Goggles and Gloves

[PyroSteve]

I used to use one of those hard hats with metal mesh visor and ear defenders attached. Add Royal Navy flash hood and the sunglass style safety specs. Good sturdy leather gloves covered my hands. That was a fews years ago as I have not done any hand firing for a while now as we have a no hand fire policy at the company I work for.

[Signum]

Originally Posted by PyroSteve

I used to use one of those hard hats with metal mesh visor and ear defenders attached. Add Royal Navy flash hood and the sunglass style safety specs. Good sturdy leather gloves covered my hands. That was a fews years ago as I have not done any hand firing for a while now as we have a no hand fire policy at the company I work for.

Really, best part of all this surely? Okay so what do you wear now and how far away are you??

[PyroSteve]

It was the best part but opinions change. When the idea was mooted I was against it, didn't see why we couldn't hand fire safely. I was electrically firing a large show and we had a 6" Shell mine, thats when my opinion changed. Also being promoted to Display Manager had an impact as well. Any way that the risk of injury to the Display Operator can be reduced is a good thing. For small shows we use radio boxes and the we have Pyrotech Manual Systems and Fire By Wire Digital systems for the larger shows we do.

The best part for me is ensuring that we provide the safest possible display for both audience and the crew firing the show.

As for PPE I still wear my flame proof overalls and have my helmet by the fire extinguisher next to me when firing. I will have my helmet on when firing near to the pyro. Distances will always vary but I try not to get to close.

I am not saying that either way is best but this is just something we operate as a company.

[»Skydazzle Pyrotechnics]

Don't allow Mesh Visors on my Shows........! I don't think they offer enough protection from a frontal blast and they are not approved by all Training Companies either...

[Andy_P]

Originally Posted by Skydazzle Pyrotechnics

Don't allow Mesh Visors on my Shows........! I don't think they offer enough protection from a frontal blast

Interesting subject.
Do you know if any research has been done about it?
All I can say from personal experience is I've had something happen that could be described as a "frontal blast" and the mesh has stopped everything including hot gasses to my "satisfaction" (i.e. I wasn't hurt at all)

But that's obviously totally unscientific....

I just wondered if there had been any proper testing done or whether people had just looked at the mesh and thought "that's not good enough"?

[»Skydazzle Pyrotechnics]

Don't really know the answer Andy. I had one a while back 'cos it didn't mist up, but was advised that as it was designed to stop flying bits of tree it wasn't really suitable for Pyro.

Having attended an insurance approved training course which didn't allow mesh visors, I have decided not to allow them on my shows. If an accident were to happen, I don't want any injuries and resulting claims, prosecutions etc. due to unsuitable visors. Your face is the most vulnerable part if something goes bang, so is it worth the risk?

[Tarik]

Interesting discussion.

What do the insurance company require in terms of face protection?

I would assume that a mesh visor with safety glasses is better than just safety glasses, unless of course they are worried that something might get stuck under the visor and bounce around a bit.

[»Skydazzle Pyrotechnics]

It will be down to the companies risk assessment. HSE or insurance company asks what PPE the person injured was wearing and you tell them it was a mesh visor designed for Forestry work, then you take your chances.....!


For anyone firing on their own it is a personal choice, when you run a business it is a very different situation. It is my responsibility to ensure you are wearing PPE that meets the requirements of my risk assessment and ensures your reasonable safety. I allow you to wear a mesh visor, you get hurt, my head on the chopping block!!

[Venger]

Out of interest then, what visor do you allow, perspex ?

[»Skydazzle Pyrotechnics]

Full face visor made of impact resistant perspex or whatever it is called these days.