The history of fireworks

A long time ago in a Chinese province of Hunan, near the town of Liu Yang, an old cook lived his quiet life. He was famous for preparing delicious dishes.

One day, he felt a sudden desire to something unique. To make the taste of his dishes even more exquisite he went out to take a breath of fresh air and devote himself to the art of cooking. Wandering to his “field” kitchen, he collected all the products necessary for his work and lighting a bonfire.

As fate turned out, the famous cook became the Prometheus of his time. In the course of his preparations, the cook confused the ingredients. He used the materials that his brother, a chemist, gave to him – sulphur, charcoal and salt.

Imagine his surprise, when the mixture in contact with fire, burst out with colourful flames. He was deeply impressed by this experience. He was curious what would happen if the places a mixture of powders, later called black powder, in a bamboo tube. As he had expected, after he let it off, it shot into the air with a loud bang.

Initially, the invention of a Chinese Cook was used to scare off evil spirits. As time went on, more and more ingredients were added to the powder and it intensified attractiveness of the explosions. The amazing light shows inspired the entire world, especially Europe. Italy, later on Germany, England, etc. started producing fireworks.

Nowadays, fireworks highlight unique and original character of an event. They fill the sky with billions of luminous effects. Sparkling and shining stars, peonies, chrysanthemums, and palms arouse admiration of everyone.

Materials provided with the consent of: http://www.fajerwerki.net.pl

SECURITY

1. Do not buy any fireworks and other pyrotechnics of unknown origin at bazaars.

2. Always read and follow the instructions on the package of a given product.

3. Let off the fireworks only on open space, away from trees, dry grass, fuel stations, high voltage wires, lanterns, etc. Make sure that letting fireworks off is safe for the neighbourhood.
4. Never let off fireworks in enclosed spaces, or balconies, from your hand and from roofs covered with tar paper.

5. Fireworks should be stored in dry places, protected from sunlight and away from electric devices and any other heat sources, which may cause their explosion.

6. Never put fireworks in your pockets.
7. Do not put crackers into metal cans or bottles.

8. Keep fireworks in their original packing.

9. Store fireworks in places inaccessible to children. Only adults are allowed to set off fireworks.

10. Never let off pyrotechnic substances after drinking alcohol or any other psychotropic substances.

11. Do not hold fireworks in your hand.

12. Do not aim fireworks at people, animals, buildings, cars, woodlands, etc.

13. Do not bend over fireworks when letting them off or immediately after the successful letting them off. As required, crouch down as you launch them.

14. Never let off again any unfired firework immediately after failing to let it off. Wait 15 – 20 minutes before you try again

15. Remember about your four-legged friends. Prepare a special place for them to isolate them from the rumble of the exploding fireworks.

16. Never tamper with the purchased fireworks, or try to make any of your own composition.

Materials provided with the consent of: http://www.fajerwerki.net.pl

HOW TO LET FIREWORKS OFF ?

Flares – most commonly used during sports games. You should hold it in one of your hands. To let a flare off, fire should be applied to the designated place.

Fountains – place the firework upright on the ground and light the fuse. Result – depending on the size – a fountain of sparks, intensive light.

Butterflies, Kamikaze, Bees – lay a firework on flat surface, label (the coloured side) up and light the fuse. You must not throw butterflies, etc. Result – it flies up spirally and burns attractively in different colours.

Mortar – a box with a tube (mortar) and a few balls (shells). The tube must be fixed to the ground, so that it does not wobble when the shells are discharged. You should place the shell in the mortar and unwind the fuse outside the tube. After the firing, the shell rises up and explodes. Each shell should be fired separately – there must be only one shell in the tube.

Rockets – a rocket should be fixed with a stick so that it can easily rise up, e.g. in a bottle or in a pipe. The object from which a rocket is fired should be firmly fixed to the ground, so that it cannot overturn, because the rocket will not start and the explosion will take place in “flash point zero”.

Roman candles – stick upright in deep snow, put it in a bottle or fix it to an upright pole, stilt, so that it does not fall down. Roman candles must not be held in hand. The last shot from the pipe, if it is not fixed in the ground may recoil.

Launchers – fix it to the flat grounds and let off. If a launcher is used not only for a few shots, it should be propped up with stones or bricks, so that it does not fall down when firing. Launchers fire up single shot at a time or bursts of shots.

Fire crackers – there are several kinds of fire crackers – Fiend, or Tiddleywink fire-crackers – which should be thrown onto a hard ground. Do not set fire to them. Result – mild crack. Fused crackers – lay a cracker on the ground and light the fuse. Match Crackers – can be ignited by striking them on the striking-strip on the side of the cracker box, if you have one, or a matchbox.

REMEMBER! After igniting a firework you should move to a safe distance

Materials provided with the consent of: http://www.fajerwerki.net.pl