Safety Information

Pyrotechnics are explosive and hence potentially dangerous, therefore, the following guidelines, together with any further local regulations should be strictly adhered to.

1. Do not smoke when handling effect cartridges.
2. Keep away from naked flames and all other sources of ignition (e.g. batteries, stray currents, mobile phones etc.)
3. Store all cartridges in a cool dry place
4. Do not use Pyrotechnics in confined spaces or near flammable material.
5. Pyrotechnics should only be used by adults.
6. When loading a cartridge, ensure that the detonator system is isolated from the mains and that the key switch is removed. Unplug the cable from the pod and insert the cartridge.
7. Around each pod there is a safety zone, which should be clear before the effect is fired.
8. ALL personnel should be made aware of the safety zone.
9. As the system can support two effects per channel, the pods connected to each should be located in the same safety zone.
10. The person detonating the effect should have a clear view of the safety zone.
11. The effect should not be fired if anyone is inside the safety zone. IF IN DOUBT...DO NOT FIRE.
12. Remove the key and switch off the unit immediately after use.

NOTE:  Skyhigh accepts no responsibility for any injury or damage caused by the misuse of the detonator or any equipment connect to it.

USE ONLY IN BOMB TANK.

*Aerial Burst Effects should not be fired directly above personnel.

The information supplied is for guidance only. It must be remembered that pyrotechnics can act in different and unexpected ways, depending on environmental and atmospheric conditions at the time of ignition. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 16 to operate the ignition of pyrotechnic devices.

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 system have been designed to provide simple answers to basic risk assessment questions which up until now have not been asked.

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".

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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, how many duplicate keys exist.

Answer Have an indicator light, on the pod to show it has been armed.

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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.

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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.