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Most people who work in the theatre and other stage shows, or pay money to go and see them, are there because they enjoy the entertainment and love the atmosphere. It is unfortunate that some people suffer a personal injury claim because of pyrotechnic accidents during shows.
Most of the time pyrotechnics are entertaining, and add to the impressiveness of a show, so it is easy to forget how dangerous they can be if something goes wrong.
The flames emitted can not only cause fires, but can cause serious burns to a user or bystanders. Generally, pyrotechnics contain black powder, more commonly known as gunpowder, which burns at temperatures up to 1700C.
Metal powder, also used to create many pyrotechnic effects, burns at temperatures of 2200C and above.
Flash powders, which are used to make a bright flash and a loud bang on stage, sometimes burn at temperatures above 3000C.
To illustrate how hot these temperatures are: Titanium, a metal as strong as steel, melts at 1700C, and begins to boil as temperatures over 3287C. Titanium has one of the highest melting points of all known metals.
Sand also starts to melt at around 1700C, and can then be made into glass.
Safety regulations for pyrotechnics
With temperatures as dangerous as these, quite rightly, regulations have been put into place in order to try to stop the great majority of accidents which could occur.
Stage pyrotechnics have two different categorisations: T1 and T2.
T2 pyrotechnics can only be purchased by professionals, those with experience, training and a licence.
Category 4 Fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles in category P2, may also only be purchased by professionals.
To become a category 4 fireworks expert, there are recognised training schemes established such as the "Firework Firers" run by the British Pyrotechnics Association
To become a T2 and P2 expert, there are also training courses in place, but these tend to give more general information, since the range of pyrotechnic products encompassed by these two terms is large and all vary in their usage.
If someone is knowingly using these products and is aware that they have not had the correct training, they may be found liable should someone receive a personal injury from their incorrect use.
Audience members suffering burns
If a pyrotechnic device is placed on stage in the wrong way, then when the time comes for it to go off, it could cause a severe personal injury to an audience member or someone on the stage.
Performers suffering burns
This sort of mistake can also cause performers on the stage to suffer work injury. In 1992 Metallica's frontman and guitarist, James Hetfield, suffered second and third degree burns when a pyrotechnic effect went off too close to him. He was unable to play guitar for most of what remained of the band's tour.
Stage fires
In 2003 at The Station Nightclub in America, Rhode Island, some pyrotechnics caused the sound insulation foam around the stage to catch alight. The club was engulfed in flames in less than six minutes, 96 people were killed and many were injured.
Making a personal injury claim against negligent use of pyrotechnics
YouClaim understands that suffering a personal injury from pyrotechnics can be painful and cause you stress. If the accident was not your fault, then you could be entitled to make a compensation claim.
We want to make claiming the compensation you deserve easier and so we have dedicated expert solicitors ready to help.
We work on a no win, no fee basis and should your claim be successful you will receive 100% compensation. We don't take a cut from your compensation.
If you would like to make a personal injury claim, or work injury claim, then contact us on 0800 10 757 95, talk to one of our team on echat, or you can fill in our short claim form and we will contact you.
