Canadian Pyrotechnics
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
Welcome to the world of pyrotechnics. The term pyrotechnics refers to substances designed and engineered to burn or explode. In Canada, a pyrotechnic substance constitutes a substance containing a fuel and oxidizer. That is to say that the substance will burn self-sufficiently. Persons throughout the planet earth practice pyrotechnics for entertainment, as a job or even in wartime causing harm to little animals.
Due to the inherent danger involved in using combustable materials, some regions have imposed regulations in the use of such pyrotechnic substances, giving them classes and regulating who exactly can use them.
In Canada there are currently 3 stages of licencing:
1, Occasional User/Assistant Pyrotechnician
2, Pyrotechnician
3, Special effects pyrotechnician <one of the only guys in Canada allowed to blow something up that is not designed to blow up of its own accord>
The first distinction in Canadian law is that fireworks use fuses, pyrotechnics is all electrically ignited. A pyrotechnician does not hold any special priveliges with fireworks unless they have obtained a fireworks handler's licence. The substances involved in both are identical in many situations, but the application of the forces are seperate.
A pyrotechnic system is typicaly comprised of a control panel or box, leading to effects boxes, or airburst boxes, which then lead to the effects. Effects are ignited by an electric match, added or combined with the effect, or in some cases a detonator cap. The control panel controls circuits of electricity that when activated send electrical current into the match, causing a spark, igniting the substances to create an effect.
Pyrotechnicians are employed in a number of facets of society, ranging from stage productions to movie productions.
For more info on Canadian licencing, contact the Explosives Regulatory Branch of Natural Resources Canada.
Due to the inherent danger involved in using combustable materials, some regions have imposed regulations in the use of such pyrotechnic substances, giving them classes and regulating who exactly can use them.
In Canada there are currently 3 stages of licencing:
1, Occasional User/Assistant Pyrotechnician
2, Pyrotechnician
3, Special effects pyrotechnician <one of the only guys in Canada allowed to blow something up that is not designed to blow up of its own accord>
The first distinction in Canadian law is that fireworks use fuses, pyrotechnics is all electrically ignited. A pyrotechnician does not hold any special priveliges with fireworks unless they have obtained a fireworks handler's licence. The substances involved in both are identical in many situations, but the application of the forces are seperate.
A pyrotechnic system is typicaly comprised of a control panel or box, leading to effects boxes, or airburst boxes, which then lead to the effects. Effects are ignited by an electric match, added or combined with the effect, or in some cases a detonator cap. The control panel controls circuits of electricity that when activated send electrical current into the match, causing a spark, igniting the substances to create an effect.
Pyrotechnicians are employed in a number of facets of society, ranging from stage productions to movie productions.
For more info on Canadian licencing, contact the Explosives Regulatory Branch of Natural Resources Canada.
