CEN/TR 15952:2009
(Main)Pyrotechnic articles - Theatrical pyrotechnic articles, categories T1 and T2 - Overview of harmonized standards that will be developed by CEN/TC 212/WG 3
Pyrotechnic articles - Theatrical pyrotechnic articles, categories T1 and T2 - Overview of harmonized standards that will be developed by CEN/TC 212/WG 3
This document gives a description of the context regarding the situation of theatrical pyrotechnic articles and their consideration within the Directive 2007/23/EC with the aim to define what harmonized standards shall be developed in order to comply with the essential safety requirements of the Annex 1 of the Directive.
Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Pyrotechnische Gegenstände für Bühne und Theater, Kategorien T1 und T2 - Überblick über harmonisierte Normen, die von CEN/TC 212/WG 3 erarbeitet werden
Articles pyrotechniques - Articles pyrotechniques de théâtre, de catégories T1 et T2 - Vue d'ensemble des normes harmonisées qui seront élaborées par le CEN/TC 212/GT 3
Le présent document donne une description du contexte en ce qui concerne la situation des articles pyrotechniques destinés au théâtre et de leur prise en considération dans le cadre de la Directive 2007/23/CE dans le but de définir les normes harmonisées qui doivent être développées afin de satisfaire aux exigences essentielles de sécurité de l'Annexe 1 de la Directive.
Pirotehnični izdelki - Gledališki pirotehnični izdelki kategorij T1 in T2 - Pregled harmoniziranih standardov, ki jih pripravlja CEN/TC 212/WG 3
General Information
Overview
CEN/TR 15952:2009 is a technical report from CEN/TC 212 that frames the development of harmonized standards for theatrical pyrotechnic articles, categories T1 and T2, under Directive 2007/23/EC. Its purpose is to describe the regulatory context, define terminology and scope, and identify which harmonized standards and test methods should be developed to demonstrate conformity with the Essential Safety Requirements (ESRs) set out in Annex 1 of the Directive. The report documents the work plan of WG3 and provides an outline for a single, performance‑based standard covering both T1 and T2 products.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Regulatory context: Aligns standardization work with Directive 2007/23/EC and Mandate M416 from the European Commission.
- Scope and philosophy: Advocates a single, flexible, performance‑based harmonized standard for T1/T2 to cover existing types and future developments.
- Categorisation and terminology: Defines terms such as Generic Type, Sub Type, Family/Group, T1(od) (T1 outdoor only), initiation, first functioning, NEQ (Net Explosive Content), hazard and risk.
- Common product features: Recommends shared design constraints for T1/T2 (for example electric ignition, no delay before first effect, and defined performance parameters) to distinguish theatrical items from consumer fireworks.
- Standards structure: Proposes project groups and sections addressing terminology, categorisation, requirements, labelling, test methods and conformity assessment.
- Conformity assessment: Identifies Module B (type testing) and Module C/D/E (batch conformity testing) as likely primary routes for compliance.
- Practical test and safety topics: Discusses labelling, prohibited components/chemicals, test methods, effect hazards, and guidance for determining safety/distances including T1 indoor/outdoor split criteria.
Applications and intended users
CEN/TR 15952:2009 is intended for:
- Manufacturers of theatrical pyrotechnic articles (design and production guidance).
- Notified bodies and test laboratories (guidance on type testing and batch testing).
- Standards developers (WG3 project teams and CEN working groups).
- Regulators and policy makers implementing Directive 2007/23/EC.
- Event producers, theatrical pyrotechnicians and safety officers who require an understanding of product classification, labelling and safety parameters for safe supply and use.
