Explosives come in many forms and substances and have a range of different uses. The exact types of explosive you manufacture and work with determines your responsibilities under the law.

What are explosive substances?

An explosive substance means a substance or preparation which is either:

• capable by chemical reaction in itself of producing gas at a temperature, pressure and speed as could cause damage to surroundings
• designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke (or any combination) as a result of a non-detonative, self-sustaining, exothermic chemical reaction

This does not include gases or mixtures of gases, nor where other substances or preparation cause the explosive reaction.

Types of explosives covered by manufacturing legislation

Regulation of explosives covers the manufacture, storage and handling of all explosives, including:

• blasting explosives
• propellants, detonators and detonating cord
• fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles
• ammunition
• other explosive articles such as air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners

The activities covered include the manufacture of explosives and intermediate products for on-site mixing and storage.

Prohibition on the manufacture of certain explosives

You cannot manufacture or store any pyrotechnic article containing sulphur or phosphorus mixed with chlorate of potassium or other chlorates without separate application to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

It is illegal to manufacture explosives, including fireworks, unless you hold a licence. The type of explosives licence required, depends on your manufacturing activities.

What is the definition of explosives manufacturing?

Explosives manufacturing includes any activity where the nature of the substance or article is changed. It includes processes where explosive substances are reprocessed or adapted, or explosive articles are unmade or disassembled.

Manufacturing explosives includes the:

• repair, modification, disassembly or unmaking of explosive articles
• reprocessing, modification or adaptation of explosive substances

To carry out these explosives manufacturing activities you need to obtain a licence from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

You may also need a licence or certificate of registration from DOJ to store explosives as part of the manufacturing process.

Activities not considered explosives manufacturing

You do not require a licence to carry out the following activities:

• packing explosives
• unpacking explosives 
• re-packing explosives
• labelling explosives
• testing explosives

Where these activities alone are undertaken, there is no requirement to hold a licence.

Other activities not classed as explosives manufacturing and may not need a licence include:

• manufacturing 100 grams or less of explosives for laboratory analysis, testing, demonstration or experimentation
• manufacturing certain ammunitions to be used at historical re-enactment events
• preparing and assembling fireworks at the place of intended use
• preparing and assembling explosives for use in theatrical, television or cinematic special effects
• mixing for immediate use certain substances at a mine or quarry, to produce an explosive which is not cap-sensitive
• using desensitised explosives in the manufacture of products which are not in themselves explosive

If you store explosives as part of the manufacturing process you will need a licence, unless the quantities are small enough to fall under an exemption. 

What is the definition of explosives storage?

The storage of explosives means the possession of explosives for any period after their manufacture, except for any period during which they are being:

• prepared at any place for use at that place
• transported beyond the place where they are stored

To carry out these explosives storage activities you will need to obtain a licence or certificate of registration from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

To ensure the safe storage of explosives you must:

• protect explosives from sources of ignition
• prevent fire and explosion spreading
• avoid unsuitable storage conditions
• ensure accurate control and record-keeping arrangements

Your explosives store, storage area, container or cupboard should be:

• suitably weatherproof
• designed to ensure that explosives do not come into contact with substances with which they are incompatible
• protected by a lightning conductor
• used only to keep explosives and tools or implements connected with the keeping of explosives
• kept clean, with steps taken to prevent grit entering unpackaged explosives

For more detail see explosives manufacturing and storage site safety and security.

Exemption from explosives storage licensing or registration

In some instances, you can keep a quantity of explosive without needing a licence or certificate of registration. This will depend on the net explosives content (NEC) kept and the Hazard Type:

• Hazard Type 1 - mass explosion hazard, where the entire body of explosives explodes as one.
• Hazard Type 2 - serious projectile hazard (but does not have a mass explosion hazard).
• Hazard Type 3 - fire hazard, giving rise to considerable radiant heat or which burn to produce a minor blast or projectile hazard.
• Hazard Type 4 - fire or slight explosion hazard, which present only a low hazard in the event of ignition or initiation, where no significant blast or projectile of fragments of appreciable size or range is expected.

