City & Guilds Accredited Firers Courses
In 2003 the British Pyrotechnists Association introduced a Firer’s training scheme for its members and other professional display companies, to help set a common standard of safety and knowledge throughout the professional display industry. The scheme requires candidates to undertake a course of training in accordance with a detailed syllabus, after which they sit an exam. Successful candidates are then issued with a BPA Firer’s identification card to show that they have undertaken the training course and passed the exam. The Association maintains a register of firers on its website that can be checked by anyone wanting to verify the authenticity of BPA Firer’s identification.
The BPA is committed to improving safety at professionally fired firework displays, both to operators of displays and to the public. The BPA have set up a Firer training scheme, which currently has over 1700 registered persons. The scheme, which will be developed and adapted to accommodate changing legislation and practices, is based on a sound knowledge of the hazards associated with:
- Basic Firework Chemistry
- Firework types
- Firework effects
- Fireworks in transport
- Rigging techniques
- Site design
- Firing methods
- Fallout considerations
- Disposal
It is not a replacement for other statutory provisions (e.g. relating to training of drivers) but provides a sound basis for safe operation. In addition to the courses, each candidate is required to maintain a ‘log book’ of their display experience. This log book will prove invaluable in verifying that operators have the necessary practical experience, in a variety of display environments, to complement their formal training. The course is presently available at two levels:
- Firers – for assistant operators at display sites with limited experience
- Senior Firers – for senior operators at display sites who have passed a Firers level and have extended their experience
The course is NOT suitable for nor available to:
- Firers of solely Category 3 fireworks
- Freelance firers who are not associated with a professional company
- Stage or theatrical technicians.
The BPA is delighted to announce that they have been awarded City & Guilds accreditation for their firework courses and examinations.
City and Guilds are recognised as the World leaders in work related training programmes and this accreditation gives our candidates and those that depend on them the assurance that their training meets the highest quality standards.
If you would like to attend the course or if you would like further information please email the organiser of the course directly or contact the BPA
A list of forthcoming courses is available by clicking here and a list of all firers can be accessed here