OAR 837-012-0855: Barge Requirements

(1) Barges may be permitted to be manned or unmanned as long as the barge operators remain in control of the barge, and the operator and assistants remain in control of the barge display site and firing of the display. (2) The movement and location of a barge must be controlled at all times, whether self-propelled, controlled by another vessel, or secured by anchoring or mooring. (3) The means of controlling the movement and location of a barge pursuant to subsection (2) of this rule must be done so by means approved by the local fire authority prior to the display. (4) Barges may be used as a discharge site only if the barge is sufficiently stable and seaworthy so the type of fireworks and the placement of the fireworks, mortars, and accompanying equipment on the barge does not compromise the stability or seaworthiness of the barge when the fireworks are discharged. (5) When a barge is manned during the firing of the display, a safety shelter must be present on the barge. The safety shelter must: (a) Be of sufficient size to accommodate all individuals present during the actual firing of the display; (b) Have a minimum of three sides and a roof; and (c) Have walls and a roof constructed of at least 3/4 in. (19 mm) plywood or equivalent material. (6) Separation between mortars and a safety shelter must be 2ft/in. (0.6 m/25 mm) of diameter of any mortars up to 6 in. (152 mm) in diameter. For shells larger than 6 in. (152 mm) in diameter, the minimum separation distance must be 4 ft/in. (1.22 m/25 mm) of shell diameter. EXCEPTION: If the safety shelter is constructed of stronger material, the separation distance between mortars and the shelter may be permitted to be reduced at the discretion of the local fire authority and the Department of the State Fire Marshal. (7) The required minimum size for a barge (in square feet) for a particular display must be determined by the following calculations; (a) Minimum discharge site (in square ft) = sum of (total number of each size mortar times its inside diameter) divided by two (2). EXCEPTIONS: Multi-shot devices up to 3 in. in diameter must be calculated at twice the actual footprint of each such device (length X width). Ground display pieces may be excluded from the calculations for minimum display set-up area. (b) Total # of 3 in. Mortar x 3 + total number of 4 in. Mortars x 4 + total number of 5 in. Mortars x 5 + etc. )/2 EXAMPLE: A display containing 100 - 3 in. shells, 50 - 4 in. shells, 20 - 5 in. shells, 10- 6 in. shells, and 5- 8 in. shells would require the following minimum display set-up area. Table not included. See ED. NOTE. (8) Barges must be configured, and the display arranged, so operators, assistants and any other individuals on the barge can readily exit the barge in case of an emergency. [ED. NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.]