If your explosives quantity falls within defined NEC limits you can store them for certain periods without having a licence or registering. 

Download a table showing the NEC of different types of explosives and the storage exemption periods (DOC, 16K).

You can apply for a licence or registration to manufacture and/or store explosives from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

There are two types of application form:

1. An explosives licence is used for three types of application: 

• the manufacture only of explosives
• the manufacture and storage of explosives
• the storage only of highly sensitive or large volumes of explosives

Download an explosives manufacturing licence application form (PDF, 328K).

2. An explosives registration allows for the storage of lower volumes or less sensitive explosives.

An explosives registration is the most commonly used application and in Northern Ireland the majority of registrations are for businesses who sell fireworks.

Download an explosives registration application form (PDF, 190K).

A licence or registration commonly lasts for five years, although in some circumstances this may be less. 

You will have to pay a fee to:

• apply for a licence or registration
• renew a licence or registration
• amend a licence or registration

Information on current fees can be obtained by emailing feb@justice-ni.gov.uk.

Explosives manufacturing licence and registration application process

Steps in the application process can include:

• the submission of your application form along with site plans
• a site inspection visit by a DOJ authorised representative
• checks for criminal or health and safety related convictions
• checks for Trading Standards violations and for planning permission information
• a Public Hearing may be deemed necessary

There may also be follow-up inspections before a certificate is issued, if the application inspection identifies actions needed in advance of explosives being allowed on site.

As the applicant you are responsible for ensuring the appropriate planning approvals are in place.

The police (PSNI) will be consulted on arrangements for securely transporting and storing explosives.

Your application can be refused in exceptional circumstances, typically on grounds of site safety or your fitness to store explosives.

When you manufacture or store explosives you need to take appropriate measures to:

• prevent fire or explosion
• limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion
• protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

The safety measures will depend on the nature of the operations and the explosive. Your first step should be to conduct a risk assessment.

When carrying out a risk assessment for explosives manufacturing, you need to consider the risks arising from associated activities such as:

• the manufacturing process itself
• transport and movement of explosives and other hazardous substances around your site
• disposal of explosives and decontamination of explosive-contaminated equipment
• cleaning, testing and quality control
• storage (including movements in and out of storage)
• maintenance

1. Prevent fire or explosion

Your primary safety responsibility as an explosives manufacturer is to control sources of energy that could initiate a fire or explosion.

The sources of ignition which need to be considered will depend on the conclusion of the risk assessment. In all cases, you must take precautions to exclude naked lights/flames. In other cases, depending on the results of the risk assessment, it will be necessary to consider:

• electricity (including static electricity and electromagnetic energy)
• sparks from mechanical or frictional contact between metal surfaces
• heat and temperature
• pressure
• impact and friction
• chemical incompatibility between certain substances

2. Limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion

You must take steps to limit the severity of the consequences of a fire or explosion, such as:

• managing stocks of explosive to limit the quantity of explosive in areas in which people are likely to be present
• limiting the number of people in areas where explosives are present
• keeping explosives away from flammable or combustible materials which could fuel a fire, and away from toxic substances which could be released in the event of a fire

3. Protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

In the event of a fire, anyone in the immediate area of the explosives must be able to escape quickly and safely. You need to:

• establish a set of emergency procedures
• take necessary fire precautions
• install fire detection and warning systems
• provide means of escape and evacuation
• provide equipment for fire-fighting
• take measures to protect against explosion

For detailed information on best practice for all of these measures, you can download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7MB).

When you manufacture or store explosives there are several special rules for health and safety management around your site and operation.

The complexity of the management arrangements will depend on the complexity of your operation. A small company that is storing a small quantity of explosives will need much simpler management arrangements than a large manufacturer.

It is important that management arrangements are drawn up to ensure that appropriate arrangements for health and safety in the workplace are in place and that roles and responsibilities are specified and understood.

