Safety Guidelines for CAF Pyro Units

Category: Guides

Published date: Mar 2, 2020

This training and safety guideline is intended to provide details of the personnel, supplies and procedures necessary to safely and efficiently conduct the pyrotechnics portion of a Commemorative Air Force Air Show. This guideline is not to supersede any local, state, or federal laws or regulations which govern explosives or their use. All laws and regulations, as they apply to any given show location, must be strictly adhered to. Any conflict between these laws and regulations and the content of this guideline must be brought to the attention of the Commemorative Air Force and/or the leaders of the Pyro Units (EOD, The Blastards, Tora Bomb Squad) immediately.

Introductory Page
Safety Safety Outline
Explosive Materials General Safety Rules
Emergency Situations
Training Qualifications for Shooter-In Charge/Shooter
Field Responsibilities of EOD Personnel Shooter-In-Charge
Master Shooter
Shooter Member (Shooter Trainee)
Other Field Positions
Additional Personnel Responsibilities
Shooter-In-Charge
All Personnel on Field
Shooter’s Board
Suggested Procedures for Shooters-In-Charge Miscellaneous Shooter/SIC Reinstatement
CAF Pyro Questions/Requirements References

Commemorative Air Force CAF Pyro Units Safety and Training Guideline This training and safety guideline is intended to provide details of the personnel, supplies and procedures necessary to safely and efficiently conduct the pyrotechnics portion of a Commemorative Air Force Air Show. This guideline is not to supersede any local, state, or federal laws or regulations which govern explosives or their use. All laws and regulations, as they apply to any given show location, must be strictly adhered to. Any conflict between these laws and regulations and the content of this guideline must be brought to the attention of the Commemorative Air Force and/or the leaders of the Pyro Units (EOD, The Blastards, Tora Bomb Squad) immediately.

This guide is divided into the following parts:

Safety

This portion contains the basic safety outline, general safety practices for the handling of explosives and emergency procedures.

Training

This portion will deal with qualifications for advancement of pyro personnel, the field responsibilities of the personnel and the structure of the Shooter’s Board.

Miscellaneous

This contains items dealing with re-instatement of previously held rank and basic questions and requirements necessary for having pyro at an air show, including military bases.

Safety Outline

A. Safety is Our Number One Priority 1. Notify SIC or designated area “field lieutenant” if something doesn’t feel right or if anything unusual occurs during set-up or detonation. 2. If the shot is not right STAND DOWN. The plane will come back around. 3. When the field is hot, remain at the shooting point and don’t enter a spread unless it is necessary. Spread shooter is responsible for personnel assigned to his/her spread.

B. Safety Equipment 1. Eye and ear protection is required for all personnel at a spread during detonation. Hearing protection should not interfere with radio communications. 2. Hard hats are generally available for those wishing to utilize them during the show and are strongly recommended. 3. Cotton, fire resistant clothing and or Nomex is required for all personnel at shooting points. Shorts should not be worn during detonation, but may be worn during set-up in hot weather conditions. SIC or Safety designee will advise. 4. Hard soled shoes/boots are required on the field. No flip-flops or open toed shoes will be allowed.

C. Radio Requirements and Etiquette 1. The shooter of a spread is required to have a Motorola family type radio and it is strongly recommended that all personnel at a spread also have a radio. If a person does not possess a radio, they are required to remain at the shooting point with the spread shooter at all times and never leave the spread without an escort by a person with a radio. 2. Once the show begins, maintain radio etiquette. If your radio has an ear piece with a push to talk button, make sure that it is not on VOX – (voice activated setting). Double check this feature prior to going on the field once the field is hot. 3. As a part of radio etiquette, minimize chatter once the show begins. Only use the radio to communicate spread needs and concerns during a pyro act.

D. Personnel on Field 1. Spread shooter is responsible for the personnel at his/her shooting point. 2. SIC will determine number of persons at a shooting point. Rule of thumb maximum number is four, but this can be adjusted when the circumstance requires. 3. Spread shooter must discuss escape route and communicate with neighboring shooters. Escape will include head count and established rendezvous point for all persons at the shooting point.

