A Galaxy of Fireworks

1.2 Fireworks Types and Performance

The design and construction of some of the commonest types of fireworks are given with emphasis on the safe use of fireworks. 1st Galaxy Fireworks Ltd believe that by understanding the basic principals behind the design and construction it will be easier for you to understand and appreciate what they do and to assess their suitability for a given firework display.

Types

The main types of firework used for displays are listed and briefly described below. The names are taken from BS 7114, 1988 under Categories 2, 3 and 4. It must be realised, however, that fireworks may appear under a variety of names, and that they may be described by different generic names within the industry. The only sure way to identify a firework type is by reading the accompanying instructions for use, and a description of the effects.

Also, within the various types, individual fireworks can vary greatly in size, power, and performance.

Bangers

This is a tube containing an explosive composition which produces a single loud report when ignited.

1.2g Gerbs, Drivers and Motors

They can all be described as being from the same family although they are different in their application. How they operate depends on the burn rate and the choke size.

They consist of a tube containing a composition which produces a fountain-shower of sparks and flames, in varying forms and colours usually silver or gold. There may be some sound effect, but not a report. Within this group you can find:

1.2g/h Fountains, Bouquets of Fountains
Fountains are designed to project ornamental and brilliant sparks into the air much like a water fountain.

The composition which is rammed or pressed into the case burns progressively down the tube. The height of the fountain is controlled by the choke. If the diameter of the choke is smaller, the fountain effect reaches higher.

1.2h Wheels

The thrust produced by one or more choked gerbs when attached to a pivoted
piece of wood or a wheel fixed centrally to give a rotating effect. Burning takes place from one end of the firework to the other and provides up to 30 seconds of constant force-called “the driver”. If connected in series could produce 60 seconds burning or more. Where a wheel is set up to rotate in a horizontal plane, this is known as a cascade.

1.2 h Flying Saucers (Crown Wheels)

These are wheels fixed over a spindle in a similar manner to cascades. The wheel is rotated by drivers to spin it and then additional rocket motors lift it in to the air. They need a great deal of space as they can develop a wobble and could travel in unpredictable directions. Bigger ones have a double lift which allows it to lower down and then gain height before burning out.

1.2d Rockets

All rockets, irrespective of size have four main characteristics: i) they have their own propellant charge ii) that this charge is contained in a cartridge or case iii) that this case is fitted with a choke or venturi, iv) that the rocket is fitted with a flight stabilising device.

The rocket is propelled by compacted gunpowder burning over a formed surface (usually a cone with a hollow centre) and the rapid rate of burn (5secs) and thus the large volume of gas quickly created is forced out of a clay, or more usually aluminium, choke or venturi. This provides the force necessary to lift the rocket quickly into the air.

(Flight rockets are of more traditional construction with cardboard case, clay choke and black powder charge).

The head of the rocket (the pot or Star Chamber) contains the stars or other effects and the bursting charge of gunpowder or flash powder. The burning motor flashes to ignite the content of the pot when the rocket reaches the highest trajectory.

The stick of the rocket stabilises its flight.

These fireworks are amongst the most potentially dangerous in a display

The stick and the spent case are going to return to Earth and so the launching tube or frame should be angled away from spectators. In this respect allowance should be made for wind speed and direction and checked again before the display is fired.
It should also be understood that a rocket will have a tendency to turn into the wind. This is because the effect of the wind against the stick is greater than that of the motor and pot.

If a rocket is fired down wind from the spectators it will turn back towards them. Remember this: Allowance MUST be made when considering “fall out zones”.

GREEN PLASTIC IGNITER CORD

This fuse burns slowly, at about 25mm (1inch) per second. It is normally used to provide delays at ignition points and in sequences. It sometimes serves as the initial point of ignition for the fireworks.

Connecting green to green is done by twisting 25mm. or so and taping, green to quickmatch by inserting at least 25mm into the core and taping, quickmatch to green by stripping the plastic sleeve (to aid the transmission of the flame use tape wrapped around the plastic sleeve which when pulled back reveals the brown core) and inserting the incendiary into the central core of the quickmatch and then tying with a cable tie if required and/or tape.

