When carrying out an assessment of the risk associated with the hazard of storing and firing pyrotechnics it is necessary to assess the risk to not only to the technicians, but also to performers, audience, and to other staff such as cleaners. Considering the huge leaps in safety that have taken place in the rest of the entertainment industry, it is alarming to consider that basic safety measures in the firing of theatrical pyrotechnics have not progressed for more than twenty years.
The removable key was a noble innovation in its day, and is still a fundamental safety feature. However expectations with regard to the level of safety that is acceptable have moved on.
The obligation to assess risk is now the duty of any manager. Failure to minimise the risk to hazards which have been recognised, leave organisations in a very weak legal position in the event of an accident.
Skyhigh’s firing systems have been designed to provide simple answers to basic risk assessment questions which up until now have not been asked.
For example:
Question How are you sure the system is armed, and ready to fire, and not simply powered up?
Answer Make the fire button light up, and in the button, have the legend "Fire".
Question How can the person loading the firing pod be absolutely sure, the system is not live, even though that person has the key in their pocket? After all, many duplicate keys may exist.
Answer Have an indicator light, on the pod to show it has been armed.
Question In a fast moving, or under rehearsed show, how can a performer be warned that a pyro is about to be fired?
Answer Demonstrate the "system armed" warning light on the pod to the performer.
Question How reliable are the connectors on existing firing systems. Can the wires come unscrewed and short out?
Answer Introduce the four pin XLR as a standard connector. It is unlikely to be confused on stage, as it is neither a three pin microphone cable, nor a five pin DMX cable.
