Fireworks Display Sites, Safety Considerations Part 2

Safety is the overriding principle in the choice of site.

The choice of a safe site will be largely the decision of the senior firer. However there are parameters and considerations which will be helpful in making such judgements.

Before a firework display is set up, it is necessary to define the ground according to the

planned dimensions.

As a reminder, there are four main spaces-

The Firing Area

This will depend on the size of the display and the types of fireworks that are being used. The size will clearly depend on the number and complexity of the display items and on the need to separate them to avoid premature initiation by the transfer of burning material from one to another.

Set pieces need to be kept away from aerial fireworks, and you must allow room for the firers to move around the fireworks.

It is not uncommon for a display to be fired from an area that is left over after

provision has been made for the spectators’ safety and other requirements. The senior firer has to be of the opinion that there is still sufficient space to safely fire the display by his team.

The firers want to be able to move away from fireworks that have already been lit into an area that is safe. It is a very dangerous practice to work towards fireworks that are burning. Always try to set out the display so that you work in lines and backwards from the already lit pieces.

Setting out

Keep a reasonable distance between each sequence.

Plan your display so that you work away from fireworks that are already lit.

Try to set out your display so that you do not have to rush between pieces to fire them.

Do at least 3 trial runs before the display.

Set aerial pieces furthest away from the audience. Cakes and candles can be in the middle and wheels up the front of the display. This will give you the opportunity to increase the effective safety distance for the more dangerous pieces.

Try to reduce the risk of flash-over by setting out the later items upwind of the earlier.

Protect all items at risk with foil (except rockets).

Protect all items from the weather and condensation do not wrap green fuse as this will affect its burn rate.

A larger display occupies a considerable amount of space.

The Safety Area

This is dead space between the firing area and the spectator area, to maintain a safe distance between the two.

The absolute minimum distance between the fireworks and the display must be no less than 35 metres (1^st Galaxy Fireworks Ltd Company Policy. THIS IS STILL VERY CLOSE and is not recommended. Larger cakes should not really be used where there is only 35m clearance. We recommend at least 40-50m be the minimum safety zone and this is dependant on the calibre etc (please see our Health and Safety Statement/Policy)

If shells larger than 150mm (6”) in diameter are being used then this distance must be increased considerably. The exact distances are hard to quantify but as a guide consider how wide the spread of material would be from a shell exploding just above the tube!

The distance of 40-50 metres may not be enough. If the wind is blowing towards the audience then safety distances must be doubled. Even this may not be far enough for large material.

If these conditions cannot be met then you must be prepared to stop the display. An alternative may be to remove items/effects from the display that are causing you concern over safety distances for the prevailing conditions.

Although it should never happen, consider the distance that a flaming ball could travel horizontally from a Roman candle that has fallen over and is now pointing at the crowd!!

Parachute shells and cakes require masses of space.

The Spectator Area

This is the only area of the four in which spectators will be allowed during the display. It must be large enough to accommodate the spectators in comfort, safety, and with a good view of the display. There must be no fireworks in this area. Great care must be taken to ensure that spectators do not bring their own fireworks, not even sparklers.

The Fallout Area

This is the area where debris is expected to land. It must also be marked out, as it will become a no-go zone during the firework display. It could be a rectangle at least 150m wide by 100m deep (450 feet by 300 feet)

Once the various areas have been laid out, they must not be adjusted without

Authority. In particular, firework items must not be placed outside the firing area. If the spectator area is to be extended, this must be backwards, away from the safety and firing areas.

As a further reminder-if after setting out the areas, circumstances change, e.g. a significant shift in the wind direction, it may be necessary to re-site the component areas, according to pre-planned alternative layouts.

Fencing

The firing area should ideally be marked out separately. Invariably the only fence normally provided is the spectator barrier. It is imperative that this is placed so that people do not get the opportunity to get too close to the firing area or into the fall-out zone.

Posts or stakes should be firmly set into the ground and an obvious tape barrier be strung across the whole area. No spectators are allowed to cross this line. Make the barrier as long as possible so that young children can get to the front to see the display. This is especially important if the display does not include aerial fireworks.

If the crowd is large then it will be necessary to provide extra marshals to ensure that the crowd does not creep beyond the barrier. The combination of alcohol and high spirits at fireworks parties can produce some very irrational behaviour!

Direction signs

These will be needed to direct spectator vehicles from the road to the car park and for pedestrians from there to the spectator area, in both directions. Also; for access paths, etc., open to pedestrians only.