Related standards and interfaces
- Directive 2007/23/EC (Pyrotechnic Articles Directive) and Mandate M416
- Work led by CEN/TC 212 and interfaces with WG1 (fireworks categories 1–3), WG2 (category 4), WG4 (automotive pyrotechnics) and WG5 (other pyrotechnic articles)
- Further harmonized standards to be developed under WG3 for T1 and T2 product families, tests and labelling
CEN/TR 15952:2009 provides the roadmap and terminology foundation for harmonized theatrical pyrotechnics standards, helping stakeholders meet ESRs and ensure safer design, testing and market surveillance.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2009
3LURWHKQLþQLL]GHONL*OHGDOLãNLSLURWHKQLþQLL]GHONLNDWHJRULM7LQ73UHJOHG
KDUPRQL]LUDQLKVWDQGDUGRYNLMLKSULSUDYOMD&(17&:*
Pyrotechnic articles - Theatrical pyrotechnic articles, categories T1 and T2 - Overview of
harmonized standards that will be developed by CEN/TC 212/WG 3
Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Pyrotechnische Gegenstände für Bühne und Theater,
Kategorien T1 und T2 - Überblick über harmonisierte Normen, die von CEN/TC 212/WG
3 erarbeitet werden
Articles pyrotechniques - Articles pyrotechniques pour le théâtre - Vue d'ensemble du
programme pour le développement de normes européenne
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 15952:2009
ICS:
71.100.30 Eksplozivi. Pirotehnika Explosives. Pyrotechnics
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
TECHNICAL REPORT
CEN/TR 15952
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
October 2009
ICS 71.100.30
English Version
Pyrotechnic articles - Theatrical pyrotechnic articles, categories
T1 and T2 - Overview of harmonized standards that will be
developed by CEN/TC 212/WG 3
Articles pyrotechniques - Articles pyrotechniques pour le Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Pyrotechnische
théâtre - Vue d'ensemble du programme pour le Gegenstände für Bühne und Theater, Kategorien T1 und
développement de normes européenne T2 - Überblick über harmonisierte Normen, die von CEN/TC
212/WG 3 erarbeitet werden
This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 17 August 2009. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 212.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2009 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 15952:2009: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
Foreword .3
Introduction .4
1 Scope .5
2 Terminology for this Report .5
3 Scope of Standards for T1 and T2 pyrotechnic articles .6
4 Overview of existing Standards and National provisions .7
5 Interface with other CEN TC 212 Working Groups .7
6 General features of T1/T2 Pyrotechnic Articles for Theatrical use .7
7 Initial Terminology for the T1/T2 Harmonized Standard .8
8 Overview of Types of T1/T2 Pyrotechnic Articles to be considered .9
9 Novel T1 and T2 Pyrotechnic Articles . 13
10 Features of the T1 and T2 Standard to be developed . 13
11 Outline of format of the Harmonized Standard for T1/T2 pyrotechnic articles . 14
12 Defining Criteria for T1 and T2 and the T1/T1(od)/T2 “split” . 15
13 Table of T1 Indoor/Outdoor split criteria . 18
14 Table of T1(od) split criteria . 19
15 Features of T1 and T2 Pyrotechnic Articles . 20
16 Labelling of T1 and T2 Pyrotechnic Articles . 22
17 Prohibited components and chemicals in T1 and T2 products . 26
18 Comparison of Standards with Essential Safety Requirements . 26
19 Identification of Test Methods . 28
20 Standard Performance Distances for T2 Products and Guidelines for Determination of
Safety Distances in real use . 28
21 Issues Identified . 28
22 Resolutions made to CEN TC 212 . 30
23 Acknowledgements . 32
24 Outline of future work . 32
Foreword
This document (CEN/TR 15952:2009) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 212 “Pyrotechnic
articles”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association.
Introduction
This Technical Report gives an overview of the work carried out by CEN/TC 212 WG 3, Theatrical Pyrotechnic
Articles T1 and T2 within the first year of appointment (2008) and to provide a basis for future work, in order to
write the standards for Theatrical Pyrotechnic Articles.
Work on developing harmonized Standards for T1 and T2 theatrical pyrotechnic articles will begin in early
2009.
Several features described in this report of the Harmonized Standards are expected to be changed during the
Standards development phase. However the overall philosophy of the WG3 working group is expected to be
retained.
Directive 2007/23/EC on the placing on the market of pyrotechnic articles, was published on June 14 2007 in
the Official Journal of the European Union. Annex 1 of the Directive 2007/23/EC gives the essential safety
requirements (ESRs) which apply to pyrotechnic articles. In order to facilitate the process of demonstrating
compliance with these ESR, harmonized standards for the design, manufacture and testing of pyrotechnic
articles must be developed. CEN has been mandated by the European Commission (EC) to develop these
harmonized standards: Mandate M 416 describes the work that CEN shall perform.
