 |
Pyrotechnics
|
|
What's involved with planning and producing a fireworks
display? Much more than the average observer thinks!
We begin with the client. We work together to determine
the tone for the evening, discussing noise, color and how they relate to the
theme. Do they want patriotism, joy, humor, or to cover a broad range of
emotions? Once we begin the process of picking shells and
other display items. These items are entered into a customized database.
We artistically visualize the place for each shell or display item. We can shoot
varying styles, scenarios in color and activity, and create actual scenes in the
sky, matching each shell or display item to the mood.
Shows can take one to seven days to set up, depending
upon size and design complexity. A small show can be effectively setup and
fired with a crew of 3 people. Large events can have as many as 50 people
involved with preparation. Success at any show means paying attention to setup
details. To set specific angles on mortars to assure correct display
patterns in the sky. The result of this extra, and often time consuming, process
can be seen with the graceful performance of comets and display Roman Candles,
and multiple shots of aerial shells.
Firing system connector rails are put out and control
wires are run. We then load the shells, double checking their position as we
go.
The staff continues to check the
site and prepares for the show performance. Clean up is as important as the show, and we do not leave
the site until the entire drop area has been cleaned of any possibly unfired
material. The safety measures in clean-up are as carefully controlled as during
the shoot.
If you would like to know more about how fireworks can
become an integral part of your next celebration, corporate event or
wedding, reserve a show by emailing
us See an amateur MySpace Video of a show done for the city of Lake Dallas, Texas July 4th 2008 with the link below. http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=37964274
SAFETY FIRST!
Pyrotechnicians know how important safety is to their work. The precautions are many and necessary for a fun and safe production. No person who is acting in an irresponsible manner or appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs shall be allowed to handle or discharge any fireworks. Only Crew Members, or persons escorted by Crew Members, shall be permitted in any of the firing areas. Any persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. (All decisions shall be left to the discretion of the Shoot Boss). Smoking or open flames, other than devices used to ignite fireworks, shall not be permitted in the firing areas. Smoking may be allowed in other areas specifically designated by the Safety Committee. Only flashlights, electric lights, or approved means of illumination* shall be used at firing sites, except that fusees, or other approved means of ignition may be used by the pyrotechnist at a mortar line. (* Some chemical devices may be approved, such as Cyalume™ Light Sticks) A first aid kit shall be present at all times in the Class B/1.3G and Class C/1.4G areas. An adequate supply of portable water shall be available at all firing sites to be used for flooding mortars, extinguishing fires, or other needs. Mortar cleaning tools shall be provided and only be used to remove excess debris from mortars. After delivery to the firing sites, fireworks shall not be left unattended. The inside diameter of the mortar, rather than circumference measurements shall be used when describing shells and mortar sizes. Persons bringing boxes, bags, or containers into the area shall also remove them. Shooters shall leave no garbage. No live material shall be placed in any trash container. All mortars to be used for repeated hand firing shall be buried at least three-quarters of their length in earth or sand that is free of hazardous debris. Dry grass or combustible materials located beneath ground display pieces shall be wet down before the display if they are a potential fire hazard. Poles and other bracing used for ground pieces shall be firmly placed, guyed, or otherwise secured to prevent accidental displacement prior to or during the functioning of the ground piece. Guy wires and stakes used to support ground pieces shall be marked with colored tape or ribbons to prevent personnel from becoming entangled. All personnel shall wear protective clothing and utilize any safety equipment deemed appropriate by the Safety Committee. Safety glasses and hard hats shall be worn by all shooters at the Class B/1.3G shoot lines. Personnel at the shooting sites shall closely observe the firing in order to detect and maintain an accurate count and location of misfires and duds. After the shooting for the night, all firing lines and fallout areas shall be inspected in order to locate and retrieve hazardous materials. After securing the grounds for the night, Members of the Safety Committee or their appointees shall again inspect the firing sites and fallout areas for any remaining materials.
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|