Before this can happen
there is a great deal of planning
and hard work ahead.
The Licensed
Supervisor
is responsible for
overseeing the details and execution of the display, sign the
paperwork required to place orders for Display fireworks and be present on the site.
The Supervisor
generally assists in...
Selecting the site
Purchasing the Fireworks
Selecting the Product
Planning the display
Site set-up
Firing the display
Site clean-up
Selecting
A Site
The Explosives
Regulatory Division Canada has specific guidelines which must be adhered to at all times
when selecting a site for a display. when selecting a site also keep in mind that
you are presenting an entertainment. The line of view between the audience and the
display area should be as unobstructed as possible, ensuring the spectators have a clear
view of the display.
Product Selection
Select product which
will provide a variety of colour, effect, and height. If there are trees or other
obstructions between the firing area and the spectators, you could use product which will
gain considerable height and avoid low level and ground displays. You must also
ensure you have enough mortars and equipment to handle the product you purchase.
Designing
the Show
Many important
factors must be considered. Try to incorporate a mix of colour, sound, altitude and
action. Present a contrast between one item and the next. Timing is one of the
most important considerations in design. You must ensure that there is activity in
the sky at all times and yet time your shells so that the show isn't over too
quickly. It is a good idea to sketch a plan of firing sequences so that ignition
times and show duration can be determined.
The
Design Plan
Is used to set up
the display. A display can be fully set up in advance, or partially set up with a
reloading procedure occurring at the time of firing. We recommend that you fully set up
the display if at all possible. This will depend on availability of supplies and
equipment.
Site
Set-Up
Set up should take
several important factors into consideration including: the location and distance of
your audience, the weather conditions, the type of product you are firing, the
direction of the prevailing winds, the presence or absence of obstructions such as trees
or buildings, the site layout, and the firing sequence
Presenting
the Display
Timing is a key
factor in presenting a successful fireworks display. It is better to present a
short, intensive display filling the sky with excitement and beautiful effects than firing
off one shell at a time to get a longer display. Another important consideration is
equipment availability. If you are hand firing, you can reload the mortars
but, you must also ensure you have enough licensed people on hand to do the firing,
cleaning, and reloading necessary to keep the momentum of your display going.
When Firing the Show
All members of the
firing party should be aware of all emergency actions to be taken in the event of a
problem. The firing party should be properly clothed and totally familiar with the
site layout and firing sequences. The Supervisor and firing crew should pay close
attention to the fireworks as they ignite and perform. Shells that fail to ignite
must be handled with the utmost care and must be destroyed or returned to the supplier.
After the
Display is Over
After the display
has finished, the Supervisor must carefully inspect the site for any unsafe debris that
may be found. A second inspection should be carried out at first light the following
morning to ensure nothing was missed the previous night. A careful inspection of
the firing site and surrounding area must be completed. All hazardous materials
must be collected, destroyed or returned to the supplier.
The first and foremost
concern of the Supervisor handling
high hazard explosives is the safety of everyone at the display.
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