Separation of explosives storage and other areas

A key measure to reduce the severity of an explosion is to separate storage buildings from production buildings. The aim is to ensure that an explosion which takes place in a production area (where the risk of an explosion is greatest) does not affect storage buildings (where the greatest quantity of explosive substances or articles is kept and therefore the hazard is greatest).

Licences to manufacture explosives or to store more than 2000 kilograms of explosives require distances to be maintained between process buildings and other explosives buildings ('process building' distances) and between different explosives stores ('inter-store' distances).

You should also consider ways to:

• limit the quantity of explosives in production areas
• limit the numbers of people in explosives areas
• restrict access to buildings or areas used for remote manufacturing or storage of sensitive explosives
• use containment and safe release of blast effects

For more information including detailed tables of separation distances for different types of explosives, download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7 MB).

Explosives manufacturing training for staff

It is essential that all staff have the necessary training and competence for the work they undertake. This covers not only the skills necessary to undertake their work under normal conditions but also an appropriate understanding of the hazards and risks which may arise and the action to be taken in abnormal or emergency situations.

This includes:

• understand the nature of the risks and hazards that may arise out of the processes in which they are involved
• be competent in the use of the work equipment they need
• understand when personal protective equipment is required
• know what abnormal and hazardous conditions may arise, what warning signs to look for and what action to take in the event of a warning sign being detected
• know what hygiene and housekeeping procedures need to be followed
• know what workplace rules apply
• know what action to take in the event of an emergency

Unauthorised access to explosives sites

It is important to control access to explosives sites to ensure unauthorised persons cannot enter.

If someone gains access without authorisation you should request them to leave. If they do not, it is recommended to contact the PSNI. Only in a situation of imminent threat to safety should you use reasonable means to remove the person.

Employment of young workers around explosives

You should not employ young people in roles where they are directly involved in the manufacture or storage of explosives or frequently go into explosives buildings or areas unless there are good reasons for doing so.

Young people should at all times be under appropriate supervision by a competent, responsible person whenever they are in an explosives area.

Explosives come in many forms and substances and have a range of different uses. The exact types of explosive you manufacture and work with determines your responsibilities under the law.

What are explosive substances?

An explosive substance means a substance or preparation which is either:

• capable by chemical reaction in itself of producing gas at a temperature, pressure and speed as could cause damage to surroundings
• designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke (or any combination) as a result of a non-detonative, self-sustaining, exothermic chemical reaction

This does not include gases or mixtures of gases, nor where other substances or preparation cause the explosive reaction.

Types of explosives covered by manufacturing legislation

Regulation of explosives covers the manufacture, storage and handling of all explosives, including:

• blasting explosives
• propellants, detonators and detonating cord
• fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles
• ammunition
• other explosive articles such as air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners

The activities covered include the manufacture of explosives and intermediate products for on-site mixing and storage.

Prohibition on the manufacture of certain explosives

You cannot manufacture or store any pyrotechnic article containing sulphur or phosphorus mixed with chlorate of potassium or other chlorates without separate application to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

It is illegal to manufacture explosives, including fireworks, unless you hold a licence. The type of explosives licence required, depends on your manufacturing activities.

What is the definition of explosives manufacturing?

Explosives manufacturing includes any activity where the nature of the substance or article is changed. It includes processes where explosive substances are reprocessed or adapted, or explosive articles are unmade or disassembled.

Manufacturing explosives includes the:

• repair, modification, disassembly or unmaking of explosive articles
• reprocessing, modification or adaptation of explosive substances

To carry out these explosives manufacturing activities you need to obtain a licence from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

You may also need a licence or certificate of registration from DOJ to store explosives as part of the manufacturing process.

Activities not considered explosives manufacturing

You do not require a licence to carry out the following activities:

• packing explosives
• unpacking explosives 
• re-packing explosives
• labelling explosives
• testing explosives

Where these activities alone are undertaken, there is no requirement to hold a licence.

