The Institute of Construction Technology (AIDICO) has been granted authorisation from the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade as a Control Organisation for assessing and controlling the manufacture of pyrotechnic devices. With this recognition, which was obtained through the National Accreditation Organisation (ENAC), AIDICO has become the only certifying body to be accredited as a Controlling Organisation in the field of Explosives Regulations.

With the accreditation, AIDICO will be able to carry out audits in factories and perform manufacturing checks of pyrotechnic workshops that use both national and imported products, until the new Directive on pyrotechnics comes into force.

In this sense, it is important to point out that the Institute of Construction Technology is actively participating on the European Committee “CEN TC 212: Pirotecnia”, which is in charge of developing the regulations for the application of the new Directive that will come into force in Spain next year – in the case of pyrotechnic articles on sale to the public – and in 2013, for the rest of devices for professional use.

Last year, AIDICO extended its services for the pyrotechnic sector in order to aid its technological development. Now, it has diversified its lines of support by setting up a Strategic Plan covering several areas.

In this respect, apart from its activities in the field of certification, it is worth highlighting the opening up of a specific research line aimed at providing technological aid for companies participating in the technology research and development programme for IMPIVA SMEs of 2009, or in the line of aids for financing projects in strategic actions for industrial diversification in the Region of Valencia, granted by the Regional Department of Industry, Trade and Innovation.

Likewise, this Institute has extended the services it offers the sector by carrying out Time-Pressure tests for series 2 of the United Nation’s Manual of Tests and Criteria for the transport of dangerous goods.
With regard to training, AIDICO has designed a specific programme for the sector, which has been warmly received and is mainly focused on promoting safety and quality of production processes. More than 40 pyrotechnic companies have already participated in training courses, so far.

Work carried out by AIDICO in the pyrotechnics sector focuses on scientific research, quality and safety in products and processes, sustainability, and the prevention of risks at work, among other issues. The aim is for the companies to become more competitive and be able to offer their clients products and services that are innovative, sustainable, and safe and of quality.

AIDICO, which belongs to the Network of Technology Institutes from the Valencian Community (REDIT), is driven by the Regional Department of Industry, Trade and Innovation.