Explosives Storage Requirements - Explosives Storage Notification

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Explosives Storage Notification

ATF Notification (27 CFR § 555.63)

Federal explosives licensees and permittees (FEL/Ps) who acquire or construct a new explosives storage magazine must notify ATF by telephone or in writing.  If notification is done in writing, the FEL/P must provide notification at least 3 business days in advance of constructing a new magazine and at least 5 business days in advance of acquiring a new magazine.

An FEL/P who intends to make changes in construction to an existing magazine must also notify ATF by telephone or in writing. If notification is done in writing, the FEL/P must provide notification at least 3 business days in advance of making changes in construction to an existing magazine and at least 5 business days in advance of using any reconstructed magazine.  Changes in construction may commence after explosives are removed from the magazine.  However, explosives may not be stored in a reconstructed magazine prior to notifying ATF that the changes have been completed.

Before repairing the interior of magazines, all explosive materials must be removed and the interior cleaned. Before repairing the exterior of magazines, all explosive materials must be removed if there exists any possibility that repairs may produce sparks or flame. Explosive materials removed from magazines under repair must be (a) placed in other magazines appropriate for the storage of those explosive materials under this subpart, or (b) placed a safe distance from the magazines under repair where they are to be properly guarded and protected until the repairs have been completed.  Refer to 27 CFR § 555.216.

These notification requirements do not apply to the temporary storage (i.e., under 24 hours) of explosive materials or to the storage of blasting agents in mobile or portable type 5 magazines.    

Magazines are considered suitable for the storage of explosives provided all other requirements in 27 CFR, Part 555, Subpart K – Storage are met.

Fire Authority Notification (27 CFR § 555.201)

Any person who stores explosive materials must notify the authority having jurisdiction for fire safety in the locality in which the explosive materials are being stored.  Notification must include the type, magazine capacity, and location of each site where such explosive materials are stored. Such notification shall be made orally before the end of the day on which storage of the explosive materials commenced and in writing within 48 hours from the time such storage commenced.

Last Reviewed May 19, 2023