Of all the production elements that may be incorporated into a live event, pyrotechnics, fireworks, and flame effects present the most concentrated combination of regulatory complexity, life-safety risk, and technical specialization. The potential for mass-casualty fire incidents from improper pyrotechnic use is not theoretical; the Station nightclub fire of 2003, in which 100 people died when pyrotechnic sparks ignited acoustic foam, remains among the most lethal entertainment incidents in U.S. history. The regulatory framework governing these elements reflects that risk directly. Event organizers who encounter pyrotechnics or flame effects in their planning must understand the applicable legal framework, the definitions that determine which regulations apply, and the vendor selection and pre-event planning process that the Event Safety Guide and applicable NFPA standards require.

The Event Safety Guide’s most fundamental recommendation for pyrotechnics and flame effects is also its most direct: nothing, including this guidance document, can replace the use of a reputable, qualified, licensed, and competent pyrotechnics vendor. Only those with significant experience in the safe use of these elements should be dealing with them at all, and the compliance with technical and regulatory requirements is so important to the safety of guests and staff that organizers must engage and rely on qualified vendors rather than attempting to manage these elements independently (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Definitions: Explosives

An “explosive” is any article designed to function by explosion, or which, by chemical reaction within itself, is able to function in a similar manner. The U.S. Government defines three classes of explosive materials: high explosives, low explosives, and blasting agents (27 CFR 555, Subpart K). Fireworks are pyrotechnic articles that, for transportation purposes, typically fall into the “low explosives” class. Under the USDOT classification system, explosives are divided into six divisions: 1.1 through 1.6, with Division 1.1 being the most powerful. Display fireworks (1.3G) and consumer fireworks (1.4G) each have specific transportation, storage, and handling requirements under 49 CFR Parts 171-177 (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Definitions: Pyrotechnics

NFPA 1126 defines “pyrotechnics” as “controlled exothermic chemical reactions that are timed to create the effects of heat, gas, sound, dispersion of aerosols, emission of visible electromagnetic radiation, or a combination of these effects to provide the maximum effect from the least volume” (NFPA 1126, 2011). The practical application of this definition distinguishes pyrotechnic special effects used in proximity to audiences from the large-scale aerial fireworks displays conducted at distance from the public under NFPA 1123.

Definitions: Consumer and Display Fireworks

Consumer fireworks (1.4G) are the small fireworks sold at retail stands, including small audible devices, ground devices containing 50 mg or less of flash powder, and aerial devices containing 130 mg or less of flash powder. The USDOT classifies them as UN0336 or UN0337. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives does not regulate the importation, distribution, or storage of completed consumer fireworks, although federal licensing is required for manufacturing (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Display fireworks (1.3G) are the large fireworks used in professional fireworks displays. They include salutes containing more than 2 grains (130 mg) of flash powder, aerial shells containing more than 40 grams of pyrotechnic compositions, and other display pieces that exceed the consumer fireworks classification limits. Display fireworks are classified as UN0333, UN0334, or UN0335 by the USDOT. Aerial shells 8 inches or larger are classified as 1.1G by the USDOT and carry stricter transportation and storage requirements than 1.3G materials (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Pyrotechnic special effects (proximate pyrotechnics) are used for theatrical productions, concerts, or other special events and are labeled UN0337 by the USDOT. NFPA defines a “special effect” as a visual or audible effect used for entertainment purposes, often produced to create an illusion. Some pyrotechnic special effects are labeled 1.4G and classified as “Article, Pyrotechnic” (UN0431), but unlike consumer fireworks are not intended for retail sale. Consumer and commercial display fireworks are both intended for outdoor use, while pyrotechnic special effects may be used indoors or outdoors; pyrotechnic devices intended for indoor use must be specifically marked as such by the manufacturer (NFPA 1126, 2011, 7.2.1[4]) (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Definitions: Flame Effects

A flame effect is “the combustion of solids, liquids, or gases to produce thermal, physical, visual, or audible phenomena before an audience” (NFPA 160, 2011). Flame effects may be automatic (fired by an automatic control system), manual (operated without automation), or portable (designed to be moved during operation). Flame effects are governed primarily by NFPA 160 and are distinct from pyrotechnic special effects in that they involve continuous combustion of fuels rather than the rapid chemical reactions of pyrotechnic compounds (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Applicable Codes and Standards

