Different Classes of Fireworks

Series Summary

Fireworks were developed in China around 206 BC. They were invented by Taoist Monks who created them by accident through playing with gunpowder in their spare time. Later pyrotechnicians in China were very well respected for their unique skill and bravery since this was and is never a safe venture. Eventually there became a scientific method and strategy to making fireworks which developed into its own profession that, of course, still flourishes today. We use fireworks at many national celebrations in America such as July 4th and New Years as well as sporting events and concerts and we can also use smaller fireworks to celebrate personally on a smaller scale.

With the awe and spectacle of fireworks also comes danger to the people controlling them. In this video series you will learn about safety with different types of fireworks from hand held sparklers to bottle rockets as well as what to do if something goes wrong. These videos will teach you that fireworks can be fun if respected but dangerous if neglected.

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm David Hunter with Expert Village. Today we're going to be talking about fireworks, the different types and safety tips. Today we're going to be talking about the different types of fireworks and they start off with Class A which is usually around a 12 inch ball which is shot up into the air. The consistency of that is a larger grand firework which normally you will not see unless it's in a firework display such as the White House or the Washington Memorial displays they have in Washington DC or the bigger cities. The Class B fireworks what you see usually in your local community shot off at ballparks and at different events, you can get those at larger suppliers but you must have a special Class B license to shoot those and also to purchase those. You must also be professionally trained to do that and to have those through the American Power Techniques Association to be certified through that and to be able to cover those areas to shoot a ball, anything 2 and a quarter inches up to a 12 inch ball. Okay, if you were looking at shooting Class B fireworks or purchasing them, you will have to go through a mandated FBI background check to get those. And usually that consist of ATF also. You have to go through an extensive check out to check your background, the same thing that you do when getting a gun permit. But it's a little bit more involved, you would also have to go through regulations of where you carry your fireworks, where they're stored at, and of course you know a federal government needs to know that at all times. If you shop for fireworks or if you're still housing them and of course what you use so that way you can't just give them to friends and neighbors but you have to be certified to be able to do that. Also the Class C fireworks, which most of you are normally familiar with; are what we shoot in our backyards and they consist of the fireworks that you see right here that we have behind and they are common fireworks meaning that they are usually somewhere around the 1.4 ground level which is a standard throughout the states for fireworks. I think it covers most of the states with that; you will have to check with your state to find out the laws and regulations restricting these fireworks."