4 replies to this topic

[Arthur Brown]

I was in a supplier's shop recently - only spent a hundred or so. He said he couldnt stock cat4 in the shop because of the storage licence. He said he couldnt sell me visco because it was cat4 --THEN proceded to tidy up a coil or green string like stuff that tumbled out of the cupboard!!

If he wont sell me the visco in his hand in the shop it's no wonder that people buy it by post.

He's on here too!!

[sizzle]

I was in a supplier's shop recently - only spent a hundred or so. He said he couldnt stock cat4 in the shop because of the storage licence. He said he couldnt sell me visco because it was cat4 --THEN proceded to tidy up a coil or green string like stuff that tumbled out of the cupboard!!

If he wont sell me the visco in his hand in the shop it's no wonder that people buy it by post.

He's on here too!!

Not entirely sure wether you are refering to me or not, but it is nothing to do with storage, we can store Category 4 in our shop, however, we do have to be selective as to who we can sell it to, as you are aware Visco and Quickmatch etc can be used in b**b Making and we are required by law to ensure that whoever is buying it from us is fully aware of how to use the fuse properly. We are liable as a supplier if it is found that fuse or other category 4 items that we have sold are used in b**b manufacturing or cause injury due to the items being sold to someone without the correct training.

Previously we have been able to supply Visco without any queries but since being told by both the HSE and Trading Standards that they wish us to monitor sales of fuse we do have to be careful who we supply.

If you are infact refering to me, I would appreciate if you could PM me about this.

[Arthur Brown]

No not you!

I've done cat3 and cat4 shows with a pro company, and Kimbolton's cat3 course, and I am a member of a relevant trade association for stage fx. The person had chatted about me, pyro and my prior 1.1 HE work when I was a pro diver then wouldnt sell me 15 seconds of visco.

[bogsulphur]

Seems like the industry's changing from running on common sense to running on a set of rules designed for complete morons. The trouble is the law can't look at each case individually and decide the punishment - that would be unbelievably expensive in time and money. so they need rules which will cover everyone which unfortunately means the guidelines are set out with the lowest common denominator in mind.

I went to a supplier in Carlisle a few years ago - good guy, helpful, easy to talk to and with plenty of experience. I asked if he had any visco and he said he couldn't sell me it as that would come under 'modifying explosives' and it wasn't worth the risk to him.

[Arthur Brown]

Very simply the situation with world terrorism has changed over the years, and the regulations and practises have changed to suit (sometimes!).

Every lawful holder of explosives (inc fireworks) has a Trading Standards Officer (TSO) and a police contact and possible a HSE contact. These people all have to ensure that the explosives do not escape from lawful use to unlawful use.

The trouble is that there are things on the retail market that make their lives difficult too.

Every dealer in fireworks has to try to do business (ie SELL at a profit!) While staying in business by selling only to legitimate end users.