Things to consider before using
pyro:
In the United States the state or local
fire marshal (in some places building inspectors) will have the final
call in using pyrotechnics in any production and at any
venue. These people are considered “The Authority having Jurisdiction (
AHJ)” by the National Fire Protection Agency’s publication on the use of Pyrotechnics before a proximate audience. This publication (available from the
NFPA website,
nfpa.org,
NFPA 1126) is normally used as the guide lines by the
AHJ. I highly suggest you have a copy of this if you intend to use pyrotechnics in your production.
In
NFPA 1126 (the use of Pyrotechnics before a proximate audience) it specifically states the necessary actions that one must do to ensure a safe execution of a pyrotechnic
effect. Knowing and understanding these guidelines is crucial to get the approval of the
AHJ. Remember that
NFPA 1126 is a guideline and not a code; the
AHJ has the right to do whatever he/she feels is appropriate. The guidelines have excellent ideas on
safety and are a must read/ own for anyone possibly responsible for pyrotechnics. Knowing
NFPA 1126 helps the
AHJ to trust you.
Regardless of
NFPA 1126, you must secure approval from your
AHJ BEFORE you attempt to add pyrotechnics to your show. The
AHJ is the decision maker and
NFPA 1126 is the guideline on which those decisions are made.
Hate to disappoint all of you, but according to
NFPA 1126, but you MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE to be the chief (person responsible for firing the
effect)
pyrotechnician. While many AHJs will wave this to 18, I haven’t heard of anyone younger being allowed to do this.
Get a copy of
NFPA 1126. Be Safe.
Number one rule of
pyro:
If you don’t know EXACTLY what you are doing, don’t do it.