Safety signs

Warning signs will already have been placed directly round the firing area. Further signs should be placed along the spectator fence, warning them not to proceed forward of that line. If the sides of the spectator area are not also fenced, then there must be further warning signs along those lines.

There must also be warning notices to the effect that spectators are forbidden to bring fireworks, however small, to the display. These should be posted at the pedestrian and vehicle entrances.

Fire points

Fire points should be located near to the firing area, consisting of two 6kg water Extinguishers to deal with small fires involving firework materials. The points should be clearly marked. The number of points will depend on the size of the firing area, but Team members should not have to move more than about 40m to reach the one nearest to them.

Extinguishers should be checked before the display to ensure that they are

serviceable, i.e. seals not broken and, where fitted, pressure gauges up to mark. Water extinguishers should be checked to ensure that they are not frozen.

First aid point

A first aid point should be established in a readily-accessible position; to act as the base for the first-aider appointed to attend the display. It need not be elaborately equipped, as paramedic assistance is rapidly obtainable in most parts of the country, particularly in or near urban areas.

Litter

Bins should be placed around the spectator area for public use.

Shows “in the round”

On occasions it may be necessary to fire a show “in the round” i.e. with the audience on all four sides of the display. Here the fall out zone plus the safety zone must be allowed for all round the show. Under these conditions rockets should not be used.

Fireworks Display Sites, Safety Considerations Part 2

Safety is the overriding principle in the choice of site.

The choice of a safe site will be largely the decision of the senior firer. However there are parameters and considerations which will be helpful in making such judgements.

Before a display is set up, it is necessary to define the ground according to the

planned dimensions.

As a reminder, there are four main spaces-

The Firing Area

This will depend on the size of the display and the types of fireworks that are being used. The size will clearly depend on the number and complexity of the display items and on the need to separate them to avoid premature initiation by the transfer of burning material from one to another.

Set pieces need to be kept away from aerial fireworks, and you must allow room for the firers to move around the fireworks.

It is not uncommon for a display to be fired from an area that is left over after

provision has been made for the spectators’ safety and other requirements. The senior firer has to be of the opinion that there is still sufficient space to safely fire the display by his team.

The firers want to be able to move away from fireworks that have already been lit into an area that is safe. It is a very dangerous practice to work towards fireworks that are burning. Always try to set out the display so that you work in lines and backwards from the already lit pieces.

Setting out

Keep a reasonable distance between each sequence.

Plan your display so that you work away from fireworks that are already lit.

Try to set out your display so that you do not have to rush between pieces to fire them.

Do at least 3 trial runs before the display.

Set aerial pieces furthest away from the audience. Cakes and candles can be in the middle and wheels up the front of the display. This will give you the opportunity to increase the effective safety distance for the more dangerous pieces.

Try to reduce the risk of flash-over by setting out the later items upwind of the earlier.

Protect all items at risk with foil (except rockets).

Protect all items from the weather and condensation do not wrap green fuse as this will affect its burn rate.

A larger display occupies a considerable amount of space.

The Safety Area

This is dead space between the firing area and the spectator area, to maintain a safe distance between the two.

The absolute minimum distance between the fireworks and the display must be no less than 35 metres (1^st Galaxy Fireworks Ltd Company Policy. THIS IS STILL VERY CLOSE and is not recommended. Larger cakes should not really be used where there is only 35m clearance. We recommend at least 40-50m be the minimum safety zone and this is dependant on the calibre etc (please see our Health and Safety Statement/Policy)

If shells larger than 150mm (6”) in diameter are being used then this distance must be increased considerably. The exact distances are hard to quantify but as a guide consider how wide the spread of material would be from a shell exploding just above the tube!

The distance of 40-50 metres may not be enough. If the wind is blowing towards the audience then safety distances must be doubled. Even this may not be far enough for large material.

If these conditions cannot be met then you must be prepared to stop the display. An alternative may be to remove items/effects from the display that are causing you concern over safety distances for the prevailing conditions.

Although it should never happen, consider the distance that a flaming ball could travel horizontally from a Roman candle that has fallen over and is now pointing at the crowd!!

Parachute shells and cakes require masses of space.

The Spectator Area

This is the only area of the four in which spectators will be allowed during the display. It must be large enough to accommodate the spectators in comfort, safety, and with a good view of the display. There must be no fireworks in this area. Great care must be taken to ensure that spectators do not bring their own fireworks, not even sparklers.

