DISPLAY FIREWORKS SEMINARNovember 11,2011

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3-2.3.2 Shipping cartons stacked to a minimum height of 3 meter (10 feet) must remain straight, sturdy and maintain their original shape.

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Randomly select shipping cartons from the lot and stack them vertically to a minimum height of 3 meters, use a step ladder if necessary. Allow the stack remain intact for 1 hour, then measure the vertical straightness of the stack by attaching a plumb line to all four corners of the carton at the top of the stack. If there is a deviation of greater than 1 inch from vertical, the lot fails this test.

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3-2.3.1 Shipping cartons must be square or rectangular in shape having sides that are 90 degrees, and maintain this shape during transportation, storage and handling.

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Using an “L” shaped ruler measure, all 12 sides of the carton to determine that each side is a 90 degree angle.

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3-1.3 All fireworks subject to this standard must not have Electric Matches or Igniters attached to them or packaged with them in the same packaging carton.

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Open the number of shipping cartons specified in the sampling plan, and visually observe whether electric matches or igniters are attached to the devices or packaged inside the cartons.

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3-2.3.4 Inner packaging, fittings, and cushioning materials, and the placing of Display Fireworks in packages, must be such that the Display Fireworks are prevented from becoming loose in the outer packaging during transportation.

3-2.3.5 Display Fireworks must be separated from each other in order to prevent friction and impact. Padding, trays, partitioning in the inner or outer packaging must be used for this purpose.

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3-2.3.6 Shipping cartons containing Cake items must provide space for fuse leading into the devices so that the fuse is positioned on the side of the device. Cartons containing Cake items are not subject to section 3-2.3.3 of this standard.  3-2.3.7 Finale or chained fuse items must be packaged with inner packaging that protects the fusing from the outer packaging (shipping carton).

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Open randomly selected cartons and determine if each device in the carton is packaged with inner packaging such as padding, trays, partitioning, individual boxes, plastic bags, etc. to protect it from friction and impact, and to prevent it from becoming loose in the shipping carton during transportation, handling, and storage. Determine whether each Display Shell is packed and separated in individual compartments. Determine whether each Cake device is packaged with the fuse positioned on the side of the device rather than on the top of the device. Determine whether each finale is packaged with protective covering for the fuses.

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Individually Boxed Shells Separators

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3-2.3.3 Shipping cartons containing Display Shells must maintain a minimum space of 13mm (½ inches) between the top of Display Shells packaged inside the cartons and top of shipping carton. There must be no products or parts of products inside this space, excluding package dividers.

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Carefully open and fold back the top flaps of the carton. Use two rulers for this procedure. Lay one ruler horizontally across top of the opened carton, insert another ruler to the top surface of each product, and measure the distance, if the distance is less than 13 mm (1/2 inch), fail this test.

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3-2.4.1 Shipping cartons containing products weighing 20kg (44 lbs.) or over must be manufactured from a minimum of seven (7) layers of cardboard material as specified in section.

3-2.4.2 Shipping cartons containing products weighing less than 20kg (44 lbs.) must be manufactured from a minimum of five (5) layers of cardboard material, as specified in section.

Randomly select cartons from the lot, weight each to determine the gross weight, using an electronic scale provided for this purpose. Record the gross weight in the test report. Visually observe the edge of the carton flap and count the layers of paper used to manufacture the carton. Record the result in the test report.

If the gross weight is 20kg or more and the carton has less than 7 layers of paper, the lot fails this test; if the gross weight is less than 20kg and the carton has less than 5 layers of paper, the lot fails this test.

3-2.2.1 EX numbers for fireworks contained in shipping cartons must be marked on the shipping carton or on shipping documents.

Check the shipping carton to determine if the EX number is present. If so, record the number on the test report. If not, make a note on the test report “NOT FOUND”.

3-2.2.3 Shipping cartons in finished production Lots must bear a code which identifies the production date for the product.

3-2.2.4 Each shipping carton (package) containing a hazardous material must be marked and labeled to indicate the type of fireworks or other hazardous material (such as a chemical) contained inside the package. This is part of the process known as Hazard Communication.

3-2.2.5 Each carton of fireworks must have an orange, diamond-shaped label (approx. 4"x4") pasted or printed on the box and read 1.1G, 1.3G, or 1.4G. The use of the word Explosive on the label is optional.

3-2.2.6 Each shipping carton must bear the UN box certification information as specified in 49 CFR 178.503(a)(1-11), as shown below.

4G/Y/30/S/02

3-2.2.7 All shipping cartons containing Cakes must bear the statement “THIS END UP” with an arrow indicating the direction in which the cartons are stacked.

THIS END UP

Determine if the following information is present on the shipping carton and record each on the test report:

“UN” Box Certification Orange Label: ____G Fireworks UN Label: UN ____ “THIS END UP” for cake only Product date code

3-3.2.4 Any Shell that has a rising effect (including: Tails, Comets, and whistles) must be covered in a manner that does not allow any pyrotechnic composition to be exposed.

