BFP gives pyrotechnics safety seminar to dealers

A customer looks over the firecrackers sold in one of several stalls at the Opon-Airport-Sangi Road in this December 2013 photo (CDN FILE PHOTO)

ABOUT 102 firecracker manufacturers and retailers in Lapu-Lapu City gathered yesterday for a seminar conducted by the city’s fire department before the start of the display period for their products on Dec. 15.

“Every year, we gather them for a briefing to remind them of the policies and procedures of handling and display of the firecrackers and pyrotechnics to avoid untoward incidents,” said Lapu-Lapu City Fire Marshal Oscar Mayol.

Of the 102 registrants, only five were licensed pyrotechnics manufacturers based in Lapu-Lapu City while the rest were retailers.

Mayol said only those who obtained a certificate from the PNP Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGS) during a seminar held last August at the Crown Regency Hotel can be accredited to display and sell pyrotechnics.

Mayol said retailers can only have one stall. The display period for pyrotechnics is from Dec. 15 to 31. He said each stall should measure 2×3 meters and be located six meters from each other.

The retailers can also hold their displays on both sides of the road along barangay Canjulao up to barangay Babag, Mayol said.  Each stall is required to have a drum of water or a fire extinguisher and a safety container where they can place their stocks unexposed. The display area should be a “no smoking” zone.