Sample BC Operator's Exam - Multiple Choice Flashcards by Brian Aboozia

Within ten (10) working days following any public display the licensed pyrotechnician in charge of
the display shall submit a complete written report to the State Fire Marshall including information on
which of the following:

a) Any fire requiring emergency action or response as a result of the firing.

b) Any injury or death to the public, or members of the pyrotechnic crew.

c) Any duds or misfires.

d) Any theft or loss of fireworks.

C) Any duds or misfires

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Minimum satisfactory score for the written examination for a pyrotechnicians license is:

a) 90%

b) 80%

c) 75%

d) 70%

D) 70%

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Electric firing shall be required for all mortars of 6” nominal diameter or greater:

a) True

b) False

B) False

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Which of the following is not minimum required safety equipment on a fireworks site:

a) Shovel

b) Serviceable pressurized water fire extinguisher

c) A bucket or similar container to soak duds

d) ANSI rated safety goggles

D) ANSI rated safety goggles

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Salutes and detonating shells shall not be fired from the which type of mortar:

a) Steel

b) HDPE

c) Convolute wound kraft paper

d) None of the above

A) Steel

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How long after use may HDPE mortars be reloaded:

a) 30 minutes

b) 45 minutes

c) 60 minutes

d) 90 minutes

C) 60 Minutes

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References for applicants must be obtained by pyrotechnic operators licensed for a minimum of:

a) 1 year

b) 2 years

c) 3 years

d) No limitation

A) 1 Year

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Should the applicant fail the examination for a pyrotechnic operators’ license, the minimum waiting period for re-examination is:

a) One week

b) Ten days

c) Fifteen days

d) Thirty days

C) Fifteen days

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Minimum experience as an unlicensed assistant to a licensed pyrotechnic operator prior to being
licensed is:

a) Five shows

b) Eight shows

c) Ten shows

d) Twenty shows

B) Eight shows

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Annual fee for basic commercial pyrotechnic operators’ license is:

a) $100

b) $75

c) $150

d) $125

D) $125

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The license period shall be from:

a) July 1 of the issuing year through June 30 of the following year.

b) January 1 through December 31 of the issuing year

c) One year from the date of successfully completing the exam

d) 28th of June through 6th of July of the issuing year

A) July 1 of the issuing year through June 30 of the following year.

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A “break” is defined by the code as:

a) A pyrotechnic device containing a maximum of 20 grams of pyrotechnic composition.

b) Hand held heavy paper or cardboard tube emitting showers of sparks

c) An individual burst from an aerial shell, producing either a visual or audible effect, or both.

d) None of the above.

C) An individual burst from an aerial shell, producing either a visual or audible effect, or both.

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A cylindrical or spherical cartridge containing a burst charge and pyrotechnic or non-pyrotechnic effects compositions, a fuse, a black powder lift charge, fired from a mortar is called a:

a) Barrage

b) Aerial shell

c) Break

d) California Candle

B) Aerial shell

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An expired license must be surrendered to the State Fire Marshall:

a) At any time

b) 30 days after expiration

c) Prior to December 31 of the issuing year

d) 10 days after expiration

D) 10 Days after expiration

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Should a theft or loss of fireworks occur, a report should be filed with the State Fire Marshall within:

a) One week from discovery

b) 30 days from discovery

c) Immediately

d) 24 hours from discovery

D) 24 Hours from discovery

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Storage, sales or discharge any type of fireworks within __________ of a location where gasoline or
any other flammable liquid is stored or dispensed is illegal.

a) 100 feet

b) 70 feet per inch of largest mortar diameter

c) 30 feet

d) 500 feet

A) 100 Feet

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A first violation of any provision of the State Fireworks Laws is classed as a:

a) Felony, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines, and/or up to ten years in county jail

b) Misdemeanor, punishable by $500-$1,000 in fines, and/or one year in county jail.

c) Felony, punishable by $5,000-$10,000 in fines, and/or up to five years in county jail.

d) Misdemeanor, punishable by $100 fine.

B) Misdemeanor, punishable by $500-$1,000 in fines, and/or one year in county jail.

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A pyrotechnic item which leaves the mortar and returns to earth without producing the intended burst or effect is defined as a:

a) Dud

b) Low break

c) Muzzle burst

d) Detonation

A) Dud

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An aerial shell as well as other pyrotechnic items whose primary effects are detonation and a flash of light is defined as a:

a) Roman candle

b) Shunt

c) Salute

d) Soft detonator

C) Salute

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Unlicensed assistants shall perform only when under the direct, immediate and constant supervision of the licensee when handling fireworks and pyrotechnic compositions.

a) True

b) False

A) True

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Which of the following sources of power may not be used to fire pyrotechnic devices:

a) Batteries

b) Direct connection to commercial or “house” power.

c) Individually isolated, ungrounded generators.

d) None of the above.

