maverick
03-30-2017, 01:26 AM
Hey everyone, new here. I’m a sound and lighting engineer and I’ve always loved fireworks and other pyro effects, especially when used at concerts. For a while now I’ve been researching those propane powered flame projectors (sometimes called dragons / dragon heads) that you see used at almost every big rock show these days.(see attached picture)http://www.pyrotalk.com/bulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=2031&stc=1 I’m aware of the dangers, regulations, storage and transportation laws and clearance requirements surrounding these devices and their propane tanks. I also know most places require a permit and inspection by a local fire marshal to use these for a concert. I’ve witnessed a few of these inspections at shows I’ve worked or attended.
My question is; would the use of these things for concerts require any sort of ATF license? Obviously they wouldn’t be considered fireworks or explosives, but could they fall under “Articles Pyrotechnic”? The ATF website states they take into account the intended use of the product, and seeing as it would be used for a public pyrotechnic display I could understand how it may fall into that category. Every concert pyrotech I’ve met has an ATF license, but they also work with gerbs, mines, airbursts etc.
I know of a few good manufacturers in the USA who make and train people to use these flame projectors. There are also many cheap chinese units out there that light up a cloud of what is basically tiki torch oil to make a fireball and have little to no safety mechanisms. Obviously I’d avoid those. Most of the good units are simple DMX controlled devices, and if I could provide these effects it could get me a lot more work at concerts. I may eventually pursue an ATF license, but if I just started off with these propane effects I’m not sure if a license is necessary. Sorry for the long post and for sounding like a total newbie, but this seemed like the best place to look for some help from the pros. There seems to be very little information out there on this subject so any help would be appreciated.
My question is; would the use of these things for concerts require any sort of ATF license? Obviously they wouldn’t be considered fireworks or explosives, but could they fall under “Articles Pyrotechnic”? The ATF website states they take into account the intended use of the product, and seeing as it would be used for a public pyrotechnic display I could understand how it may fall into that category. Every concert pyrotech I’ve met has an ATF license, but they also work with gerbs, mines, airbursts etc.
I know of a few good manufacturers in the USA who make and train people to use these flame projectors. There are also many cheap chinese units out there that light up a cloud of what is basically tiki torch oil to make a fireball and have little to no safety mechanisms. Obviously I’d avoid those. Most of the good units are simple DMX controlled devices, and if I could provide these effects it could get me a lot more work at concerts. I may eventually pursue an ATF license, but if I just started off with these propane effects I’m not sure if a license is necessary. Sorry for the long post and for sounding like a total newbie, but this seemed like the best place to look for some help from the pros. There seems to be very little information out there on this subject so any help would be appreciated.