Have you ever wondered how technology has transformed the fireworks industry? Take a look at plans for tonight’s show at Penn State’s main campus. More than 500 volunteers donated their time and expertise to prepare for the 2014 Central PA 4thFest.
The display is one of the largest 4th of July fireworks events in America. More than 12,000 shells will be used.
Each shell is are wired to a specific cue number. That cue number is triggered by a computer that synchronizes every discharge in the entire show.
There is a lot of science in just one of those shells.
Where can I learn to be a Pyrotechnician?
Some state’s offer a 1-day class that makes you eligible for licensing in that state (there is no national saftety standard). Colleges also offer courses in fireworks display set up, ignition methods, and fireworks chemistry. You can earn a master of science in explosives engineering from the Colorado School of Mines that prepares you for movie special effects, fireworks design, detonation theory, wave propagation, and shock physics (as well as mining and military explosives engineering).
Be Safe
As you practice your amateur pyrotechnical skills, be safe. Notice it is the 25-40 year olds with the most injuries!!! The CPSC reports
Fireworks Injuries
Fireworks. They are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day. Yet, the thrill of fireworks can also bring pain, and even death. In 2011, CPSC staff conducted a study of fireworks injuries from June 17 to July 17. Here’s what we learned.
- 200 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.
- 65% of these fireworks injuries in 2011 occurred during the month surrounding July 4th.
- Illegal and homemade fireworks were involved in all 4 fireworks-related deaths reported to CPSC in 2011
Most Injured Body Parts
- 46%: Hands and fingers
- 17%: Eyes
- 17%: Heads, faces, and ears
- 5%: Trunk
- 4%: Arms
- 11%: Legs
- More than half the injuries were burns.
Injuries by Fireworks Type
- 17%: Sparklers
- 14%: Reloadable Shells
- 13%: Firecrackers
- 7%: Roman Candles
- 6%: Bottle Rockets
- 6%: Novelties
- 2%: Multiple Tubes
- 1%: Fountains
- 3%: Public Display
- 29%: Unspecified
Injuries by Age
- 40%: 25-44
- 14%:45-64
- 10%: 10-14
- 10%: 15-19
- 9%: 20-24
- 9%: 5-9
- 7%: 0-4
- 1%: 65+
Injuries by Gender
- 68%: male
- 32%: female
- Males were most injured from firecrackers, sparklers, bottle rockets, novelty devices, Roman candles, and reloadable shells.
Fireworks Safety Tips
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying our using them.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
