California Code of Regulations
Title 19 - Public Safety
Division 1 - State Fire Marshal
Chapter 6 - Fireworks
Article 15 - Public Display
Section 1001 - Setting Mortars

Universal Citation: 19 CA Code of Regs 1001

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) Metallic, re-usable paper and HDPE mortars shall be securely buried to a minimum of 2/3 of their minimal legal length in earth or in drums or troughs filled with moist earth or sand essentially free of debris.

(b) Mortars other than metallic mortars may be placed in wooden finale racks.

(c) Planking below mortars shall be required when the base of the mortar, trough, or drum is not on a stable and level surface.

(d) Mortars in non-electrically-fired shows shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Mortars up to five inches in diameter and buried in earth or placed in troughs or drums shall be spaced a minimum of 3 inches apart or from the sides of the drum or trough.

(2) Mortars six inches or larger in diameter and buried in earth or placed in troughs or drums shall be spaced a minimum of 5 inches apart or from the sides of the drum or trough. When a mortar requiring 5 inches of space is placed adjacent to a mortar requiring only 3 inches of spacing, the larger spacing shall apply.

(e) Mortars in electrically-fired shows shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) All mortars buried in earth or placed in drums and troughs shall be nominally spaced 2 inches apart or from the sides of the drum or trough.

(2) All technicians shall be positioned a minimum of 100 feet from any mortar and positioned so as to be protected from the direct line of fire.

(3) No one shall be allowed to enter the firing area during the firing of the display.

(f) Mortars shall be set in a stable and secure manner so that accidental impact and shell discharge will not change the trajectory of adjacent unfired shells.

NOTE: For illustrations of typical mortar racks, troughs and drums, see Diagrams A, B and C following section 1002.

1. Repealer of former section 1001 and new section filed 6-26-91 as an emergency; operative 6-26-91 (Register 91, No. 48). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 10-24-91 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.
2. Emergency language repealed by operation of law. Repealer of former section 1001 and new section filed 4-14-92; operative 5-14-92 (Register 92, No. 21).

Note: Authority cited: Section 12552, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 12552, Health and Safety Code.

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