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
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