Explosive Materials

Explosive materials include explosives (powder, sticks, amfo), detonating cord (det cord) and detonators (electric caps, non electric caps).

Most of the CAF shows will use the above listed materials to set up the special effects display used in the shows air power demonstrations. All material should be handled with extreme caution. Some suggestions are as follows:

A. Powder 1. Dynamite (60%), Dyno AP, Ammonium Nitrate (Amfo)

60% dynamite is usually packaged in yellow paper wrapped sticks. This product should never be handled without the use of gloves. Nitro emitted from the sticks will cause a serious headache.

Dyno AP is usually packaged in 1 ½ inch X 8 inch plastic wrapped sticks with a metal tie on each end. The metal tie wrap should always be removed prior to detonation. This product also may come packaged in yellow or red paper wrapped sticks. This product is relatively stable and can be handled without gloves.
Ammonium Nitrate (Amfo) usually comes in 50 pound sacks and is a granular product. This product is typically placed into zip locked plastic bags and used in combination with either sticks or det cord to enhance the shot. Care should be used when handling amfo. Absorption into the skin can cause head pain and/or other discomforts.

Any person who feels they may be sensitive to the effects of handling these products, should refrain to do so without the use of protective gloves.

B. Detonating Cord Det Cord (50 grain, 100 grain, 200 grain) Most of the CAF operations will use det cord in the above mentioned sizes. Detonating cord is an explosive agent and should be treated with caution. Never crimp det cord or put any undo pressure on it. Slice the cord when cutting by using cord cutters or a sharp knife. Never use wire cutters or scissors to cut the cord.

C. Electric Caps Most electric caps used will be “0 delay” – instant fire when touching the battery. Others may be on a short delay. Remember this when shooting as there will be a slight delay from touching the battery to firing.

D. Non-Electric Caps Non-els are of various delays depending on the need. Shorter delay (50 ms – 100 ms) for strafing runs – Longer delays (200 ms – 250 ms – 300 ms) for walking bombs.

General Safety Rules This section is intended to cover general safety rules and regulations relating to CAF explosive operations. This guide represents the minimum acceptable safety procedures and is not intended to be a complete list of general practices. No one set of standard procedures can anticipate all situations which may be encountered. No standards can ever exist which can substitute for common sense, sound judgment, and a continuing concern for maximum safety. ICAS motto Safety First should always be adhered to and remember, “Safety is not a rule book; it is a state of mind.”

Explosive Operations General Safety Rules

Personnel and vehicles must be kept to an absolute minimum. All vehicles in the PYRO area will have the keys left in them.
All personnel must maintain a safe distance from the runways. A minimum of 100 ft.
All movement on the taxiways and runways must comply with the standards of the airport involved.
All members of pyro team must have reliable radio communication.
Any person not thoroughly familiar with a CAF explosive operation will not be allowed to work alone until they can demonstrate a safe knowledge of all aspects of those operations.
Any person working a CAF pyrotechnics operation who has a medical problem likely to be aggravated by conditions on the pyro field, will so inform the SIC.
All applicable safety equipment will be used.
The pyro team should have brooms on the field for fighting small grass fires. The fire department should be on the field to handle larger situations.
The pyro team should have an ample supply of water, availability for food and access to a port- a-pottie on the field.
The absolute minimum number of personnel necessary will be used to arm the field. Once the field is armed, the spread shooter will insure a presence at the shooting point.
A master sign in list for all personal on the Pyro field for each day of the show.

Emergency Situations A. Weather 1. If there is a dangerous weather situation, SIC will determine procedure for waiting out the situation by simply standing down or either (1) securing the field or (2) shooting the field. 2. SIC will determine need to secure the field due to weather. If needed, SIC will declare Weather – Go Cold - Spread shooters will shunt wires and remove cap from charge. 3. For detonation prior to adverse weather and/or lightning entering the area SIC will notify Airboss and obtain a time frame for shooting and instructions will be given on procedures to follow.

B. Incident In The Field – Involving Parachutists And Ground Vehicles 1. If a parachutist enters a spread, shunt wires and arrange for someone to escort the person out of the spread and into a safe area. 2. Ground vehicle or unidentified personnel entering area – notify SIC. Spread shooter at point of contact will make all efforts to stop intrusion until SIC or designee arrives.

