Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 19, § 980 - Definitions

(a) "A" Definitions.

(1) Aerial Shell. A cylinder or spherical cartridge containing a burst charge and pyrotechnic or non-pyrotechnic effects, a fuse, a black powder lift charge and is fired from a mortar.

(2) ASTM. The American Society of Testing and Materials, a national organization publishing standards for all types of materials and products.

(b) "B" Definitions.

(1) Barrage. A rapidly fired sequence of effects.

(2) Batten. A strip of wood to which pyrotechnic devices are attached for support.

(3) Binary Low Explosive Compounds. Special effects materials in which fuel and an oxidizer are mixed together to produce a pyrotechnic composition.

(4) Blank Cartridge. A cartridge constructed from either metal or plastic casing, with a center or rim fire primer filled with various amounts of pyrotechnic compositions measured by loads.

(5) Blasting Galvanometer. An electrical resistance measuring device designed specifically and approved for testing of electric firing circuits.

(6) Bottle Rocket. A pyrotechnic device containing a maximum of 20 grams of pyrotechnic composition, which rises into the air upon ignition. A stick is used for guidance and stability, and a burst of color or noise, or both, is produced at height of flight.

(7) Break. An individual burst from an aerial shell, producing either a visible or audible effect or both, and may consist of a single burst or multiple effects.

(8) Bullet Effect. The discharge of the pyrotechnic or explosive bullet hit.

(9) Bullet Hit. A device containing various levels and amounts of pyrotechnic composition, whose purpose is to create the illusion of a bullet impact.

(c) "C" Definitions.

(1) California Candle. Hand held heavy paper or cardboard tube emitting showers of sparks.

(2) Comet. A pyrotechnic device launched from a mortar that produces an ascending burning effect, is self-consuming, and may or may not contain a burst charge or stars.

(d) "D" Definitions.

(1) Darts. To move suddenly and swiftly from one place to another.

(2) Detonator. Any device containing a detonating charge that is used for initiating detonation in an explosive. The term includes, but is not limited to, electric blasting caps of instantaneous and delay types, detonating cord delay connectors, and nonelectric instantaneous and delay blasting caps.

(3) D.O.T. means U.S. Department of Transportation.

(4) Dud. A pyrotechnic item which leaves the mortar and returns to earth without producing the intended burst or effect. See also Misfire.

(e) "E" Definitions.

(1) Electric Firing. A technique used to discharge fireworks in which an electric match or squib and a source of electric current are used to ignite fuses or lift charges.

(2) Electric Match. An electric device containing a pyrotechnic compound which ignites when sufficient current flows through the leads.

(3) Experimental High Power Rocket. Non-professional rockets which are propelled by commercially manufactured high-power solid propellant rocket motors.

(4) Experimental High Power Rocket Motor. A State Fire Marshal approved, commercially manufactured rocket propulsion device containing a solid propellant charge wherein all the ingredients are pre-mixed and which produces more than 160 Newton-seconds (36 lb.-seconds) but shall not exceed 10,240 Newton-seconds (2302.2 lb.-seconds) of total impulse.

(f) "F" Definitions.

(1) Firecracker. A device containing explosive pyrotechnic composition in an amount not to exceed 50 milligrams (.772 grains) in total pyrotechnic weight, in a fused container whose primary function is to produce an audible effect.

NOTE: All firecrackers are classified as "dangerous fireworks", and pyrotechnic devices similar in construction to a "firecracker" which exceed the specified weight shall be designated explosives in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 12000.

(2) Flash Paper. Treated paper which is extremely sensitive to heat and creates a brief flash of fire upon ignition.

(3) Flash Powder. Pyrotechnic composition intended for use in firecrackers and salutes, and often used for "flash"-type effects on stage and in productions involving special effects. Flash powder produces an audible report and a flash of light when ignited. Typical flash powder compositions contain potassium chlorate or potassium perchlorate, sulfur or antimony sulfide, and powdered aluminum.

