Government Regulations

The Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) has updated the Display Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Special Effects training program. Part of this process was the implementation of a new certification process for both Fireworks Supervisors and Special Effects Pyrotechnicians with courses being given throughout Canada on a regular basis. Successful participants are issued entry-level certification and must meet basic apprenticeship requirements within a given timeframe to become fully certified or to move on to the next level of certification.

PYROTECHNICS SPECIAL EFFECTS COURSE

Pyrotechnics special effects is a wide and varied field. A theatrical technician reproducing a lightning strike during a stage play, a pyrotechnician lighting a rock concert, a special effects technician destroying structures in a film scene - all these people are using pyrotechnics special effects in ways that require certification under the law.

In view of the varied backgrounds and experience of technicians, the wide spectrum of special effects, and the differing physical situations and types of activities, pyrotechnics special effects certification is divided into the following classes:

Theatrical User - Unsupervised person using basic pyrotechnics.

Assistant - Unsupervised person using basic pyrotechnics, and all other authorized articles and powders if supervised.

Pyrotechnician or Special Effects Pyrotechnician - Requires extensive experience within the pyrotechnics industry; can use all authorized articles and powders.

Out-of-Country Technicians - If you are based outside of Canada and you are participating in the production of a pyrotechnics special effects event in Canada, you must:

* employ a certified Canadian technician of the applicable class and obtain a Visitor Card (issued on a yearly basis + pay required fees) upon submission of proof of competence; or
* obtain Canadian certification through the Canadian process for qualifying technicians.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) - Members of agencies who are associated with pyrotechnics events, such as fire departments, film commissioners, police forces, and provincial occupational health and safety organizations, will be issued a Pyrotechnics Special Effects Certification card upon completion of the course. If attending the course as an AHJ, but you also require certification to work within the industry, you must follow the certification process as outlined above for Theatrical User or Assistant.

Pyrotechnics Special Effects Course

This one-day course is a companion to the Pyrotechnics Special Effects Manual and serves to promote the safe use of all pyrotechnics and special-purpose effects used in the entertainment, performing arts, television and film industries. Unless otherwise stated, all courses begin at 0900 hrs and finish at approximately 1600 hrs with the usual refreshment and lunch breaks.

Registration is now required prior to attending the Pyrotechnics Special Effects course anywhere in the country. Persons wishing to attend the course at the Theatrical User (unsupervised person using basic pyrotechnics) or Assistant level (unsupervised person using basic pyrotechnics, and all other authorized articles and powders if supervised) should complete the Registration Form and return it along with two (2) passport photos and the required fee of $100 (cheque or money order payable to the "Receiver General for Canada").

For further information on course registration or certification, please contact the regional contact in your area.

Kim McCulloch - Inspector's Assistant, Atlantic Region
Explosives Regulatory Division
Suite 1505 North
1505 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3K5
Tel.: (902) 426-3599
Fax: (902) 426-7332
E-mail: kmccullo@nrcan.gc.ca

Sylvie Aubin - Inspector's Assistant, Quebec Region
Explosives Regulatory Division
P.O. Box 100,
2050 Girouard West
Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
J2S 3A6
Tel.: (450) 773-3431
Fax: (450) 773-6226
E-mail: saubin@nrcan.gc.ca

Carole Hebert - Inspector's Assistant, Ontario through Western Canada
Explosives Regulatory Division
1431 Merivale Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G1
Tel.: (613) 948-5206
Fax: (613) 948-5195
E-mail: cahebert@nrcan.gc.ca

DISPLAY FIREWORKS COURSE

Planning, setting up and firing fireworks affect public safety and thus a degree of apprenticeship is essential before an individual can be certified as a Fireworks Supervisor. Anyone who handles display fireworks must be at least an Apprentice. Certification is divided into the following classes:

Apprentice - An Apprentice (a prerequisite to becoming a Fireworks Supervisor) may, under the direct supervision of a Fireworks Supervisor, perform the same duties that his/her supervisor is allowed to perform on the display site.

Fireworks Supervisor, Level 1 - Has met the current Apprenticeship certification requirements. The scope of duties, limitations and certification requirements applicable to Fireworks Supervisor, Level 1, are listed in the table below.

Fireworks Supervisor, Level 2 - Fireworks Supervisors, Level 1, who have gained experience under the supervision of experienced Fireworks Supervisors, Level 2, and assisted in displays where shells over 155 mm (6") have been fired (or who have attended advanced training in the field of fireworks) can apply for a Level 2 certificate.

Visiting Fireworks Supervisor - Out-of-Country Fireworks Supervisors may assist a certified Canadian Supervisor who assumes all responsibilities for the display set-up. Out-of-Country Fireworks Supervisors can obtain a Visitor Card (issued on a yearly basis + pay required fees) upon submission of proof of competence.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHD) - Members of the public services who are responsible for the authorization and support of fireworks displays, such as fire prevention officers, firefighters, and other members of agencies responsible for the carrying out of fireworks events, will be issued an attendance certificate upon completion of the course. Those members wishing to engage in the production of displays as a Fireworks Supervisor must meet the requirements of other applicants and go through the stage of Apprentice.

This one-day course is a companion to the Display Fireworks Manual and serves to promote the safe use of display fireworks as functioned at outdoor fireworks displays. Unless otherwise stated, all courses begin at 0900 hrs and finish at approximately 1600 hrs with the usual refreshment and lunch breaks. Successful completion of the course is a prerequisite for entry into the field as an Apprentice and then to be certified as a Fireworks Supervisor.

Registration is now required prior to attending the Display Fireworks course anywhere in the country. Persons wishing to attend the course at the Apprentice level (not previously certified) must complete the Registration Form and return it along with two (2) passport photos and the required fee of $100 (cheque or money order payable to the "Receiver General for Canada").

Updated: January 27 2004