Other activities not classed as explosives manufacturing and may not need a licence include:

• manufacturing 100 grams or less of explosives for laboratory analysis, testing, demonstration or experimentation
• manufacturing certain ammunitions to be used at historical re-enactment events
• preparing and assembling fireworks at the place of intended use
• preparing and assembling explosives for use in theatrical, television or cinematic special effects
• mixing for immediate use certain substances at a mine or quarry, to produce an explosive which is not cap-sensitive
• using desensitised explosives in the manufacture of products which are not in themselves explosive

If you store explosives as part of the manufacturing process you will need a licence, unless the quantities are small enough to fall under an exemption. 

What is the definition of explosives storage?

The storage of explosives means the possession of explosives for any period after their manufacture, except for any period during which they are being:

• prepared at any place for use at that place
• transported beyond the place where they are stored

To carry out these explosives storage activities you will need to obtain a licence or certificate of registration from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

To ensure the safe storage of explosives you must:

• protect explosives from sources of ignition
• prevent fire and explosion spreading
• avoid unsuitable storage conditions
• ensure accurate control and record-keeping arrangements

Your explosives store, storage area, container or cupboard should be:

• suitably weatherproof
• designed to ensure that explosives do not come into contact with substances with which they are incompatible
• protected by a lightning conductor
• used only to keep explosives and tools or implements connected with the keeping of explosives
• kept clean, with steps taken to prevent grit entering unpackaged explosives

For more detail see explosives manufacturing and storage site safety and security.

Exemption from explosives storage licensing or registration

In some instances, you can keep a quantity of explosive without needing a licence or certificate of registration. This will depend on the net explosives content (NEC) kept and the Hazard Type:

• Hazard Type 1 - mass explosion hazard, where the entire body of explosives explodes as one.
• Hazard Type 2 - serious projectile hazard (but does not have a mass explosion hazard).
• Hazard Type 3 - fire hazard, giving rise to considerable radiant heat or which burn to produce a minor blast or projectile hazard.
• Hazard Type 4 - fire or slight explosion hazard, which present only a low hazard in the event of ignition or initiation, where no significant blast or projectile of fragments of appreciable size or range is expected.

If your explosives quantity falls within defined NEC limits you can store them for certain periods without having a licence or registering. 

Download a table showing the NEC of different types of explosives and the storage exemption periods (DOC, 16K).

You can apply for a licence or registration to manufacture and/or store explosives from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

There are two types of application form:

1. An explosives licence is used for three types of application: 

• the manufacture only of explosives
• the manufacture and storage of explosives
• the storage only of highly sensitive or large volumes of explosives

Download an explosives manufacturing licence application form (PDF, 328K).

2. An explosives registration allows for the storage of lower volumes or less sensitive explosives.

An explosives registration is the most commonly used application and in Northern Ireland the majority of registrations are for businesses who sell fireworks.

Download an explosives registration application form (PDF, 190K).

A licence or registration commonly lasts for five years, although in some circumstances this may be less. 

You will have to pay a fee to:

• apply for a licence or registration
• renew a licence or registration
• amend a licence or registration

Information on current fees can be obtained by emailing feb@justice-ni.gov.uk.

Explosives manufacturing licence and registration application process

Steps in the application process can include:

• the submission of your application form along with site plans
• a site inspection visit by a DOJ authorised representative
• checks for criminal or health and safety related convictions
• checks for Trading Standards violations and for planning permission information
• a Public Hearing may be deemed necessary

There may also be follow-up inspections before a certificate is issued, if the application inspection identifies actions needed in advance of explosives being allowed on site.

As the applicant you are responsible for ensuring the appropriate planning approvals are in place.

The police (PSNI) will be consulted on arrangements for securely transporting and storing explosives.

Your application can be refused in exceptional circumstances, typically on grounds of site safety or your fitness to store explosives.

When you manufacture or store explosives you need to take appropriate measures to:

• prevent fire or explosion
• limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion
• protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

The safety measures will depend on the nature of the operations and the explosive. Your first step should be to conduct a risk assessment.

