CO129-626-2 Movement of dangerous goods around Hong Kong 1-1-1951 - 30-4-1951 — Page 26

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Fireworks

We received a deputation of dealers in imported fireworks protesting against the prohibition of their being landed in the Colony and asking that a site might be granted in some out of the way place, where they could build a special godown for their storage. We cannot recommend either request.

Fireworks manufactured in Canton or Macao usually contain potassium chlorate. The danger of potassium chlorate is not fully understood by the public. There have been several serious fires and explosions arising from potassium chlorate when it becomes contaminated with any organic matter, such as carbonaceous materials, coal or sugar, while mixtures with sulphur and phosphorus are particularly sensitive.

With a view to obtaining the opinion of the Ministry of Transport on the contents and packing of these firecrackers, we forwarded samples manufactured in Macao to the Home Office in London for examination. They reported as follows : "These brands contain a mixture of chlorate and sulphur which is very violent and very sensitive. The manufacture, importation, conveyance or sale of fire- works containing this mixture is prohibited in this country under Order in Council No. 15 of 1875." They are also prohibited for import into most other countries in the world. Only a few of the states in the United States of America permit their import.

Potassium chlorate is a prohibited ingredient in fireworks manufactured in Hong Kong and the amount of perchlorate that may be used is also limited.

We recommend that the landing and storage in the Colony of fireworks containing any chlorate be completely prohibited and that they should not be permitted on board Types III and IV, River Trade, vessels at the same time as passengers. We understand that there are several cargo vessels on the Macao run which can carry these fire- crackers, or they can come by lighter or junk, but they must go to a Dangerous Goods Anchorage and be transhipped there to the exporting vessel.

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Matches

Some of the so-called "Safety Matches" manufactured in China and Macao are as dangerous as fireworks and have been known to burst into flame when a case was dropped on the wharf. Te recommend, there- fore, that only brends approved by the proposed Dangerous Goods Standing Committee or by the Ministry of Transport in London, packed as pre- scribed, should be permitted on passenger vessels.

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Approved Wharves and Landing Places

In the draft Regulations mention is made of approved wharves and approved places as designated locations where Dangerous Goods may be landed or loaded. These approved wharves or places require to be situated in the closest possible proximity to rodowns wherein the com- modities can be stored and as far as possible to avoid densely populated

areas.

The Committee recommends that the present haphazard system of landing Dangerous Goods and Explosives from craft of all descriptions at various unsuitable places, such as open quay walls adjacent to dwelling-houses and shops, on public roads, etc., should cease and that specified landing places, governed by their proximity to the main storage centres and the standard of supervision which can be given at such landing places, should be determined.

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