WAC 212-17-315   Public display -- Installation of mortars.  (1) Prior to placement, mortars shall be inspected carefully for defects, such as dents, bent ends, damaged interiors, and damaged plugs. Defective mortars shall not be used.

     (2) Mortars shall be positioned and spaced so that shells are propelled away from spectators, over the fallout area, and to afford maximum protection to the shooter and loader. Under no circumstances shall mortars be angled toward the spectator viewing area.

     (3) Where mortars are to be reloaded during a display, mortars of various sizes shall not be intermixed. Mortars of the same size shall be placed in groups, and the groups shall be separated from one another.

     (4) Mortars of any type six inches in diameter or less shall be permitted to be reloaded and fired up to seven times during a performance.

Exception:

There shall be no limit to the number of times a steel mortar six inches or less is permitted to be reloaded.

     (5) Mortars shall be positioned to afford protection to the spectators and display personnel.

     (6) Mortars shall be inspected before the first shells are loaded to ensure that no water or debris has accumulated in the bottom of the mortar.

     (7) Mortars shall be of sufficient strength and durability to fire the aerial shells and be used safely.

     (8) Paper, HDPE, and fiberglass mortars are among the types of mortar that shall be permitted to be used.

     (9) Cast iron, stove pipe, corrugated culvert, clay, bamboo, and wood shall not be used to make mortars.

     (10) Metal mortars shall be either seamed or seamless; however, seamed mortars shall be placed so that all seams face either right or left when viewing the line of mortars.

     (11) Steel mortars used to fire single break salute shells shall be buried according to WAC 212-17-321.

     (12) Mortars shall be of sufficient length to cause aerial shells to be propelled to safe heights.

     (13) The dimension of the inside diameter of the mortar shall be conspicuously painted or otherwise marked on the top of the mortar.

Exception:

Designation of the inside diameter shall not be required for outdoor fireworks displays fired under the direct control of a professional fireworks display company.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.43 and 70.77 RCW. 06-12-010, § 212-17-315, filed 5/26/06, effective 6/26/06. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.77 RCW. 90-10-006 (Order 90-02), § 212-17-315, 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), § 212-17-315, filed 11/2/82.]