BROWN PLASTIC IGNITER CORD

May be worked in a similar fashion to green, however it has a considerably faster burning rate and to avoid confusion should be kept away from the general fusing process unless specifically required.

Other Fuse Joints (Spanish Delays and Pressed Delays)

You can either have a fuse join that finishes at the delay in which case simply reveal 25mm or so of the Quick Match, place this is the end and secure using a cable tie or string. If you wish to join a number of varied time delays together to create several delays from one line of Quick Match then fold the quick match over and cut the end to reveal the internal fuse as shown above.

Once you have done this place the double strand in (exposed end first) and secure in using a cable tie or string.

These fuses can be used to provide delays between sequences of various items or used as a method of delaying shell in the same way as using PIC. Delays are generally more accurate but are more costly, but the benefits can out way when firing to music etc. You must also remember that pressed delays in particular can burn quite viciously and this must be considered when securing them down due to unwanted burning to surrounding fuses, other items and even wooden racks

Safety Considerations When Fusing

The following points must be taken into consideration with regard to fusing before you arrive on site:-

Fusing away from the workshop may only take place on the site of the display,
even though more than one day may be required to prepare the fireworks.

If the weather is poor and you require shelter, fusing may only take place inside a tent or cover of light fabric material or vehicle with a light fabric roof – never in a building.

Only use proper supplied cardboard / fibreboard tubes, high performance
polyprene or UPVC tubes for mortars and shells. Never use steel pipes or
lightweight drainpipes (they also sweat).

Handle quickmatch with care. Cut off what you need and put the rest of the bundle back into the storage container.

When joining quickmatch avoid cutting the incendiary cores. Where cuts must be made, only sharp scissors, nips or very sharp knife may be used. Do not tear fusing apart.

Keep all fusing dry and generally consider total waterproofing of the fireworks display. Bases of buried cardboard tubes should be bagged, open ends of tubes covered with foil or bags secured with rubber bands or tape, cake boxes covered with polythene, flights with thin aluminium foil (which must be taped down to prevent it being dragged off with the first rocket), candles wrapped with polythene etc.
Remember to remove waterproofing from rockets before firing!

Secure all joins so that they cannot be snatched either by accident or during
ignition.

Never use staples to secure fusing. Always use battens with cable ties or the cable ties themselves tape to secure them to the Shell Frame, tape can also be used (gaffer tape) but tends to be less reliable and the PIC can rip stopping the sequence

Do not set green cord along a surface and then cover in tape as it will burn more quickly.

Keep the work site tidy.

Work on fireworks is only permitted, by law, at a Licensed Factory or on the site of a display.

As much as possible should be carried out at the factory, before going to the site. This has the advantage of working at licensed premises away from the public, and having a good supply of materials to hand.

Wherever you are working, bear the following in mind:-

No smoking, no drinking, no unauthorised use of drugs

Keep the work area tidy, clean up as you go

Use the correct tools for the work

Keep all fireworks not being worked on in covered boxes away from the work area.

Move prepared pieces away from the work area, set them up if possible.

Maintain minimum safety distances at all times. If on site, erect the barriers and keep the public away

Keep track of your tools and sundry materials such as fusing. It is easier to find these in daylight before the firework display than later on in the dark afterwards.

Keep fuses in a suitable container at all times. Handle them as little as possible.

If the prepared pieces are in any risk of becoming damp, they must be protected as an on-going task.

Quickmatch

This usually comes attached to certain shells in the form of plain brown paper and is not waterproof (unless plastic covered quick match is used and tends to be more popular these days). Working quickmatch usually comes in blue, brown or red plastic sleeves but other colours are available. It can be either single or double stranded or multi – cored. It burns at about 15m (50ft) per second and can be treated as instantaneous for practical purposes.

The core is very sensitive and must always be well protected by the sleeve. The waterproof sleeved type burns very violently and must be well tied to any connecting fuse. It must also be well secured to stop it thrashing or blowing away.

All quickmatch burns explosively and the pressure wave that precedes the flame can blow out connecting fuses if they are not well secured by tying with string or tape. It has been known, however, for quickmatch to be extinguished if it is bent too tightly onto a hard object e.g. lip of a mortar tube or cable tie.