During the October 16/17 2007 meeting in Delft, CEN/TC 212 agreed to share the corresponding work to be
done between several Working Groups and hence Working Group 3 (WG3) has been established to develop
Harmonized Standards for T1 and T2 pyrotechnic articles.
1 Scope
This document gives a description of the context regarding the situation of theatrical pyrotechnic articles and
their consideration within the Directive 2007/23/EC with the aim to define what harmonized standards shall be
developed in order to comply with the essential safety requirements of the Annex 1 of the Directive.
2 Terminology for this Report
The following terms are used in this document. Note that these are not necessarily terms that will appear in
the Standards itself.
Table 1 ― Terminology for this report
Term Definition Comments
Directive The Pyrotechnic Articles Directive Formally "Directive 2007/23/EC of
(2007/23/EC) the European parliament and of
the Council of 23 May 2007 on the
placing on the market of
pyrotechnic articles"
ESRs Essential Safety Requirements as
detailed in the Directive
NEC Net Explosive Content Also NEQ, NEM have the same
meaning
WG1 Working Group 1 of CEN TC 212 -
addressing cat 1/2/3 fireworks
WG2 Working Group 2 of CEN TC 212 -
addressing cat 4 fireworks
WG3 Working Group 3 of CEN TC 212 - This group
addressing T1/T2 pyrotechnic
articles for theatrical use
WG4 Working Group 4 of CEN TC 212 -
addressing pyrotechnic articles for
automotive use
WG5 Working Group 5 of CEN TC 212 -
addressing other pyrotechnic
articles
Civil Uses Directive Directive 1993/15/EC concerning
the placing on the market of
explosives (except pyrotechnics)
T1 pyrotechnics Theatrical pyrotechnic low hazard
items available to persons
WITHOUT specialised knowledge
Table 1 (continued)
Term Definition Comments
T1 users Users of T1 products Exclusive use of T1 products
T2 users Users of T2 products Users may also use T1 products
T1(od) T1 outdoor only products Although this is not a formal
category within the Directive WG3
have adopted it as a way of
discriminating between the 2 sub-
categories of T1
3 Scope of Standards for T1 and T2 pyrotechnic articles
The Pyrotechnic Articles Directive (2007/23/EC) concerns issues of supply and not use. The purpose of
Standards development is to provide a harmonized means of achieving the Essential Safety Requirements
(ESRs) specified within the Directive.
WG3 agree that, where possible, the Harmonized Standards to be developed should be
• performance based;
• address safety of the product in normal functioning as the primary concern;
• as simple as possible;
• as flexible as possible – to allow for future developments in product design – particularly for T2 products.
WG3 further agree that a single Standard, covering T1 and T2 products should ideally be developed and
further that it should address all known T1 and T2 types and future developments of T2 articles within this
single Standard. However, WG3 have determined that a number of project groups will be needed to address
specific features of the Standard as follows:
• terminology;
• categorisation;
• requirements;
• labelling;
• test methods
and that the sections developed by these project groups will ideally be combined into a single final standard.
Further details of the designated project groups is given in Clause 24.
WG3 consider that one single Standard will cover both T1 and T2 Theatrical Pyrotechnic articles. The
rationale behind this decision is:
• It will lead to simplification of the technical requirements and test methods and prevent “copy/paste” or
inconsistency errors if multiple Standards are developed.
• T1/T2 items are often similar in construction, performance, effect and safety parameters.
WG3 considers that “type testing” (Module B of the Directive) and “batch testing” (“Conformity to Type” -
Module C/D/E of the Directive) are likely to be the most frequent means by which product compliance will be
met. Hence in the initial development phase WG3 intends to consider these methods primarily. It is also
considered that many of the features of the remaining compliance modules will share common features with
those of Module C/D/E in relation to the requirements for batch testing.
A comparison of Modules B and C with the Essential Safety Requirements specified in the Directive is given at
the end of this report.
4 Overview of existing Standards and National provisions
A wide variety of national provisions and standards exist for Theatrical Pyrotechnics across Europe and
control of supply ranges from outright prohibition on supply to persons without specialist knowledge to
unrestricted supply. Only some Member States have standards by which theatrical products are approved for
use. In other countries articles are only categorised or classified by the UN transport tests and criteria.
