Section 981.5 - License Scope(a) Model Rockets. A Model Rocket License authorizes the manufacture, import, export or wholesale or any combination thereof.(b) Pyrotechnic Operator. A Pyrotechnic Operator's License authorizes and places the responsibility for the handling, supervision and discharge of any fireworks item or pyrotechnic device and establishes that the operator is responsible for the training of his or her assistants in the safe handling, supervision, and discharge of these items and devices, in accordance with the following:(1) Pyrotechnic Operator--Unrestricted may conduct and take charge of all fireworks activities in connection with every kind of public fireworks display, whether commercial entertainment, experimental and other types of rockets, special effects in motion picture, theatrical and television production.(2) Pyrotechnic Operator--Basic Commercial may conduct and is restricted to all fireworks activities in connection with a commercial fireworks public display, including the determination that all mortars, set pieces, rocket launchers and rockets are properly installed and that the proper safety precautions have been taken to insure the safety of persons and property. Such operator shall have charge of all activities directly related to handling, preparing and firing all fireworks at the public display, including the fixing of lifting charges and quick match as needed for aerial shells.(3) Pyrotechnic Operator--Restricted Commercial may conduct and is restricted exclusively to the use and discharge of firecrackers and the use of other exempt fireworks in religious ceremonies.(4) Pyrotechnic Operator--Rockets First Class may conduct and is restricted to all activities in connection with research experiments, production, transportation, fuel loading and launching of all types of experimental rockets. Such operator shall also be responsible for the actions and conduct of all assistants. Operators licensed under subsection (b) are also required to obtain a local permit from the authority having jurisdiction prior to all launches.(5) Pyrotechnic Operator--Rockets Second Class may conduct and is restricted to all activities in connection with research experiments, production, transportation, fuel loading and launching of all types of solid fuel experimental rockets only. Such operator shall also be responsible for the actions and conduct of all assistants. Operators licensed under subsection (b) are also required to obtain a local permit from the authority having jurisdiction prior to all launches.(6) Pyrotechnic Operator--Rockets Third Class may purchase, transport, store, and launch high power rockets. Experimental high power rocket motors may only be imported, exported, and wholesaled by individuals or companies holding valid import, export, or wholesale licenses. Pyrotechnic Operators--Third Class may only purchase high powered rocket motors from licensed wholesalers. Operators licensed under subsection (b) are also required to obtain a local permit from the authority having jurisdiction prior to all launches.(7) Pyrotechnic Operator--Special Effects First Class may conduct and is restricted to the use, preparation for transportation and the preparation and use of all types of fireworks and special effects pyrotechnics, for the sole purpose of producing a visible or audible effect where and when such use is a necessary part of motion picture, television, theatrical or operatic production, as permitted by the fire authority having jurisdiction.(8) Pyrotechnic Operator--Special Effects Second Class may conduct and is restricted to the use of special effects, the loading of blank cartridges, colored fire, flash paper, smoke composition, the preparation and use of binary A and B Flash composition and such other fireworks of whatever kind and class as may be permitted by the authority having jurisdiction, under a special permit in connection with television and motion picture production.(9) Pyrotechnic Operator--Special Effects Third Class authorizes the loading of blank cartridge shells, and use of special effects when under the direct supervision and control of a Pyrotechnic Operator--Special Effects First or Second Class.(10) Pyrotechnic Operator--Theatrical authorizes the use of special effects, blank cartridges, colored fire, flash paper, flash, smoke composition, and the preparation and use of binary A and B Flash composition in stage or theatrical productions only.(11) Pyrotechnic Operator--Theatrical Trainee authorizes the conducting of procedures permitted a Pyrotechnic Operator--Theatrical when under the direct supervision and control of a licensed Pyrotechnic Operator--Theatrical.(12) Pyrotechnic Operator--Performer is restricted to persons who perform before an audience, directly or indirectly, and may include magicians, comedians, still photographers, and others whose primary interest is in other than pyrotechnics. Such license is restricted to the use of blank cartridges, colored fire, flash paper, sparklers, and smoke composition in connection with the production of theatricals and operas before live audiences in theaters, opera houses, television studios, night clubs, and similar occupancies, or by the use of a still photographer.(c) Separate License Not Required. A separate license shall not be required of licensed manufacturers, wholesalers, or importer-exporter to manufacture, wholesale, import or export agricultural and wildlife fireworks or model rocket engines.(d) Explosive Materials Not Included in Scope of License. The license scope as defined in this section is restricted to the use of materials defined as "fireworks" (as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 12511) and in no way confers authority for the use or discharge of explosive materials defined in Health and Safety Code Sections 12000, et seq.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 19, § 981.5
1. Amendment of subsection (d) filed 11-4-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 45).
2. Amendment of subsection (d) filed 3-2-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 9).
3. Repealer and renumbering and amendment of former section 981.9 to section 981.5 filed 4-14-92; operative 5-14-92 (Register 92, No. 21). Note: Authority cited: Section 12552, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 12552, 12578 and 12580, Health and Safety Code.
1. Amendment of subsection (d) filed 11-4-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 45).
2. Amendment of subsection (d) filed 3-2-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 9).
3. Repealer and renumbering and amendment of former section 981.9 to section 981.5 filed 4-14-92; operative 5-14-92 (Register 92, No. 21).