Connect quickmatch by exposing the cores and placing in contact. Secure and join by tying and/or taping. Ensure that NO match is left exposed. Alternatively, the core can be connected by inserting into a hole pierced into the sleeve and securing well. Make sure that the core is in contact with the match core and not insulated between layers of the sleeve. Joins should be made “downward” to allow surface water to run off rather than run in. Gaffer or plastic tape should be used to waterproof the joint.

Quick Match to Quick Match – cut open as shown using sharp Stanley knife as shown on the left, then repeat as on the right, then overlay and tape together.

Quick Match to Quick match side joint – cut open each end as shown using a sharp Stanley knife, overlay the strands and tape as shown.

Shell linking is normally done with green plastic igniter cord (PIC) as a delay timer connecting the quickmatch fuses to each other. Keep the main run continuous, with a twist at each connection. The twist can be pushed into the open end of the match and taped over. Alternatively, a pressed powder delay can be used between adjacent shells. It is only used where more accurate timing is required (a Pyro musical or competition).

Shell linking using PIC Green –

Twist the PIC relative to the shell leaders’ placement (which gives the delay between each shell time over distance) then place in the leader and tape over the end to make watertight and secure. Or fold the match strands over the PIC and tape as in the picture above.

Quick Match to PIC -

To link Quick Match to PIC match you MUST strip the plastic coating off to ensure that the quick burning characteristics of the Quickmatch do not go out before lighting the PIC, removing the cover makes it more sensitive to heat/fire in order to transmit the burning successfully.

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Below we describe the types of fuses and burn speed used in modern day fireworks. This is very helpful to know especially when it comes to firework safety and firework displays.

Types and varieties of fuses

Fuses are lengths of explosive material, mostly in the form of a thin tube containing the material, used to transfer ignition from the firing point, at a safe distance, to the firework device. They can be linked or joined to carry ignition through branches from one initiation point to several fireworks, or from one firework to another. There are two basic types of fuse-

· Instantaneous: These transfer the combustion at high speed, at many metres per second. This allows the simultaneous firing of several dispersed items from the same point.

· Delay: These transfers the combustion at a slower rate, to introduce a delay effect, e.g. a series of items connected by delay fuse can be fired in sequence at Predetermined intervals. They are designed to burn at different speeds, according to type. Thus any required time delay can be achieved by a combination of the fuse type, and the length of the run.

Fuse Types

There are many different types of fuse found on fireworks, some of the most common types are explained below:-

QUICK MATCH is the commonest fuse to ignite fireworks. These can be single stranded, double or multi – cored. Ordinary black match is made by impregnating a string with black powder slurry. Once dried it burns readily and relatively slowly. When encased in a plain paper or waterproofed paper ‘tube’, however, the rate of burn becomes practically instantaneous.

A protective cap should be provided to prevent accidental ignition when incorporated into a firework and these can come in differing colours. Quickmatch as obtained for general use does not normally have covers.

PLASTIC IGNITER CORD (PIC) is commonly used in the UK but not normally used elsewhere. When ignited it burns vigorously and at a constant rate which makes it ideal for use as a time delay fuse. Two basic types are used in fireworks – FAST igniter cords which are brown in colour and SLOW igniter cords which are green in colour. There is also PW6 which is slate blue in colour and a PIC brilliant blue in colour which is no longer made. All are made by ICI and are waterproof. They can burn under water.

FAST (Brown) burns at a rate of 3.3 seconds per metre (10” or 250mm per sec). It is wound on to reels in 150m lengths and is constructed from a central cotton core around which the incendiary is extruded. This in turn is covered with a clear plastic sheath and is Brown in colour.

SLOW (Green) burns at a rate of 38 seconds per metre (approx. 1”/25mm per second) and is also wound on to reels in 150 metre lengths. It is constructed from a central copper core around which the incendiary is extruded. This in turn is covered with a green plastic sheath and is slightly thinner than the brown fast PIC.

SLOW (Blue) is no longer available. Burned at a rate of 1¼ secs per inch or 49 sec/m.

PW6 (Slate blue) is manufactured the same way as green, looks similar but is a slate blue. Burns slower however, about 4 secs per inch (25mm) or 172 sec/m.