Only one Member State (UK ) appears to have a true consumer pyrotechnic market for theatrical pyrotechnics
(T1) and in this country, apart from a lower age limit of 18 years of age, there is no other restriction on who
can purchase or use theatrical pyrotechnic articles. Other Member States have some restrictions over the
purchasing or use of theatrical pyrotechnic articles in addition to age restrictions.
It is apparent, however, that the perception of what constitutes a T1 pyrotechnic article differs widely and in
Germany, for instance, even though T1 Articles are readily available they are subject to a licensing regime
prior to use. If Member States wish to retain additional controls on use this will be a matter for them and the
Commission; however, they will not be addressed in development of the Standards.
5 Interface with other CEN TC 212 Working Groups
This technical report has been written in close consultation with the working groups WG1, WG2, WG4 and
WG5 of CEN/TC 212 and where possible shares terms and approaches with them. However we envisage that
coalescence of these will only occur once the Standards for Cat 1/2/3 Fireworks (WG1) are adopted and when
work on other Pyrotechnic Article Standards is more highly developed. WG3 is fortunate to have many
members who sit on other WGs and WG3 welcomes the free flow of information between the groups.
Where possible common terminology and methodology will be adopted; however, WG3 members agree that
where this is not possible T1/T2 Standards should address their own specific requirements.
6 General features of T1/T2 Pyrotechnic Articles for Theatrical use
WG3 members agree that, except where explicitly described within the Standards to be developed, all T1/T2
products should share the following common features:
• electric ignition;
• that there is no delay before first effect;
• the performance is within parameters described explicitly within the Standards to be developed.
In this manner T1/T2 products will be distinguished from functionally equivalent Cat 1/2/3 fireworks (which are
lit by hand) or Cat 4 fireworks. Additionally it is considered that this reduces the degree of hazard of these
materials by ensuring that
• the operator is at a remote firing position (except for hand held/ignited devices);
• there is a significantly reduced likelihood of performers (for example) moving into the safety area of a
device between the time of initiation and the time of first functioning;
• the performance parameters are more stringent than for the functionally equivalent firework item.
7 Initial Terminology for the T1/T2 Harmonized Standard
The following terms have been developed in association with WG2 and WG5 and which will be incorporated,
possibly with revisions, into the Harmonized Standard for T1 and T2 pyrotechnic articles:
Table 2 ― Initial Terminology
Term Description Comments/Example
Generic Type identifies articles with a common, very general, design Mine
feature or with a common characteristic effect under a single
designation
Sub Type identifies articles within a generic type which share common 25mm Colour – 5
features (e.g. calibre and height) metre
Individual Article identifies a specific individual pyrotechnic article within a Red
generic type and sub type, usually by effect
Name the combination of the above terms. Note that the individual Colour Mine - 25mm
article will also be identified by a unique product code, x 5metre- Red.
usually originating from the manufacturer in addition to a
coding from the Notified Body that relates to the certificate for
the product (NB format of name
to be determined)
Family/Group identifies a number of individual items/articles which will be 5metre - 25mm
considered together for the purposes of testing and Colour Mines
certification. A group or family will have common
characteristic such as caliber, composition or NEQ. Note that
the family or group will also be identified by a number Directive 2007/23
originating from the notified body. All items considered
identifies that such
together for the purposes of testing and certification will share groups/families
this number.
should be
established for the
purposes of testing
and certification
(“whereas 18” of the
Directive)
First Functioning The initial manifestation of the primary effect of the device. For instance the
appearance of
projected sparks
from a fountain
Initiation The initial transfer of energy from an initiating device (match
or igniter) to the device
Table 2 (continued)
Description
Term Comments/Example
Hazard an intrinsic feature of an item or activity irrespective of the See later for further
actual functioning of the item which could cause damage or information
injury
Risk a combination of the inherent hazard and the likelihood of an See later for further
item or activity causing damage or injury information
Label Instructions and information attached to the device or
packaging
Supplementary Additional information provided to the user. It may be
Product Information presented in a “hard copy” form on or within the packaging of
(SPI) the article, by the manufacturer direct to a user, or
electronically.