The Fallout Area

This is the area where debris is expected to land. It must also be marked out, as it will become a no-go zone during the display. It could be a rectangle at least 150m wide by 100m deep (450 feet by 300 feet)

Once the various areas have been laid out, they must not be adjusted without

Authority. In particular, firework items must not be placed outside the firing area. If the spectator area is to be extended, this must be backwards, away from the safety and firing areas.

As a further reminder-if after setting out the areas, circumstances change, e.g. a significant shift in the wind direction, it may be necessary to re-site the component areas, according to pre-planned alternative layouts.

Fencing

The firing area should ideally be marked out separately. Invariably the only fence normally provided is the spectator barrier. It is imperative that this is placed so that people do not get the opportunity to get too close to the firing area or into the fall-out zone.

Posts or stakes should be firmly set into the ground and an obvious tape barrier be strung across the whole area. No spectators are allowed to cross this line. Make the barrier as long as possible so that young children can get to the front to see the display. This is especially important if the display does not include aerial fireworks.

If the crowd is large then it will be necessary to provide extra marshals to ensure that the crowd does not creep beyond the barrier. The combination of alcohol and high spirits at fireworks parties can produce some very irrational behaviour!

Direction signs

These will be needed to direct spectator vehicles from the road to the car park and for pedestrians from there to the spectator area, in both directions. Also; for access paths, etc., open to pedestrians only.

Safety signs

Warning signs will already have been placed directly round the firing area. Further signs should be placed along the spectator fence, warning them not to proceed forward of that line. If the sides of the spectator area are not also fenced, then there must be further warning signs along those lines.

There must also be warning notices to the effect that spectators are forbidden to bring fireworks, however small, to the display. These should be posted at the pedestrian and vehicle entrances.

Fire points

Fire points should be located near to the firing area, consisting of two 6kg water Extinguishers to deal with small fires involving firework materials. The points should be clearly marked. The number of points will depend on the size of the firing area, but Team members should not have to move more than about 40m to reach the one nearest to them.

Extinguishers should be checked before the display to ensure that they are

serviceable, i.e. seals not broken and, where fitted, pressure gauges up to mark. Water extinguishers should be checked to ensure that they are not frozen.

First aid point

A first aid point should be established in a readily-accessible position; to act as the base for the first-aider appointed to attend the display. It need not be elaborately equipped, as paramedic assistance is rapidly obtainable in most parts of the country, particularly in or near urban areas.

Litter

Bins should be placed around the spectator area for public use.

Shows “in the round”

On occasions it may be necessary to fire a show “in the round” i.e. with the audience on all four sides of the display. Here the fall out zone plus the safety zone must be allowed for all round the show. Under these conditions rockets should not be used.

Fireworks Display Sites & Safety Considerations

Site Considerations

The choice of a good site is critical to public safety, and clearly important to the full enjoyment of the display.

Site Visit

It is obvious that the Operator to any short-listed site must pay an early visit

before detailed preparations can begin. The Operator will then be able to assess realistically the factors which follow. Important details are taken from HS(G)123

Space for the display

This is the space required for the operation of a fireworks display, including the safety area between the firing area and the spectators. It is likely to be a rectangle at least 150m wide by 75m deep (450 feet by 225 feet)

Space for the spectators

This area should ideally be upwind of the display area, and large enough to

accommodate the expected numbers. Spectators should not be so tight-packed that they could not move out of the way quickly in the event of an accident. As a rough guide, there should be no more than about two people per metre square.

The standing surface must be safe, e.g. to avoid slipping in wet weather, and free from obstructions, e.g. ditches, which could cause injury, particularly in the dark.

Fallout Zone

This is an area that is what it suggests. It is calculated to be large enough to contain any fireworks debris that will come back to Earth! The fall-out zone must be clear of any people, buildings, stores or anything inflammable.

Make sure that spectators or uninvited guests are not watching from the rear, or near the fall-out zone.

Remember that rockets when fired will turn into the wind. Even if the wind is blowing away from crowd a rocket will fly towards them. The most dangerous piece of debris from a spent firework is the rocket body and stick.

Space for a Bonfire (If there is to be one)

This must be well clear of other activities that could be adversely affected by stray sparks or smoke, e.g. the firing and spectator areas. It must be well clear of buildings, roads, railways, rights of way, etc., and at a safe distance from stocks of flammable materials and overhead power lines. It should be downwind of the spectator area

Access to the Site for the delivery of Fireworks and other Equipment

Safe and certain access to the site from the road system is required for the supply vehicles. When choosing access routes, account must be taken of the adverse effects of weather on soft-surface ground and tracks.

Access to the site for Emergency Vehicles

Police, Fire, and Ambulance vehicles must be able to reach the site quickly, under all weather conditions. The routes must not become obstructed during the display, e.g. by other parked vehicles.

