What to Know Your First Fireworks Show
Fireworks Show Safety Gear
Safety First
– Do NOT touch explosives until instructed to do so by the licensed pyrotechnic operator in charge.
– Do NOT drop, slide, or hit (to open) the fireworks boxes.
– Load shells furthest from you first, so that you don’t have to place any part of your body over a loaded mortar to reach your next shell. DO NOT place any part of your body overloaded mortars.
– No Smoking or open flames within 100 feet of any live product.
– No one under 18 is allowed in the firing zone during setup or show.
– No horseplay and wear non-synthetic clothing (i.e. cotton)
– The pyrotechnic operator in charge can decide NOT to fire a display if he/she believes it is not safe to fire a show. These reasons could include, but are not limited to, high winds, an unsecured firing zone, your customer asking for a change to the show that you believe to be unsafe
– Show up on time, so that you do not miss the safety briefing.
– When the show starts crew must have all safety gear on, which includes a hard hat, working gloves, black long-sleeve sweater/long pants (non-synthetic, i.e. cotton), closed-toe shoes, safety glasses, ear plugs (when hand firing, otherwise optional)
– After the show, do not approach mortars for at least 30 min. Wait until the operator in charge has cleared them and gives the “all clear.”
– If you’re unsure about ANYTHING, ASK before you do it!
Some Pyro Definitions
Call Time: The operator designated time in which the crew meets at the show site for setup.
Strike: Refers to the breakdown and cleanup after the display.
Product: Refers to the fireworks and/or live explosives.
Supplies and Gear
Please pay attention to ALL of the items on this list. The items listed as “MUST” you must have when you come out to work a show. Even if it doesn’t say “MUST,” you should still strongly consider bringing it. Most of the items on this page are described in detail in our pyro tools section of the website, so read up if you need clarification before purchasing any of them.
Supplies and gear that is to be provided by you:
1. MUST have a Claw Hammer
2. MUST have a long sleeve sweater (Black or Dark Blue, need only be worn during the show for safety)
3. MUST have long non-synthetic pants (i.e. jeans or BDUs are acceptable. Black or Dark Blue. These only need to be worn during the show for safety.)
4. MUST have closed-toe shoes
5. MUST have a driver’s license or a valid government-issued picture ID with your birthday on it
Training Videos!
Your First Fireworks Show
Fireworks Show Safety Gear
6. MUST have End Cutters (a.k.a. end cutting “nippers”)
7. MUST have a flashlight
8. MUST have your own working gloves
9. MUST have your own safety glasses
11. MUST have a Hard Hat, black preferred (can get a black one here)
12. Chair
13. Pyro Spectaculars Shirt
14. Cordless drill
15. Roll of masking tape
16. Sun Block
17. Sharpie Marker
18. Pen
The operator in charge will usually supply:
1. Snacks
2. Water
3. Meals
4. Everything else needed
Appearance and Demeanor
A professional appearance and attitude is mandatory. Remember that our first priority is to put on a professional fireworks display, you will have fun, but just remember to be professional and safe when doing so. During the day, it is acceptable to wear whatever you want for pants or shorts. It is preferred for you to wear a Pyro Spectaculars shirt (if you have one, and pending weather of course). At night during the show, you must have your black attire (a.k.a. show blacks) on. This includes your black pants and black long-sleeve shirt/sweater. The reasoning behind your black attire is not to stick out in the background during the show, and to give a uniform look when in view of the public (such as infield stadium shows). This helps keep the mystery behind a professional fireworks display. During the day you will probably get pretty dirty as well, so keep this in mind.
You will most likely be dealing with the public, sponsor, fire inspector, or even the media at one point or another, and must be extremely professional when doing so. You are representing yourself, the operator in charge, and the pyro company.
Being part of the display crew is a privilege and not a right, so if you are unable to follow these simple guidelines, you will not be asked back for another show. Pyrotechnics is the most regulated industry in the USA. It is always under extreme scrutiny, so we must do our best to give off a professional appearance and demeanor.