The installation and operation of flame special effects, pyrotechnics, and operations involving flame performers must be conducted in accordance with applicable codes and standards, which include: NFPA 30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code); NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code); NFPA 55 (Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code); NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code); NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code); NFPA 140 (Motion Picture and Television Production); NFPA 160 (Flame Effects Before an Audience); NFPA 430 (Storage of Liquid and Solid Oxidizers); NFPA 701 (Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films); NFPA 1123 (Fireworks Display); NFPA 1124 (Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, and Retail Sales of Fireworks); NFPA 1126 (Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience); Title 27 CFR Part 18 and Part 181 (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms — Commerce in Explosives); Title 49 CFR Parts 171-177 (USDOT transportation regulations); ASME International Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII (for pressure vessels); and all applicable state and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations of the authority having jurisdiction (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Qualified Vendor Selection

The ESG identifies specific criteria for the pyrotechnics vendor selection process. The vendor must be fully vetted and found to be qualified, competent, licensed, safe, and reputable; references must be followed up on, including verification through the relevant state regulatory authority on fireworks, often the State Fire Marshal. The vendor must have relevant and well-documented experience in exactly the type of work being requested; an excellent and well-documented safety record; documented training in contemporary methods and procedures; commercial general liability insurance with an appropriate endorsement for pyrotechnics of not less than $5 million; workers’ compensation insurance; employees for the event who are licensed by the AHJ and who are 21 years of age or older; résumés for every employee working on the event; and, ideally, should be known to the local fire official (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Early AHJ Notification

As early as possible in the planning phase of the event, the local authority having jurisdiction must be notified of the intention to use pyrotechnics or flame effects. This is typically done through the fire department. The AHJ will provide guidance and may offer input regarding vendor qualifications. Once vetted and approved, the vendor should take over communication with the AHJ and manage all permitting and regulatory requirements (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Site Map and Stage Plot

An early step in pyrotechnics planning is generating a site map and stage plot that clearly shows the locations of all fireworks, flame effects, and resources required to manage them. For most effects, a restricted setup or “holding” area will be defined where equipment is arranged; there may also be a “fallout zone” where debris descends to the ground after an effect is triggered. All of these areas must be noted on all maps, diagrams, and stage plots distributed to event staff (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

For display fireworks, one commonly overlooked but critical map element is the prevailing wind direction. Although wind direction may vary between the time of mapping and the event date, marking the prevailing direction gives organizers and the AHJ a planning starting point. Wind direction and velocity must be monitored before and during the event; adjustments to setup, including expanding the fallout zone, may be necessary based on actual conditions on the day of the event (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Conclusion

The regulatory and safety framework for pyrotechnics, fireworks, and flame effects at live events is extensive because the hazards are severe and the consequences of failure are acute. The definitions that distinguish consumer fireworks from display fireworks from proximate pyrotechnic special effects from flame effects each carry distinct regulatory requirements under different NFPA standards and federal regulations. Event organizers must understand these distinctions well enough to engage the correct vendor type, notify the correct authorities, and ensure that all applicable standards are being met. The fundamental protective measure, however, remains the one stated at the outset: engage a qualified, licensed, experienced vendor and rely on that vendor’s expertise.

References

Event Safety Alliance. (2013). The event safety guide (version 1.1). ESA. https://eventsafetyalliance.org

National Fire Protection Association. (2011). NFPA 1126: Standard for the use of pyrotechnics before a proximate audience. NFPA.

National Fire Protection Association. (2014). NFPA 1123: Code for fireworks display. NFPA.

National Fire Protection Association. (2011). NFPA 160: Standard for the use of flame effects before an audience. NFPA.

U.S. Department of Transportation. (n.d.). 49 CFR Parts 171-177: Hazardous materials regulations. USDOT.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. (n.d.). 27 CFR Part 555: Commerce in explosives. ATF. https://www.atf.gov