(4) Flower Pot. A shell (not the lifting charge) that explodes at or near the bottom of a mortar blowing a shower of stars and burning material into the air.

(5) Fountain. See Gerb.

(g) "G" Definitions.

(1) Gerb. (also known as a Fountain). A device that, when ignited, emits a shower of sparks into the air at various altitudes.

(2) Ground Spinning Device. Also known as a Ground Spinner. A pyrotechnic device that discharges sparks as it spins across the surface upon which it is placed.

(h) "H" Definitions.

(1) HDPE Mortar. Also known as a High Density Polyethylene Mortar, is a mortar constructed of high density polyethylene which is certified and labeled as meeting one or more of the following ASTM standards, which are hereby incorporated by reference: ASTM D 3350, or ASTM F 714.

(i) "I" Definitions.

(1) Ignitor. An electric, chemical or mechanical device used to initiate burning or pyrotechnic or propellant materials.

(j) "J" Definitions. None.

(k) "K" Definitions. None.

(l) "L" Definitions.

(1) Lance. A thin cardboard tube packed with a color-producing pyrotechnic composition.

(2) License. "License" means any nontransferable authorization granted by the State Fire Marshal to engage in any activity regulated by this part.

(3) Licensee. "Licensee" means any person 21 years of age or older holding a fireworks license issued pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 12570), of the Health and Safety Code.

(4) Loader. A person who places shells into mortars.

(5) Low Burst or Low Break. The result of a shell exploding below its prescribed height.

(m) "M" Definitions.

(1) Magazine Tender. Person who distributes pyrotechnic items to the loader during the show.

(2) Match. A fuse made of string or thread inpregnated with black powder.

(3) Meteoric Shower. A self-contained cardboard tube mounted on a plastic base emitting a shower of stars into the air.

(4) Mines or Mine Bags. A device contained within a reusable or disposable tube, where upon ignition stars, firecrackers, salutes, whistles or other devices are propelled into the air, with the tube remaining on the ground.

(5) Misfire. A pyrotechnic item which fails to function as designed after initiation. See also Dud.

(6) Model Rocket Motor. The same as a model rocket engine, as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 12520. Model rocket motors shall not produce more than 160 Newton-seconds of total impulse power.

(7) Monitor. Person responsible for watching for pyrotechnic items which do not perform properly.

(8) Mortar. A cylinder that is used to hold and fire public display or special effects pyrotechnic items or compositions as defined in Section 999 of this subchapter.

(9) Mortar Box. Also known as a Trough. A portable wooden structure used for the placement of mortars.

(10) Mortar Rack. A wooden rack holding closely spaced HDPE or paper mortars. Mortar racks are limited to 10 tubes per individual rack.

(11) Multiple Break Shell. Aerial shell which has two or more breaks.

(12) Muzzle Burst. The process of an aerial shell breaking or bursting just as it leaves the mortar, scattering stars and burning material.

(n) "N" Definitions.

(1) N.F.P.A. The National Fire Protection Association.

(2) Non-metallic Mortar. See HDPE and Paper Mortar definition.

(o) "O" Definitions. None.

(p) "P" Definitions.

(1) Pan Type Mortar. A shallow metal container that is used to hold and fire special effect pyrotechnic compositions.

(2) Paper Mortar. A mortar constructed of spiral or convolute wound paper or chipboard.

(3) Party Popper. "Party Popper" also known by other names such as Champagne Party Poppers, Party Surprise Popper and Hot Shot Poppers, is a pyrotechnic device which contains less than 0.25 grain of pyrotechnic composition per unit load, designed to be held in the hand and when fired propels soft paper, cloth inserts or other similar fill material into the air.

(4) Pigeons. Also known as line rockets. Pyrotechnic items using mechanical devices to control the effect of flight movement.

(5) Public Display of Fireworks. "Public display of fireworks" means an entertainment feature where the public or a private group is admitted or permitted to view the display or discharge of dangerous fireworks, as defined in Section 12505 of Health and Safety Code.