B) Direct connection to commercial or “house” power

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Multiple break shells which include a salute as one of the breaks shall be fired in ______ mortars
only.

a) Steel

b) Paper

c) HDPE

d) Not allowed

C) HDPE

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Basic commercial pyrotechnic operators shall be responsible for and have control over:

a) Unloading, storing and security of all fireworks

b) Placement of mortars, set pieces, and all other fireworks on-site as approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

c) Preventing persons under the age of 18 from being present in the fireworks storage or firing sites.

d) All of the above

D) All of the above

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Base plugs for HDPE mortars may be constructed of:

a) Wood

b) Plastic

c) Steel

d) Paper or cardboard.

A) Wood

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Base plugs in HDPE mortars must be glued and which of the following to the base of the mortar: a) Nailed b) Screwed c) Bolted d) Any of the above

D) Any of the above

Minimum bury depth for re-usable paper, HDPE, and metal mortars in drums or troughs filled with sand is a) 2/3 of the length of the mortar b) 2/3 of the minimum legal length of the mortar c) 3/4 of the minimum legal length of the mortar d) 3/4 of the length of the mortar

B) 2/3 of the minimum length of the mortar

Which of the following types of mortars may not be placed in wooden finale racks: a) Re-usable paper b) HDPE c) Metallic d) None of the above, all are acceptable

C) Metallic

Planking below mortars shall be required when the base of the trough, mortar, or drum is not on a stable or level surface. a) True b) False

A) True

In a non-electrically fired show minimum separation for mortars 5” or less in nominal diameter buried in earth or placed in troughs or drums from the sides of the drum or trough shall be: a) 12 inches b) 9 inches c) 6 inches d) 3 inches

D) 3 inches

In an electrically fired show minimum separation for all mortars buried in earth or placed in troughs or drums from the sides of the drum or trough shall be: a) 2 inches b) 4 inches c) 6 inches d) 8 inches

A) 2 inches

Technicians must be a minimum of _____ feet from any mortar in an electrically fired show. a) 25 feet b) 100 feet c) 200 feet d) 500 feet

B) 100 feet

Minimum separation between a “ready box” and the nearest mortar shall be: a) 50’ upwind b) 25’ upwind c) 50’ downwind d) 25’ downwind

B) 25' Upwind

The licensed pyrotechnic operator or one of the designated experienced assistants is responsible for the accounting and retrieval of all duds following a display. a) True b) False

B) False

Any dud shells found after the show shall be immediately doused with water, and placed into a separate container filled halfway with water. a) True b) False

A) True

Any person manually firing aerial shells shall wear as a minimum: a) hard hat, and eye protection b) long sleeved shirt and gloves c) long pants, and shoes or boots, d) All of the above

D) All of the above

When a shell misfires, and the fuse has burned, but the lift charge has not functioned, the mortar shall be left alone for a minimum of: a) 5 minutes b) 10 minutes c) 15 minutes d) 30 minutes

A) 5 Minutes

A mortar containing a misfired shell where the fuse has burned but the lift charge has not functioned shall be filled _______ with water. a) 1/2 b) 2/3 c) 3/4 d) completely

A) 1/2

A shell misfired due to electric malfunction where the fuse has not burned may be removed from the mortar and stored. a) True b) False

A) True

A penalty of 50% of the renewal fee shall be assessed in all cases where the renewal fee has not been paid prior to: a) January 1 b) May 1 c) June 30 d) July 1

B) May 1

Finale racks shall have tape placed over mortar muzzles when loaded with finale chained shells. a) True b) False

A) True

Who is to signal when the firing of the show is to commence: a) Sponsor b) Fire Marshall or Authority Having Jurisdiction c) Safety personnel d) licensed pyrotechnic operator controlling display

D) Licensed pyrotechnic operator controlling display

When is it permissible to remove safety caps for shells to be fired electrically: a) When electric match is assembled with shell b) Delivery to show site c) Connection to electrical system d) None of the above

A) When electric match is assembled with shell

Fireworks at a display site shall be stored in a place and manner secure from fire, accidental discharge, and: a) Weather b) Theft c) Sunlight d) View by the general public

B) Theft

Shells shall be inspected for proper fit, lead fuse tears, tears in quick match leaders and: a) Damaged lift charge bags b) Color c) Missing safety caps d) a and c

D) A & C

Once in place a ready box must be covered with: a) A cardboard shield: b) A flame-resistive canvas cover c) A flame-resistive water-repellent canvas cover d) Nothing

C) A flame-resistive water-repellent canvas cover

No person shall place any part of their body over the mortar muzzle during: a) Loading b) Firing c) Testing d) a and b

