Aerial Shells A fireworks device designed to be launched
into the air for use in a fireworks display.
Aerial Shell A cartridge containing pyrotechnic composition,
a burst charge, and an internal time fuse or module that is propelled into the air
from a mortar.
Assistant A person who works under the supervision of
the pyrotechnic operator.
Fireworks Association Trade association for the fireworks
industry.
ATF Please See Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Barge Water vessel from which fireworks are discharged.
Barrage A rapidly fired sequence of aerial fireworks.
Battery A collection of fireworks devices, such as a
group of mortars (finale battery) or a bundle of roman candles (candle battery,)
fused together in such a manner that they are fired within a short period of time.
Black Match A fuse made from string that is impregnated
with Black Powder.
Black Powder Material found in fireworks. This material
can be used as a propellant charge, to produce sound, as a constituent of other
compositions, or in the ignition fuse or timing system of fireworks. Also known
as gun powder.
Bouquet Fountains fired in groups.Break An individual
burst from an aerial shell, generally producing either a visual effect (stars) or
noise (salute).
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Federal
agency which regulates the licensing and storage of display fireworks. This agency
monitors the importation, manufacture, distribution, and storage of display fireworks.
Cake A chain-fused firework that propels a series of
aerial shell, comet or mine effects into the air from collectively attached tubes.
Chain Fusing A series of two or more aerial shells fused
to fire in sequence from a single ignition.
Chemical Composition All pyrotechnic and explosive composition
contained in a fireworks device. Inert materials (such as clay used for plugs or
organic matter used for density) are not considered to be part of chemical composition.
Comet A pellet of composition which is propelled from
a mortar or shell and produces a long tailed effect. Large comets are constructed
much like aerial display shells, with attached lift charge ready for loading into
mortars.
Consumer Fireworks Fireworks those are intended for
use by the consumer. The permitted usage of consumer fireworks varies by state.
Examples are fountains, cones, and firecrackers.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Federal agency
which regulates consumer fireworks.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal agency which
controls the transport of all hazardous materials including fireworks. This organization
also assigns all legal commercial fireworks with an EX Number.
Discharge Site The area immediately surrounding the
fireworks mortars used for an outdoor fireworks display.
Display Fireworks (formerly known as special fireworks)
Large fireworks articles designed to produce visible or audible effects for entertainment
purposes by combustion, deflagration, or detonation.
Display Site The immediate area where a fireworks display
is conducted, including the discharge site, the fallout area, and the required separation
distance from mortars to spectator viewing areas, but not spectator viewing areas
or vehicle parking areas.
Dud Any device in which the fuse or igniter fails to
ignite the main pyrotechnic charge. The term, dud, is reported to have originated
as an acronym for dangerous unexploded device.
Electrical Firing Unit A device that provides and controls
the electric current used to ignite fireworks during a display.
Electrical Firing Unit, Automatic A panel or box that
operates automatically to provide the source of electric current used to ignite
electric matches.
Electrical Firing Unit, Handheld A small, handheld unit
with manually operated switches that control the flow of electric current to electric
matches attached to fireworks devices.
Electrical Firing Unit, Manual A panel or box with manually
operated switches that control the flow of electric current to electric matches
attached to fireworks devices.
Electrical Ignition A technique used to ignite fireworks
using a source of electric current.
Electric Match An electric device that contains a small
amount of pyrotechnic material that ignites when current flows through the device.
Explosive (Regulatory Definitions)
ATF Any chemical compound, mixture, or device with the
primary or common purpose being to function by explosion. The term includes, but
is not limited to: dynamite, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives,
detonators, safety fuses, electric matches, detonating cords, igniter cords, and
igniters.
Explosive (Technical Definition) Any material that is
capable of undergoing a self-contained and self-sustained exothermic chemical reaction
at a rate that is sufficient to produce substantial pressures on their surroundings,
thus causing physical damage. Explosives fall into 2 classes, detonating and deflagerating.
Explosive Composition Any chemical compound or mixture,
the primary purpose of which is to function by explosion, producing an audible effect.
Fallout Area The designated area in which hazardous
debris is intended to fall after a pyrotechnic device is fired.
Finale A rapidly fired sequence (barrage) of aerial
fireworks, typically fired at the end of a display.
Fire (verb) To ignite pyrotechnics by using an electric
match, electrical current, or some other means.
Firing Technician Individual who actually ignites fireworks
devices at a show.
Fireworks Any composition or device for the purpose
of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation,
and that meets the definition of consumer fireworks or display fireworks.
Fireworks Display A presentation of fireworks for a
public or private gathering.
Fusee A highway distress flare, sometimes used to ignite
fireworks at outdoor fireworks displays.
Flash Powder Mixtures which contain powdered aluminum
or a magnesium/aluminum alloy which, when ignited, can result in a violent explosion
and flash.
Fountain or Anars Device that projects a spray of sparks.
Gerb Small fountain sometimes used with lance-work set
pieces.
Girandola Special wheel which rises rapidly in the air
while emitting a spray of sparks and, sometimes, a whistle.
Ground Display Piece A pyrotechnic device that functions
on the ground (as opposed to an aerial shell that functions in the air) and that
includes fountains, wheels, and set pieces.
Gun Powder See Black Powder
Hangfire A fuse or pyrotechnic ignition composition
which continues to glow or burn slowly instead of burning at its normal speed. Such
a fuse may suddenly resume burning at its normal rate after a long delay. If the
hangfire goes completely out (is extinguished), it is termed a misfire.
