Posted By Ian Mycroft Dave I would try contacting the Royal Yachting Association on this, they should be able togive safety guidance on the use of marine flares. Ian

Posted By Jim Sweetman Dave, It's a number of years since I left the sea, so I cannot be sure if standards have changed. The situation you refer to appears to be an inappropriate useage of a flare. However, in response to your question, the flares are normally for emergency use and are intended to be used without PPE. The instructions marked on them should be followed implicitly - which means a certain amount of training to prepare someone to use them. If these flares are being set off under any other circumstances, particularly the projectile types, you will need to consider a 'safe system of work' due the risks that the flare will present to others. The manufacturers should be able to provide suitable information - one name that springs to mind is Schermuly. The agencies already mentioned will probably guide you towards others. Regards Jim

Posted By Laurie I have had a bit of experience with pyrotechnics. If it is not safe to let them burn out I would use dry sand, which should be kept available in a covered bucket. Dry powder, such as talc, is too light as these substances burn fiercely; wet sand is dangerous as the water will superheat and expand as steam, casting burning materials over a wide area. First response fire fighting, even by professionals, is hazardous (these are, after all, low order explosives) and if at all possible you should let them burn and concentrate on reducing the spread of fire by drenching surrounding areas. Since most of these compounds contain their own oxygen they are extremely difficult to actually extinguish. Gosh! Don't I sound professional?!! Laurie