Following two incidents where the use of pyrotechnics served as the suspected source of the destruction, the NFPA has shared several published codes and standards that can help to ensure proper safety protocols are followed- namely, NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience.
The two incidents
Early in the morning on Sunday, March 16, a fire broke out during a concert at a nightclub in North Macedonia, fatally injuring at least 59 people and leaving more than 150 others injured.
The blaze came just over a week after a performance by the rock band Disturbed at Chicago’s United Center resulted in what was reported as “minor damage” to the Chicago Bulls’ championship banners. Fortunately, no one was injured during the show.
History of pyrotechnic incidents
The NFPA explained how pyrotechnic incidents are not something new; a fire caused by pyrotechnics at a nightclub in Argentina in 2004, for example, killed 194 people. Pyrotechnic use was also cited as the cause of the Kiss nightclub fire in Brazil in 2013 that left 242 dead.
The NFPA has discussed how for Americans, the fire that this most recent incident in North Macedonia might call to mind is the Station nightclub fire that claimed 100 lives in Rhode Island in 2003.
What does NFPA 1126 require?
Looking at NFPA 1126, the NFPA have highlighted the key requirements that can help ensure safety when using pyrotechnics at concerts, theatrical performances, conferences and other indoor or confined space events. Here are their tips:
General requirements
- Ensure safety procedures are in place to prevent fire hazards and injuries. This could be a combination of your state or local regulations along with NFPA codes and standards.
- Pyrotechnics should not be used indoors unless the facility is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system that is compliant with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
Permitting and approvals
- The use of all pyrotechnics shall be approved or have a permit issued by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
- Plans for the indoor use of pyrotechnics should be posted along with measures to provide crowd management, security, fire protection and other emergency services.
- All planning and use of pyrotechnics shall be coordinated with the venue manager and producer.
Personnel qualifications
- Operators must be trained, experienced, licensed, and certified. Always check with your AHJ for specific or additional requirements.
- Crew members must be knowledgeable about fire safety and emergency procedures.
Safety distances and fire protection
- NFPA 1126 specifies minimum separation distances between pyrotechnic devices and the audience, performers, and structures. For example, each pyrotechnic device fired during a performance shall be separated from the audience by a minimum of 15 ft (4.6 m) or twice the fallout radius of the device, whichever is greater, except where otherwise approved by the AHJ. There shall be no glowing or flaming particles within 10ft (3m) of the audience.
- Ensure fire extinguishers and emergency response plans are on site.
- Demonstrations shall be scheduled with sufficient time allowed to reset/reload the pyrotechnics before the arrival of the audience.
- If pyrotechnic special effects are to be placed on or in contact with a performer’s body, there must be a means of shielding or containment adequate to prevent any injury to the performer.
Equipment and storage
- Devices must be tested and maintained according to manufacturer specifications.
- Only products with written information supplied by the manufacturer detailing all required information shall be used.
- Pyrotechnic materials and devices shall not be stored within 50 ft (15.3 m) of any unprotected source of heat or open flame.
Emergency procedures
- Evacuation plans and emergency shutdown procedures are required.
- Fire department personnel may be required to be on standby.
- The proper amount and type of fire extinguishers shall be readily assessable while pyrotechnics are being loaded, prepared for firing, or fired.
- A fire watch shall remain present until the restoration of normal operating conditions has been verified.
- Fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers, should not be disabled during pyrotechnic displays.
NFPA share tips and guidance for safety when using pyrotechnics: Summary
The NFPA has highlighted the NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience, following two incidents involving pyrotechnics.