NOTE: Packaging a Shell inside a plastic bag is not adequate to meet this requirement. A separate cover for the Tails, Comets, and whistles must be used.

3-3.2.5 The construction of the items must be adequate to prevent leakage or loss of any measurable amount of pyrotechnic composition during packaging, transportation, handling and normal operation.

Visually observe if all rising effects referenced in section 3-3.2.4 above are covered with tissue paper or similar material.

To determine if pyrotechnic leakage is present, gently shake each item in the shipping carton over a clean white sheet of paper to see if any powder or granules are released. No leakage other than a slight dusting should occur, nor should any leakage be observed in shipping cartons. If more than a light dusting is observed, collect all of the material that has leaked, separate out any noticeable inert material, form the pyrotechnic material into a small pile, and attempt to light it with a piece of safety fuse. If it ignites and rapidly burns, the item fails. Record the number of units that pass/fail this test on your data sheet.

NOTE: It is possible that one (or several) shipping cartons in a shipment were damaged in transit, and the leakage may be the result of such damage. If leakage is observed, segregate those cartons with damaged items from the undamaged merchandise and repeat the test on the undamaged items.

3-3.2.6 The Lift Charge assembly must be securely attached to the Shell to ensure that pyrotechnic composition leakage does not occur during transportation, handling, and storage.

To determine if the Lift Charge assembly is securely attached to a shell, hold the shell in one hand and firmly grasp the Lift Charge assembly with the other hand, apply a “reasonable” amount of force to determine if the lift charge assembly separates from the shell.

3-2.1.1 Display Fireworks packaged in shipping cartons must match Markings on the outside of cartons. The required Markings must be in English language, using Roman letters and Arabic numerals.

3-3.2.3 Each Shell must be constructed so that the difference between the inside diameter of the Mortar in which it can be safely used and the outside diameter of the Shell is not less than ⅛ inches (3.2mm) and not more than ¼ inches (6.4mm) for Shells not exceeding 3 inches (76mm) or ½ inches (12.7mm) for Shells larger than 3 inches (76mm).

Observe the shell size markings on the outer carton to determine the nominal shell sizes inside the cartons and whether the markings are in English language, using Roman letters and Arabic numerals.

Use the templates for the various shell sizes provided for this test. Each shell size requires one large and one small template. For shells 3 inches or less in diameter, the large template will be 1/4 inch larger than the nominal shell size, the small template will be 1/8 inch smaller than the nominal shell size. For shells greater than 3 inches, the large template will be 1/2 inch larger than the nominal shell size, the small template will be 1/8 inch smaller than the nominal shell size. The shell should pass through the large template without binding but should not pass through the small template. The shell should be passed through the template in the same orientation in which it would be loaded into a mortar tube.

3-3.4.2 Connecting Fuses on Finale Chains must be constructed in a manner to remain free of any tearing or separation from the attached Shells and other fusing.

3-3.4.3 Fuses on Display Shells must be packed in the same compartment as the Shell itself in a manner that prevents them from being located under seams.

3-3.4.4 A Safety Cap must be installed over the exposed end of all Fuses attached to Display Fireworks packaged for transportation. The Safety Cap must be of a different color from that used for the paper covering of the Fuse.

Visually inspect connected Finale Chains to determine if they are torn or separated from the attached Shells and other fusing.

Visually inspect Display Shells to determine if the fuse is packed in the same compartment as the Shell itself.

Visually inspect each product to determine if a Safety Cap is present in a different color from the paper covering of the Fuse.

3-3.4.1 All Fuses and Leaders on Display Fireworks devices must be attached in a manner to ensure they remain securely attached during transportation, handling, and storage.

3-3.4.1.1 Fuses on Display Shells 6 inches (152mm) and smaller, including Shells in Finale Chains, must be securely attached so that they are able support the weight of the Shell plus another Shell equal in size.

3-3.4.1.2 Fuses on Display Shells larger than 6 inches (152mm) must be able to support the weight of the Shell plus 227 grams (8 oz.) weight attached to the Fuse.

If the Display Shell is no more than 6 inches (152mm) in diameter, fasten two items together with a rubber band or tape. Grasp one of the fuses and gently lift the devices; then reset, grasp the other fuse and lift the devices. The fuse should not separate from the device. If the fuse does separate, the device fails this test. If the Display Shell is more than 6 inches (152mm) in diameter, attach an 227 grams (8 oz.) weight to the item when performing this test (rather than attaching a second item).

3-3.2.8 All Display Shells must contain an orienting loop securely attached to the top center of the Shell to assure proper orientation of the Shell when it is inserted into the Mortar.

Visually observe whether the shell contains an orienting loop. Attach an 8-ounce (227-gram) weight to the shell, then grasp the orienting loop and lift the shell. The orienting loop should not separate from the shell. If the orienting loop does separate, the device fails this test.