C. Incident Off The Field – Aircraft Down Pyro activity will be suspended pending Airboss decision. All spreads shunt wires and remain at shooting point until further instructions from SIC Maintain radio etiquette allowing for essential conversation.

D. Incident On The Field – Aircraft Down 1. SIC will declare Emergency cold – at this command, all spreads will shunt wires and remain at shooting point. Maintain radio etiquette during the emergency situation. 2. Individual spreads nearest the incident will be shunt wires, remove cap from charge and bring caps to area near shooting point. Create a path for the emergency vehicles after area is rendered as safe as possible. The Airboss shall keep all unnecessary personnel away from the mishap site. SIC or Safety designee will utilize field cart to escort emergency vehicles to area. 3. Pyro activity will resume or cease as determined by the SIC and/or the Airboss. If pyro activity is terminated, remaining spreads will Go Cold on the command of the SIC.

E. Incident On The Field – Pyro Personnel Injury 1. If a charge detonates resulting in serious life-threatening injury, SIC will declare Go Cold and all pyro activities will cease. 2. If an injury to a person is such that it is generally non-life-threatening but requires medical attention beyond normal first aid SIC will notify Airboss to dispatch rescue vehicle – the field will stand down and wait for further instructions.

F. Definitions Emergency Cold – something has happened on the field. If this command is given, shunt wires and remain at shooting point – make plans for securing your spread if given the command to do so. Stand down and be alert. Stay off the radio and listen for further instructions.

Go Cold – this command repeated three times means that something has happened on the field that requires the end of any further pyro activity. Shunt wires and remove cap from charge and prepare to secure your spread. We will not shoot any more today.

Qualifications For Shooter/Shooter-In-Charge

The SHOOTER and SHOOTER-IN-CHARGE designation of the CAF Pyro are similar in knowledge requirements and differ only in the areas of responsibilities and levels of experience. Generally, a SHOOTER is responsible for one or more Spreads at an event; whereas, the SHOOTER-IN-CHARGE will be in charge of the complete pyro aspect of the event.

A. Shooter – To hold the rank of Shooter, a person must: 1. Be a current member of CAF and a CAF Pyro unit for the past two consecutive years. 2. Be familiar with all aspects of field set-ups and safety procedures. 3. Have a minimum of 10 missions on the field and demonstrated mastery of set-up and detonation to a current qualified CAF Shooter or Shooter-In-Charge. 4. Maintain an accurate Shooter’s Log indicating missions completed.

B. Master Shooter – To hold the rank of Master Shooter a person must: 1. Be a current member of CAF and a CAF Pyro unit for the past 2 years. 2. Be a shooter for the last 2 years with a minimum of 20 missions as a shooter. 3. Demonstrate good leadership skills, knowledge of the types of explosives and shot designs. 4. Possess and demonstrate very high safety skills and ethics on the field. 5. Maintain an accurate shooters log.

C. Shooter-In-Charge – To hold the rank of Shooter-In-Charge, a person must: 1. Be a current member of CAF and a CAF Pyro unit for the past four years. 2. Be a Shooter for at least four years with a minimum of 20 missions as a Shooter. 3. Demonstrate the leadership skills and knowledge to oversee all aspects of the field through an internship under a current qualified CAF SIC. 4. Maintain an accurate Shooter’s Log indicating missions completed.

For advancement in CAF – EOD and The Blastards, all decisions regarding rank must go through the CAF/EOD Shooter’s Board with the advice and consent of EOD Detachment Leader and/or Blastards Lead. The year requirements may be changed or waived by the board IF the applicant has acquired skills in explosive safety procedures prior to their involvement in the CAF Pyro. The Shooter’s Board makes the recommendation as to if and when an applicant may be advanced in rank. For advancement in Tora Bomb Squad, the leader of TBS will determine advancement using the above stated minimum qualifications. Years of membership and missions are MINIMUM standards and are to be used as a guide for consideration of advancement. There is no set time length for internship with a qualified SIC as this phase of the training cycle for some, may take months and others may require years.