When carrying out a risk assessment for explosives manufacturing, you need to consider the risks arising from associated activities such as:

• the manufacturing process itself
• transport and movement of explosives and other hazardous substances around your site
• disposal of explosives and decontamination of explosive-contaminated equipment
• cleaning, testing and quality control
• storage (including movements in and out of storage)
• maintenance

1. Prevent fire or explosion

Your primary safety responsibility as an explosives manufacturer is to control sources of energy that could initiate a fire or explosion.

The sources of ignition which need to be considered will depend on the conclusion of the risk assessment. In all cases, you must take precautions to exclude naked lights/flames. In other cases, depending on the results of the risk assessment, it will be necessary to consider:

• electricity (including static electricity and electromagnetic energy)
• sparks from mechanical or frictional contact between metal surfaces
• heat and temperature
• pressure
• impact and friction
• chemical incompatibility between certain substances

2. Limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion

You must take steps to limit the severity of the consequences of a fire or explosion, such as:

• managing stocks of explosive to limit the quantity of explosive in areas in which people are likely to be present
• limiting the number of people in areas where explosives are present
• keeping explosives away from flammable or combustible materials which could fuel a fire, and away from toxic substances which could be released in the event of a fire

3. Protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

In the event of a fire, anyone in the immediate area of the explosives must be able to escape quickly and safely. You need to:

• establish a set of emergency procedures
• take necessary fire precautions
• install fire detection and warning systems
• provide means of escape and evacuation
• provide equipment for fire-fighting
• take measures to protect against explosion

For detailed information on best practice for all of these measures, you can download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7MB).

When you manufacture or store explosives there are several special rules for health and safety management around your site and operation.

The complexity of the management arrangements will depend on the complexity of your operation. A small company that is storing a small quantity of explosives will need much simpler management arrangements than a large manufacturer.

It is important that management arrangements are drawn up to ensure that appropriate arrangements for health and safety in the workplace are in place and that roles and responsibilities are specified and understood.

Separation of explosives storage and other areas

A key measure to reduce the severity of an explosion is to separate storage buildings from production buildings. The aim is to ensure that an explosion which takes place in a production area (where the risk of an explosion is greatest) does not affect storage buildings (where the greatest quantity of explosive substances or articles is kept and therefore the hazard is greatest).

Licences to manufacture explosives or to store more than 2000 kilograms of explosives require distances to be maintained between process buildings and other explosives buildings ('process building' distances) and between different explosives stores ('inter-store' distances).

You should also consider ways to:

• limit the quantity of explosives in production areas
• limit the numbers of people in explosives areas
• restrict access to buildings or areas used for remote manufacturing or storage of sensitive explosives
• use containment and safe release of blast effects

For more information including detailed tables of separation distances for different types of explosives, download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7 MB).

Explosives manufacturing training for staff

It is essential that all staff have the necessary training and competence for the work they undertake. This covers not only the skills necessary to undertake their work under normal conditions but also an appropriate understanding of the hazards and risks which may arise and the action to be taken in abnormal or emergency situations.

This includes:

• understand the nature of the risks and hazards that may arise out of the processes in which they are involved
• be competent in the use of the work equipment they need
• understand when personal protective equipment is required
• know what abnormal and hazardous conditions may arise, what warning signs to look for and what action to take in the event of a warning sign being detected
• know what hygiene and housekeeping procedures need to be followed
• know what workplace rules apply
• know what action to take in the event of an emergency

Unauthorised access to explosives sites

It is important to control access to explosives sites to ensure unauthorised persons cannot enter.

If someone gains access without authorisation you should request them to leave. If they do not, it is recommended to contact the PSNI. Only in a situation of imminent threat to safety should you use reasonable means to remove the person.

Employment of young workers around explosives

You should not employ young people in roles where they are directly involved in the manufacture or storage of explosives or frequently go into explosives buildings or areas unless there are good reasons for doing so.