Effect Hazard For example, incandescent or high energy fragments arising Does not include
from the normal functioning of the device, or a thermal effect deliberately
that may cause injury or damage projected, low energy
particles (such as
confetti) produced by
the device. The
effect hazard may be
used as a
determinant of, for
example, performer
safety distance in the
Standards to be
developed.
Terminology will be further extended and refined during the development phase of the Harmonized Standards
8 Overview of Types of T1/T2 Pyrotechnic Articles to be considered
The following types of theatrical pyrotechnic articles have been identified along with their definitions and
primary effect.
Table 3 ― List of Generic Types and Definitions
No Generic Type Definition Primary Effect/Comments
Assembly including several As per the individual elements.
elements either containing the Note that WG3 consider there
same type or several types is no practical difference
each corresponding to one of between a “Battery” and a
the types of pyrotechnic “Combination” as in EN14035
devices listed in this table, with and will consider them
1 Combination
one or multiple points of ignition together. Where the individual
and in which the initial fuse elements could not be
transmits fire from one tube to separated and still function
the next to fire the devices individually, such items are not
sequentially or in some other considered to be a
pattern combination.
A device containing a
pyrotechnic substance which
Production of coloured flame
2 Bengal flames + flares produces a (coloured) light or
(and smoke)
flame where the duration of the
effect is not instantaneous
A pyrotechnic substance that is
ignited in suitable container
Production of coloured flame
3 Theatrical Fire (open flame-bowl) or in a
(and smoke)
preformed cartridge to produce
a (coloured) light or flame effect
A stick partially coated with
slow-burning pyrotechnic Emission of a bright light for a
4 Bengal sticks
composition and designed to stated duration
be held in the hand
A single sealed unit containing A pyrotechnic device that
a pyrotechnic composition produces an instantaneous
5 Stage report
whose principle function is to Report with or without coloured
produce a bang light and / or sparks
A pyrotechnic device that
A device containing pyrotechnic produces an instantaneous
composition(s) where the effect flash of light which may be
6 Flashes
is instantaneous and whose accompanied by smoke, sparks
primary effect is a flash and/or an aural effect and emits
microstars
A device containing a
pyrotechnic composition whose
7 Flash reports
primary effect is a flash
accompanied by a report
A device containing a
pyrotechnic composition which An instantaneous aerial effect
8 Airbursts is suspended into the air and to produce a visual effect and /
functions to produce a visual or aural effect
and/or aural effect
A device containing pressed or
consolidated pyrotechnic
9 Fountains Includes "Jets"
composition(s) producing
sparks in a directional manner
Table 3 (continued)
A single tube which may or
may not be choked at one end
that contains a pyrotechnic
10 Dropping effects Including waterfalls
composition and which is
designed to produce its effect
in a downward direction
A device containing propellant A pyrotechnic device containing
charge and multiple pyrotechnic effects which are
pyrotechnic stars and/or instantaneously and
11 Mines
pyrotechnic units which are simultaneously projected in an
ejected in a single burst in a upward direction to a dispersed
directional manner visual and or aural effect
A pyrotechnic device that
A single tube containing a
produces an instantaneous
pyrotechnic composition and
12 Confetti + streamer cartridges ejection of paper or novelty
inert items which projects the
effects. May produce noise
inert items from the device
and/or smoke
A pyrotechnic device that is
A device containing a
propelled along the wire it is
pyrotechnic composition that is
attached to whilst producing
13 Line rockets designed to be attached to a
light and/or aural effect(s)
wire and has a controlled
and/or sparks and or coloured
trajectory
smoke
A device containing propellant A pyrotechnic device that ejects
charge and a single a single pyrotechnic unit
14 Comets
pyrotechnic star or unit which is producing a directional visual
ejected in a single burst effect
A device consisting of a single
A pyrotechnic device that emits
tube containing a series of
multiple units producing a
pyrotechnic units with alternate
15 Roman candles
directional visual effect
payloads and propellant
charges, and a transmitting
fuse
A device containing a
pyrotechnic composition
Flame columns, flame
16 producing a projected column
projectors
of flame with or without other
visual and/or aural effects.