Field Responsibilities of Personnel This section details the responsibilities of personnel directly involved with the explosive operations or related to those operations. All personnel should understand the duties and responsibilities of their particular assignment.

A. Shooter-In-Charge The Shooter-In-Charge (SIC) is the on the field representative of the Commemorative Air Force and is directly responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of explosive operations. The SIC is to insure that safety is never jeopardized to achieve a task. The SIC will have the final authority concerning explosive operations. The responsibilities of SIC include, but are not limited to the following:

Explosive operations are conducted in accordance to policies and regulations.
Explosive operations are conducted in a safe and suitable location.
ATF storage requirements are met and all explosive materials are properly handled.
SIC be present on the field with qualified personnel required to properly and safely conduct the operation.
Explosive operations are coordinated with Air Boss by attendance at Pilot Safety Brief and communication during the show with reliable aircraft radio communications.
Prior to beginning Explosive operations, SIC will brief field personnel in: a. Show sequence and spread assignments. b. Preferred method of setting explosives, if applicable. c. Field etiquette and general safety procedures.
To oversee the entire explosive operation, safely handle misfires and assist in training field personnel.

B. Master Shooter This position is to serve as a “stepping stone” between the levels of Shooter and SIC. This role is to work under the SIC at Pyro events not limited to but include:

Serve as a mentor for all members who are working towards advancing to the next rank.
Assume the role of a Field Lieutenant in overseeing an area on the Pyro field or Pyro event.
Be prepared to assist in monitoring radio calls and troubleshoot misfires on the field when called upon. Assist in coordinating operations with the local fire and emergency support.
Train for the position of SIC if so desired.

C. Shooter The Shooter is directly responsible to the Shooter-In-Charge and shall conduct such portions of the operation as directed. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Setting up the spread assigned to them as directed by SIC.
Instructing Members (Shooter Trainees) in safety procedures for handling and use of explosives.
To safely detonate the spread as directed by the SIC, with consideration for the safety of the aircraft and personnel always foremost in decision to fire.
Instructing the Members (Shooter Trainees) in the safe detonation of explosives.
Informing the SIC of any problems or misfires.
To use their assigned explosives in a safe manner which minimize the risk to personnel and aircraft.
Maintain shooter’s log to document experience.

D. Member – (Shooter Trainee) The member (shooter trainee) is directly responsible to the shooter and will assist the shooter as needed. The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Assist the shooter in all phases of setting up, detonating and cleaning up the spread.
Actively seek out instruction in all aspects of the explosive operation and gain experience through participation. Trainee should document experiences in a personal “Shooter’s Log” and maintain log for future advancement considerations.

Other Field Positions as Directed by SIC May Include, but not limited to:

• 2nd SIC – serve as the assistant to the SIC and will have field duties as assigned by the SIC. • Field Lieutenant – serve the SIC in a particular area with specific assigned duties. • Bunker – cut and distribute materials to the spreads and may assume other duties, such as oversee the field during the absence of the SIC.

Additional Personnel Responsibilities

A. Responsibilities of Shooter-In-Charge In addition to the responsibilities previously set forth, the SIC is responsible for the safe practices of all the personnel working with him and all safety policies established by the CAF. Safety is never compromised to achieve a task. Consider as the minimum, the following standards:

Enforce all safety procedures and policies of the CAF.
Inform all personnel of safe practices, standards and policies for the protection of both people and aircraft.
Insure that all accidents are fully investigated and any reports required are filled out and submitted in a timely manner and corrective measures are carried out.
Insure the proper conduct on the field.
Assist in teaching methods and strategies to fellow personnel.
Maintain a good exchange of information.

B. Responsibilities of All Personnel on the Pyro Field 1. Develop and utilize correct and safe working practices at all times.

Report all injuries promptly and completely.
Participate in all safety meetings and field briefs.
Voice all safety concerns to the SIC.
Report any situation or condition that is potentially dangerous or hazardous.
Utilize all safety devices available for protection.

EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DETACHMENT SHOOTER’S BOARD Structure and Appointments

The SHOOTER’S BOARD operates under the direction of the CAF/EOD Unit Staff. The Shooter’s Board shall consist of three voting members; one Chairman, and two members. All members of the board shall have attained the rank of either Shooter or Shooter-In-Charge.

The chairman is appointed to the board by the EOD Leader (who may not appointment himself) and must be a qualified SIC. The chairman serves a one year term and they may succeed themselves in that position.

The second member of the board is the elected CAF/EOD Safety Officer, who shall serve on the board for the duration of their tenure on the staff.

The third member of the board is appointed by Chairman of the Shooter’s Board with approval of the CAF/EOD Unit Leader. This member needs to be at least a Shooter and demonstrated knowledge of the field activities. This position is a two year term and they may be reappointed.

CAF/EOD Unit Leader may appoint a replacement to the board if any member cannot complete their assigned term for whatever reason.

The Shooter’s Board shall convene at least once a year by whatever means effective for them to review all applicants for advancement in rank and/or reinstatement of rank and make their recommendations known to the CAF/EOD Unit Staff in a timely manner.

SIC Procedures Safety/Show Brief/Show Sequence

The prescribed method for SIC’s safety/show briefing/show sequence are as follows:

A. Initial Safety Briefing Upon taking the field (or prior to, if time constraints allow), an initial safety brief is held by SIC with all hands on the field. Basic safety features are reviewed. The EOD Safety Officer will conduct the basics of this safety meeting. If the elected person is not on the field, an EOD qualified SIC or the show SIC will conduct this briefing. The adopted safety brief will be reviewed and shared with the team. Spread assignments will be discussed by the SIC and field set-up will commence.

B. Air Show Pilot Brief The SIC MUST attend Pilot Brief. Call sign for CAF Pyro is Dynamite. SIC may be accompanied by others as so designated. During the Air Boss Safety Brief, SIC will conduct pyro brief referencing the FAA-approved Pyro Brief Card. SIC and other pyro personnel are advised to cross brief with pyro acts following the Air Boss Safety Brief. Meeting individually with “the bombers”, “the fighters”, “TORA”, etc will deconflict any situation prior to it happening in the air and give the acts using pyro a clear idea of what we have for them during their act. If an ACC Demo team and/or an approved ACC Military demo act is present, the SIC may designate another ACC/SIC to be in charge of this act. If so, this person MUST also attend pilot brief to communicate face to face with the Demo pilot. Only persons on the ICAS approved ACC/SIC list will be allowed to shoot for the demo act. While the SIC is away from the field, a designee will be assigned to be in charge of the field. This person holds all the responsibilities of SIC in the absence of the show SIC.

Show Brief by SIC upon returning to field following Pilot Brief It is suggested that the SIC obtain, at minimum, the number of show schedules as there are shooters on the field. Arrangements for these additional numbers of schedules can made prior to the show with advanced planning with Air Boss. During the show brief, each spread shooter is given a detailed shooting assignment, along with the show schedule and the pyro sequence that will be followed. Additional safety procedures are reviewed following the show schedule. Upon command of the SIC, team will take the field and make the spreads hot.

Show Sequence Once the field is hot, spread shooters are to remain at the shooting points. No one is to leave the shooting point without a radio. During the show and during pyro detonation, the SIC will relay to the spread shooters exactly where the show is relating to the schedule and relay to them commands as necessary regarding their assignments. Field communication is a MUST and radios of choice for the CAF Pyro units remain the Motorola family style radio with sub-band frequencies. Once the spread has been shot, the spread shooter will notify the SIC that they are “cold”, and upon information from all spreads regarding that particular act, the SIC will then notify Air Boss that the particular act is “cold”. Safety reminder regarding misfires: If there is a misfire, notify SIC.

At which time the SIC or their designee will either “fix” the situation for future detonation OR transfer the shot to another area for detonation. Once the field is cold and all shots have been detonated, the SIC will notify Air Boss that “Dynamite is Cold” and begin communication procedures to return the pyro team to the crowd side of the field.

REINSTATEMENT Shooter/Shooter-In-Charge

A. Shooter – If a person holds a “Shooter” rating and allows CAF membership to lapse, the member may reapply to regain that rank by the following: 1. To hold the rank of shooter, a person must be a current member of CAF and EOD.

