Editing Fireworks (section)

=== Canada ===
[[File:Canada Day 2016 Fireworks (27929885402).jpg|thumb|[[Canada Day]] 2016 firework show]]
The use, storage and sale of commercial-grade fireworks in Canada is licensed by [[Natural Resources Canada]]'s Explosive Regulatory Division (ERD). Unlike their consumer counterpart, commercial-grade fireworks function differently, and come in a wide range of sizes from {{convert|50|mm|0|abbr=in}} up to {{convert|300|mm|frac=16|abbr=in}} or more in diameter. Commercial grade fireworks require a Fireworks Operator Certificate (FOC), obtained from the ERD by completing a one-day safety course. There are two categories of FOC: one for pyrotechnics (those used on stage and in movies) and another for display fireworks (those used in dedicated fireworks shows). Each requires completion of its own course, although there are special categories of FOC which allow visiting operators to run their shows with the assistance of a Canadian supervisor.

The display fireworks FOC has two levels: assistant, and fully licensed. A fully licensed display fireworks operator can also be further endorsed for marine launch, flying saucers, and other more technically demanding fireworks displays.

The pyrotechnician FOC has three levels: pyrotechnician (which allows work under a supervisor), supervising pyrotechnician, and special effects pyrotechnician (which allows the fabrication of certain types of pyrotechnic devices). Additionally, a special effects pyrotechnician can be endorsed for the use of detonating cord.

Since commercial-grade fireworks are shells which are loaded into separate mortars by hand, there is danger in every stage of the setup.<ref>Natural Resources Canada, Explosive Regulatory Division. Display Fireworks Manual (March 2002 Edition)</ref> Setup of these fireworks involves the placement and securing of mortars on wooden or wire racks; loading of the shells; and if electronically firing, wiring and testing. The mortars are generally made of FRE (fiber-reinforced [[epoxy]]) or [[HDPE]] (high-density polyethylene). Older mortars made of sheet steel have been banned by most countries due to the problem of shrapnel produced during a misfire.

Setup of mortars in Canada for an oblong firing site require that a mortar be configured at an angle of 10 to 15&nbsp;degrees down-range with a safety distance of at least {{convert|200|m|sp=us}} down-range and {{convert|100|m|sp=us}} surrounding the mortars, plus distance adjustments for wind speed and direction. In June 2007, the ERD approved circular firing sites for use with vertically fired mortars with a safety distance of at least {{convert|175|m|adj=on|sp=us}} radius, plus distance adjustments for wind speed and direction.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080227052543/http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/explosif/pdf/bull48_e.pdf Natural Resources Canada Explosive Branch Bulletin #48]</ref>

Loading of shells is a delicate process, and must be done with caution, and a loader must ensure not only the mortar is clean, but also make sure that no part of their body is directly over the mortar in case of a premature fire. Wiring the shells is a painstaking process; whether the shells are being fired manually or electronically, any "chain fusing" or wiring of electrical ignitors, care must be taken to prevent the fuse (an electrical match, often incorrectly called a [[squib (explosive)|squib]]) from igniting. If the setup is wired electrically, the electrical matches are usually plugged into a "firing rail" or "breakout box" that runs back to the main firing board; from there, the Firing Board is simply hooked up to a car battery, and can proceed with firing the show when ready.

Since commercial-grade fireworks are so much larger and more powerful, setup, and firing crews are always under great pressure to ensure they safely set up, fire, and clean up after a show.