Fireworks

A fireworks event (also called a fireworks display or fireworks show) is a spectacular display of the effects produced by firework devices on various occasions. Fireworks competitions are also regularly held at a number of places.

Laws and politics

Safety of consumer fireworks

Fireworks have often been under legal debate. Supporters argue that consumer fireworks should be allowed, while opponents argue that fireworks often cause injuries. Opponents also say that many people do not have much knowledge on using consumer fireworks safely.

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Some states in the United States have strict laws on fireworks, and each year, there are many raids on individuals suspected of having "illegal" fireworks.

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However, the government allows companies to make pyrotechnics for other purposes, such as pest control.

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Safety of commercial fireworks

Fireworks safety is considered to be extremely important in countries such as Canada. The use, storage and sale of commercial-grade fireworks in Canada is licensed by Natural Resources Canada's Explosive Regulatory Division (ERD). Unlike their consumer counterpart, commercial-grade fireworks function differently, and come in a wide range of sizes from 2 inches up to 12 or more inches in diameter. As well, since commercial-grade fireworks are a shell which is loaded into separate a mortar by hand, great care must be taken, during all stages of setup.

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Setup of these fireworks involves the placement and securing of mortars on wooden or wire racks; loading of the shells; and if electronically firing, wiring and testing. The mortars are generally made of FRE (Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy) or HDPE (High-Density Polyethelene), some older mortars are made of Sheet Steel or ABS/PVC Plastics, but have been banned by most countries due to the problem of shrapnel produced during a misfire. Setup of mortars in Canada require that a minimum angle of 10 to 15 degrees down-range with a safety distance of at least 200 meters down-range and 100 meters surrounding the mortars.

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Loading of shells is a delicate process, and must be done with caution, and a loader must ensure not only the mortar is clean, but also make sure that no part of their body is directly over the mortar in case of a premature fire. Wiring the shells is a pain-staking process; whether the shells are being fired manually or electronically, any "chain fusing" or wiring of electrical ignitors, care must be taken to prevent the fuse (an electrical match, or squib) from igniting. If the setup is wired electrically, the electrical matches are usually plugged into a "firing rail" or "breakout box" which runs back to the main firing board; from there, the Firing Board is simply hooked up to a car battery, and can proceed with firing the show when ready.

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Since commercial-grade fireworks are so much larger and more powerful, setup and firing crews are always under great pressure to ensure they safely set up, fire and clean up after a show.

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Pollution

Because fireworks produces smoke that have heavy metal compounds and other toxic chemicals, some countries are against the use of fireworks, arguing that they cause major pollution.

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