Young people should at all times be under appropriate supervision by a competent, responsible person whenever they are in an explosives area.

Explosives come in many forms and substances and have a range of different uses. The exact types of explosive you manufacture and work with determines your responsibilities under the law.

What are explosive substances?

An explosive substance means a substance or preparation which is either:

• capable by chemical reaction in itself of producing gas at a temperature, pressure and speed as could cause damage to surroundings
• designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke (or any combination) as a result of a non-detonative, self-sustaining, exothermic chemical reaction

This does not include gases or mixtures of gases, nor where other substances or preparation cause the explosive reaction.

Types of explosives covered by manufacturing legislation

Regulation of explosives covers the manufacture, storage and handling of all explosives, including:

• blasting explosives
• propellants, detonators and detonating cord
• fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles
• ammunition
• other explosive articles such as air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners

The activities covered include the manufacture of explosives and intermediate products for on-site mixing and storage.

Prohibition on the manufacture of certain explosives

You cannot manufacture or store any pyrotechnic article containing sulphur or phosphorus mixed with chlorate of potassium or other chlorates without separate application to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

It is illegal to manufacture explosives, including fireworks, unless you hold a licence. The type of explosives licence required, depends on your manufacturing activities.

What is the definition of explosives manufacturing?

Explosives manufacturing includes any activity where the nature of the substance or article is changed. It includes processes where explosive substances are reprocessed or adapted, or explosive articles are unmade or disassembled.

Manufacturing explosives includes the:

• repair, modification, disassembly or unmaking of explosive articles
• reprocessing, modification or adaptation of explosive substances

To carry out these explosives manufacturing activities you need to obtain a licence from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

You may also need a licence or certificate of registration from DOJ to store explosives as part of the manufacturing process.

Activities not considered explosives manufacturing

You do not require a licence to carry out the following activities:

• packing explosives
• unpacking explosives 
• re-packing explosives
• labelling explosives
• testing explosives

Where these activities alone are undertaken, there is no requirement to hold a licence.

Other activities not classed as explosives manufacturing and may not need a licence include:

• manufacturing 100 grams or less of explosives for laboratory analysis, testing, demonstration or experimentation
• manufacturing certain ammunitions to be used at historical re-enactment events
• preparing and assembling fireworks at the place of intended use
• preparing and assembling explosives for use in theatrical, television or cinematic special effects
• mixing for immediate use certain substances at a mine or quarry, to produce an explosive which is not cap-sensitive
• using desensitised explosives in the manufacture of products which are not in themselves explosive

If you store explosives as part of the manufacturing process you will need a licence, unless the quantities are small enough to fall under an exemption. 

What is the definition of explosives storage?

The storage of explosives means the possession of explosives for any period after their manufacture, except for any period during which they are being:

• prepared at any place for use at that place
• transported beyond the place where they are stored

To carry out these explosives storage activities you will need to obtain a licence or certificate of registration from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

To ensure the safe storage of explosives you must:

• protect explosives from sources of ignition
• prevent fire and explosion spreading
• avoid unsuitable storage conditions
• ensure accurate control and record-keeping arrangements

Your explosives store, storage area, container or cupboard should be:

• suitably weatherproof
• designed to ensure that explosives do not come into contact with substances with which they are incompatible
• protected by a lightning conductor
• used only to keep explosives and tools or implements connected with the keeping of explosives
• kept clean, with steps taken to prevent grit entering unpackaged explosives

For more detail see explosives manufacturing and storage site safety and security.

Exemption from explosives storage licensing or registration

In some instances, you can keep a quantity of explosive without needing a licence or certificate of registration. This will depend on the net explosives content (NEC) kept and the Hazard Type:

• Hazard Type 1 - mass explosion hazard, where the entire body of explosives explodes as one.
• Hazard Type 2 - serious projectile hazard (but does not have a mass explosion hazard).
• Hazard Type 3 - fire hazard, giving rise to considerable radiant heat or which burn to produce a minor blast or projectile hazard.
• Hazard Type 4 - fire or slight explosion hazard, which present only a low hazard in the event of ignition or initiation, where no significant blast or projectile of fragments of appreciable size or range is expected.