Access to the Site for Spectators

Spectator access must be adequate to get people on and off the site in reasonable time, again taking weather effects into account. A grass field may provide reasonable access in summer, but not after a few days of winter rain. There should be at least two routes, and they must be well signed and illuminated

The pedestrian access routes must be separate from vehicle access to car parking space, as below. There must be space for spectators to leave the site rapidly on foot in an emergency.

Spectator car Parking

Space for cars and coaches must be provided. If public roads are to be used, this must be agreed in advance with the Police. Pedestrian access from the parking spaces to the spectator area must also be well signed and illuminated.

Surrounding areas (Such as dwellings, Roads, Railways)

The display must be located clear of these, to the extent that damage could not be caused, even in the event of complete mal-operation of a firework item. In the case of roads, the vehicles do not have to be struck by a firework for a danger to be created. An accident could result from a sudden and unexpected event anywhere on or near the carriageway.

Overhead power lines

These are vulnerable to the impact of the fireworks themselves, and may also cause a flashover if they are near scaffolding and frames used to support display features, or if they arc to Earth via the column of hot gas ejected by a firework. They may also produce stray currents in electric circuits in the vicinity, leading to the premature initiation of firework items.

Hazardous installations

The display must be well clear of any installation where flammable materials are

stored or used, or where fire damage may lead to enhanced danger, e.g. plant where toxic gases are used.

Rivers and canals

Apart from the false-signalling aspects mentioned earlier, vessels and their

passengers on waterways could be endangered by a display accident. Also, spent fireworks landing in water could cause pollution, which could lead to prosecution by the Environmental Agency.

Prevailing wind

The prevailing wind direction will dictate the orientation of the display site, as

discussed earlier in relation to site layout.

Changes

Amendment to display features if safety considerations require it should be possible and ideally the ability to modify the site layout if conditions change between the time the display is planned and the time of execution. For example, if there is a significant change in wind direction, or if new adjacent features appear, e.g. construction work. An alternative plan should be held in readiness for a layout change if necessary. Obviously, the larger the total safe area available, the easier it would be to accommodate alternative layouts.

In general, the choice of firework display site is critical, and the exact form of the display, and the type of fireworks to be used, cannot finally be determined until the site is confirmed. Once determined, the site should not be changed. Otherwise the planning process will have to restart from the beginning.

Firework Types & Performance : Part 1

1.2 Fireworks Types and Performance

The design and construction of some of the commonest types of fireworks are given with emphasis on the safe use of fireworks. 1st Galaxy Fireworks Ltd believe that by understanding the basic principals behind the design and construction it will be easier for you to understand and appreciate what they do and to assess their suitability for a given firework display.

Types

The main types of firework used for displays are listed and briefly described below. The names are taken from BS 7114, 1988 under Categories 2, 3 and 4. It must be realised, however, that fireworks may appear under a variety of names, and that they may be described by different generic names within the industry. The only sure way to identify a firework type is by reading the accompanying instructions for use, and a description of the effects.

Also, within the various types, individual fireworks can vary greatly in size, power, and performance.

Bangers

This is a tube containing an explosive composition which produces a single loud report when ignited.

1.2g Gerbs, Drivers and Motors

They can all be described as being from the same family although they are different in their application. How they operate depends on the burn rate and the choke size.

They consist of a tube containing a composition which produces a fountain-shower of sparks and flames, in varying forms and colours usually silver or gold. There may be some sound effect, but not a report. Within this group you can find:

1.2g/h Fountains, Bouquets of Fountains
Fountains are designed to project ornamental and brilliant sparks into the air much like a water fountain.

The composition which is rammed or pressed into the case burns progressively down the tube. The height of the fountain is controlled by the choke. If the diameter of the choke is smaller, the fountain effect reaches higher.


1.2h Wheels

The thrust produced by one or more choked gerbs when attached to a pivoted
piece of wood or a wheel fixed centrally to give a rotating effect. Burning takes place from one end of the firework to the other and provides up to 30 seconds of constant force-called “the driver”. If connected in series could produce 60 seconds burning or more. Where a wheel is set up to rotate in a horizontal plane, this is known as a cascade.

1.2 h Flying Saucers (Crown Wheels)

These are wheels fixed over a spindle in a similar manner to cascades. The wheel is rotated by drivers to spin it and then additional rocket motors lift it in to the air. They need a great deal of space as they can develop a wobble and could travel in unpredictable directions. Bigger ones have a double lift which allows it to lower down and then gain height before burning out.