A lapse in membership in the CAF revokes the rank.
If a person allows membership in the CAF to lapse and then rejoins both CAF and EOD, the shooter’s board, with advice and consent of the EOD staff, may, upon a review of the applicant’s current updated shooter’s log and demonstration of mastery to a current qualified CAF/EOD Shooter or SIC, reinstate the rank of CAF/EOD Shooter after membership is verified and the applicant has maintained membership for 2 consecutive years.

B. Master Shooter - If a person holds a “Master Shooter” rating and allows CAF membership to lapse, the member may reapply to regain that rank by the following: 1. To hold the rank of Master Shooter, a person must be a current member of CAF and EOD.

A lapse in membership in the CAF revokes the rank.
If a person allows membership in the CAF to lapse and then rejoins both CAF and EOD, the shooter’s board, with advice and consent of the EOD staff, may, upon a review of the applicant’s current updated shooter’s log and demonstration of mastery to a current qualified CAF/EOD Shooter, Master Shooter or SIC, reinstate the rank of CAF/EOD Master Shooter after membership is verified and the applicant has maintained membership for 2 consecutive years.

C. Shooter-In-Charge - If a person holds a “Shooter-In-Charge” rating and allows CAF membership to lapse, the member may reapply to regain that rank by the following: 1. To hold the rank of SIC, a person must be a current member of CAF and EOD.

Lapse in membership in the CAF revokes this rank.
If a person rejoins both the CAF and EOD, the shooter’s board, with the advice and consent of the EOD staff, may, upon review of an updated shooter’s log and demonstration of master to a current qualified CAF/EOD SIC, reinstate the applicant to Shooter. When the applicant has maintained verifiable membership for 2 consecutive years and demonstrated mastery of SIC requirements to a current qualified CAF/EOD SIC at sanctioned CAF/EOD events, the board may reinstate the rank of SIC.

All decisions regarding rank must go through the Shooter’s Board with the advice and consent of the EOD staff. The year requirements may be changed or waived by the board IF

the applicant has been delinquent for a shorter period and rejoins both CAF and EOD. The Shooter’s Board has the final say as to if and when an applicant may be reinstated to the previously held rank. The Shooter’s Board also has the obligation of reviewing current members for continuation in rank by regular review of the member’s shooter’s log.

Sample of Questions and Requirements For Utilizing CAF/Pyro Civilian and Military

EOD and Blastards

Thank you for showing an interest in having CAF/PYRO at your next air show. Below are some of the questions and requirements that will need to be addressed in order for us to develop a show design and then determine the cost for your show.

Questions: 1. Is this a 1, 2, or 3 day show? 2. Will PYRO be required for each day? 3. Do you have approved, on site, storage for the explosives? 4. What aircraft are you expecting at your show? 5. Are you going to have an ACC Demo team?

Requirements: 1. Rooms (on base for military shows) for PYRO team. Team size depends on the size of the show. 2. Gator type all terrain vehicles with beds for field use. 3. Fuel able to be delivered to the PYRO field in a fuel truck with a fuel hose for pumping. Preferred fuel would be auto gas, however, 100 low lead can also be used. 4. The PYRO field area, including a perimeter of 100 ft larger than the actual PYRO area, mowed and pre-burned 10 days in advance of the show dates. 5. Bathroom access in the PYRO area. 6. Food and water in the PYRO area. 7. A POC assigned to the team leader. 8. Cardboard [30x30 inch pieces; 1 per fuel bag]. 9. Straw brooms for minor fire control. 10. Fire suppression will need to be available for the SIC to call in when needed. 11. Performers passes, all access vehicles passes, show information, and all social event passes.

References

Robinson, Linebarger, and Skinner et al., Commemorative Air Force Explosive Ordnance Detachment Field Manual, 2007.

Webb, Zalesky, Linebarger, Robinson, and Crawford ICAS Publication: Guidelines for Use of Pyrotechnics and Special Effects at Air Show, 2016.

Stretch, Confederate Air Force EOD Safety and Training Manual, 1985.

End of Guide