Getting Started with Pyros

[HolyPhish]

Hello

 

As part of a recent discussion at work we decided to look into using pyros as part of our stage act.

 

We would be using them on our outdoor stage and potentially in school/village halls.

 

However I know nothing of pyros and wondered if someone could give me a step by step guide on how to go about training and acquiring equipment.

 

ie:

 

1) Go on pyr-training-for-the-complete-novice training course

2) go on pyro-firing-and-handling-course

3) go to pyro-gear.com for approriate equipment

 

Having seen pyro's fired on my school stage productions I think I'm looking to fire things like a confetti bomb and vertical white flashes

 

Jst to reassure anyone who is concerned: I own no pyros, I have no pyros, I do not intend to let any pyros anywhere near me until I feel competent enough to deal with them. This is purely a line of enquiry to see how one goes about getting into the pyro business.

[scjb]

Have a look at the training course sticky for details of the next course (these are highly regarded). Go on the ASP website and don't be afraid to ask questions!

 

EDIT: Just noticed there are no current courses listed on the sticky. Don't worry, as soon as they are arranged, this is where they'll be announced first.

[Simon Lewis]

You are going about it the right way, but an obvious question to ask is, can you reasonably expect to use such effects in schools, village halls etc.?

 

Triggering smoke sensors is an occupational hazard (that won't endear you to the venue) and the cleaners will rue the day you were born if they find a venue full of confetti pieces that needs cleaning up ;-)

[HolyPhish]

The locations were put in more to help you guys understand what kinda locality I would be in.

 

Having spend a lot of my time on school productions sweeping the stage before and after shows I certainly appreciate having to clean up after using confetti and as we already use smoke I have to chat to venue managers about smoke detectors anyway.

[Project]

Ok I work in professional pyrotechnics and lighting as well so ill give you what advice I can:

 

1) Training - Stage Electrics an introductory course on stage pyrotechnics, might be worth your while trying that out. Failing that if you contact "JustFX" I think they run a course (and I think that they are in charge of the stage electrics course anyway). once you have taken one of thier courses they should have a programme of courses (or be able to advise you on a route to take)

 

2) Equipment - Unfortunately there is no real cheap way to get equipment. all I can advise is to save money and start off with a decent desk. my first desk was a Prostage 6 way firer (Le Maitre).

 

3) PPE safety - make sure you have flame resistant overalls, Safety glasses, gloves and ear plugs... make sure you are wearing no nylon as that is one of the worst things to have around pyro and/or fire

[Tim @ Stage Electrics]

Hi,

 

If it is of help, we (Stage Electrics) have a day course coming up at the Colston Hall in Bristol on the 17th of January.

 

You can read the course outline here: Click Here to visit the Stage Electrics Training Web Site Course Outline

 

I hope this helps.

 

Tim

[paulears]

3) PPE safety - make sure you have flame resistant overalls, Safety glasses, gloves and ear plugs... make sure you are wearing no nylon as that is one of the worst things to have around pyro and/or fire

 

I'm curious? How do you manage to replace cartridges wearing gloves? In all the years I've been doing it, nobody has ever suggested flame resistant overalls, and I've never been in a venue (including those with really tough H&S regimes) who wear them, or the glasses, or gloves? Is this a new directive issued by the manufacturers? I've not been notified of any changes - and to be honest, I think my own risk assessment would not find any of these necessary, indeed, if they are a requirement to be near pyros, (which they're not), the the cast would also need the same protection - would they not?

 

Firework displays of course - but stage pyros?

[pshughes]

Firework displays of course - but stage pyros?

 

I think your hammer has squarely struck a galvanised felt-pin.

 

It's a matter of scale. And PPE should be appropriate to the risk.

 

If you're making safe a misfired 8" maroon, you're gonna suit up. Reloading a close proximity stage pyro, less so.

[paulears]

We were, I thought, talking stage pyro - according to the first post. It's not helpful to confuse the issue with the introduction of devices potentially much more problematic into the topic.

 

History suggests that at some stage, we'll be referenced as recommending suiting up to change panto pyros!

[Nicktaylor]

Nice one Paul

 

Th flaw with this site is the breadth of work covered by posters.

[pshughes]

Like I said... Paul really hit the nail on the head.

 

Even the term 'Stage Pyro' encompasses such a wide discipline, from arena sized flame projectors, down to the sparks from a bullet hit.

[Project]

hey, yeah sorry I have confused people. it is a matter of scale but if you think that the term "pyro" can cover such a wide range. For the majority of stage work you wont need flame retardant coveralls etc but you would if you are dealing with propane flames etc... the reason I listed all the kit was that I didnt know exactly what size and type of pyro the poster was going to be using and thought it would be better to advise to have the correct kit for some of the bigger stuff to ensure safety... better safe than sorry and all that

 

Also as the first post stated it was for an outdoor stage; there is always the possibility that Fireworks might be incorporated into the show as it is outdoors. Although the Show, launch site, fall out zones etc would be best chosen by a professional (if they were to use fireworks) it sounds like the initial post was someone enquiring about how to become a professional so I tried to help them on all areas that I thought they might want to consider.

 

Again sorry for any confusion but I did think my last post would help

[andy_s]

Oh yes, the perils of not reading the OP thoroughly enough....

[HolyPhish]

Hello OP here (jst in case you're thinking I haven;t been paying attention)

 

Although the discussion of PPE was interesting, my post was more aimed at whats the process of starting out.

 

I.e course that I could go on (thanks Tim @ SE)

 

In my mind all the PPE questions would be answered (I hope) by the courses that I go on.

[andy_s]

this isn't an advert because I don't work for Stage Electrics (??) but I received an email from them today with their christmas special offers, including some le maitre pyro-firing kit... worth a look, would save a couple of quid.