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6 April 2005 - HSE Announce New Regulations
for Manufacture and Storage of Explosives
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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have announced that New
Regulations for the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives will come into force
on 26 April 2005, after having been laid before Parliament yesterday (Tuesday 5
April 2005).
The new Regulations, although retaining the original features
and framework of The Explosives Act 1875, will be updated to take account of
economic and technological changes.
37 secondary legislative items will be replaced as part of the
Health and Safety Commissions' (HSC's) contribution to the better regulation
effort by the Government.
The new set of Regulations are aimed at the continued good
record Britain holds with regard to safety in the explosive sector and by
consolidating existing laws into one single regulation, it will provide
simplification for industry and enforcers to understand and implement.
The new key regulatory requirements are as follows:
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Anyone manufacturing or storing explosives must take appropriate
measures to prevent fire or explosion, to limit the extent of any fire or
explosion, and protect persons, should one occur.
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In most cases a separation distance must be maintained between
the explosives building and neighbouring inhabited buildings.
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With certain exceptions a licence is required for the
manufacture or storage of explosives.
Some of the changes within the new Regulations include the
following:
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The key safety requirements will apply to The Ministry of
Defence (MoD) and other government departments.
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Enforcement responsibilities are to be rationalised so that the
police will enforce both safety and security requirements at certain high
explosives stores.
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Licensing authorities will have the power to refuse, revoke or
modify licences in certain circumstances.
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A new duty prohibiting supply of fireworks to anyone unable to
prove they have a licensed or registered store available.
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The tightening of limits on the amount of fireworks which can be
kept without a licence or registration.
Further information on the new Regulations can be accessed by
clicking the following:
New regulations on the manufacture and storage of explosives
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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