Space Oddity
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I read an article recently on the UK Rocketry Associations (UKRA) website stating that Klima motors are illegal in the UK as a result of failure to achieve HSE approval and certification. The article went into a lengthy explanation of why Klima was considered illegal.
The article advised anyone in possession of motors (in the UK) to drop them in a bucket of water for 24 hours before disposing of them. I can imagine that happening.
Advice then continued, requesting any reader to report UK vendors of the motors, to the UKRA.
This original statement on the UKRA website was rescinded by UKRA on the 13th of August. Replaced by a simple statement ..... "German Klima rocket motors are LEGAL in the UK". This was followed by absolutely no explanation whatsoever!
I then read an interesting statement (see below) on the Model Rocket Shop website (a Klima vendor in the UK).
I'll leave you to judge and comment. My initial reaction is to what prompted the assured statement by UKRA in the first place. I'm learning more about this hobby and those that control it, everyday.
SO.
"Excerpts from a letter sent to UKRA on 21 August 2014
......Your recent United Kingdom Rocketry Association (UKRA) web site posting regarding Klima composite model rocket motors and igniters (is) in error.
The UKRA has no authority or expertise to determine the legality of model rocket motors in the UK. This decision lies completely with the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The UK and Germany are signatories of the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). The German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is a Competent Authority for German health and safety matters.
Raketenmodellbau Klima GmbH (Klima) has been issued with a certificate by BAM providing for CE certification and classification of Klima composite motors as 1.4S, UN0432 and their igniters as UN0454 as well as approval of their packaging.
As the HSE web site explains, HSE does NOT require an application to classify or authorise the import, storage, sale or transport of any product that meets the requirements stated above. Klima motors and igniters are therefore legal in the UK without additional input from HSE.
UKRA's apparent reliance on the LOCEF data base as dispositive for UK legality is in error. This was discussed on 18 August 2014 with an inspector who has responsibility for explosives at the HSE in Bootle.
For a number of years the HSE has accepted the documentation of a competent authority from country that is a signatory to the ADR to determine the legality to import, store, sell and transport those products in the UK.
The references necessary to access the compliance of Klima motors and igniters in the BAM database are on the reverse side of every pack of motors and igniters.
Model rocket flights made by BMFA club members (including those whose membership is through UKRA) with Klima motors or igniters are therefore covered under the BMFA insurance policy when all other safety code rules are followed.
It is regrettable that UKRA did not seek clarification of the legal status of Klima composite motors and igniters before making incorrect and damaging public pronouncements. Instead of embracing new and exciting possibilities for UK and European rocketeers UKRA have again obstructed these advances and damaged the model rocket hobby in the UK and Europe." .......
The article advised anyone in possession of motors (in the UK) to drop them in a bucket of water for 24 hours before disposing of them. I can imagine that happening.
Advice then continued, requesting any reader to report UK vendors of the motors, to the UKRA.
This original statement on the UKRA website was rescinded by UKRA on the 13th of August. Replaced by a simple statement ..... "German Klima rocket motors are LEGAL in the UK". This was followed by absolutely no explanation whatsoever!
I then read an interesting statement (see below) on the Model Rocket Shop website (a Klima vendor in the UK).
I'll leave you to judge and comment. My initial reaction is to what prompted the assured statement by UKRA in the first place. I'm learning more about this hobby and those that control it, everyday.
SO.
"Excerpts from a letter sent to UKRA on 21 August 2014
......Your recent United Kingdom Rocketry Association (UKRA) web site posting regarding Klima composite model rocket motors and igniters (is) in error.
The UKRA has no authority or expertise to determine the legality of model rocket motors in the UK. This decision lies completely with the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The UK and Germany are signatories of the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). The German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is a Competent Authority for German health and safety matters.
Raketenmodellbau Klima GmbH (Klima) has been issued with a certificate by BAM providing for CE certification and classification of Klima composite motors as 1.4S, UN0432 and their igniters as UN0454 as well as approval of their packaging.
As the HSE web site explains, HSE does NOT require an application to classify or authorise the import, storage, sale or transport of any product that meets the requirements stated above. Klima motors and igniters are therefore legal in the UK without additional input from HSE.
UKRA's apparent reliance on the LOCEF data base as dispositive for UK legality is in error. This was discussed on 18 August 2014 with an inspector who has responsibility for explosives at the HSE in Bootle.
For a number of years the HSE has accepted the documentation of a competent authority from country that is a signatory to the ADR to determine the legality to import, store, sell and transport those products in the UK.
The references necessary to access the compliance of Klima motors and igniters in the BAM database are on the reverse side of every pack of motors and igniters.
Model rocket flights made by BMFA club members (including those whose membership is through UKRA) with Klima motors or igniters are therefore covered under the BMFA insurance policy when all other safety code rules are followed.
It is regrettable that UKRA did not seek clarification of the legal status of Klima composite motors and igniters before making incorrect and damaging public pronouncements. Instead of embracing new and exciting possibilities for UK and European rocketeers UKRA have again obstructed these advances and damaged the model rocket hobby in the UK and Europe." .......
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