CHINESE SLOW burns very slowly and is unreliable. It will be found on Chinese fireworks as the primary delay. It is constructed from a central core of gunpowder surrounded by woven fabric. This fuse is generally not waterproof and if any damp is in the air it must be waterproofed. This type of fuse is usually replaced during the fusing process if there is any risk of damp in the air.

SPANISH DELAYS Look similar to Pipe Cleaners, constructed from a plastic or fabric outer, this covers a centre core of composition that burns at a constant and accurate rate. These are cut to size according to the length of time required. Spanish Delays are available in all time sequences from 1 second to 1 minute, and more if required..

TAPEMATCH is made by pouring black powder onto the centre of the sticky side of the adhesive tape (sellotape) forming a continuous narrow strip of fuse. Used essentially in the creation of lancework

Summary of Burning Rates:

Quickmatch Instantaneous

Tapematch Instantaneous

PIC Brown 1 sec per foot (3.3sec per metre)

Wasag Green 7 sec per foot

PIC Green 12 sec per foot (1 sec per inch/25mm approx)

PIC Blue 15 sec per foot (1-1/4 per inch)

Bickford 30 sec per foot (variable)

Mines

These can be regarded as similar to shells in the method of use. The important distinction between them is that the firework element is ignited in the tube and is already burning when it exits the tube.

The effect of a mine is therefore instantaneous from the spectator’s viewpoint and always lower, although heights of 100 ft. may still be reached. These produce effects of stars, bombettes, whistles etc. Special care must be given when loading the bag type mines.

It is sometimes extremely difficult to distinguish the difference between some cylindrical mines and cylindrical shells and there are even some spherical mines.

Multi Shot Barrages or “Cakes”

These fireworks known affectionately as “cakes” are actually a collection of other categories of fireworks grouped together in boxes and produce stars, bombettes, whistles, spinners, etc.

They may vary in size from small packages up to large cardboard boxes which can be very heavy to handle.

A cake may contain anything from say 25 x 2.5”” shells in light tubes, 100 x 30mm maroons or even up to 1000 roman candles one shot in each tube.

They are extremely powerful so please be careful! They need to be set up very carefully, with particular attention paid to the surface upon which they stand and secured to a series of stakes. Cakes should always be angled away from spectators.

It is important to ensure that they are the right way up! It is not unknown for them to be labelled upside down or even the larger ones to be packed into their boxes upside down. Please take note !

Due to the size of some Cakes and the calibres used, we recommend moving them at least 50 metres, and in some cases even further (refer to 1^st Galaxy Fireworks Site Policy)

Cakes are boxes containing a number of separate items, fused together so that they are fired in sequence over some period of time, normally much longer than for a single firework. The items may be all of one kind, or a mixture, including small, shells, candles etc.

As with roman candles, once started, the firing continues automatically until the last item is reached.

Batteries are comprised of a number of fireworks, normally of the same type, grouped in a single layout, to be fired as a single unit, individually in sequence, or in any other combination. The effect is the same as from any one firework on its own, enhanced by sequential or multiple firing.

Set pieces

These fireworks are, as their name suggests, used to create a static effect. They can be in the form of waterfalls strung horizontally on string or poles, wheels, flying pigs, fountains or lancework e.g. “Good Night”. These are mini flares linked together with fuse and burn for about 60 secs.

Careful attention needs to be paid to setting these up in order to gain the maximum effect from them, especially with respect to their height. Care must be taken to ensure that the moving fireworks set off in the right direction initially.

Most set pieces are not dangerous if properly assembled, however keep these out of the firing line to avoid premature ignition, especially lancework which must be positioned up wind of the rest of the material on site.

Lancework is a set piece of a special type. They are made up from small fireworks set on a frame which burn simultaneously as individual points of light to present a continuing two-dimensional picture. The picture may be symbolic, such as a badge or crest, or in word form, such as “Good Night”.

More complex effects can be produced by creating different pictures in sequence on the same frame, to produce an impression of motion.