1.2d Rockets

All rockets, irrespective of size have four main characteristics: i) they have their own propellant charge ii) that this charge is contained in a cartridge or case iii) that this case is fitted with a choke or venturi, iv) that the rocket is fitted with a flight stabilising device.

The rocket is propelled by compacted gunpowder burning over a formed surface (usually a cone with a hollow centre) and the rapid rate of burn (5secs) and thus the large volume of gas quickly created is forced out of a clay, or more usually aluminium, choke or venturi. This provides the force necessary to lift the rocket quickly into the air.

(Flight rockets are of more traditional construction with cardboard case, clay choke and black powder charge).

The head of the rocket (the pot or Star Chamber) contains the stars or other effects and the bursting charge of gunpowder or flash powder. The burning motor flashes to ignite the content of the pot when the rocket reaches the highest trajectory.

The stick of the rocket stabilises its flight.

These fireworks are amongst the most potentially dangerous in a display

The stick and the spent case are going to return to Earth and so the launching tube or frame should be angled away from spectators. In this respect allowance should be made for wind speed and direction and checked again before the display is fired.
It should also be understood that a rocket will have a tendency to turn into the wind. This is because the effect of the wind against the stick is greater than that of the motor and pot.

If a rocket is fired down wind from the spectators it will turn back towards them. Remember this: Allowance MUST be made when considering “fall out zones”.

Fuse Types, Characteristics and methods of Joining: Part 3

GREEN PLASTIC IGNITER CORD

This fuse burns slowly, at about 25mm (1inch) per second. It is normally used to provide delays at ignition points and in sequences. It sometimes serves as the initial point of ignition for the fireworks.

Connecting green to green is done by twisting 25mm. or so and taping, green to quickmatch by inserting at least 25mm into the core and taping, quickmatch to green by stripping the plastic sleeve (to aid the transmission of the flame use tape wrapped around the plastic sleeve which when pulled back reveals the brown core) and inserting the incendiary into the central core of the quickmatch and then tying with a cable tie if required and/or tape.

BROWN PLASTIC IGNITER CORD

May be worked in a similar fashion to green, however it has a considerably faster burning rate and to avoid confusion should be kept away from the general fusing process unless specifically required.

Other Fuse Joints (Spanish Delays and Pressed Delays)



You can either have a fuse join that finishes at the delay in which case simply reveal 25mm or so of the Quick Match, place this is the end and secure using a cable tie or string. If you wish to join a number of varied time delays together to create several delays from one line of Quick Match then fold the quick match over and cut the end to reveal the internal fuse as shown above.



Once you have done this place the double strand in (exposed end first) and secure in using a cable tie or string.

These fuses can be used to provide delays between sequences of various items or used as a method of delaying shell in the same way as using PIC. Delays are generally more accurate but are more costly, but the benefits can out way when firing to music etc. You must also remember that pressed delays in particular can burn quite viciously and this must be considered when securing them down due to unwanted burning to surrounding fuses, other items and even wooden racks

Safety Considerations When Fusing

The following points must be taken into consideration with regard to fusing before you arrive on site:-

Fusing away from the workshop may only take place on the site of the display,
even though more than one day may be required to prepare the fireworks.

If the weather is poor and you require shelter, fusing may only take place inside a tent or cover of light fabric material or vehicle with a light fabric roof – never in a building.

Only use proper supplied cardboard / fibreboard tubes, high performance
polyprene or UPVC tubes for mortars and shells. Never use steel pipes or
lightweight drainpipes (they also sweat).

Handle quickmatch with care. Cut off what you need and put the rest of the bundle back into the storage container.

When joining quickmatch avoid cutting the incendiary cores. Where cuts must be made, only sharp scissors, nips or very sharp knife may be used. Do not tear fusing apart.

Keep all fusing dry and generally consider total waterproofing of the fireworks display. Bases of buried cardboard tubes should be bagged, open ends of tubes covered with foil or bags secured with rubber bands or tape, cake boxes covered with polythene, flights with thin aluminium foil (which must be taped down to prevent it being dragged off with the first rocket), candles wrapped with polythene etc.
Remember to remove waterproofing from rockets before firing!

Secure all joins so that they cannot be snatched either by accident or during
ignition.

Never use staples to secure fusing. Always use battens with cable ties or the cable ties themselves tape to secure them to the Shell Frame, tape can also be used (gaffer tape) but tends to be less reliable and the PIC can rip stopping the sequence

Do not set green cord along a surface and then cover in tape as it will burn more quickly.

