While safety is a top priority for all fireworks shows, it is even more crucial for indoor pyrotechnic displays. Major incidents have occurred even with big-name touring bands, including a devastating fire at a Great White concert in 2003 and severe injuries sustained by Metallica frontman James Hetfield in 1992. The key to safe indoor pyrotechnics is a solid and carefully executed plan. From the American Pyrotechnics Association, here is what you need to do. Keep in mind that your city, county, or state may have additional requirements.
Pre-Production
Before you start planning your indoor fireworks show, check into all applicable laws and file the necessary paperwork. Apply for insurance and make contact with your chosen venue. Then develop a detailed show plan that explains every single effect you will use, in the order you will use them. Draw up specifications for installed effects, and for a safe launch area for all effects. Then create a written overview that explains how you will safely transport, store, and use each pyrotechnic. Write up a safety and security plan as well.
Site Inspection
The next step is to visit the venue of your choice. Confirm, in writing, the venue’s consent to indoor pyrotechnics, as well as whether you or the venue will obtain needed permits. Verify measurements for your launch area and installed effects area, and ensure that no flammable materials lie within your perimeter.
Document the venue’s compliance with prevailing fire safety regulations, as well as the current condition and operation of the HVAC system. Make sure that everyone involved with the show is familiar with the location and operation of the HVAC controls, as well as the venue’s fire suppression equipment.
With the venue, develop a crowd control and security plan, and emergency evacuation procedures. Write up a show management plan and have the venue sign off on it. Determine where pyrotechnics will be stored at the venue, and ensure that the chosen location meets prevailing local requirements. Determine personal protective equipment needs for pyrotechnicians and anyone else involved onstage or backstage during your show.
Production Meeting
Hold a production meeting with your team and select representatives from the venue. Review and refine every plan you have made. Assign specific personnel to specific positions. Determine whether the HVAC system or fire suppression system will need to be adjusted for the performance, and assign someone to man that position. Assign responsibility for hazard communications, and establish lines of sight and other communication channels. Schedule the rehearsal and performance, and ensure that everyone will have the personal protective equipment that they need.
Walk-Through
Once the show is installed, it is absolutely critical to do a final walk-through before lighting a single pyrotechnic. Re-verify your installation plan, making sure that all measurements are accurate. Ensure that every single effect is rated for indoor/proximate use, and that all guidelines are followed for each type of effect, regarding separation of the effects from the audience.
Verify that backstage/work areas have a physical barrier to prevent unauthorized entry, as well as all required signage. Ensure that all HVAC and fire suppression systems are adjusted as required, and that you have easy access to at least two approved water-based fire extinguishers. Double-check the pyro firing systems, and verify sight lines for pyro operators. Be sure that all personal protective equipment is in place, and that personnel is aware of how to use it.
Rehearsal and Performance
For both rehearsal and performance displays, you must perform a last-minute walkthrough. Hold a safety briefing with all participants, and then visually confirm that all equipment and firing systems are normal. Place spotters as needed and confirm sight lines. Ensure that all communication devices are working properly, and that each person knows who to contact in the event of an emergency or simple irregularity.
Throughout the rehearsal or show, maintain audience separation, continue to confirm communications, and observe every effect for abnormal operations. Always err on the side of caution, halting the show if potentially dangerous effects occur.
Post-Performance
After the show, confirm that all spent effects fired properly, and thoroughly douse any misfires. Return unused effects to safe storage or package them for proper shipping. Confirm the integrity of fallout zones and return any deactivated systems to normal operations. Complete a post-show report and file it with your jurisdiction, if required.
At Dynamite Fireworks, we don’t only sell top-quality, name-brand fireworks. We also provide the information you need to know to use them responsibly, legally, and safely. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at (219) 937-4090. We look forward to becoming your one-stop shop for all your fireworks needs!