Illumination Pots, Bengal Flares, Lances & Portfires

The compositions used are designed to be slow burning and are contained in light paper cases which burn away with the contents. The commonest encountered are the good old garden volcano, Portfires which are used for ignition purposes, and Lances which are used for making up “Good Night”s etc. Others can be illuminating or strobing, with a duration of anything between 60 seconds and 6 minutes.

Roman Candles

A more complex firework consisting of a tube containing pyrotechnic units alternating with propellant charges. When fired, the units are thrown into the air in sequence from top to bottom. Different effects are obtained by using successive units of varying colour and form. They may also produce sound effects during their trajectory, including a report at the end. Between successive projections, the candle may emit coloured sparks or flame directly from the body.

They are made up to 60mm calibre and can send stars up to nearly 200 ft. The candle must therefore be securely fastened to a stake or candle frame.

It should be noted that as each successive star has further to travel up the case of the candle, it takes longer to exit the tube and is therefore subjected to the lifting charge for longer. The quantity of gunpowder has to be progressively decreased to achieve the same height. Do not use damaged candles – there could be a blow out.

Whilst the styles or effects of roman candles have remained more or less unaltered throughout their history, there have been alterations in the method of activity of achieving the delay between the successive stars.

a) The original Ruggieri design utilised green mix gunpowder and these candles will emit showers of sparks between successive stars. It should be noted that with the exception of any tube products that may be used, all the products are consumed and there is little or no fallout.

b) Typical Chinese candles are used in vast quantities in the fireworks industry. Here a continuous fuse runs down the side of the tube and is designed to burn for the duration of the candle. The delay between successive stars is achieved by alternating them with loose plugs of potters clay. During the course of even a modest display, a considerable amount of clay is thrown into the air. Beware!

c) In recent Years 1^st Galaxy Fireworks Ltd have been using “Typical” Chinese Candles manufactured using similar ideas to the “Ruggieri Technique”, and showers are emitted between each shot, this has enabled slightly better timing and larger stars etc.

d) To overcome the problems of achieving synchronised firing, there have been two developments, the earliest being the substitution of the green mix delay with a felt plug with a pressed delay in the centre. These felt plugs return to Earth unburnt.

Shells

A firework shell is a hollow projectile containing an explosive charge. In Western Europe and the USA the shell may also have an attached lifting charge. It must be remembered that this practice is by no means universal and the presence of a lifting charge would not be considered a defining characteristic by firework technicians. (The presence of a propellant charge is considered a defining characteristic of a rocket!)

The shell is projected from a mortar tube by a charge of gunpowder (the lifting charge) to burst high in the air with whatever effect is incorporated in the shell.

The mortar tube may be made from cardboard, fibreboard or specific types of plastic.

The shells may be made from paper or plastic and are either spherical or cylindrical in shape. It is much easier to contrive multiple breaks or bursts with a cylindrical shell, whereas the spherical shells are required to produce spherical bursts, chrysanthemums, peonies.

Shells which explode with a loud report are called maroons or salutes

The diameter of shells used at 1^st Galaxy Fireworks Ltd are generally anything from 2” to 12” and come in two types:-

a) Bottom fused and

b) Top fused

Bottom fused shells have their lifting charge ignited first. This in turn ignites a delay fuse to the bursting charge.

Top fused shells are fitted with a delay fuse to the bursting charge with a secondary instantaneous fuse to the lifting charge. These are perhaps a little more reliable as there is less risk of the delay fuse being blown out. These tend to be more cylindrical in shape. Care must be taken when installing top fused shells to avoid damage to this lifting charge fuse. It is also essential to ensure that the shell, as with all shells, is inserted into the tube the right way up. Damaged shells should not be used.

Shells can be extremely dangerous if they are not handled and fired in the approved manner. The exit velocity of a shell from the mortar tube could be in excess of 200 mph!

To appreciate the height and effect of a shell, the following can be used as a rough guide

If ‘x’ is the calibre of the shell in inches,

The delay to full height is ‘X’ seconds,

The height reached is ‘X’ x 100 feet,

The spread of burst is ‘X’ x 10 metres.

This will not always apply, however it can be used as a guide for most shells.

