P-205 Display Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Special Effects

Issued By: FIRE PREVENTION (D. Day)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher
Date of Issue: 2010/04/12

Forms Required: 
•    FP-369A Display Fireworks Special Effect Event Approval/Purchase Form
•    FP-369B Pyrotechnics Special Effect Approval/Purchase Form


PURPOSE:

To ensure the review of applications and event approval; pertaining to Display Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Special Effects.

OBJECTIVE:

The issuance of Display Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Special Effects will be reviewed and approved by the appropriate persons. 

SCOPE:

This policy applies to those who are reviewing and approving applications and event approval for Display Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Special Effects. 

POLICY: 

All events coordinated or conducted on Halifax Regional Municipality property are subject to all HRM Policies/Guidelines including but not limited to the Contractor Safety Management Policy. All Display Fireworks and Pyrotechnic sites shall require an inspection prior to any approval being granted.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications for display fireworks and pyrotechnic special effects must be submitted by a “Fire Works Supervisor or Pyrotechnics Supervisor” using Form Number FP-369A- Display Fireworks, or Form Number FP-369B for Pyrotechnics. Applications must be received ten (10) business days in advance of the event date. The form must be completed in its entirety and accompanied with the following:
•    A detailed site map indicating North and separation distances from the public and vulnerable features;
•    Position of ramps and mortars;
•    Fallout zone; Note: All distances shall be in conformance with Explosives Regulatory Division Regulations. These are minimum requirements; all manufacturers’ requirements must also be met. 
•    Direction of firing;  
•    Significant ground features, roads, public right of ways, buildings or structures, overhead obstructions, parking areas and public viewing areas;
•    Location of emergency vehicles (Fire, Police, EHS);
•    Written permission from the owner, lessee or agent of the land where the display will be held and any neighbouring land on which the debris may fall; 
•    Written approval for “nonconventional” sites from the Explosive Regulatory Division;
•    Name of Insurance provider and Policy Number, with minimum coverage of five (5) million dollars for public liability and property damage.

EVENT REQUIREMENTS:
•    Date, time, schedule of events, and possible rain date;
•    Attendance estimate;
•    List of fireworks or pyrotechnics to be used, including number of and size;
•    Firing procedures;
•    Traffic control plans;
•    Emergency response plan (including a list of equipment i.e. fire extinguishers);
•    List of crew members;
•    Name of the “Fireworks Supervisor” who will be on site and supervising the display;
•    Plan for disposal of misfires that is acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

HRM RISK AND INSURANCE SERVICES AND THE HRM SPORTS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS COORDINATOR SHALL BE NOTIFIED WHEN:
•    The event occurs on HRM owned property.
•    Anyone acting as an agent of HRM engages in these activities.

APPLICATION REVIEW:

The Division’s Administrative Assistant will be responsible for receiving applications, assigning permit numbers, ensuring payments are received and assigning the application to the duty officer for review.
Incomplete applications will not be processed and shall be returned to the applicant.

APPROVAL PROCESS:

Approval may be granted based on information contained within the application and a site visit has determined the site meets all requirements. Once approval has been granted, any changes must be submitted in writing three (3) business days prior to the event and approved in writing. 

Approval is made with the expectation that the “Fire Works Supervisor” or “Pyrotechnics Supervisor” shall verify all the requirements outlined in the application are in place and will be adhered to during the entire event.

Approval of the event is based on the information provided by the applicant. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure compliance with all applicable legislation throughout the event.

REJECTION, POSTPONEMENT OR CANCELLATION OF AN EVENT:

Failure to comply with this policy may result in rejection of an application, postponement or cancellation of an event. 

Failure to comply with this policy may also result in the loss of the privilege to execute Display Fireworks or Pyrotechnic Special Effects within HRM.

POLICY REVIEW:

This policy shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the process of reviewing and approving applications and special events for Display Fireworks/ Pyrotechnic Special Effects.