A device containing a
pyrotechnic lifting charge
pyrotechnic compositions but
not containing discrete
17 Fire balls pyrotechnic units which
produces an instantaneous
coloured ball of fire with or
without smoke and/or sparks
and/or aural effect
A pyrotechnic device that
A device containing pyrotechnic
produces a rotational effect of
18 Rotating effects compositions and functions in
coloured light and/or sparks
such a way that device rotates.
with or without an aural effect.
Table 3 (continued)
A pyrotechnic device that emits
coloured smoke for a stated
A device containing a duration. Device must not emit
19 Smoke devices pyrotechnic composition toxic or corrosive
emitting smoke. gasses/smoke specifically
designed for extermination
purposes
A device containing a A pyrotechnic device that
pyrotechnic composition and/or produces an explosion effect
pyrotechnic stars and/or with noise, consisting of
20 Explosion Simulators
pyrotechnic units and/or coloured fire and/or smoke and
flammable solid and simulates or sparks and/or other visual
a small or large explosion. effect(s) and/or aural effect(s)
A device containing pyrotechnic
Squibs and Bullet hit squibs composition designed to disrupt
21 /Sparking squibs (ricochet inert material to mimic a
squib) bullet/puncture wound or small
explosion
A substance which is non
Phlegmatised pyrotechnic pyrotechnic when supplied but
substance is converted to a pyrotechnic
substance at the point of use
A device containing a
pyrotechnic composition that
23 Whistles
produces an aural whistling
effect with or without sparks
Separate non pyrotechnic Various, but may include
components which when amongst others Report,
24 Binary mixtures
combined form a pyrotechnic coloured flash, fire, smoke,
composition. sparks
A device containing pyrotechnic
composition (s) which is
25 Flash trays / split tubes designed to produce a two-
dimensional curtain of sparks
or other pyrotechnic effects
Device containing pressed or
consolidated pyrotechnic
composition(s) producing light
and sparks in a directional
Designed to be held in the
manner, and a small report
26 “Bounced” fountain hand by means of ancillary
inside, in such a way that, once
equipment
the pressed composition is
consumed, it ignites the report
indicating the finishing of first
principal effect.
An article comprising only a
pyrotechnic substance(s) and
that is ignited within the hand May produce light, sparks,
27 In-Hand effect
and optionally thrown from the smoke or noise.
hand, and that is optionally self
consuming.
NOTE Some of the definitions do not match those of WG1 or WG2 for equivalent items. Definitions to be used within
the Standards will be harmonized as much as possible - however there may be exceptions where the definition requires
specific meaning for pyrotechnic articles for theatrical use.
The exact definitions may be revised following the work in developing the Standard(s).
9 Novel T1 and T2 Pyrotechnic Articles
WG3 members are concerned that in a rapidly developing field, Standards should be developed which allow
novel devices to be developed without
• requiring new standards to be developed;
• forcing the items to undergo certification by comparison with the Directive ESRs alone.
Hence, in general, the Standards which are to be developed will be as general as possible and there will be
specific features only when required by the product type. Where novel articles cannot be certified by this
approach WG3 members consider that the notified bodies will determine which features of the Harmonized
Standard will be applicable, and what other tests would be required by them as appropriate.
WG3 intend to write guidance on the use of the developed Standards for novel products.
10 Features of the T1 and T2 Standard to be developed
As described in Clause 3. WG3 consider that the Standard to be developed will address both "Type Testing"
and "Batch Testing".
10.1 Generalised features of type testing
WG3 considers that Type testing will be carried out on Product Groups which encompass a range of individual
articles including:
1. product dimension range;
2. NEC range;
3. product functioning times;
4. product chemistry range;
5. basic conformity to type description;
6. product labelling (generalised);
7. supplementary product information (generalised).
10.2 Generalised features of batch testing
WG3 considers the following features will be part of the Batch testing of T1 and T2 pyrotechnic articles.
1. Product performance characteristics (functioning height etc.);
2. Product timing characteristics (firing duration etc.);
3. Product specific labelling requirements;
4. Product specific supplementary product information requirements.
10.3 Features that will not be considered in a T1/T2 Harmonized Standard
WG3 considers that the following elements of T1/T2 pyrotechnic articles will not be considered in the
development of Harmonized Standards.
