Stage and film pyrotechnics are extremely similar to backyard and professional fireworks displays, with one crucial difference: they are often launched in close proximity to actors, crew members, and the audience. They may even be launched indoors. There have been some major incidents over the years, such as a pyrotechnics-caused fire at a 2003 Great White concert and Metallica frontman James Hetfield’s serious pyrotechnics injuries in 1992. To help prevent these disasters, the American Pyrotechnics Association has released a Proximate Pyrotechnics Checklist. Note that your state or local area may have addition safety requirements.
Pre-Production
The very first step is to learn the applicable laws and file for permits. Talk to your venue about the show and apply for insurance. Then draft a detailed show plan. This should explain every effect in detail, in the order they will be presented. You must also write up specifications for effects that must be installed, and design a safe launch space. Write an in-depth plan for the safe transportation, storage, and use of each effect, as well as a safety plan for protecting everyone who is nearby.
Site Inspection
Next, conduct a site inspection for your chosen venue. Get the venue to sign off, in writing, on your show plan, and confirm whether any additional permits are needed and, if so, who will obtain them. Double-check the measurements for your installed effects locations and your launch area, and visually inspect for any flammable materials that are within your safety perimeter.
Document the venue’s existing fire safety regulation compliance and the current condition of the HVAC system. Verify that everyone who will work on the show knows how to operate the HVAC system and fire suppression equipment.
Work with the venue to create a show management plan that includes security, crowd control, and emergency evacuation procedures. Both you and the venue need to sign off on this plan. Decide where to store pyrotechnics at the venue, and make sure that all local requirements for pyro storage are met. Determine what personal protective equipment is appropriate, and which crew members and/or performers should use it.
Production Meeting
With all of your written plans in place and approved by your venue, hold a production meeting with your team and at least one representative from the venue to review and refine your plans. Assign each team member to a specific position. Determine whether the fire suppression system or HVAC system needs to be adjusted, and assign someone to that position. Personnel should also be assigned to hazard communications, and multiple communication channels, including line of site, should be established. Schedule a walk-through and a rehearsal, and double-check that each person is assigned appropriate personal protective equipment.
Walk-Through
After the show is installed, perform a final walk-through with key members of your team and representatives from the venue. With your installation plan in hand, double-check all measurements. Look at each effect in detail to ensure that it is rated for proximate indoor use and that all guidelines are followed.
Make sure that there is relevant signage as well as a physical barrier to stop unauthorized entry into backstage areas. Adjust the HVAC and fire suppression systems as needed, and visually confirm that at least two approved, water-based fire extinguishers are within easy reach. Verify sight lines, and double-check both the pyro firing systems and all personal protective equipment. Verbally confirm with relevant personnel that they understand how to use their assigned personal protective equipment.
Rehearsal and Performance
Conduct a final walk-through just before each rehearsal and performance. Host a safety briefing and visually inspect all equipment and firing systems. Place spotters and confirm sight lines. Check all communication devices for normal operation, and verbally confirm that each person knows who to contact in the event of an irregularity.
During each rehearsal and performance, periodically confirm communications. Keep all observers outside the perimeter, and watch every effect for any unusual operations. Halt the show if any potentially dangerous signs are observed.
Post-Performance
After the show, thoroughly douse any misfires or duds. Confirm that all spent effects properly fired, and douse any that are still warm. Return any unused effects to safe storage, or pack them for shipping. Confirm that there is no damage to fallout zones, and return the fire suppression and HVAC systems to normal operations. If required, fill out a post-show report and file it with your local officials.
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!