BLOG
The HSE publishes the draft ACOP for the Explosives Regulations 2014 [UK]
- #HSE
Ahead of the entry into force of the Explosives Regulations 2014, the Health and Safety Executive (‘HSE’) published the draft L150 – Explosives Regulations Approved Code of Practice (‘ACOP’) which will apply from 1 October 2014.
This ACOP will replace L139 – Manufacture and storage of explosives, Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 – Approved Code of Practice.
According to the press release the principal changes that the ACOP will cover are as follows:- Merging registrations into the licensing system
- Allowing local authorities to issue licences up to 5 years, aligning them with equivalent HSE/police-issued licences
- Extending licensing to address storage of ammonium nitrate blasting intermediate (ANBI)
- Exceptions for keeping desensitised explosives without a licence have been updated
- Tables of separation distances have been restructured to better allow for sites with more than one store. The tables have also been revised to cover quantities of explosives greater than 2000kg
- A revised list of explosives that can be acquired or acquired and kept without an explosives certificate from the police.
- The repeal of the Fireworks Act 1951, as its remaining provisions have been superseded by the Pyrotechnic (Safety) Regulations 2010
By way of reminder, the Explosives Regulations applies to explosives for both work and non-work purposes. The Regulations do not apply to either the transport of explosives within the curtilage of a site or explosives transported by road, rail, air or water unless of course the explosives are placed in storage for a period of more than 24 hours then these Regulations will apply. Sources : Press Release “Explosives Regulations 2014 – Guidance on Regulations – Safety provisions” published on the Health and Safety website dated 15 July 2014
External links :
HSE Press Release Explosives ACOP
l150_draft guidance on explosive regulations.pdf
Red-on-line EHS Legal Counsel.