Fireworks Definitions

The design and construction of some of the commonest types of fireworks are given with emphasis on the safe use of fireworks. 1^st Galaxy Fireworks Ltd believe that by understanding the basic principals behind the design and construction it will be easier for you to understand and appreciate what they do and to assess their suitability for a given display.

Types

The main types of firework used for displays are listed and briefly described below. The names are taken from BS 7114, 1988 under Categories 3 and 4. It must be realised, however, that fireworks may appear under a variety of names, and that they may be described by different generic names within the industry. The only sure way to identify a firework type is by reading the accompanying instructions for use, and a description of the effects. Also, within the various types, individual fireworks can vary greatly in size, power, and performance.

Bangers

A tube containing an explosive composition which produces a single loud report when ignited.

Gerbs, Drivers and Motors

They can all be described as being from the same family although they are different in their application. How they operate depends on the burn rate and the choke size.

A tube containing a composition which produces a fountain-shower of sparks and flames, in varying forms and colours usually silver or gold. There may be some sound effect, but not a report. Within this group may be found:

a. Fountains, Bouquets of Fountains

Fountains are designed to project ornamental and brilliant sparks into the air much like a water fountain.

The composition is rammed or pressed into the case burns progressively down the tube. The height of the fountain is controlled by the choke. The smaller the diameter of the choke, the higher the fountain effect.

b. Wheels

The thrust produced by one or more choked gerbs when attached to a pivoted piece of wood or a wheel fixed centrally to give a rotating effect. Burning takes place from one end of the firework to the other and provides up to 30 seconds of constant force-called “the driver”. If connected in series could produce 60 seconds burning or more. Where a wheel is set up to rotate in a horizontal plane, this is known as a cascade.

c. Flying Saucers (Crown Wheels)

These are wheels fixed over a spindle in a similar manner to cascades. The wheel is rotated by drivers to spin it and then additional rocket motors lift it in to the air. They need a great deal of space as they can develop a wobble and could travel in unpredictable directions. Bigger ones have a double lift which allows it to lower down and then gain height before burning out.

d. Rockets

All rockets, irrespective of size have four main characteristics:i) They have their own propellant charge ii) that this charge is contained in a cartridge or case iii) that this case is fitted with a choke or venturi, iv) that the rocket is fitted with a flight stabilising device.

The rocket is propelled by compacted gunpowder burning over a formed surface (usually a cone with a hollow centre) and the rapid rate of burn (5secs) and thus the large volume of gas quickly created is forced out of a clay, or more usually aluminium, choke or venturi. This provides the force necessary to lift the rocket quickly into the air.(Flight rockets are of more traditional construction with cardboard case, clay choke and black powder charge).

The head of the rocket (the pot or star chamber) contains the stars or other effects and the bursting charge of gunpowder or flash powder. The burning fuel flashes to ignite the content of the pot the instant the rocket reaches the highest trajectory. The stick of the rocket stabilises its flight.

These fireworks are amongst the most potentially dangerous in a display!

The stick and the spent case are going to return to Earth and so the launching tube or frame should be angled away from spectators. In this respect allowance should be made for wind speed and direction and checked again before the display is fired.

It should also be understood that a rocket will have a tendency to turn into the wind. This is because the effect of the wind against the stick is greater than that of the motor and pot.

If a rocket is fired down wind from the spectators it will turn back towards them. Remember this ! Allowance MUST be made when considering “fall out zones”.

So many people who buy Fireworks like to be able to get hold of something a bit special, a firework with WOW factor or even perhaps something which they shouldn’t get there hands on.

As so many of our Professional Fireworks Displays that we have done over the years we have been asked “where did you get that effect from”, or “can I buy Fireworks like those”. Well of course in most cases the answer is quite simply “No”.

The reason being so many of the fireworks we use in Professional Fireworks Displays are known as Category 4 Fireworks and are specifically for the use of Professionals and its Prohibited in Law that Members of the Public get their hand on them.

Well that got me thinking, another track I was considering at the same time was how we could get the most spectacular Fireworks on our shows whilst keeping under the Threshold of 1.4G, meaning the Fireworks where not 1.3G which in turn enables the movement and storage of fireworks to be made easy.

There are a number of factors that will determine weather a Firework is 1.4G as opposed 1.3G and its not always that the higher hazard (1.3G) is always more spectacular.