D) A & B

Mortar racks may be reloaded with non-chained, single break shells when: a) Five minutes after the mortar was last fired b) Ten minutes after the mortar was last fired c) Upon signal from the licensed pyrotechnic operator in charge d) When there is no longer any burning material in the racks

D) When there is no longer any burning material in the racks

Base plugs with minor cracks and checks are: a) Not acceptable b) Acceptable

B) Acceptable

In a non-electrically fired show minimum separation for mortars 6” or greater in nominal diameter buried in earth or placed in troughs or drums from the sides of the drum or trough shall be: a) 20 inches b) 15 inches c) 10 inches d) 5 inches

D) 5 inches

A pyrotechnic operator is not responsible for: a) Handling, supervision and discharge of any fireworks. b) Training of assistants in safe handling, supervision and discharge c) Transportation of fireworks from an acceptable storage site to the show site d) None of the above, they are all the licensed pyrotechnic operator’s responsibility

D) None of the above

A pyrotechnic operator, basic commercial is not responsible for determination of: a) Set piece installation b) Rocket launcher installation c) Mortar installation d) None of the above, they are all the licensed pyrotechnic operator’s responsibility

D) None of the above, they are all the licensed pyrotechnic operator’s responsibility

A pyrotechnic operator license shall allow the licensee to perform the following activities with relation to a public displays: a) Handle dangerous fireworks b) Supervise dangerous fireworks c) Discharge dangerous fireworks d) All of the above

D) All of the above

A technique of discharging fireworks where an electric match or squib and a source of electric current are used to ignite fuses or lift charges is known as: a) Hand firing b) Electrical firing c) Automatic firing d) Closed circuit firing

B) Electrical Firing

A pyrotechnic item which has failed to function as designed after ignition is specifically defined as: a) A detonation b) A muzzle break c) A shunt d) A misfire

D) Misfire

The retail license period shall be from noon, 28th of June through noon, 6th of July of the same calendar year: a) True b) False

A) True

Applicants for renewal of the license shall pass an examination as required for the original application: a) Every two years b) Every four years c) Every year d) Never, once issued and renewed, no further exam is necessary.

B) Every 4 years

Who is responsible for the disposal or return of all unfired fireworks, misfires, or duds: a) Fire Marshall b) Show sponsor c) Paramedic personnel d) None of the above

D) None of the above

Steel mortars shall not be constructed of the following: a) Commercially manufactured, first quality steel tubing. b) Electric resistance welded steel tubing c) Drawn over mandrel steel tubing d) Cast iron

D) Cast Iron

Steel mortars may not have: a) Visible cracks in the body of the tube b) Cracks or voids in the weld around the base plug c) Dents or distortions which would interfere with smooth and unimpeded travel of the shell throughout the length of the mortar. d) All of the above

D) All of the above

Base plugs for paper mortars may be constructed of: a) Wood b) Plastic c) Steel d) Paper or cardboard.

A) Wood

Base plugs in paper mortars must be glued and which of the following to the base of the mortar: a) Nailed b) Screwed c) Bolted d) Any of the above

D) Any of the above

At the conclusion of the display, any misfired shells may be: a) Fired at the discretion of the operator b) Fired at the discretion of the authority having jurisdiction c) Fired at the discretion of the show sponsor d) Placed in a safe area pursuant to the permit

D) Placed in a safe area pursuant to the permit

Unfired shells, including duds and misfires, must be removed immediately following the display and: a) Returned to the Wholesaler/Manufacturer b) Returned to a storage area acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction c) Destroyed d) Any of the above

D) Any of the above

Minimum wall thickness for a 4” nominal diameter HDPE mortar shall be: a) 1/4” b) 1/2” c) 3/4” d) 3/16”

A) 1/4"

Minimum inside length for a 6” nominal diameter steel mortar shall be: a) 20” b) 48” c) 60” d) 72” e) None of the above

E) None of the above

Nominal size of a base plug for a 3” nominal diameter reusable paper or convolute wound kraft paper mortar shall be: a) 1” b) 2” c) 3” d) 4”

C) 3"

Maximum number of mortars in a rack shall be limited to: a) Four tubes b) Six tubes c) Eight tubes d) Ten tubes

D) TenTubes

The material used for the sides, bottom and ends of troughs shall be a minimum of: a) Nominal 2” thick lumber b) 1/2” flame-proofed plywood c) 3/4” plywood d) a and c above

D) A & C above

A diagonal side brace is required for a rack with four tubes. a) True b) False

B) False

Under no circumstances can a trough be constructed without a bottom. a) True b) False

B) False

A ready box may not be equipped with a hold-open device. a) True b) False

A) True

Drums may not be made of the following material: a) Wood b) Steel c) Aluminum d) Plastic