3-3.2.7 Display Shells larger than 6 inches must contain a Lowering Rope that is equal in length to six times the diameter of the Shell that can support the weight of the Shell plus another Shell equal in size.

Visually observe shells to determine if a lowering rope is present. Using a ruler, measure the length of the rope to determine if it is equal to or exceeds six times the nominal diameter of the shell. Attach two identical shells together using a large rubber band or tape, and grasp the individual lowering rope attached to each shell to determine if the rope supports the weight of the two shells without separating from the shell.

3-4.1 Display Fireworks must not contain artwork , graphics, labelling or packaging that would suggest that items are Consumer Fireworks or intended for consumer use. 3-4.2 Display Fireworks must have an appropriate Warning Labels attached to each Shell or device, as specified in section 3-4.2.2 3-4.2.1 Warning labels must be placed in a conspicuous location on the top panel of the Cake, or on the body of the Shell and other devices.

3-4.2.2 Warning Labels at a minimum must include the statement “WARNING DANGEROUS EXPLOSIVE”, “IF FOUND, DO NOT HANDLE. CONTACT LOCAL FIRE OR POLICE DEPARTMENT.” printed in letters 3.2mm (1/8 in.) capitalized and underlined on all Display Fireworks devices. Printed on a contrasting background label with the words also with letters 3.2mm (1/8 in.) high and capitalized. This statement must be inside a borderline and placed on a label 5810mm sq. (9 in. sq.) unless the size of the Shell is too small, in which case the label shall be permitted to be reduced to a size no smaller than necessary.

3-4.3 Display Fireworks must also bear a separate product description label containing the following information:3-4.3.1 A description of the device [e.g., “3 in. (76mm) Shell’]3-4.3.2 A description of the type of device [e.g., effect (s) “2 break with report]3-4.3.3 The name and location of the manufacturer (City and Country)3-4.3.4 Date and shift code of manufacture.NOTE: Where a manufacturer operates his plant for only one shift during the day, he does not need to show the shift of manufacture.

3-4.3.5 The name and address of Importer.

Sample Product Information Label:DESCRIBE SIZE AND EFFECT (S)NAME OF MANUFACTURER AND LOCATION (CITY & COUNTRY)

NAME AND ADDRESS OF IMPORTER DATE AND SHIFT CODE OF

MANUFACTURE

Visually observe the warning labels to determine Display Fireworks do not contain artwork , graphics, labelling or packaging that would suggest that items are Consumer Fireworks or intended for consumer use.

Verify that the devices have the appropriate Warning Labels attached to each Shell or device, as specified in section 3-4.2.2: as shown below, and that Warning label is placed in a conspicuous location on the top panel of the Cake, or on the body of the Shell and other devices..

WARNING: DANGEROUS EXPLOSIVEIF FOUND, DO NOT HANDLE.

CONTACT LOCAL FIRE OR POLICE DEPARTMENT

Test all the type sizes with a type size finder.If the type size is more than one point less than the required type size, the lot fails this test. Visually observe whether all the required information is present on the product information label, (type size requirement TBD).

3-2.1.7 Drop Test Requirement 3-2.1.7.1 All Display Fireworks as defined in section 1- 1.3 subject to this Standard that are being manufactured for the U.S. market must be subjected to and comply with the 12 Meter (39 feet) Drop Test as specified in the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria, 5th Revised Edition, 2009, section 14.5.2, “4(b) (ii) Twelve Metre Drop Test for unpackaged articles, packaged articles and packaged substances.”

3-2.1.7.2 The Drop Test must be performed by approved lab such as CIQ, SGS or other AFSL-approved lab. 3-2.1.7.3 The Drop Test must be current (Within the last 12 months).3-2.1.7.5 The Drop Test must be performed on representative samples for each category in their most common export packaging. 3-2.1.7.6 The Drop Test on cartons may be performed with various Shells effects of like size packaged together. 3-2.1.7.7 The Drop Test may also be performed on various types of Cake effects packaged in fiberboard containers.

Request that the factory provide the original valid drop test report for the specific item in the Lot. Review the report to determine if the report is current within twelve months, if the test was conducted by an approved lab (CIQ or SGS), if the test was performed on representative samples for each category in their most common export packaging, and if the test was performed on various shell effects of like sizes. Obtain a copy of the report and attach to the test report. If the valid drop test report is not available, the lot fails the test.

3-3.1.1 All Display Fireworks subject to this standard that are approved for transportation must be thermally stable. The explosive material must not ignite spontaneously or undergo marked decomposition when subjected to a temperature of 167°F (75°C) for 48 consecutive hours. Ensure that the product and packaging comply with all the requirements of AFSL Standards for Display Fireworks.

Request that the factory provide the original valid thermal stability test report for the specific item in the Lot. Review the report to determine if the test was conducted by an approved lab (CIQ or SGS). If the test was performed by the manufacturer, it must provide the test records and oven calibration documentation for review. Obtain a copy of the report and attach to the test report. If the valid thermal test report is not available, the lot fails the test.