The very nature of pyrotechnic devices makes them very dangerous when used by inexperienced people taking no safety precautions. When used correctly pyrotechnics can produce some spectacular effects with relatively little danger to those taking part in adventures.
Here is a description of the various devices that are available and their relative dangers. These are not the only effects available but they are the most commonly used. Although they are also available as component powders these are far too hazardous for general use. Never use home made pyrotechnics, only use the ready-made devices.
More spectacular effects can be achieved by using combinations of the different devices available. If you want two or more effects to be fired at the same time, they should be wired up in parallel. You will probably need a bigger power supply to fire them as well.
As the name suggests these devices are small pots (normally made from cardboard) partially filled with a powder of some type which is ignited to produce the effect. Due to the fact that these pots are only partially filled, there is a chance that the igniter may not be in contact with the powder which may cause the pot not to function correctly. Where possible these pots should be angled away from people to prevent injury and fired on a slight incline with the igniter towards the bottom of the slope. A quick shake of the pot will make sure that the powder is in contact with the igniter as shown below.
There are a number of different types and sizes of pot available.
Flash Pots.
These are by far the most dangerous of the stage pyrotechnics. The launch a powder into the air as they are ignited causing bright flash and a puff of smoke. Coloured flash pots are available in a number of different sizes.
Smoke Puffs.
Almost the same as a flash pot except they produce a rolling puff of smoke. Once again they can be obtained in a number different colours. As a general rule coloured smoke should be avoided however the coloureds smoke from these pots is soon blown away and can be considered safe.
Coloured Fire.
These look like a flash pot but when they are ignited they burn intense heat and a choice of different coloured flare. They also produce white smoke which at the time of use reflects the colour of the flare.
For the sake of a better description, these devices are "Bangers". They are normally a black powder charge, encased in a cardboard tube. When fired will produce a very loud bang. A number of different types and sizes are available.
Stage Maroons.
Used in theatres all around the world these devices are relatively safe. It is recommended that they are fired from inside a metal bin. This has two effects. One is to amplify the sound and the other is to stop any flying fragments from causing injuries. A number of sizes are available.
Ground Maroons.
These are the big brother of the stage maroon and are used as bomb simulators for battlefield effects. They must only be used outside with a safety radius of at least 20m. Sizes 1 to 5 are normally available.
String-Bound Maroons.
Used to simulate cannon fire such as for the 1812 Overture. These are black powder charges bound in string and encased in glue to produce an ear splitting 'Boom!'. Once again, only for outdoor use.
Although similar in size to the small stage maroon, these charges are quite different in effect. Instead of the normal low explosive black powder filling "Bullet Hits" contain a high explosive charge which detonates rather than burning.
As the name suggests these devices are used to simulate a person or object being shot. When used on a person a Bullet Plate must be used. Bullet Plates are made from steel or leather and are 7 mm thick and about 150 mm square. They need to be backed with shock absorbent foam.
To simulate a bullet entering a body the charge is placed under a shirt, on top of a blood pack which in turn is on top of the bullet plate. When detonated the charge blows two holes one in the shirt and one in the blood pack.
A bullet exiting a body can be achieved by placing the charge directly on top of the bullet plate and putting the blood pack and shirt on top. When fired the charge blows the blood pack through the shirt producing a rather effective splatter.
Bullet Hits come in 3 sizes. Size 1 is the only one to be used on people and can also be used to blow holes in other objects such as plaster and woodwork. Never use a bullet hits to smash glass such as windows or bottles unless the item is made our of Sugar Glass as flying glass is exceedingly dangerous. Sizes 2 and 3 are used on concrete, bricks, tough wood, rocks, etc.
Users of bullet hits must be very careful about flying fragments of any material, not just glass and must take precautions to shield people from shrapnel.
These look similar to stage maroons but instead of a bang they produce a high pitched whistle as the gas expands and vibrates. Whistles are relatively safe and a great effect when used as a trap or alarm.
These produce a smokeless column of flame and come in 2 sizes.
These use a mortar tube to launch a secondary main charge about 30-60 metres into the air. Several effects are available. A Star Wars type explosion, a Weeping Willow or an Aerial Maroon. These effects are very large and should only be fired into the air, never along the ground.
These are generally metal cylinders, that contain a smoke compound and an igniter. When fired they produce a dense smoke screen and the metal body gets very hot. They normally come as coloured smoke units. Coloured smoke is normally poisonous and thus should be avoided. White smoke generators on the whole are no more dangerous than normal wood smoke and thus can be used in large quantities. If you want to use coloured smoke make sure the party will not be effected by it, (place it downwind of them so that they do not have to enter the smoke and keep an eye on the wind direction).