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Hi, just thought I’d say hello seeing as how I’m the new guy, and that’s new to pyrotechnics as well as to this forum, so apologies now if I ask any really daft questions. I joined the forum as I am desperately trying to get some info on the legal and safety aspects of using pyrotechnics in re-enactment, ‘Oh no’ you all say not another re enactor who wants to blow things up, well not really but I have been asked to look into the possibility of using pyrotechnics in the future.
I am a member of a well respected and established world war two re enactment group called the UK Home front which surprise surprise re enacts life on the home front, as part of our displays we use scenarios including an air raid which would be much enhanced by the use of Pyrotechnics, this has been done in the past using manually fired smoke and thunder flashes although this has always been done in a rather haphazard way without proper risk assessment etc which is not something I want to get involved in, however I feel that if done properly then this would be a great asset for the group and entertaining for the public.
I have started looking into pyrotechnics and trying to build up some knowledge about the use of electrically fired pyrotechnics as used in theatrical work, nothing too grand just some smoke and a bit of noise, the electrical side is not an issues as I am a qualified electrical engineer with 25yrs experience, including work in explosive areas so I’m well aware of issues around static build up, interlocks and shunts and intrinsically safe test equipment etc etc . I also have a great deal of experience of health and safety and risk assessments from my time working in the armed forces and within the cosmetics industry, lots of acetone and other flammable liquids and explosive atmospheres so I have a really healthy respect for things that can go bang, .
However trying to find out the legal position for someone who wishes to purchase, store or use such pyrotechnics appears to be a bit of a minefield, I have contacted the health and safety executive whose reply was vague at best, I have also contacted the local fire brigade ref storage of pyro’s and they will be getting back to me shortly, I will also be getting in touch with the local police to see what needs to be done from their side of things, however everyone I speak to seems to be unsure of the legal position so I wondered if anyone could provide any advice or info on their own experiences etc , to sum things up ‘what do I need to do to buy, store and use legally (and safely) 3 or 4 pyrotechnic articles at a time from a reputable dealer for use in re enactment displays’
This first post ended up a little longer than I planned but what the hell you guys seem to be the only people who know what they re talking about so I may as well go ahead and ask, I’m open to any comments advice or criticisms so please don’t hesitate to post back cheers, Wulfgar
PS if there’s a more appropriate place for this post could someone move it there cheers
