Mortars are the essential piece of equipment
for firing high level fireworks. Mortars are tubes from which aerial shells are
launched. The material they are made of is an important factor in safe firing.
Mortar materials and their characteristics are listed below.
FRE - Fibre-reinforced epoxy -
These are very strong with a low risk of fragmentation and can be used for all shells.
HDPE - High-density polyethylene -
These are strong with a moderate to low risk of fragmentation and can be used for all
shells.
Schedule 40 Steel - Very
strong. Heavy.
Sheet Steel - No longer
manufactured in Canada. Prohibited.
ABS and PVC - Liable to fracture
with high risk of fragmentation. Prohibited.
The minimum distances for spectators and
fallout (see Chapter 3 Table 1 of the manual - or "Distance Specifications" on
this site) apply only when mortars are properly positioned in on of the following ways:
Single Mortars
- Buried with 1/2 to 2/3 of their length in the ground, sand or earth, or placed
in sandboxes or large drums.
- Maintain at least 1 m between any mortars over 155mm (6") and all other single
mortars or racked mortars.
- Maintain at least 30cm (1 foot) between mortars and from all mortars to the outside
walls of the sandbox or drum.
- If reloading, group mortars of the same size together.
