BetICouldMake1 Posted July 17, 2018 Posted July 17, 2018 Hi all, I'm just getting started as an amateur pyro. At this point mostly just collecting supplies and doing a lot of reading. For the time being I'm going to stick to building black powder based stuff (rockets, mines, and small shells to start). My understanding is that there is no license required to make fireworks as a hobbyist, but you are required to store any finished fireworks in a proper (type 4) magazine and any transportation requires a license. My question is, per the ATF site,consumer fireworks are exempt from federal explosive laws. If I'm only making stuff that is comparable to 1.4G consumer fireworks would that mean I could legally drive them across town to a shoot site and/or store them somewhere that wouldn't meet type 4 magazine specs? Do certain comps or chemicals require type 4 storage? Obviously I'll still store things safely, I've been reloading my own ammo for years so I know something of the risks of keeping pounds of powder around, though I realize black powder and many pyro comps are less stable than most smokeless powders. My plan was to build a small magazine in my detached garage. It would be close to compliant other than it would lack the required lock hood. I'm all for proper storage and safety, I'm just trying to spread out the costs of getting started up and building or buying a magazine looks to be a pricey investment. Also, is the 2012 edition of the "orange book" the latest. I've been looking for a pdf version and that is the latest edition I've been able to find. Thanks for your help and advice!
starxplor Posted July 18, 2018 Posted July 18, 2018 Anything without an EX number is automatically classified as 1.3 (or higher). If you make a BP rocket, even one smaller than a commercially available 1.4G rocket, you are required to have an ATF permit and proper storage as it is treated as a 1.3 item. Actual 1.4G items do not have ATF regulations for storage, but your state or local municipality may have regulations. "Close to compliant" is the same as "Not compliant". If you plan to get an ATF permit, you will need actual compliant storage for home made devices. Good luck and please try to stay legal.
Tim1877 Posted July 19, 2018 Posted July 19, 2018 So what is a legal storage site for my hobby fireworks I mean size material location things like that
starxplor Posted July 19, 2018 Posted July 19, 2018 First, if you want a real legal answer, ask a lawyer, as I am not one. I am just explaining my current understanding of the rules/laws involved. Tim, your question is a bit lacking in details. First, are you referring to devices you build yourself? Second, have you looked at the orange book? It pretty well explains the requirements for the term 'ATF approved storage' if that is all you need.
dagabu Posted July 20, 2018 Posted July 20, 2018 Rockets are actually more complicated than that. They have their own classification for hobby purposes but the weight of fuel and material used are limited. Where hobbyists get into legal trouble is with the state and local LEO because they have not researched the ordinances or laws outside of the ATF Orange Book. If it was just the ATF, you could build and use explosives same day with no worries. Distances and safety in mind, it would be EZPZ to be a hobbyist and be compliant. Once you decide to store an item, your world changes... Just to clarify, if you remove a label or pull a fuse from a 1.4g item, it is now a unregulated item. It's not really 1.3 though the LEO will treat it as such if they are in a good mood that day but the DA may wish to charge you under "manufacturing and storing an infernal machine" which is a felony. My recommendation? Join a pyro club, download the Orange Book, find land and get licensed. There is no reasoning with a DA with a hard on for a slam dunk felony charge.
BetICouldMake1 Posted July 23, 2018 Author Posted July 23, 2018 (edited) Thanks for the info guys. I realize that "almost" compliant is the same as not in a legal sense, I just meant to say that I'm not looking to skirt safety. Does anyone have advice on how to hunt down the local and state ordinances? I've been digging around but it is hard to tell if hobby building is subject to the same regs as commercial manufacturing. I'm in central PA if anyone happens to also be from the area and already knows state regs. Edited July 23, 2018 by BetICouldMake1
dagabu Posted July 23, 2018 Posted July 23, 2018 Contact your State Fire Marshal, your County Fire Marshal and your local fire marshal, they will know what you need to do.
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