2 replies to this topic

[Greg T]

Afternoon all!

I am new to these forums and to pyrotechnics.

I enjoyed watching fireworks from a very early age, and as a result of my enthusiasm for fireworks our November 5th celebrations seem to get bigger and bigger each year!

I attended a training session with Shellscape Pyrotechnics Ltd. last Summer which taught the basics re firing techniques and safety. It also briefly introduced me to the world of cat. 4 fireworks (ie. how mortars work etc.) and also to the different types of fusing available on the market.

Since then, I have been very eager to create my own dazzling effects (perhaps starting on fountains and then working my way up to more complex/ demanding projects such as roman candles/ shells etc.).
I have bought Tom Peregrin's 'Introductory Practical Pyrotechnics' which I have found extremely interesting and, more to the point, very safety conscious (which is probably a good thing seeing as I am a complete beginner).

But, before I go any further and spend all my savings on ball mills, chemicals and other pyro equipment, I would like to know if anyone has ever written to their local council in order to inform them of their pyrotechnic ambitions and to seek the council's approval. I would never forgive myself if, after buying all the necessary equipment and starting out on my first project, I was given a visit by the local police in order to check why I had been buying chemicals, to rob me of all my equipment and, worst still, to throw me into a cell for the next X years.

By communicating with the council, do you think I will just be attracting unnecessary amounts of attention towards my doorstep, or will it be beneficial?

I have read all other advice for beginners that has been shared on the forum and have found it all very useful.

So - should I go ahead and dive into the pyrotechnic abyss? Or should I stay on the right side of the law to ensure that I do not end up T. Blair's list of wanted terrorists?

Have a good weekend all!!


Greg T

[Richard H]

I'm afraid the council are not the people you want to talk to. In the UK it is the HSE that regulates explosives manufacture. At present we are working on a draft proposal to the HSE and have already made some contact with them. We want there to be legal recognition of pyrotechny as a hobby, as well as an industry.

You can make small experimental amounts of composition at present, and there has been much discussion on the forum about this (See legislation forum).

[BigG]

I'm afraid the council are not the people you want to talk to. In the UK it is the HSE that regulates explosives manufacture. At present we are working on a draft proposal to the HSE and have already made some contact with them. We want there to be legal recognition of pyrotechny as a hobby, as well as an industry.

You can make small experimental amounts of composition at present, and there has been much discussion on the forum about this (See legislation forum).

Just to point out you are not completely off track. Once you get an HSE approval (which is costly, by the hour ? and takes long time. They are also not likely to agree to it unless you show some good background on the subject and come with recommendation of an established person), then you do need to go to your council and get your ?factory? to be approved for explosive manufacture. This is how it is at the moment, and if you live in an urban area, expect a major objection from all neighbour in an 20 miles radius J. Of course, if you live in Kimbolton then you can expect much easier life ? they are used to fireworks.

As a part of our dealing with the HSE, we hope the result will be an easier and more straightforward procedure. I would wait for some time to get this dream come true. In the meanwhile, you can experiment with small quantities. Please read and post any more question in the existing thread (pinned an the top of UK pyrotechnic).