Firework Professionals' Courses

Exam and Study Package

This is a paper based introductory course for home study for people who have received no prior instruction, experience or training in fireworks.

If you have received prior instruction, experience or training that you wish to have acknowledged, this must be documented, with copies of the permits or the test certificates issued for the shows, by a signed declaration for the Approved Handler who supervised you.

Completing this introductory work and passing a short written test is a prerequisite to attend the practical courses.

You may choose to train in indoor pyrotechnics, outdoor firework shows, or both.

Your course fee will cover the following:

• Detailed instruction manuals on practical knowledge and procedures for organising, rigging, firing and packing out a firework shows.
• Detailed manual on the types of fireworks, their effects, dangers and rigging procedures.
• Material on security, transport, first aid and safety procedures and a short test on these for you to do at home.
• Plain English commentary on both the indoor and outdoor fireworks regulations for you to study.
• A photocopy of the key "Controls" regulations (the others are available on-line)
• Written exams for indoor and outdoor to be completed in your own time after the practical training.

In order to register you as an Approved Handler, we also require:

• Your full personal details and home and work contact details
• A declaration that you are physically fit, with adequate vision and hearing to be alert to the possible dangers inherent in this work.

Fees for Exam and Study Package

The fee must be paid in advance. The current fee can be found on the training page

Indoor and Outdoor Practical Training Courses

The practical training is not cheap, especially for the outdoor fireworks, but you are firing large amounts of live pyrotechnics under your direct control. This gives you the experience and knowledge that would take years to acquire by labouring on firework shows.

Practical Content - Indoor and Outdoor

• Indoor pyrotechnics Day 1. Practical Introduction for theatrical and stage use. Morning lecture and afternoon designing, setting up and firing own show.
• Indoor pyrotechnics Day 2. Advanced work for theatrical and stage use; involves pyrotechnics live with performers, sign making, designing, setting up and firing own show.
• Outdoor pyrotechnics Day 1. General introduction to all products except starshells. This day is a prerequisite for going on to starshell training. Morning lecture on legislation, safety and product knowledge - mines, multishot mines, roman candles, falls, catherine wheels, crackers, outdoor signs and girandola. Afternoon and evening rigging and firing.
• Outdoor pyrotechnics Day 2. Outdoor pyrotechnics concentrating on starshells to 75 millimetre. Afternoon and evening rigging and firing. Upgrades to fire larger shells available on request.

• site selection
• choreographic control of firing systems
• airborne pyrotechnics
• barges
• detailed understanding of pyrotechnic operation
• air shows

Here are some ideas on transport, accommodation and what to bring to the course

For more information contact

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information.

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