This means that the materials are shipped such that they are not capable of being ignited until mixed together. Once the materials are mixed, the pyrotechnic compound is considered live , and treated with the same care as gunpowder. Mix only as much as is necessary for a given performance. Mix it at the beginning of each performance, and discard any leftover material by following the disposal directions on the packaging. Appropriate chemical fire extinguishers should be present on both wings of a stage, should a small fire start due to pyrotechnics.
Pyrotechnics are among the most dangerous effects used on stage.
The potential exists for people to get badly hurt, sets to catch on fire, or any of a number of other unpleasant things. For this reason, they must be used with extreme care. Many states and cities require that pyrotechnicians be licensed before they can legally use pyrotechnics on stage. Even without this requirement, a safety-minded, conscientious and sane person should be chosen as the pyrotechnician. Use of information in this document implies understanding and agreement with the copyright and terms of use .