Keep the work site tidy.

Fuse Types, Characteristics and methods of Joining: Part 2

Work on fireworks is only permitted, by law, at a Licensed Factory or on the site of a display.

As much as possible should be carried out at the factory, before going to the site. This has the advantage of working at licensed premises away from the public, and having a good supply of materials to hand.

Wherever you are working, bear the following in mind:-

No smoking, no drinking, no unauthorised use of drugs

Keep the work area tidy, clean up as you go

Use the correct tools for the work

Keep all fireworks not being worked on in covered boxes away from the work area.

Move prepared pieces away from the work area, set them up if possible.

Maintain minimum safety distances at all times. If on site, erect the barriers and keep the public away

Keep track of your tools and sundry materials such as fusing. It is easier to find these in daylight before the firework display than later on in the dark afterwards.

Keep fuses in a suitable container at all times. Handle them as little as possible.

If the prepared pieces are in any risk of becoming damp, they must be protected as an on-going task.

Quickmatch

This usually comes attached to certain shells in the form of plain brown paper and is not waterproof (unless plastic covered quick match is used and tends to be more popular these days). Working quickmatch usually comes in blue, brown or red plastic sleeves but other colours are available. It can be either single or double stranded or multi – cored. It burns at about 15m (50ft) per second and can be treated as instantaneous for practical purposes.

The core is very sensitive and must always be well protected by the sleeve. The waterproof sleeved type burns very violently and must be well tied to any connecting fuse. It must also be well secured to stop it thrashing or blowing away.

All quickmatch burns explosively and the pressure wave that precedes the flame can blow out connecting fuses if they are not well secured by tying with string or tape. It has been known, however, for quickmatch to be extinguished if it is bent too tightly onto a hard object e.g. lip of a mortar tube or cable tie.

Connect quickmatch by exposing the cores and placing in contact. Secure and join by tying and/or taping. Ensure that NO match is left exposed. Alternatively, the core can be connected by inserting into a hole pierced into the sleeve and securing well. Make sure that the core is in contact with the match core and not insulated between layers of the sleeve. Joins should be made “downward” to allow surface water to run off rather than run in. Gaffer or plastic tape should be used to waterproof the joint.



Quick Match to Quick Match – cut open as shown using sharp Stanley knife as shown on the left, then repeat as on the right, then overlay and tape together.




Quick Match to Quick match side joint – cut open each end as shown using a sharp Stanley knife, overlay the strands and tape as shown.

Shell linking is normally done with green plastic igniter cord (PIC) as a delay timer connecting the quickmatch fuses to each other. Keep the main run continuous, with a twist at each connection. The twist can be pushed into the open end of the match and taped over. Alternatively, a pressed powder delay can be used between adjacent shells. It is only used where more accurate timing is required (a Pyro musical or competition).


Shell linking using PIC Green –



Twist the PIC relative to the shell leaders’ placement (which gives the delay between each shell time over distance) then place in the leader and tape over the end to make watertight and secure. Or fold the match strands over the PIC and tape as in the picture above.

Quick Match to PIC -



To link Quick Match to PIC match you MUST strip the plastic coating off to ensure that the quick burning characteristics of the Quickmatch do not go out before lighting the PIC, removing the cover makes it more sensitive to heat/fire in order to transmit the burning successfully.

Work on fireworks is only permitted, by law, at a Licensed Factory or on the site of a display.

As much as possible should be carried out at the factory, before going to the site. This has the advantage of working at licensed premises away from the public, and having a good supply of materials to hand.

Wherever you are working, bear the following in mind:-

No smoking, no drinking, no unauthorised use of drugs

Keep the work area tidy, clean up as you go

Use the correct tools for the work

Keep all fireworks not being worked on in covered boxes away from the work area.

Move prepared pieces away from the work area, set them up if possible.

Maintain minimum safety distances at all times. If on site, erect the barriers and keep the public away

Keep track of your tools and sundry materials such as fusing. It is easier to find these in daylight before the display than later on in the dark afterwards.

Keep fuses in a suitable container at all times. Handle them as little as possible.

If the prepared pieces are in any risk of becoming damp, they must be protected as an on-going task.

Quickmatch

This usually comes attached to certain shells in the form of plain brown paper and is not waterproof (unless plastic covered quick match is used and tends to be more popular these days). Working quickmatch usually comes in blue, brown or red plastic sleeves but other colours are available. It can be either single or double stranded or multi – cored. It burns at about 15m (50ft) per second and can be treated as instantaneous for practical purposes.

