The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005

The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations came into force on 26 April 2005.

The Regulations repeal large parts of the Explosives Act 1875 and also 37 other statutory instruments. The purpose behind the regulations is mainly to codify the law relating to the manufacture and storage of explosives and to update the law to take account of modern conditions and technology.

Some changes, however, have been made. In particular:

• the law now applies to the MoD and other government departments
• the police will now have safety and security responsibilities at certain high explosives stores
• licences can be refused, revoked or modified
• no-one may supply more than 50 kilograms of fireworks to anyone who cannot prove that they have a licensed or registered store
• the quantity of fireworks which can be stored without a licence or registration has been reduced

The regulations apply to all explosives, including:

• blasting explosives
• propellants
• detonators and detonating cord
• fireworks and other pyrotechnics
• ammunition
• other explosive articles such as airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners

The approved code of practice and guidance on the regulations has been published by the HSE - 'Manufacture and Storage of Explosives' (L139) and is available from HSE Books.

For more information, please contact John Mitchell, head of Blake Lapthorn solicitors' Health and Safety team on 023 8085 7231 or john.mitchell@bllaw.co.uk.