exits for quick escape in case of a spark or explosion. Prohibited Substances: Strictly adhere to the prohibition of manufacturing, possessing, or importing explosives containing sulfur or sulphurated compounds in admixture with potassium chlorate or any other chlorate, as per government notifications. Composition Disclosure: Clearly mention the composition of explosives and their quantity on the product labels as per Rule 15(4) of the Explosives Rules, 2008. Worker Safety and Training: Protective Equipment: Provide all workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including asbestos aprons (or equivalent flame-retardant material) covering the chest, gonads, and thighs. Breathing apparatus must be used in mixing sheds. Anti-Static Measures: In areas where aluminum and magnesium powders are used, provide anti-static footwear to combat static electricity. Training: Conduct regular and comprehensive safety training for all employees on chemical handling, emergency procedures, fire prevention, and the correct use of PPE. Emphasize awareness of potential hazards and quick response protocols. Child Labor Prohibition: Strictly prohibit the engagement of child labor at any stage of the manufacturing process. Product Quality and Safety Standards: Green Crackers: Prioritize the manufacturing of "green crackers" with reduced emissions, as approved and certified by PESO and CSIR-NEERI. Noise Limits: Ensure that firecrackers comply with the prescribed noise emission standards (e.g not exceeding 125 dB (Al) or 145 dB(C)pk at 4 meters distance from the point of bursting for individual crackers, with adjusted limits for series crackers). Chemical Limits: Adhere to limits on hazardous chemicals like barium salts, lithium, arsenic, antimony, lead, and mercury. Functionality and Stability: Manufactured firecrackers must be stable, ignite predictably, burn at a regular speed, and not burst prematurely or shoot out particles violently. Labelling: Ensure all products are clearly and indelibly marked with: Name, type, and size of the material. Indication of the source of manufacture. Batch number to trace the lot. Month and year of manufacture. Clear and prominent cautionary notes (e.g. "Use outdoors only," "Keep away from children," "Adult supervision required," "Do not hold in hand while igniting"). Emergency Preparedness: Firefighting Equipment: Equip all manufacturing, storage, and sales locations with adequate ISI-approved firefighting equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, water buckets, sand buckets). Emergency Response Plan: Develop and regularly practice a comprehensive emergency response plan, including evacuation procedures and first aid protocols for burn injuries. Reporting: Establish clear procedures for reporting any incidents or accidents to the relevant authorities immediately. Supply Chain Responsibility: Authorized Distribution: Ensure that products are sold only to licensed vendors who adhere to safety norms for storage and sales. Transportation Safety: Implement strict safety measures during the transportation of firecrackers, ensuring vehicles are equipped with firefighting equipment and follow designated routes. By implementing and rigorously enforcing these, manufacturers can significantly contribute to a safer environment for their workforce and reduce the incidence of firecracker-related injuries during festive seasons and other celebrations in India. Source : Guidelines for Safe Handling and Use of Firecrackers in India, Trauma and Burn Division, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India