The core is very sensitive and must always be well protected by the sleeve. The waterproof sleeved type burns very violently and must be well tied to any connecting fuse. It must also be well secured to stop it thrashing or blowing away.

All quickmatch burns explosively and the pressure wave that precedes the flame can blow out connecting fuses if they are not well secured by tying with string or tape. It has been known, however, for quickmatch to be extinguished if it is bent too tightly onto a hard object e.g. lip of a mortar tube or cable tie.

Connect quickmatch by exposing the cores and placing in contact. Secure and join by tying and/or taping. Ensure that NO match is left exposed. Alternatively, the core can be connected by inserting into a hole pierced into the sleeve and securing well. Make sure that the core is in contact with the match core and not insulated between layers of the sleeve. Joins should be made “downward” to allow surface water to run off rather than run in. Gaffer or plastic tape should be used to waterproof the joint.

Work on fireworks is only permitted, by law, at a Licensed Factory or on the site of a display.

As much as possible should be carried out at the factory, before going to the site. This has the advantage of working at licensed premises away from the public, and having a good supply of materials to hand.

Wherever you are working, bear the following in mind:-

No smoking, no drinking, no unauthorised use of drugs

Keep the work area tidy, clean up as you go

Use the correct tools for the work

Keep all fireworks not being worked on in covered boxes away from the work area.

Move prepared pieces away from the work area, set them up if possible.

Maintain minimum safety distances at all times. If on site, erect the barriers and keep the public away

Keep track of your tools and sundry materials such as fusing. It is easier to find these in daylight before the display than later on in the dark afterwards.

Keep fuses in a suitable container at all times. Handle them as little as possible.

If the prepared pieces are in any risk of becoming damp, they must be protected as an on-going task.

Quickmatch

This usually comes attached to certain shells in the form of plain brown paper and is not waterproof (unless plastic covered quick match is used and tends to be more popular these days). Working quickmatch usually comes in blue, brown or red plastic sleeves but other colours are available. It can be either single or double stranded or multi – cored. It burns at about 15m (50ft) per second and can be treated as instantaneous for practical purposes.

The core is very sensitive and must always be well protected by the sleeve. The waterproof sleeved type burns very violently and must be well tied to any connecting fuse. It must also be well secured to stop it thrashing or blowing away.

All quickmatch burns explosively and the pressure wave that precedes the flame can blow out connecting fuses if they are not well secured by tying with string or tape. It has been known, however, for quickmatch to be extinguished if it is bent too tightly onto a hard object e.g. lip of a mortar tube or cable tie.

Connect quickmatch by exposing the cores and placing in contact. Secure and join by tying and/or taping. Ensure that NO match is left exposed. Alternatively, the core can be connected by inserting into a hole pierced into the sleeve and securing well. Make sure that the core is in contact with the match core and not insulated between layers of the sleeve. Joins should be made “downward” to allow surface water to run off rather than run in. Gaffer or plastic tape should be used to waterproof the joint.



Quick Match to Quick Match – cut open as shown using sharp Stanley knife as shown on the left, then repeat as on the right, then overlay and tape together.




Quick Match to Quick match side joint – cut open each end as shown using a sharp Stanley knife, overlay the strands and tape as shown.

Shell linking is normally done with green plastic igniter cord (PIC) as a delay timer connecting the quickmatch fuses to each other. Keep the main run continuous, with a twist at each connection. The twist can be pushed into the open end of the match and taped over. Alternatively, a pressed powder delay can be used between adjacent shells. It is only used where more accurate timing is required (a Pyro musical or competition).


Shell linking using PIC Green –



Twist the PIC relative to the shell leaders’ placement (which gives the delay between each shell time over distance) then place in the leader and tape over the end to make watertight and secure. Or fold the match strands over the PIC and tape as in picture 3.

Quick Match to PIC -



To link Quick Match to PIC match you MUST strip the plastic coating off to ensure that the quick burning characteristics of the Quickmatch do not go out before lighting the PIC, removing the cover makes it more sensitive to heat/fire in order to transmit the burning successfully.

Quick Match to Quick Match – cut open as shown using sharp Stanley knife as shown on the left, then repeat as on the right, then overlay and tape together.




Quick Match to Quick match side joint – cut open each end as shown using a sharp Stanley knife, overlay the strands and tape as shown.

Shell linking is normally done with green plastic igniter cord (PIC) as a delay timer connecting the quickmatch fuses to each other. Keep the main run continuous, with a twist at each connection. The twist can be pushed into the open end of the match and taped over. Alternatively, a pressed powder delay can be used between adjacent shells. It is only used where more accurate timing is required (a Pyro musical or competition).


