After steadily declining since the early 2000s, the number of accidents involving fireworks has increased again in the last two years, according to the National Board of Health and Welfare.
Rolf Weinander, an officer at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), points out a few things to keep in mind to avoid risking harm to yourself and others. The first is to choose a suitable location.
It should, of course, be outdoors and you should choose an open place that is not too close to buildings and where there are no large trees right next to it.
He points out that the fireworks come with instructions that are important to read and follow, for example, keeping the specified safety distance.
Then there is quite a lot of drunkenness on New Year's Eve. But if the person shooting is sober and follows instructions and a safe distance, then we will avoid accidents.
Check with the municipality
Staying sober and shooting in the right place is not only about being appropriate, but it can be illegal not to do so.
You should definitely check with your municipality; they may have issued local ordinances that specify where and when you are allowed to set off fireworks.
Rolf Weinander points out that in many places in the country people gather in squares where rockets are fired.
We know that people gather in squares and fire rockets. That, of course, significantly increases the risk of accidents.
There is also a strict 18-year age limit for shooting fireworks; younger people are not allowed to shoot.
It is illegal to buy for them and it is illegal for them to shoot. Even under parental supervision, minors are not allowed to set off fireworks.
Fewer permits
Today, fewer permits are issued to sell fireworks than ten years ago. Several stores no longer want to provide space in their parking lots for sales.
If you want to shoot fireworks, Rolf Weinander's advice is to buy them from sellers in Sweden. Anyone who orders online risks buying something that is both illegal and unsafe.
In order to be sold in Sweden and the EU, fireworks must be approved and CE marked. But they still have to be handled correctly.
If you buy CE-marked products, the accidents are not caused by the product being faulty or dangerous, but by using them incorrectly.
Age limit
You must be 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use outdoor fireworks. Selling fireworks to minors is a violation of the Flammable and Explosive Goods Act (LBE).
Firecrackers
Firecrackers, i.e. items with a loud bang as their primary effect, require a permit and special training. This also applies to firecrackers purchased abroad, even where there are no legal restrictions.
Rockets with a stick
Both a permit and special training are required to fire rockets with a control stick.
Locations
Sometimes a permit is required to set off fireworks in a certain location, which is issued by the police. The rules can also vary between municipalities.
Approved fireworks
Fireworks sold in Sweden must be approved. There must be a CE mark and a registration number on the product, clear instructions for use and information about the manufacturer or importer.
Crime
Using fireworks at a time or place that is not permitted is a violation of the Public Order Act.
Handling fireworks that require a permit without one is classified as illegal handling of explosives, or, in serious cases, public endangerment by negligence or public endangerment by destruction.
It is also a crime to handle fireworks carelessly, intentionally or through negligence.
Source: MSB
