Pryrotechnics operation - Do we need a licence ?

[djmatthill]

Hi There ,

 

I was wondering if you could clear up a little query for me please.

 

We are currently looking at installing some Pyro kit into our nightclubs to help create special effects.

 

We are looking at the Le Maitre or Skyhigh FX hardware Pod systems.

 

Do the operators of the pyro`s need to hold a licence , or is it just the case that they need to be trained and deemed to be resposible etc??

 

Apart from the obvious PLI and insurance implications and requirements are there any other limitations that we need to consider.

 

Do you need anykind of licence for Pyro operation / set up etc ??

 

We are wanting to create an explosion of confetti / glitter effect , what other non pyro techniques could ;we consider ?

Beleive it or not in the past we have had great success using a cheap "Leaf Blower / Garden Vac" from B&Q :rolleyes:

 

 

Any help or advice is greatly accepted..

 

Matt

[kerry davies]

Oh alright then.

 

Search for "pyro licence" to see what a can of worms you might just open up here.

[ImagineerTom]

To answer the broader question, pyro is a very impractical and expensive way of doing confetti & glitter plus there's the added complications you've highlighted with issues of competency, safety, insurance et al.

Co2 systems are much more suitable for what you want to do and have much less paperwork. It's also well worth looking at "flick stick" style confetti launchers and other hand-held devices, both of which could be safely operated by someone with 30 seconds training, have none of the capital costs and offer you incredible flexibility in the type of product launched and the location.

[mrboo]

You dont need a licence but someones venues are banned due to there venue licence but it more about getting the PLI as most will not cover your if your just a venue tech.http://www.lemaitre.co.uk/faq.aspx

[Jivemaster]

The pinned thread at the top of this pyro board has the link to the best available pyro course, The ASP course. It's run frequently on demand. You can get the course run for just you at a price but at your choice of venue, you can go to a course soon or wait til there is an open course near you. All the questions you have will be answered there, if in doubt ask the question.

 

Pyro is only part of sfx, some effects are better as pyro, some are better and cheaper done other ways. Much of the skill is getting the right effect done safely and reliably and at the right price.

[DrummerJonny]

I worked for some time in a venue that fairly regularly used pyro and other effects.

 

Long and short of it it that pyro is by far the most expensive and risky way of achieving effects. While it was used on occasion by an insured, competent operator, We found it much more effective to go with CO2 cannons for "everyday" special effects.

 

A large bottle of gas gives you enough for about a minute of continuous operation (definitely not advised) so you can reuse the effect several times in a night. You have the choice of just doing "raw" CO2 for a big white cloud, or using cannons to throw confetti ect. There's also the advantage that they don't make the whole venue stink for a few minutes after use.

 

Another thing to consider is that I would assume your venue will already have policies in place regarding safe handling and storage of CO2, due to it's use in bar operations. You'll need to use different cylinders , but they could still be tagged onto your regular cellar orders.

[scjb]

Have a look at the Powershot series of confetti\streamer cannons from MagicFX. Quick, easy, relatively safe and relatively inexpensive.

[Jivemaster]

Air and CO2 gas are great at throwing confetti and glitter, streamers and Tee shirts.

 

Propane does rock band flames but the hardware costs a lot and there are risks with flammable gas to be considered,

 

BUT nothing looks like a pyro waterfall or a genie flash or bangs like a maroon.

 

The real art is determining what effect you want and getting it done right, and safely

[Ynot]

For me, the added risk - and it is a BIG one - is the extra part of the equation in nightclubs.

 

Drunken punters.

 

In a theatre or concert environment the pyrotech can closely monitor and manage the effects.

There will seldom be any member of public anywhere near the pyro location.

 

In clubs, many of which often have far lower ceilings than your average performance venue, the punters are a) likely to be in the vicinity and b) affluenced by incahol.

Personally, I'd steer clear of pyro in a club setting unless you have very good line of sight vision, and plenty of space separating the effects from warm bodies (and good high ceilings)

 

 

 

[paulears]

Considering a nightclub caught fire in Basildon yesterday, real fires caused by poorly risk assessed activities do happen. The details are scant, but it seems they had fire eaters and the stage ceiling caught fire - looks like drapes in the videos. This will be interesting to see when real facts come out.

[Ynot]

Indeed.

There have been notable nightclub incidents - most notorious perhaps is the Station Nightclub across the Pond where a band's ill-conceived pyro display burned down the club and not a few punters, and another in Edinburgh (I think) where a pyro set light to plastic cargo netting in the ceiling, prompting the drunken revellers to prance around singing "The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire..." as if it was part of the show, and not a bloody good reason to evacuate.

 

Sorry if this sounds like an over-raction to a simple sounding question, but it's definitely something I REALLY have strong feelings about. Pyrotechnics used without proper experience and handling have the potential for danger that outweighs pretty much ALL other aspects of the performing industry.

 

 

[Stuart91]

and another in Edinburgh (I think) where a pyro set light to plastic cargo netting in the ceiling,

 

More information on that incident here. It's a very good example of how inebriated punters can behave.

[Ynot]

That is the one.

 

 

[kerry davies]

Paul, many, many years ago during one of the legendary Christmas parties we had some friends from Archaos in to do a bit of fire eating. The blast hit the ceiling and rebounded setting one of the ladies hair alight.

 

Moral? Never allow fire eaters into a room with low ceilings and never, ever where hairspray is likely to be present.

 

This leads on to the question and answer; "Why are we oldies so pedantic on H&S?"

 

"Because we have had just about every near miss it is possible to have and a few disasters as well."

[paulears]

I must admit that we do get wound up by theatrical flashes, yet seem happy to have big gas gizmos and fire eaters in our venues.