Shell linking using PIC Green –



Twist the PIC relative to the shell leaders’ placement (which gives the delay between each shell time over distance) then place in the leader and tape over the end to make watertight and secure. Or fold the match strands over the PIC and tape as in picture 3.

Quick Match to PIC -



To link Quick Match to PIC match you MUST strip the plastic coating off to ensure that the quick burning characteristics of the Quickmatch do not go out before lighting the PIC, removing the cover makes it more sensitive to heat/fire in order to transmit the burning successfully.

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Fuse Types and Methods of Joining - Part 1

Below we describe the types of fuses and burn speed used in modern day fireworks. This is very helpful to know especially when it comes to firework safety and firework displays.

Types and varieties of fuses

Fuses are lengths of explosive material, mostly in the form of a thin tube containing the material, used to transfer ignition from the firing point, at a safe distance, to the firework device. They can be linked or joined to carry ignition through branches from one initiation point to several fireworks, or from one firework to another. There are two basic types of fuse-

· Instantaneous: These transfer the combustion at high speed, at many metres per second. This allows the simultaneous firing of several dispersed items from the same point.

· Delay: These transfers the combustion at a slower rate, to introduce a delay effect, e.g. a series of items connected by delay fuse can be fired in sequence at Predetermined intervals. They are designed to burn at different speeds, according to type. Thus any required time delay can be achieved by a combination of the fuse type, and the length of the run.

Fuse Types

There are many different types of fuse found on fireworks, some of the most common types are explained below:-

QUICK MATCH is the commonest fuse to ignite fireworks. These can be single stranded, double or multi – cored. Ordinary black match is made by impregnating a string with black powder slurry. Once dried it burns readily and relatively slowly. When encased in a plain paper or waterproofed paper ‘tube’, however, the rate of burn becomes practically instantaneous.

A protective cap should be provided to prevent accidental ignition when incorporated into a firework and these can come in differing colours. Quickmatch as obtained for general use does not normally have covers.

PLASTIC IGNITER CORD (PIC) is commonly used in the UK but not normally used elsewhere. When ignited it burns vigorously and at a constant rate which makes it ideal for use as a time delay fuse. Two basic types are used in fireworks – FAST igniter cords which are brown in colour and SLOW igniter cords which are green in colour. There is also PW6 which is slate blue in colour and a PIC brilliant blue in colour which is no longer made. All are made by ICI and are waterproof. They can burn under water.

FAST (Brown) burns at a rate of 3.3 seconds per metre (10” or 250mm per sec). It is wound on to reels in 150m lengths and is constructed from a central cotton core around which the incendiary is extruded. This in turn is covered with a clear plastic sheath and is Brown in colour.

SLOW (Green) burns at a rate of 38 seconds per metre (approx. 1”/25mm per second) and is also wound on to reels in 150 metre lengths. It is constructed from a central copper core around which the incendiary is extruded. This in turn is covered with a green plastic sheath and is slightly thinner than the brown fast PIC.

SLOW (Blue) is no longer available. Burned at a rate of 1¼ secs per inch or 49 sec/m.

PW6 (Slate blue) is manufactured the same way as green, looks similar but is a slate blue. Burns slower however, about 4 secs per inch (25mm) or 172 sec/m.

CHINESE SLOW burns very slowly and is unreliable. It will be found on Chinese fireworks as the primary delay. It is constructed from a central core of gunpowder surrounded by woven fabric. This fuse is generally not waterproof and if any damp is in the air it must be waterproofed. This type of fuse is usually replaced during the fusing process if there is any risk of damp in the air.

SPANISH DELAYS Look similar to Pipe Cleaners, constructed from a plastic or fabric outer, this covers a centre core of composition that burns at a constant and accurate rate. These are cut to size according to the length of time required. Spanish Delays are available in all time sequences from 1 second to 1 minute, and more if required..

TAPEMATCH is made by pouring black powder onto the centre of the sticky side of the adhesive tape (sellotape) forming a continuous narrow strip of fuse. Used essentially in the creation of lancework

Summary of Burning Rates:

Quickmatch Instantaneous

Tapematch Instantaneous

PIC Brown 1 sec per foot (3.3sec per metre)

Wasag Green 7 sec per foot

PIC Green 12 sec per foot (1 sec per inch/25mm approx)

PIC Blue 15 sec per foot (1-1/4 per inch)

Bickford 30 sec per foot (variable)

PW6 Slate blue 53 sec per foot (4 secs per inch)