D) Plastic

Maximum insurance deductible allowed for a public display is: a) $2,500 b) $5,000 c) $7,500 d) None of the above

D) None of the above

A thin cardboard tube packed with color producing pyrotechnic composition is defined as: a) California candle b) Lance c) Gerb d) Star

B) Lance

A fuse made of string or thread impregnated with black powder is defined as: a) Match b) Mortar c) Flower pot d) Flash paper

A) Match

A rapidly fired sequence of effects is defined as a: a) Comet b) Dart c) Barrage d) None of the above

C) Barrage

The maximum amount of explosive pyrotechnic composition allowed for a device to be defined as a “firecracker” is: a) 25 milligrams b) 50 milligrams c) 75 milligrams d) 50 grams

B) 50 Milligrams

An aerial shell breaking or bursting just as it leaves the mortar, scattering stars and burning material is defined as a: a) Aerial burst b) Multiple break c) Muzzle burst d) Flower pot

C) Muzzle burst

A deliberate short-circuit of an electrically fired pyrotechnic device is defined as a: a) Soft detonator b) Blasting galvanometer c) Misfire d) Shunt

D) Shunt

A shell, not the lifting charge, which explodes at or near the bottom of the mortar, expelling a shower of stars and burning material into the air is defined as a: a) Aerial burst b) Multiple break c) Muzzle burst d) Flower pot

D) Flower pot

A portable wooden structure used for the placement of mortars is a trough. a) True b) False

A) True

A flammable liquid is one which has a flashpoint of _____ when tested in accordance with ASTM Standard D56-70. a) 500°F b) 100°F c) 212°F d) 451°F

B) 100°F

Who is responsible for the safe return of all unfired fireworks, misfires, or duds: a) Show sponsor b) Licensed pyrotechnic operator c) Fire Marshall d) Safety personnel

B) Licensed pyrotechnic operator

Multiple-break shells shall not be fire from what type of mortars: a) Steel b) Plastic c) Paper d) None of the above, all are acceptable

C) Paper

Only authorized personnel may enter the firing area during the firing of the display. a) True b) False

B) False

Ready boxes may not be constructed of which type of material: a) 1/2” thick wood b) 3/8” thick plywood c) Chipboard or presswood d) Convolute wound kraft paper

D) Convolute wound kraft paper

Shells are required to be divided into separate compartments in ready boxes according to: a) Effect b) Size c) Order of use d) All of the above

B) Size

Mortars are to be cleaned of debris or burning material: a) Prior to loading b) At the end of the show c) Prior to reloading d) a & c above

D) A & C above

Who determines when it is safe for unauthorized persons to enter the the firing area after the show: a) The licensed pyrotechnic operator b) The fire marshall c) The show sponsor d) a & c above

A) The licensed pyrotechnic operator

Shells may be added to a ready box after the display has begun: a) True b) False

B) False

An ignitor used to initiate burning of pyrotechnic or propellant materials is what type of device: a) Electric b) Chemical c) Mechanical d) Any of the above

D) Any of the above

An electrical resistance measuring device designed specifically and approved for testing of electric firing circuits is defined as: a) Ohm meter b) Volt meter c) Blasting galvanometer d) None of the above

C) Blasting galvanometer

A pyrotechnic device launched from a mortar which produces an ascending burning effect, is self consuming, and may or may not contain a burst charge or stars is defined as: a) Comet b) Lance c) California Candle d) Roman Candle

A) Comet

A heavy paper or cardboard tube containing pellets of pyrotechnic composition which are expelled into the air at several second intervals when ignited is defined as: a) Comet b) Lance c) California Candle d) Roman Candle

D) Roman Candle

It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or deliver any dangerous fireworks to any person under 21 years of age. a) True b) False

B) False

Which of the following may not transport fireworks: a) Basic Commercial Pyrotechnic Operators b) Special Effects Pyrotechnic Operators c) Importer/Exporter d) Wholesaler

C) Importer/Exporter

The State Fire Marshall may require a reexamination of any licensee. a) True b) False

A) True

How many references from licensed pyrotechnic operators attesting to the experience, integrity, and training of the applicant are required: a) 3 b) 5 c) 7 d) 9

B) 5

How many days after the examination can an objection to the validity of an individual question on that examination be expressed in writing: a) 3 b) 5 c) 7 d) 9

B) 5 Days

Any applicant found cheating during the process of the written examination shall: a) Automatically fail the examination, forfeit right to test again for one year, and pay a $500 fine b) Automatically fail the examination, and forfeit right to test again for one year c) Automatically fail the examination d) None of the above

B) Automatically fail the examination, and forfeit right to test again for one year

Sample BC Operator's Exam - Multiple Choice Flashcards

To help future pyrotechnic operators study for the California Basic Commercial Pyrotechnic License