IS FLASH POWDER SAFE??
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY
ZACK PERCELL ON 11-7-2001. IT IS A COLLECTION OF FACTS AND
OPINIONS THAT HAVE BEEN COMPILED IN ORDER TO EDUCATE THOSE WHO
ARE INTERESTED IN THE POSSIBILITY OF BECOMING INVOLVED WITH THE
USE OF BINARY THEATRICAL FLASH POWDER.
THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE IN NO WAY INTENDED TO
EXPRESS THE VIEWS OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED IN THE FIELD OF
FLASH POWDER MANUFACTURE, AND ARE OPEN TO DEBATE, AND DISCUSSION.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS CONCERNING THE FOLLOWING
ARTICLE, PLEASE SEND THEM TO QUESTIONS@Z11PYRO.COM
The saying is that "No flash powder is safe". In a way, this is true, but another truth is that no flash powder is more safe than Binary Theatrical Flash powder. Why? well, the nasty reputation held by flash powder comes from the fireworks industry. In the field of manufacturing fireworks, you find people producing up to 10lb batches of flash powder at one time. These batches often contain certain chemicals that are not found in (at least Z11 Pyro Supply's) Binary Theatrical Flash Powder. Chemicals such as Sulfides, (sulfur being the most popular) that increase sensitivity and even potency of these flash powders are not found in the Binary stuff. This is only one of the reasons that Binary flash powder is safer than its more commonly manufactured big brother.
SENSITIVITY:
Flash powder sensitivity is the most major concern. Out of all
the pyrotechnic compositions in existence, flash powder is often
considered to be one of the most sensitive. The truth is that
there are many compositions that are more sensitive than flash
powder, but flash powder is known to be heat, friction, and
impact sensitive.
At Z11 Pyro Supply, we have done many tests on all of the flash
powders that we manufacture. Our flash powders have proven time,
and time again to be of the safest, and least sensitive of all
flash powders. This will be the case in most Binary kit
formulations. The concern of danger in flash powder is
legitimate, however. The reason for this is that even though it
would be very difficult to accidentally ignite
flash powder, if one were to accidentally ignite even a small
(even 1oz.) amount, the results could be devastating. Taking that
thought, and applying it to someone manufacturing 10 lbs. at a
time, and you will be able to see where the fear comes in. Even
the weakest forms of flash powder burn hot and powerfully. This
is why it is always important to have respect for flash powder.
This is also why manufacturers of flash powder must be Federally
licensed. Even if you regularly and continually use commercially
manufactured Binary Flash Powder kits, you must obtain a license
through the BATF. The Type 19 Manufacturer (mixer) of Binary
Theatrical Flash Powder. Manufacturing flash powder from larger
base chemicals (anything other than an approved commercial kit)
is considered a felony, and carries serious punishments!
Another reason that Binary flash powder is safer than other
flash powder is the fact that it is Binary.
This means that the powder is shipped and stored as 2 separate
chemical compositions (Fuel and Oxidizer). While these chemical
compositions are in their separate bottles, they remain
completely safe. They have absolutely no fire hazard value what
so ever. They remain in this state until minutes prior to show
time.
When the flash pots are ready to be loaded, the oxidizer chemical
is poured into the fuel chemical bottle. A lid is secured onto
the bottle containing both compositions, and the chemicals are
shaken together until they are completely mixed. This produces a
complete 1oz. batch of ready to use flash powder. The flash pots
are then loaded with the desired amount of flash powder. (Usually
using the fuel bottle's lid to measure)
FLASH POWDER PRECAUTIONS:
So, what do you do to avoid a disaster from happening while handling mixed flash powder?
(In no particular order)
1. You should never combine flash powder with any other chemical that is not made specifically for that purpose. In other words, flash powders can be mixed with something called Sparkle Additive, and sometimes it can be mixed with "Micro Stars" - these are probably the only things.
2. Do not mix different types of flash powder, or more than one ounce together at a time.
3. Avoid mixing a Binary kit over carpet. You want to avoid building up static electricity. Avoid mixing it in any high static environment.
4. NEVER put a foreign object into the bottle containing the flash powder, especially if you break rule #3 and are mixing it over carpet, or any other high static environment.
5. Do not load your flash pot directly from the flash powder container. Measure your load in the container's lid first, then put the lid's load into the flash pot.
6. Always make sure that the flash pot is disconnected from it's power supply when loading the powder. When using a high voltage system, simply make sure that the controller is not plugged into the power source.
7. If your flash powder remains clumpy at all after mixing it, pour your intended load onto a plain piece of paper and squeeze the lumps out with your fingers. NEVER grind your flash powder with a sharp or blunt object.
8. NEVER smoke while mixing or handling flash powder. Keep lit cigarettes 50ft away from flash powder. Keep all open flames 50ft away.
9. Do not store remaining mixed flash powder near the stage where flash pots are being used.
10. Flush any remaining flash powder that will not be used down the toilet.
11. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE PERFORMERS KNOW WHEN AND WHERE A FLASH POT WILL BE FIRED.
Most of these safety tips may seem obvious, but no matter how obvious they seem, never forget them! It's when we get over confident that accidents are more likely to happen.
In all the time that I have been into pyrotechnics, the only
Theatrical Flash Powder accidents I have ever heard of have
occurred because of #11. A performer didn't know that a flash pot
that was too close to them was about to be cued. This is the
fault of the operator. The operator should inform the performer.
The operator MUST ALWAYS have a clear line of sight, and NEVER
fire a cue (no matter how vital to the show) if a performer is
too close to the device.
Since their manufacture before the mid-70s, I have never heard of
an accident occuring while mixing a commercial Binary Kit, and I
hope it stays that way!