WAC 212-17-305   Public display -- Construction of shells.  (1) Shells shall be classified and described only in terms of the inside diameter of the mortar in which they can be safely used (e.g., 3-inch shells are only for use in 3-inch mortars).

     (2) Shells shall be constructed so that the difference between the inside diameter of the mortar and the outside diameter of the shell is no less than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) and no more than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) for two-inch (51 mm) and three-inch (76 mm) shells or 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) for shells larger than three-inch (76 mm).

     (3) Shells shall be labeled with the type of shell, the diameter measurement, and the name of the manufacturer or distributor. Shells shall also carry a warning label complying with 16 CFR 1500.121, 1981.

     (4) The label or wrapper of any type of aerial salute shall be conspicuously marked with the word "salute."

     (5) Single-break salute shells shall not exceed three inches in diameter or three inches in length (exclusive of the propellant charge). The maximum quantity of salute powder in such salutes shall not exceed 2.5 ounces (71 g).

     (6) For single-break shells containing multiple internal salutes and for multibreak shells, the maximum quantity of salute powder per internal unit shall not exceed 2.5 ounces (71 g) with no more than 5 ounces (142 g) total salute powder in any one shell.

     (7) The length of the internal delay fuse and the amount of lift charge shall be sized to insure proper functioning of the shells in their mortars. Quick match fuse shall be long enough to allow not less than 6 inches (152 mm) of fuse to protrude from the mortar after the shell has been properly inserted.

Exception:

For electrically ignited displays, the requirement shall be that the length of wire on the electric match shall be long enough that not less than 6 inches (152 mm) protrude from the mortar when the shell has been properly inserted.

     (8) The length of exposed black match on a shell shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) and the fuse shall not be folded or doubled back under the safety cap.

     In order to allow the person igniting the aerial shells to safely retreat, the time delay between igniting the tip of the shell's fuse and the firing of the shell shall not be less than three seconds or more than six seconds.

Exception:

For electrically ignited displays, there is no requirement for a delay period.

     (9) A safety cap shall be installed over the exposed end of the fuse. The safety cap shall be of a different color than that used for the paper of the fuse.

Exception:

For electrically ignited displays, there is no requirement for safety caps except that there shall be no exposed pyrotechnic composition.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.77 RCW. 90-10-006 (Order 90-02), § 212-17-305, filed 4/19/90, effective 5/20/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.77.250 and chapter 48.48 RCW. 82-22-068 (Order FM 82-10), § 212-17-305, filed 11/2/82.]