User manual GRADAV PYROTECHNICS ON STAGE

[. . . ] Always use the manufacturer's hardware when detonating pyrotechnics. Only people aged 18 or over should handle or fire Pyrotechnics. INDEX 1 2 3 Foreword Index Glossary Terms used in this guide 4 Hardware Pictures and loading information 6 Storage Safe storage arrangements 6 Outdoor Testing Assessing Pyrotechnics 7 Layout Designing the System layout 8 Rigging How to assemble the System 9 Loading Procedures for loading pyrotechnics 10 Instruction Passing on information to cast and crew 11 Operation Firing procedure 11 Mis-Fire What to do in the case of a mis-fire GLOSSARY For clarity we have adopted the following terms for use in this guide. The hardware used to hold and/or connect the Effect Where the detonator is sited. The control box used to fire the Effect The person responsible for loading the Effect 3 HARDWARE (left to right) 6-way Detonator, Angled Flash Box, Standard Flashbox and 2-way Detonator DETONATOR . [. . . ] All should be stored in their original packaging, with lid closed. It is always good practice to restrict access to stocks to those directly concerned. If the storage container is secured inside another - a cupboard perhaps - then the outside of this container should be marked to show the contents include explosives. . OUTDOOR TESTING Before you use an for the first time, it is best to conduct an outdoor test. Use these observations when determining the size and shape of the Take all the safety precautions as detailed elsewhere in this guide. Only people aged 18 or over should handle or fire Pyrotechnics. 6 LAYOUT Visibility It is most important that the of the system has a clear line of sight to all the . Where the is placed at the rear of the Audience, perhaps in a control room or with the lighting or sound control, it is very difficult for the to judge that the cast are . sufficiently upstage (or downstage) of the Often Bomb Tanks are sited away from the stage, and line-of-site operation is not possible from the used for other . Indeed whenever you cannot have case, with line-of-sight from the extra from one you should use extra line-of-site operation of all the . Safety Zones It is generally agreed that a centred on the be adopted. The construction of the Set and the nature of may be reduced between the the should be considered when planning the placement of the . Product Safety Data Sheets are provided in each box of by the manufacturer (Le Maitre). Use this information when planning the ideally in conjunction with outdoor testing as described in the previous section. The trajectory of each projectile needs to be considered, for it is almost inevitable that the needs to be extended. It is not unknown for the blast to dislodge tiles in suspended ceilings. Remember to apply the safety zones to anyone in the pit. Cable Runs It is as easy to trip over pyrotechnic control cable as cable performing any other task!We recommend that the Loader disconnect the cable away from the , and reconnect after loading. Provision of cable breaks in accessible places may affect the cable run(s). Negotiation If the Director's requirements cannot be met without compromising safety, then you must discuss matters with the Director. You may be able to change moves, make alterations to the Set or re-site the so that you provide the effects required without lowering safety. Never agree to fire unless you are satisfied that it is safe to do so. 7 RIGGING Do not start to rig until you have carefully planned what you are going to do. Never use tie-lines or ways in multi-core cables for control cable purposes. Do not install any until the whole system has been connected together, and only then may loading take place. [. . . ] are fired are Pay particular attention to ensuring that anyone on-stage when the well briefed. It may be that rehearsals to clarify these matters would be worthwhile. Before handling, loading or firing ensure that everyone directly involved has read, and understood, this guide. It is important that they also understand that this guide is not exhaustive and that they should always exercise caution where the pyrotechnics system are concerned. [. . . ]