The following NFPA standards shall apply to the use of pyrotechnics in the performing arts in conjunction with theatrical, musical or similar productions before a proximate audience, performers or support personnel. The following NFPA standards also provide requirements for the protection of property operators, performers, support personnel and the viewing audiences where flame effects are used indoors or outdoors. The purpose of this standard is to provide minimum requirements to the operation and manufacturers for safe operation of flame effects.
The circumstances of each show or attraction can be unique and can require individual evaluation when determining the need for protective systems. Approval of all equipment, installation, operations or procedures and the need for protective systems or measures will be with the local authority having jurisdiction. (The Fire Marshal’s Office)
The following standards and codes will be used to determine if all requirements are being met.
North Carolina Building Code Fire Prevention | |
Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers | (NFPA 10) |
Life Safety Code | (NFPA 101) |
Flame Effects Before an Audience | (NFPA 160) |
Explosive Materials Code | (NFPA 495) |
Code for Model Rocketry | (NFPA 1122) |
Code For Fireworks Display | (NFPA 1123) |
Code for Manufacture, Transportation and Storage Fireworks/Pyrotechnic | (NFPA 1124) |
Code for the Manufacture of Model Rocket and High Power Rocket Motors | (NFPA 1125) |
Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience | (NFPA 1126) |
Code for High Power Rocketry | (NFPA 1127) |
Some other codes and standards that may be used are NFPA 30, 54, 55, 58, 59A and 430.
The above NFPA numbers or standards or subject to change as NFPA updates their listings.
The following information shall be made in writing and shall contain the following information for fireworks displays and flame effects displays:
1. The name of the person, group or organization sponsoring the production;
2. The dates and time of day of the production;
3. The name of the person actually in charge of firing the pyrotechnics;
4. The number, names and ages of all assistants who are to be present;
5. The qualifications of the pyrotechnic operator;
6. Copy of any applicable state and federal licenses held by the operator or assistance(s);
7. Copy of the permittee’s insurance carrier or financial responsibility;
8. The number and types of devices to be used;
9. A diagram of the grounds or facilities where the productions is to be held NFPA 1126 Chapter 4 4.3.2 (k);
10. The manner and place of storage of the pyrotechnic materials and devices;
11. The point of on-site assembly of pyrotechnic devices;
12. A material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the pyrotechnic material(s) to be used;
The information along with some of the above information will be needed when flame effects are being used indoors or outdoors:
13. The design criteria in NFPA 160 Appendix B;
14. The exact location of the production;
15. The flame effects classification;
16. A site plan showing the following:
(a) A narrative description of the flame effect;
(b) The location of flame effect devices to be fired and their controls and control sequence;
(c) The area affected by the flame effect device;
(d) The location of the audience;
(e) The fuels and their estimated consumption;
(f) Air for combustion and ventilation for indoor effects;
(g) Flammable material piping;
(h) Storage and holding areas and their capacities;
(i) Supplemental fire protection features;
(j) Means of egress;
(k) Documentation that combustible materials used for construction of the flame effects have been rendered flame retardant;
(l) Operating instructions shall be available to the authority having jurisdiction when flame effects are in use.
17. A walk-through and a representative demonstration of the pyrotechnics shall be approved by the authority having jurisdiction before a permit is approved; and
18. A walk-through and a representative demonstration of the flame effects shall be provided and shall be approved by the authority having jurisdiction before a permit is approved.
(Ord. O-02-08, passed 6-5-2008)