11 replies to this topic

[tonyboyle]

Can anyone give me a little advice or direct me to it.

I am a member of a re-enactment group which does have a public liability insurance - to a degree - it's not all singing dancing etc.

I have recently introduced the use of small pyrotechnic 'bangs' into a scenario I use. I use Maroons to do this, either nos. 5, 7 or 9 maximum. I have risk assessed this and have what I consider very stringent safety precautions in place. As many of you will be aware these are easily available online from UK companies that have no mention of licence requirements to buy them or use them.

However I have had no formal training, don't have a pyrotechincs licence etc.

Can anyone tell me if the use of these maroons in a public display requires a licence? If not at what stage does a pyrotechnic licence become necessary?

Thanks<BR clear=all>

[digger]

Good question

The short answer is no. However your insurance company should be made aware of what you are doing so that they can properly assess the risk.

They will probably require you to have some form of official training for them to provide cover.

You may also want to consider having a local authority registered or licensed store for keeping live items in.

D

Edited by digger, 04 June 2012 - 06:01 PM.

[Arthur Brown]

For articles pyrotechnic there is currently no licence available or needed in the UK. Possibly the most relevant training in the Assn Stage Pyrotechnicians course http://www.stage-pyr....php?readmore=5 is the list of the next few courses. Some devices -as yet ill defined- possibly including the bigger maroons will get classified as T2 or P2 devices so proof of training and proof of insurance should be shown to purchase them.

Probably the best thing about doing a training course is that insurance companies like to have confirmation of training and competence that they can see.

SO IMO do the ASP course -it's one day and has a certificate and it's usually a fair price.
Remember to tell the insurers clearly what you are doing, otherwise you are not covered.

[tonyboyle]

Thank you for your reply which makes sense.
I would really love to have the training and opportunity to expand knowledge and skills to do more. However as the group I am in does most of its displays for free or a minimal donation there is very little in the way of funds to send me on a training course.
I assume such a course would be highly comprehensive and take the level far beyond what I currently need. Is there any form of basic limited course to 'train' me in the correct usage of these Maroon type effects?

[tonyboyle]

Thanks Arthur,

Your post answered my second question and looks like the ideal compromise with a one day course. One issue is that I am based in Yorkshire and all the courses listed on the ASP site are in the south of England. Are there any 'up North'?

[Arthur Brown]

That link is constantly updated with course details -keep looking! There have been courses all over the UK certainly from Truro to Kent and Glasgow. Just that for the further areas there is less demand.

Perhaps the Society will run another SFX course ( ) Perhaps the Society will host a course by the ASP ( )

The BECTU SFX course is all HE and that involves a LOT more! For your current needs it's unnecessarily OTT and expensive

[exat808]

We have run courses for pyro users. They can be tailored to the needs of the individual. And we are in Yorkshire.
PM me for details.

[Pyro-centric]

If you can't get a formal training course(any time soon), I would suggest you meet someone with experience and make sure what you do IS safe. May be someone here who is close to you could help. I purchased a brand of card board maroon from a internet site for a similar thing to your need and when I contacted the manufacture for the MSDS (safety sheet), they got very bent out of shape and told me it was a cat 4 product and only for professional use. Although strangely enough they did not supply the info. I have used various devices on a pro and semi pro basis, but you can always learn some thing new and even when it is set correctly, may not work as you expect.

Edited by Pyro-centric, 05 June 2012 - 07:19 PM.

[martyn]

That's odd.
My understanding is that that category 4 (and 1,2,3) is used to categorise FIREWORKS.( UN 0333-0337 depending on H.T.)
Cats 1 - 4 are broadly - Indoor, garden, display, professional display
What you are talking about sounds like articles pyrotechnic which can not be allocated a firework category.
Could someone chirp up if that's not correct?

[Pyro-centric]

I can dig one out and give you the details off the label if you want. I still have 1 or 2 safely stored. That's what the manufacture said. Of course there was no warning of a possible problem on the supplying web site and not long after my run in with the maker, the web site stopped selling them.

[barnsley-mark]

1338834081[/url]' post='76910']
Thank you for your reply which makes sense.
I would really love to have the training and opportunity to expand knowledge and skills to do more. However as the group I am in does most of its displays for free or a minimal donation there is very little in the way of funds to send me on a training course.
I assume such a course would be highly comprehensive and take the level far beyond what I currently need. Is there any form of basic limited course to 'train' me in the correct usage of these Maroon type effects?

I recently went on the ASP pyro safety course, it's 1 day and cost me £150 plus vat, well worth the cost and the next one is 30th June in South Kirby, West Yorks. You don't need a licence or acquire and keep cert for articles pyrotechnic.I am also involved with a theatrical group so know where you are coming from.

[Arthur Brown]

The ASP currently has 3440 members and is the defacto standard for stage pyro, so please do the course. When you pass their forum opens you a member's log for your training and experience, this is useful for others to refer to for their confidence in your training and experience. http://www.stage-pyr...sp_register.php and try one or two. I'm hiding in plain view in there as are some other forum members here
Liase with Exat for a course in your area specifically including your scenario -maroons outdoors. Add other training and FAW etc to your ASP log. Be certain that one of your certificates says T2 and P2 devices as some items may become x2 rated in the near future.

Edited by Arthur Brown, 07 June 2012 - 09:42 PM.