1.3G Explosives - Formerly known as Class B or Special Fireworks. Items under this classification are for professional use only.

1.4G Explosives - Formerly known as Class C or Common Fireworks. Items under this classification are mostly consumer fireworks with some being for professional use.

Aerial Shell - Devices, either spherical or cylindrical, used in high-level fireworks shows. These devices are propelled high in the air from a launch tube, which is either buried in the ground or secured in a rack, trough, or drum. Shells generally range from 2 to 12 inches in diameter. Largest known shell to date is 36 inches in diameter.

American Pyrotechnics Association – Trade association for the fireworks industry

BATF or ATF – See Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

Barrage – Multiple devices fire at one time or rapid sequence

Black Powder – Material found in most fireworks. This material can be used a s a propellant charge, to produce loud sound, as a constituent of other compositions or in the ignition fuse or timing system of fireworks. Also known as Gun Powder.

Bouquet – Fountains or low level stars fired together

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) – The federal agency that regulates explosives. This agency monitors the importation, manufacture, distribution and storage of fireworks and other explosives.

Cake – Large cluster of small tubes, each with one pyrotechnic device that fires low level fireworks in a rapid sequence. Some cakes

EX Number – The identification number assigned to all explosive devices by the Department of Transportation.

Electric Match (Igniter) – A device used for the electrical ignition of fireworks and pyrotechnic articles that contains a small amount of pyrotechnic material that ignites when a specific electric current flows through it.

Fireworks – Any device, other than a novelty or theatrical pyrotechnic article intended to produce visible and/or audible effects by combustion, deflagration or detonation.

Flash Powder – Mixtures that contain powdered aluminum or a magnesium/aluminum alloy which, when ignited, can result in a powerful explosion and flash.

Fountain – Device that projects a spray of sparks.

Girandola – Special wheel that spins and rises rapidly in the air while emitting a spray of sparks, lights and/or whistles.

Ground Level Fireworks – Devices that perform near ground level. These include fountains, wheels, color fire, lance-work set pieces and other specialty novelty items.

High Level Fireworks - Devices that are propelled into the air. Usually aerial shells

Igniter – See Electric Match

Instantaneous Fuse (Quick Match) – Black match that is encased in loose-fitting paper or plastic sheath to make it burn extremely rapid. Quick Match is used for aerial shells and for simultaneous ignition of a number of pyrotechnic devices, such as lances and ground displays.

Illegal Explosives – Usually unlabelled, these devices exceed the federal maximum explosive charge allowed and have poor quality control in production. Some examples are M-80s, M-100, Silver Salutes, quarter and half sticks. These devices are extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Public officials and members of the media sometimes incorrectly refer to these devices as "Fireworks".

Labels – all legal consumer explosives have mandatory labeling requirements. Included on these labels should be the manufacturer’s name, address, cautions and directions for use.

Lance – Small flare attached to set piece to draw pictures in fire.

Loading Personnel – Individuals at a manually fired fireworks display who are in charge of reloading launch tubes.

Low Level Fireworks – Fireworks that ignite and fire their effect into the sky directly from the ground.

Monitor - Individual(s) at a fireworks display who is responsible for observing the perimeter of the firing site an insuring that security personnel or barriers keep spectators at a safe distance. Also they observe for additional fire and debris hazard.

Novelty – Device containing small amounts of pyrotechnic and/or explosive composition but not falling under the category of consumer fireworks. Such devices produce limited visible or audible effects. Examples are snakes, tanks, poppers and snappers.

Placard – Warning symbol of a square-on-point configuration mounted on each side and each end of a vehicle or piece of mobile equipment which informs the public and emergency personnel of the hazardous nature of cargo, as specified in DOT regulations.

Pyrotechnic Composition – A chemical mixture, which on burning and without explosion produces visible or brilliant displays of bright lights or whistles or motions.

Pyrotechnician – An individual who shoots or creates fireworks.

Pyrotechnist –An individual who has become proficient in shooting fireworks displays and has mastered the art.

Quick Match – See Instantaneous Fuse

Rack – Rack used to hold launch tubes for aerial shells.

Report – The loud boom that is created when a salute ignites.

Roman Candle – Narrow diameter cardboard tube loaded with a sequence of stars or inserts and propelling powder.

Salute – Device that contains powdered aluminum or a magnesium/aluminum alloy which, when ignited, results in a powerful explosion and flash.

Set Piece – Lattice frame that holds design to which lances are attached to draw pictures in fire. These are usually located on poles or scaffolding and much closer to the audience than the aerial shells.

Shooter – An individual that actually ignites fireworks devices at a show.

Spotter – Individual who’s task is similar to monitor, but specifically is charged with observing the firing area, fall-out area and spectator areas looking for debris, fires and duds.

Theatrical Pyrotechnics Device – Device for professional uses in the entertainment industry similar to Consumer fireworks in chemical composition and construction but not intended for consumer use.

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