OAR 837-012-0865: Operations for Barge Displays

(1) Manual firing of displays may be allowed only under the following conditions: (a) Shells must be loaded into mortars and put into place prior to the display. Reloading of any kind during a barge display is prohibited; (b) Shells may be single-break only and may not exceed 6" in diameter; (c) The barge must meet double the size requirements established by OAR 837-012-0855; (d) All individuals, other than operators and assistants must be behind protective barriers during the display. Protective barriers must meet the strength requirements of 3/4 inch (19mm) plywood or equivalent. (e) Electrical firing and manual firing on the same barge is allowed when the mortars to be used for manual firing are separated from mortars to be used for electrical firing by a minimum of 25 feet. (f) All aerial shells greater than 6" in diameter must be fired using electrical ignition or other means of remote ignition that place the operator and assistants at least 75 feet away from the mortar or behind a sturdy barricade at the time of ignition of the lift charge. (2) A U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) must be provided and available for each individual working on the barge. PFD's must be properly worn anytime the barge is not moored at the dock. PFD's must have or include a visual location device. (3) A watercraft must be ready and capable of providing a rapid emergency response during the display. (4) During the display only necessary individuals may be present on the barge. No spectators may be present on the barge. (5) Necessary individuals may include: (a) Operator and assistants; (b) Local fire authority department personnel; (c) Barge operators; and (d) Local fire authority, Coast Guard, law enforcement, or other regulatory authority acting within the scope of their official capacity. (6) Barges must be free of all nonessential combustible materials. (7) Fuel tanks are deemed essential material to perform the display for vessels controlling, marshaling, or adjoining the barge from which fireworks are being discharged. (8) Barges constructed of wood or other combustible material may be permitted to be used as a fireworks display site when the requirements of these rules and any other applicable state, local, and federal requirements pertaining to fireworks are met. (9) Barges constructed of wood or other combustible material can be used provided the surface of the barge has been protected from fire by means acceptable to the local fire authority. The barge should also be of sufficient construction and configuration to safely allow the firing of the display. Consideration should be given to the conditions that could affect the separation distance of the barge from the public. Greater distance might be required to allow for the effects of sea conditions, wind, and drift of the barge. (10) Whenever, in the opinion of the local fire authority, the operator, or the barge captain, conditions such as high seas or rapid current pose a potential safety hazard to the operator and assistants, spectators, surrounding area, or any other individuals, the display must be postponed until conditions improve.