Hazardous Debris Any debris produced or expelled by
the functioning of a pyrotechnic device that is capable of causing personal injury
or unpredicted property damage.
High Level Fireworks Devices propelled into the air,
usually aerial shells.
Igniter Also known as an electric match. A device used
for the electrical ignition of fireworks and pyrotechnic articles.
Instantaneous Fuse Also known as Quickmatch. Black match
that is encased in a loose-fitting paper or plastic sheath to make it burn extremely
rapidly. Quickmatch is used for aerial shells and simultaneous ignition of a number
of pyrotechnic devices such as lances in a ground display piece.
Labels All legal consumer explosives have mandatory
labeling requirements. Included on these labels should be the manufacturer's name
and address, cautions, and directions for use.
Lance A thin cardboard tube packed with color-producing
pyrotechnic composition used to construct ground display pieces.
Lift Charge The composition that propels (lifts) the
pyrotechnic device into the air.
Loader(s) An assistant(s) who loads or reloads aerial
shells, comets, or mines into mortars.
Low Level Fireworks (Also Ground-to-Air Fireworks) Any
of a class of fireworks devices that either perform below approximately 200 feet
(60 m) or begin their display at ground level and rise to complete their effect.
Some examples of low level fireworks are comets, mines, roman candles, and many
consumer fireworks.
Manual Ignition A technique used to ignite fireworks
using a handheld ignition source such as a fusee or portfire.
Mine A device containing multiple pyrotechnic effects
that are simultaneously ignited and dispersed into the air from mortar or tube.
Monitor The individual at a fireworks display responsible
for observing the perimeter of the firing site and insuring that security personnel
or barriers keep spectators at a safe distance. Usually provided by the organization
sponsoring the event.
Mortar A tube from which certain aerial devices are
fired into the air.
Mortar Rack Sturdy wooden or metal frames used to support
mortars in an upright position usually above ground.
Mortar Trough Above ground structure filled with sand
or similar material into which mortars are positioned.
Novelty A device containing small amounts of pyrotechnic
and/or explosive composition but does not fall under the category of consumer fireworks.
Such devices produce limited visible or audible effects. Examples are snakes, tanks,
poppers, and snappers.
Operator The person with overall responsibility for
the operation and safety of a fireworks display. The operator is also responsible
for storing, setting up, and removing pyrotechnic materials or devices after a performance.
Placard Warning symbol of a square-on-point configuration
mounted on each side and each end of a truck, rail car, or freight container which
informs the public and emergency personnel of the hazardous nature of cargo.
Portfire A long tube containing slow-burning pyrotechnic
composition that is sometimes used to ignite fireworks at outdoor fireworks displays.
Proximate Audience An audience that is closer to pyrotechnic
devices than allowed by the Code for the Outdoor Display of Fireworks.
Pyrotechnic Device Any device containing pyrotechnic
materials and capable of producing a special effect.
Pyrotechnic Material A chemical mixture used in the entertainment
industry to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration, or detonation.
Pyrotechnic Special Effect A special effect created through
the use of pyrotechnic materials and devices.
Pyrotechnics Controlled exothermic chemical reactions that
are timed to create the effects of heat, gas, sound, dispersion of aerosols, emission
of visible electromagnetic radiation, or a combination of these effects to provide
the maximum effect from the least volume.
Quickmatch Also known as an Instantaneous Fuse. Black match
that is encased in a loose-fitting paper or plastic sheath to make it burn extremely
rapidly. Quick match is used for aerial shells and for simultaneous ignition of
a number of pyrotechnic devices, such as lances in a ground display piece.
Ready Box A storage container for aerial devices for use
during set-up and display.
Ready Box Tender Assistant who controls and dispenses the
contents of ready box(es) during a fireworks display.
Report A component of an aerial display shell or mine. A
report contains salute powder, a powerful pyrotechnic composition (usually flash
powder) which explodes violently, producing a loud noise with the visual effect
of a bright flash and smoke.
Roman Candle A chain-fused firework that propels a series
of aerial shell, comet or mine effects into the air from a single tube.
Safety Cap A tube, closed at one end that is placed over
the end of the fuse until intended ignition to protect it from damage and accidental
ignition.
Salute Fireworks designed to produce an explosive sound
as its primary effect.
Ground Salute A salute that functions from a stationary
or secured position.
Salute Powder A pyrotechnic composition that makes an explosive
sound when ignited and constitutes the sole pyrotechnic effect of a salute.
Set Piece A ground display such as lancework, wheels, gerbs,
fountains, and/or other devices, which function while on poles, frames, or other
structures, attached to the ground.
Site Plan Sketch or map of the fireworks display site or
of the area of a performance using pyrotechnic special effects.
Sponsor The organization (person, group, or government agency)
that arranges with a duly authorized fireworks supplier for its services in presenting
a fireworks display or in providing fireworks for use in a display.
Spotter A member of the fireworks display crew (either the
operator or an assistant) who observes the firing and bursting of aerial shells
and other display fireworks for the purpose of detecting proper mortar angling,
noting the occurrence of duds, and observing for other potentially hazardous situations.
Stars Fireworks materials that are compressed into small
cubes or round pellets.
Supply Tender Individual at a fireworks display who controls
all product. This person ensures that shells are dispersed only as they are needed.
Theatrical Pyrotechnics Pyrotechnic devices for professional
use in the entertainment industry. Similar to consumer fireworks in chemical composition
and construction but not intended for consumer use.
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