Pyrotechnic special effects

Theatrical pyrotechnics are governed by the Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada.

These guidelines have been adapted from the Ontario Film and Television Industry Section 21 Guidelines, the National Fire Protection Association Code 1126 (Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics), the California Film Industry Fire/Life Safety Handbook and the Alberta Section of Canadian Institute of Theatre Technology, Pyro Standards.

Any person who assumes the responsibility for pyrotechnics must have a clear understanding and working knowledge of the guidelines of the NFPA Code 1126 and of the requirements of the Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada.

Definitions

Pyrotechnic special effect

An effect where a chemical mixture is used to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration or detonation.

Pyrotechnician

The person who is responsible for pyrotechnic safety, who controls, initiates, or otherwise creates special effects, and who is responsible for the storing, setting up and removing of pyrotechnic materials for the production.

Blocking

The process by which the director moves the performers around the stage. A person (generally the stage manager) notes these movements in the prompt script in order to track all of the performers' movements during the show.

Deflagration

A rapid chemical reaction in which the output of heat is sufficient to enable the reaction to proceed and be accelerated without input of heat from another source. The effect of deflagration under confinement is an explosion.

Detonation

An extremely rapid chemical reaction in which the pressure generated is sufficient to cause the formation of a shock wave, which acts to cause the reaction to proceed. The effect of detonation without confinement is an explosion.

Dry run

A rehearsal to demonstrate an effect to all performers, crew and anyone else involved.

General Guidelines

1. No child performer should be exposed to pyrotechnical effects unless written permission is received from a parent or guardian prior to rehearsal/performance.
2. "No Smoking" and "Explosive" signs shall be posted where pyrotechnics are stored and handled.
3. Handling, storage and preparation of pyrotechnic materials shall be in compliance with federal, provincial and local codes, and be within the manufacturer's guidelines.

4. No smoking shall be allowed where pyrotechnical devices are used.

   NOTE: Smoking may be allowed in performance as blocked in rehearsal and if approved by the pyrotechnician and the authority having jurisdiction.

5. The transporting of pyrotechnical devices and materials shall be done in compliance with all applicable federal, provincial and local laws. Class 7.2.5 Explosives are covered under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act.
6. Sufficient number of the appropriate fire extinguishers shall be located within a reasonable distance of all pyrotechnic materials being loaded, prepared for firing and fired. The number shall be determined by the authority having jurisdiction.

Performance Guidelines

1. Whenever pyrotechnic special effects are to be used in a production, a pyrotechnician should be employed before the first rehearsal.
2. The pyrotechnician should ensure that the authority having jurisdiction (generally the fire department or a Natural Resources Canada, Explosives Regulatory Division representative) has been notified of the use of pyrotechnics for the production.
3. Before the rehearsal/performance, all personnel involved with the production should be notified that pyro effects are to be employed. This notice should also appear in writing on the daily call sheet for rehearsals where pyrotechnics are used. The nature of the effects should be specified in the daily call sheet.
4. Before involving performers for the first time,
   • a dry run of the effects must take place on site to demonstrate timing, spacing and safety parameters;
   • safety equipment and safety precautions such as fire extinguishers, warning and communication systems should be in place;
   • the intended action, possible deviations and the authority to abort should be made clear;
   • all performers and support personnel should be warned of exposure to a hazard when performing or otherwise carrying out their responsibilities in the vicinity of a pyrotechnic special effect;
   • the dry run should take place in an environment as free of distractions as possible.
5. Before any pyrotechnical sequence is performed for the first time, a technical rehearsal should be called.
6. In addition to the normal blocking notes kept by the stage manager, blocking for the pyrotechnical effects should be put in writing by the pyrotechnician and distributed to all involved departments and individuals.
7. The pyrotechnician should have the final authority to abort any effect.
8. The pyrotechnician should be in attendance whenever a pyrotechnical effect is executed in rehearsal or performance.
9. The stage manager or pyrotechnician should make clear to everyone involved in the production the location of exits and escape routes. The escape must provide unobstructed passage to the exterior of the building, structure or workspace.
10. Whenever possible, only those performers and crew necessary for the success of the effect should be in close proximity to the effect. Other performers should remain at a safe distance (to be determined by the pyrotechnician).
11. Immediately before any performance the pyrotechnician should make a final check of wiring, position, hookups and pyrotechnic devices to ensure that all are in proper working order. Adequate time should be allowed for this check.
12. The pyrotechnician should have an unimpeded view of the effect. Where this is not possible, an assistant, who is in direct communication with the pyrotechnician and has an unimpeded view of the effect, should be assigned. The assistant should be familiar with the effect and the conditions that would qualify for aborting it.
13. Immediately after each performance the pyrotechnician should verify that all pyrotechnic devices have fired. Any unfired pyrotechnic materials or devices should either be fired or disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
14. If, at any time, substantial changes become necessary for the success of the pyrotechnical effect, a meeting should be called by the pyrotechnician to confirm everyone's understanding of and agreement to the change(s). All changes (location, quantity, spacing) should be noted on the blocking plan and distributed to all involved departments and individuals.
15. The pyrotechnician may have one or more designated assistants who take on the responsibilities during the pyrotechnician's absence. The pyrotechnician should ensure that the assistant(s) has the proper knowledge and training in order to comply with the pyrotechnician's scope of work. In the event of the pyrotechnician's departure from the production, the responsibilities of the pyrotechnician will transfer to an assistant.

NOTE:

Examples of assistants are stage manager, assistant electrician or anyone who demonstrates the knowledge required of the pyrotechnician as defined.

More Information

• Ministry of Labour, Performance Industry
• Health and Safety Ontario (health and safety association)
• Workplace Safety & Insurance Board
• Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards referenced in occupational health and safety legislation

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