28 Tex. Admin. Code § 34.826 - Preparing and Conducting Public Pyrotechnic Displays and Flame Effects

(a) Storage. Public display fireworks may be stored temporarily for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to display date in a locked area, in regular 1.3G shipping cartons, not accessible by the general public, and in a location approved by the local fire prevention officer.

(b) Sobriety. Licensed operators or assistants shall not be under the influence of or consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances during the public display.

(c) Public display criteria. Public displays shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1123, Code for Fireworks Display, 1995 Edition, except as modified by paragraphs (1) through (3) of this subsection. The Appendix to NFPA 1123 is not considered a part of the requirements of NFPA 1123 and should be used for informational purposes only.

(1) Equivalent material. High density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe shall be a permissible equivalent material for mortars if of sufficient strength and durability to fire aerial shells safely.

(2) Equivalent distance. The separation distance of NFPA 1123 paragraph 2-3.3.3 between mortars, buried in the ground or in a trough, shall not apply to a mortar where the mortar is 6 inches (150 mm) in diameter or less, constructed of high density polyethylene (HDPE), and shells are fired using electrical ignition.

(3) Equivalent distance. The separation distance of NFPA 1123, paragraph 2-3.3.3.2 between a mortar and the wall of a trough shall not apply to a mortar where the mortar is 6 inches (150 mm) in diameter or less and constructed of high density polyethylene (HDPE), shells are fired using electrical ignition and the adjacent trough wall is braced with sufficient strength and durability to safely fire the shells. The trough wall bracing and support shall meet or exceed the following:

(A) two exterior horizontal braces, one along the bottom of the trough, and a top brace at a distance above the bottom brace that is at least one half the length of the shortest mortar in the trough, but not exceeding its top, where bracing consists of angle iron, with a minimum dimension of one and one half inch by one and one half inch by three sixteenths of an inch, or other shaped steel of equivalent strength;

(B) a vertical brace attached between the bottom and top brace spaced no greater than four feet on center along the length of the trough, where the bracing consists of angle iron, with a minimum dimension of one and one half inch by one and one half inch by three sixteenths of an inch, or other shaped steel of equivalent strength; and

(C) a traverse support between the two walls of the trough, consisting of not less than three eighths of an inch threaded rod or equivalent material, located approximately half way up the side walls and located at least every four feet on center along the length of the trough.

(d) Firing mortars. All firing shall be done upon order or signal of the licensed pyrotechnic operator directing the public display.

(e) Public display safety precautions.

(1) A display must be conducted in accordance with all local regulations and conditions prescribed by the fire prevention officer at the time of the site inspection.

(2) During the display, at least one approved Class A type 2 1/2 gallon fire extinguisher or charged garden hose connected to a water line or equivalent means of fire protection shall be provided.

(f) Proximate audience display criteria. Public displays before a proximate audience shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1126, Standards for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience, 1996 Edition. Public displays conducted in accordance with this section shall include pyrotechnic devices, including 1.3G, 1.4G, and 1.4S, as defined in NFPA 1126, and individuals conducting such displays shall be regulated by the provisions of this subchapter as pyrotechnic operators.

(g) Testing. Testing of fireworks and components of fireworks intended for public displays shall be performed in an area set aside for that purpose and located a safe distance from any plant building or other structure. Such testing shall be permitted by a licensed manufacturer, or licensed distributor, conducted under the direct on-site supervision of a licensed pyrotechnic operator, and no public display permit is required.

(h) Flame effects criteria. The use of flame effects before an assembly of 50 people or more shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 160, Standards for Flame Effects Before an Audience, 2001 Edition.

Notes

28 Tex. Admin. Code § 34.826

The provisions of this §34.826 adopted to be effective June 30, 1986, 11 TexReg 2510; transferred effective September 1, 1991, as published in the Texas Register March 6, 1992, 17 TexReg 1745; amended to be effective June 4, 1993, 18 TexReg 3300; transferred effective September 1, 1997, as published in the Texas Register November 14, 1997, 22 TexReg 11091; amended to be effective September 14, 1998, 23 TexReg 9571; amended to be effective April 13, 1999, 24 TexReg 2949 and 24 TexReg 4243; amended to be effective January 27, 2004, 29 TexReg 637