So as I thought about killing two birds with one stone (and not by blowing them up) I began to design, in my head, a range of Professional Grade Material that we could use, sell on to our Professional Trade Clients and from that I came up with a range of Cake Barrages and Rocket Volley’s that we now Call “Pro Pyro”.

The Pro Pyro range consists of lots of different Cake Tube Configurations and lots of Effects as well has a selection of small and medium volley’s (which are one of my favourite fireworks). We have loads of quiet effects, animated effects, louder fanned bombette effects and some speciality single effects, single colour and multi effect cakes all under the Pro Pyro brand and ethos.

Now we have the idea and the effects, colours and formations we worked on keeping them to 1.4G, in doing this using our knowledge of what our clients want, the law and the way in which fireworks are made we came up with really stunning fireworks which are Grade A and perfect for all manner of Fireworks Displays, very versatile and lots to choose from.

Well as luck would have it in most cases (not all) many of the Fireworks fitted the legal limitations for Category 3 meaning we could label them for Public Use and carry out the necessary BS7114 Tests for them and put them on sale to the Public.

Now we tested the market with a few last year and our Customers loved them, so please be on the look out this year as we will have even more in the Brochure

When 1^st Galaxy first began, or should I say when my Father and I first began back in 1985; attitudes to Health & Safety were considerably different, particularly when you consider that I was just Nine years old…..would I let my son on a Fireworks site at that age ?? mmmhhh difficult one I was OK, but knowing what I know I probably wouldn’t. In fact that is academic really as we are now told we cannot take anyone who is under 18yrs of age onto a commercial Display Site.

Interestingly it’s the “Claim Culture” which has been brought about by the Health & Safety act that is the root cause of the Health & Safety approach. Now I’m all up for Health & Safety and I will go onto that shortly but before I do just let me get one thing off my chest! Now as a slight anti authoritarian, (which lets face it under the current Labour Government is entirely what we are controlled by) I do have trouble with Government and Local Government sticking their nose into my business, consider for one moment that we (quote Jeremy Clarkson) have over 4000 Health & Safety Officers in this country and France has….wait for it…….NONE at all !! is this country safer than France ? I don’t know the answer but I would guess we’re not much different.

Now as I said I do believe in Health & Safety and I find it a double edged sword, mainly because I do believe in it yet I don’t believe in the policing of it, yet I suppose you can’t have one without the other. Back in the day when we rarely thought of Health & Safety we never had any serious incidents; however we did have some near misses at various Fireworks Displays. Ironically it’s been these near misses that have taught me what I know today, I have seen and been part of my fair share of mistakes, near misses and brown trouser moments, and its with this experience that we can pass of valuable information.

I’m a huge believer that you learn by your mistakes, and that goes for just about everything, in fact I would go as far as to say you can’t learn without making a few. Now the problem with that view and the use of Fireworks is mistakes can cause injury, serious injury and even death in the very worst cases. I do not want to have people working for me and “hope” they learn what I learnt and get away with it ! so in the past 6 or 7 years we have worked hard to improve, evolve and develop our approach to Health & Safety Training for Fireworks, their use & transportation & storage.

Back in the very late 90’s my Father and I were the team at 1^st Galaxy Fireworks we did it all, Displays, Retails, Kits etc and to put it mildly we were knackered and we decided to down size our displays business as we could not cope with the hours, added to that a nervousness about employing people and letting them loose with our beloved Fireworks Company. Well my Dad who is a great hero of mine said one day that we will only be able to grow if we get a team behind us and if we ensure that team are good, as your company is only as good as those who work for you!

Well with that in mind a small crew of possibilities we began training and passing on our experiences, we began documenting things and making small company policies. Well since then it has snowballed, we have members of our team involved right at the heart of the company and of course the team has grown. We have been fortunate enough to get some great people on the team and each of them has brought a different skill to the team which has helped enormously grow confidence, moral and a few years of good customer comments and limited incidents.

Added to this the BPA training program (which will be covered another time) we have created our own little Firework Display Operators School, which incidentally you can attend if your interested? please contact sam@1stgalaxy.co.uk