• Electric ignition devices except where these are produced specifically and exclusively for use in T1/T2
pyrotechnic articles (instead such devices should be considered by WG5).
• Fusing elements between articles except where these are produced specifically and exclusively for use
in T1/T2 pyrotechnic articles (instead such devices should be considered by WG5).
11 Outline of format of the Harmonized Standard for T1/T2 pyrotechnic articles
The following is our proposed contents for the T1/T2 Pyrotechnic Article Standard:
1. Scope
2. References
3. Terminology
3.1. Generic types
3.2. Technical terms
4. Construction requirements
4.1. General
4.2. Specific (relating to T1, T1(od) or T2 or product type)
5. Performance requirements
5.1. General
5.2. Specific (relating to T1, T1(od) or T2 or product type)
6. Labelling and user’s documentation
6.1. General
6.2. Specific (relating to T1, T1(od) or T2 or product type)
6.3. Supplementary Product Information (SPI)
7. Recommendations for tests
7.1. List of recommended test methods
7.2. Allowed tolerances
7.3. Accuracy and statistical approach
7.4. Approval of alternative test methods
8. Annex 1 - Safety distances
8.1. Standard performance distances for T2 products
8.2. Guidelines for determination of safety distances in real use
9. Annex 2 - Other features related to ESR and certification
10. Annex 3 – Translations of standard safety phrases
12 Defining Criteria for T1 and T2 and the T1/T1(od)/T2 “split”
The Directive only deals with the generation of Standards for which Theatrical Pyrotechnic Articles must
comply in order to be placed on the market and to whom they may be supplied. It does not mandate the
definition of who is or is not a "person of specialist knowledge" or the requirements to become a person of
specialist knowledge, this will be a matter for the Member States.
However the directive does call for a distinction between pyrotechnic articles for stage use that present a low
hazard (T1), by inference those T1 items which may only be used outdoors (T1(od)) and those pyrotechnic
articles for stage use which are intended for use by persons with specialist knowledge (T2). Hence the
Standards developed must define and distinguish each of these groups and make it clear which articles when
tested against the standards will be T1 and which will be T2.
In deciding the dividing line between T1 and T2, WG3 consider that only the safety of the product when used
correctly should be considered, and not the possible misuse of the theatrical pyrotechnic articles.
The following table (Table 4) was developed by WG3 members to investigate which potential criteria could be
used to determine the split between T1 and T2 products.
Table 4 ― Potential criteria for the T1/T2 split
The criteria considered are:
Criterion Explanation
NEC/NEQ/NEM The net mass of explosive components in the article
The functioning height of the effect when fired
Height of effect vertically
The functioning width of the effect when fired
vertically - which may be expressed as diameter or
Width of effect radius
Whether dangerous debris is produced - for instance
Dangerous Debris sparks, fragments of the case, thermal effects etc.
All debris All debris - whether hazardous or not
Potential Malfunction The possibility of malfunction
The most severe consequences of malfunction -
Consequence of malfunction including explosion
The level of noise produced at the relative distance
Noise (operator, performer, audience)
Duration The duration of the effect
The calibre of the device (e.g. for mines, fountains or
Diameter Roman candles)
Type of ignition Electric or manual
Whet
...
Frequently Asked Questions
CEN/TR 15952:2009 is a technical report published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Pyrotechnic articles - Theatrical pyrotechnic articles, categories T1 and T2 - Overview of harmonized standards that will be developed by CEN/TC 212/WG 3". This standard covers: This document gives a description of the context regarding the situation of theatrical pyrotechnic articles and their consideration within the Directive 2007/23/EC with the aim to define what harmonized standards shall be developed in order to comply with the essential safety requirements of the Annex 1 of the Directive.
This document gives a description of the context regarding the situation of theatrical pyrotechnic articles and their consideration within the Directive 2007/23/EC with the aim to define what harmonized standards shall be developed in order to comply with the essential safety requirements of the Annex 1 of the Directive.
CEN/TR 15952:2009 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 71.100.30 - Explosives. Pyrotechnics and fireworks. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
CEN/TR 15952:2009 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2007/23/EC, 2013/29/EU; Standardization Mandates: M/416. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
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