General Pyro Saftey.

[wycome5]

I am doing a show on Saturday and are using to Le Maitre Pyros (glitter and streamer) when would you reccomend these be loaded etc (i.e. before audience arrives?)? Also, if the saftey key is out, is it considered ok for someone to stand inside the saftey distance of the pyro?

[Andrew C]

I am doing a show on Saturday and are using to Le Maitre Pyros (glitter and streamer) when would you reccomend these be loaded etc (i.e. before audience arrives?)? Also, if the saftey key is out, is it considered ok for someone to stand inside the saftey distance of the pyro?

I'm afraid the answers are "It depends..." and that isn't going to help much. Where, in relation to the punters, are they? Is smoking allowed? Who is within the zone? Is this person the one with the key?

 

If say the pods are on the stage and the punters might walk across the front of the stage as they arrive (sober), I would probably load in advance (my view, others may differ) As to the second part, yes; but again with reservations.

[wycome5]

Smoking is deffinately not allowed, there is no alcohol until after the show. The stage is in a T shape, the pyros are at the end of the t (the wide bit) and each side of there is where people come on so they would walk infront of it but when they key is put in, they will be out of the way (i.e. no one in the saftey zone).

[Andrew C]

School fashion show? Without seeing it I cannot say yes, nor I think, will anyone else.

 

BTW You are old enough for this I trust? Students at the school at which I work DO fire pyro, but with 1 to 1 supervision. Just a thought...

[Brian]

This is a very difficult question to answer without seeing the venue.

 

In general, I would be very nervous about audience members being able to get anywhere near a device, key out or not. With performers you can take a bit more of a risk as long as they have been briefed to keep well out of the way but, if those performers are young people I'd treat them the same as the general public.

 

You can always put someone down near the devices, I assume you'll be firing them from somewhere nearby so why not station someone to keep watch as the house opens.

[wycome5]

Yes, I am old enough and the models are mostly Sixth Formers so are responsible enough and understand. It was not the audience I meant that could get near it (I should have been clearer) but general crew).

[Brian]

...and the models are mostly Sixth Formers so are responsible enough and understand. It was not the audience I meant that could get near it (I should have been clearer) but general crew).

But even so, as under 18s you must by law make special provision in your risk assessment for them.

[JonHirsh]

general crew

 

 

Um I don't know about the pyro laws in the UK but in Canada if your part of the crew or cast you are called a willing participant. as a willing participant they are expected to be safe with in 6 feet of the device unless informed about the devices and then they can be with in a range specified by the manufacturer of the product sometimes it is safe to go with in a few feet of the device even when fired but this is up to the specific manufacturer of that particular device. versus an audience member who must be minimum of 15 feet at all times or what the manufacturer recommends which ever is greater. of the two. as for loading the pyro effects most shows I have done will load it it prior to doors because if the effect can become in contact with an audience member (with in the 15 foot rule. ) it doesn't fly and its struck from the show. same as with crew. its loaded in 3 min prior to doors. as long as the crew do not need to be with in 5 feet of the effect. this is my general rule.

 

I take no responsibility for your actions. so take the advice of everyone with a grain of salt as each situation is different. just be safe.

 

JH