On-stage pyrotechnics fire causes temporary halt to Bruno Mars concert

A concert featuring American Grammy-winning artist Bruno Mars was forced to be temporarily halted in July, when on-stage pyrotechnics apparently caused a lighting rig to catch fire. Here, SHP has some guidelines for the safe use of pyrotechnics at events.

Mars was just minutes into his Glasgow Green show when a stray firework reportedly hit the light and set it ablaze.

The singer fled the stage and a safety alert was shown to fans which read: “This is a safety announcement. It is necessary to stop the show, temporarily. Further information to follow.”

The fire was quickly brought under control, allowing Mars to return and complete his set.

A report on Barbour by Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) provides some guidance on the safe use of pyrotechnics at concert and theatre venues.

ABTT Safe Use of Pyrotechnic Effects GuidanceThe reports states that “Many venues are regulated by their local authority and/or local fire authority, where permits/approvals are required before any pyrotechnics are allowed to be used.”

It outlines that:

  • Risk Assessments must be completed under Regulation 3 of the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations and current fire safety legislation.
  • Pyrotechnics much only be used by competent adults aged over 18 years.

Planning

The report goes on to talk about the importance of planning in relation to then use of pyrotechnics. It asks, what are they trying to achieve and how appropriate are they to the venue or location?

A suitable emergency plan must also be discussed and documented with the venue to their approval.

Risk

It is important to consider all risk and identity suitable precautionary measures. Some examples of risk include:

  • People – including working at height when setting up, the proximity of the effects to staff, the public and security and warnings to artists.
  • Venue – Air draughts that could blow sparks, flames and smoke in an unfavourable direction.
  • Building and stage furnishings.
  • Lighting systems.
  • Clothing and costumes.
  • Set design.
  • Slips, trips and falls.

The report also goes into detail about the safe procurement and storage of explosives.

For more information on Barbour, click here, or fill in the form on the right to download the ABTT Safe Use of Pyrotechnic Effects Guidance Report.

  • By downloading this resource you understand that Informa Markets and the Sponsor of this resource (where applicable) are providing you with this service, free of charge, with the explicit intent of identifying business leaders with a legitimate interest in Informa Markets or the Sponsor products and services for which you will receive follow up communications.

    If you do not wish to continue receiving marketing communications from Informa Markets or the Sponsor you will be able to unsubscribe using the links provided within the communications and you will receive no further marketing communications relating to this content.

    If you do not wish to receive any communications from Informa Markets or the Sponsor please do not submit this form.

    Read the Privacy Policy.