WAC 212-17-321   Public display -- Installation of buried mortars.  (1) Mortars shall be buried to a depth of at least two-thirds to three-quarters of their length, either in the ground or in aboveground troughs or drums.

     (2) Where paper mortars are to be placed in damp ground or damp sand or are to be in the display, they shall be placed inside a water-resistant bag prior to placement in the ground.

     (3) Wherever there is the likelihood of groundwater leaking into the mortar, the mortar shall be placed inside a water-resistant bag prior to placement in the ground.

     (4) Weather-resistant coverings shall be placed over the mouth of mortars wherever there is imminent danger of water accumulating inside the mortar.

     (5) Buried mortars shall be placed to prevent them from being driven into the ground or reangled when fired.

Exception:

Where a mortar is to be used only once, such as for an electrically fired display, added support shall be optional and shall not be required.

     (6) Mortars that are buried in the ground, in troughs, or in drums shall be separated from adjacent mortars by a distance at least equal to the diameter of the mortar.

Exception:

Where electrical ignition of unchained aerial shells six inches and less in diameter is used, there is no requirement for separation of mortars.

     (7) Mortars in troughs and drums shall be positioned to afford the maximum protection to the shooter.

     (8) There shall be a separation distance of at least two inches or half the diameter of the mortar, whichever is greater, between the mortar and the trough or drum.

Exception:

Where electrical ignition is used, all mortars placed in drums or troughs shall be spaced at least two inches from the wall of the drum or trough.

     (9) If troughs and drums are used, they shall be filled with sand or soft dirt: In no case shall stones or other potentially dangerous debris be present.

     (10) Troughs shall be reinforced or braced in a minimum of two places on the sides at intervals no greater than every four feet.

     (11) Where possible, the narrow side of the trough shall face the greatest number of spectators and the firing progression shall develop in a direction away from the spectators.



[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.43 and 70.77 RCW. 06-12-010, § 212-17-321, filed 5/26/06, effective 6/26/06.]