(q) "Q" Definitions. None.

(r) "R" Definitions.

(1) Report. A detailed written account of all events involving pyrotechnic materials, devices, and operations in which a fire, injury, or death occurs, or in which any violation of the laws or regulations takes place.

(2) Retailer. Any person who, at a fixed place of business, sells, transfers, or gives fireworks to a consumer or user.

(3) Roman Candle. A heavy paper or cardboard tube containing pellets of pyrotechnic composition which, when ignited, are expelled into the air at several-second intervals.

(s) "S" Definitions.

(1) Salute. An aerial shell as well as other pyrotechnic items whose primary effects are detonation and flash of light.

(2) Set Piece. Also known as ground display piece, mechanical piece. A pyrotechnic device or series of devices that while on the ground or elevated produces a visual and/or audible effect. These devices may employ fountains, roman candles, wheels, and lances.

(3) Shunt. A deliberate short-circuit of an electrically fired pyrotechnic device or a means contained within its firing system to protect it from accidental ignition by extraneous electricity.

(4) Single Break Shell. Aerial shell having one or more effects within a cylindrical or spherical casing.

(5) Snap Cap. Also known by other names such as, but not limited to, Snappers, Pop Pop Snappers, Fun Snaps and Bang Snaps. It is a pyrotechnic device that typically contains less than .20 grams, but shall not contain more than .25 grams, of gravel impregnated with not more than one milligram of pyrotechnic composition. Each unit consists of a small, roughly spherical paper parcel, approximately one-quarter ( 1/4) inch in diameter with a twisted paper tail. Each unit, when dropped against a hard surface, produces a small, toy cap-like report.

NOTE: Studies are conducted annually by the Office of State Fire Marshal which will determine whether or not there are adverse consequences from the regulation of snap caps.

(6) Soft Detonator. A detonator in which the explosive or pyrotechnic material is encased in a non-metallic container.

(7) Sparkler. A Stick or wire coated with a pyrotechnic composition that produces a shower of sparks upon ignition.

(8) Squib. See Electric Match. See also Detonator and Soft Detonator.

(t) "T" Definitions.

(1) Travel. To move from point of ignition either vertically or horizontally.

(2) Trough. Also known as a Mortar Box. A portable wooden structure used for the placement of mortars.

(u) "U" Definitions. None.

(v) "V" Definitions. None.

(w) "W" Definitions.

(1) Wheel Driver. A heavy paper or cardboard tube emitting a shower of sparks from a very small orifice, similar to a propellant motor.

(2) Within This State. "Within this state" means all territory within the boundaries of this state.

(x) "X" Definitions. None.

(y) "Y" Definitions. None.

(z) "Z" Definitions. None.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 19, § 980

1. Amendment of subsections (f)(2) and (g) filed 11-4-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 45).
2. Amendment of subsection (d)(1) filed 3-2-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 9).
3. Amendment of subsections (c) and (f) filed 5-7-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 19).
4. Amendment filed 4-14-92; operative 5-14-92 (Register 92, No. 21).
5. Amendment of subsection (s)(5) filed 6-24-94; operative 6-24-94 (Register 94, No. 25).
6. Editorial correction of subsections (a)(2), (b)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4) and (r)(1) (Register 97, No. 44).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 12505 and 12552, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 12505 and 12552, Health and Safety Code.

1. Amendment of subsections (f)(2) and (g) filed 11-4-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 45).
2. Amendment of subsection (d)(1) filed 3-2-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 9).
3. Amendment of subsections (c) and (f) filed 5-7-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 19).
4. Amendment filed 4-14-92; operative 5-14-92 (Register 92, No. 21).
5. Amendment of subsection (s)(5) filed 6-24-94; operative 6-24-94 (Register 94, No. 25).
6. Editorial correction of subsections (a)(2), (b)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4) and (r)(1) (Register 97, No. 44).