1. Item Name - Use the actual item name, the name of the series, if applicable, or an item number.  (i.e., 3 Inch Red Star Shell (specific item,) XYZ Display Shell Series (for a series of shells of different effects and sizes,) or F001-18 (item number).)
2. Name and Address of the Applicant - This can be the manufacturer or an importer/distributor.  The name of a responsible person (and their job title) at the applicant company must be provided. All information needs to be provided in English. The phone number, email address, fax number and U.S. Designated Agent information is required in the application.
3. DOT Class – Mark the correct classification for the device: Fireworks, UN0333, 1.1G; Fireworks, UN0335, 1.3G; or Fireworks, UN 0336, 1.4G. For a pyrotechnic device intended for professional use in the entertainment industry, use the Article, Pyrotechnic UN 0431, 1.4G (note: the device must meet the weight of pyrotechnic composition limits as the 1.4G fireworks device).  Note: the device is not a novelty item unless it meets the criteria defined in the APA Standard or the PHMSA Guidance Letter on Novelty Items.
4. Manufacturer - Provide the name, address, and telephone number of the actual manufacturer of the fireworks.
5. Category of Device – Check the appropriate category, i.e.: mine/shell, rocket, cylinder. fountain, etc.  If the specific category is not listed, check "other" and write in the correct category.
6. Diagram of the Device - VERY IMPORTANT: This must identify all of the internal components, in English.  Indicate dimensions on the diagram also.  Identify things such as fuse location, clay plugs, lift charge or propellant, stars, etc.  If the diagram is not clear, approval will be delayed. (see additional information on pages D-4 & D-5)

   Note: If the device is produced in more than one size, indicate the dimensions for each size.  If the application covers a series of devices, show a typical, representative diagram for one item in the series.

7. Chemical Composition - First, be certain that all of the chemicals used in the device(s) are listed in table 4.3-1.
   1. First, list the name of the device, (or series) and the total weight of pyrotechnic composition in the device.  For a series of items, list the maximum total weight that is used in the largest item in the series.
   2. Then, list the name of each type of chemical composition used in the device, (or series) and the maximum weight of that composition used in the device (or used in any item in the series.) (i.e.: Red star, 15 g; black powder propellant, 10 g; report powder, 125 mg per report.)
   3. Then complete the chemical composition sheet.  DOT prefers that you list the percentage by weight of each chemical used in each composition, but it is acceptable to merely check the chemicals that are used in each composition.  For chemicals that are not listed on the chemical sheet, but are listed on table 4.3-1, enter these chemicals in the Other Chemicals spaces.  Use the chemical names as they are given in this Standard.
8. Description of the Device - Fill in the information requested. Also briefly describe the effect that is produced (examples: shoots red stars into the air; emits a shower of green and red sparks.).
9. Thermal Stability Test - This test must be performed prior to submitting the item for approval.
10. Certification - This section must be dated, and must be signed by the applicant, the person listed in section 2 on page 1 of the application.  This is the person that DOT will direct any questions to regarding the application.

Your file for each device must consist of:

1. The application itself (following guidelines 1-10.)  Be sure it is signed and dated.
2. An attached diagram of device page.
3. A chemical composition page (page 3 of the application, use additional copies of this page if needed to list all chemical compositions used in the device.)

(item 6 in the EX number application)

1. English must be used to identify all internal components.
2. Internal and external dimensions of tubes and bases must be shown on the diagram, including length and diameter (metric values should be used.)
3. The point where external ignition fuse enters the device must be shown, as well as the connection sequence of all internal fuses. Any empty tubes used to complete the geometric pattern of a multiple-tube device must be clearly marked, "empty tube."
4. All names given (of the item as well as the internal components) must correspond to the description of the device contained in the EX number application. Identification of chemical compositions in the diagram must also correspond to the terms used on the chemical composition page.  (i.e., if the term, bursting charge, is used on the diagram to indicate the location of a composition found in the device, the chemical composition (and weight) of the bursting charge must be given on the chemical composition page.)
5. Original drawings of each diagram (or very clear copies) must be provided. Faxed copies may be used, but only if they are very clear and sent from original drawings.

Note: If the diagrams are not clearly and carefully prepared, it will be very difficult to obtain an EX number for an item.  DOT will reject the application rather than spend time trying to figure out a confusing drawing.

Any fireworks device approved for transportation as a 1.1G, 1.3G or 1.4G explosive by DOT must be thermally stable. The explosive material must not ignite spontaneously or undergo marked decomposition when subjected to a temperature of 167°F (75°C) for 48 consecutive hours.

Thermal stability test is performed by placing a weighed sample in a preheated oven.  The oven temperature should be monitored throughout the experiment to determine that a minimum temperature of 75°C is maintained.  The sample is removed after 48 hours and it is allowed to cool to room temperature. The sample is checked visually for any noticeable decomposition, and it is then re-weighed.  The weight loss should be minimal, and no significant change in color or physical appearance should be noticeable.  The sample fails the thermal stability test if it ignites, explodes, or markedly decomposes during the testing.

Note: It is strongly recommended that the thermal stability not be conducted on large, intact devices, which could produce devastating consequences in the event of an ignition during testing.  The components used in such large fireworks can be tested, rather than the complete device.  Any components that would be in contact with each other in the finished item must be placed in contact for the thermal stability testing. The sample should be placed in a pan or on aluminum foil during the test to prevent any pyrotechnic dust or particles from contaminating the oven.  The oven should be cleaned on a regular basis.

A commercial laboratory-type oven is best for conducting the thermal stability test and explosion-proof wiring and equipment is preferred. An oven capable of controlling temperature to ± 2° C is preferred for the test.

A major factor in the selection of equipment and design of the test facility will be the type of fireworks to be tested. If quantities of pyrotechnic composition in excess of several grams are to be tested, the thermal stability tests must be conducted in an isolated facility. Personnel should not be working in the vicinity of an un-barricaded oven while a thermal stability test is in progress.

Safety is critical in the performance of thermal stability tests. It must be assumed that there is a distinct possibility that the sample will ignite during the test, and precautions must be taken to minimize the consequences of ignition and the resultant fire or explosion.

Complete section 9 of the EX number application (thermal stability test results) once the test has been completed. Indicate whether the test was performed on the finished item, or on the components as they are present together in the item.