Page:Pyrotechnics the history and art of firework making (1922).djvu/150

 CHAPTER IX

FIREWORK ACCIDENTS

The record of firework accidents until the date of the Explosives Act, 1875, is very meagre, not in subject matter, as reference to Chapter VI will show, for the history of the industry up to that time appears to have been one catalogue of accidents; the only cause for wonder when one considers the conditions then prevailing is that there were not more. But in detail, the only records are more or less sensational reports of the event, and such explanation of the cause as the reporter could pick up from some bystander.

In some cases where the workers were not killed the explanation was found to be simple; as for instance, the accident at Mortram's works in 1821. Here a boy who was making stars in a room with several other workers and other composition present, put some of his work to dry before the open fire, and as if this was not a sufficiently reckless proceeding, lit one on the hob, with the consequences that were to be expected.

In most cases, however, the cause seems to have been obscure, and little or no trouble appears to have been taken to discover the cause with a view to prevention of a repetition.

Since the Explosives Act careful record is kept of all accidents; the scene of the accident is inspected, and a report printed, setting out the cause, so far as can be ascertained.

Until the introduction of chlorate of potash about 1830, if even reasonable care had been used the chances of spontaneous ignition were very small, and it is reasonable to suppose that such accidents as did take place were in the majority due to such incidents as the above.