If your explosives quantity falls within defined NEC limits you can store them for certain periods without having a licence or registering. 

Download a table showing the NEC of different types of explosives and the storage exemption periods (DOC, 16K).

You can apply for a licence or registration to manufacture and/or store explosives from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

There are two types of application form:

1. An explosives licence is used for three types of application: 

• the manufacture only of explosives
• the manufacture and storage of explosives
• the storage only of highly sensitive or large volumes of explosives

Download an explosives manufacturing licence application form (PDF, 328K).

2. An explosives registration allows for the storage of lower volumes or less sensitive explosives.

An explosives registration is the most commonly used application and in Northern Ireland the majority of registrations are for businesses who sell fireworks.

Download an explosives registration application form (PDF, 190K).

A licence or registration commonly lasts for five years, although in some circumstances this may be less. 

You will have to pay a fee to:

• apply for a licence or registration
• renew a licence or registration
• amend a licence or registration

Information on current fees can be obtained by emailing feb@justice-ni.gov.uk.

Explosives manufacturing licence and registration application process

Steps in the application process can include:

• the submission of your application form along with site plans
• a site inspection visit by a DOJ authorised representative
• checks for criminal or health and safety related convictions
• checks for Trading Standards violations and for planning permission information
• a Public Hearing may be deemed necessary

There may also be follow-up inspections before a certificate is issued, if the application inspection identifies actions needed in advance of explosives being allowed on site.

As the applicant you are responsible for ensuring the appropriate planning approvals are in place.

The police (PSNI) will be consulted on arrangements for securely transporting and storing explosives.

Your application can be refused in exceptional circumstances, typically on grounds of site safety or your fitness to store explosives.

When you manufacture or store explosives you need to take appropriate measures to:

• prevent fire or explosion
• limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion
• protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

The safety measures will depend on the nature of the operations and the explosive. Your first step should be to conduct a risk assessment.

When carrying out a risk assessment for explosives manufacturing, you need to consider the risks arising from associated activities such as:

• the manufacturing process itself
• transport and movement of explosives and other hazardous substances around your site
• disposal of explosives and decontamination of explosive-contaminated equipment
• cleaning, testing and quality control
• storage (including movements in and out of storage)
• maintenance

1. Prevent fire or explosion

Your primary safety responsibility as an explosives manufacturer is to control sources of energy that could initiate a fire or explosion.

The sources of ignition which need to be considered will depend on the conclusion of the risk assessment. In all cases, you must take precautions to exclude naked lights/flames. In other cases, depending on the results of the risk assessment, it will be necessary to consider:

• electricity (including static electricity and electromagnetic energy)
• sparks from mechanical or frictional contact between metal surfaces
• heat and temperature
• pressure
• impact and friction
• chemical incompatibility between certain substances

2. Limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion

You must take steps to limit the severity of the consequences of a fire or explosion, such as:

• managing stocks of explosive to limit the quantity of explosive in areas in which people are likely to be present
• limiting the number of people in areas where explosives are present
• keeping explosives away from flammable or combustible materials which could fuel a fire, and away from toxic substances which could be released in the event of a fire

3. Protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

In the event of a fire, anyone in the immediate area of the explosives must be able to escape quickly and safely. You need to:

• establish a set of emergency procedures
• take necessary fire precautions
• install fire detection and warning systems
• provide means of escape and evacuation
• provide equipment for fire-fighting
• take measures to protect against explosion

For detailed information on best practice for all of these measures, you can download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7MB).

When you manufacture or store explosives there are several special rules for health and safety management around your site and operation.

The complexity of the management arrangements will depend on the complexity of your operation. A small company that is storing a small quantity of explosives will need much simpler management arrangements than a large manufacturer.

It is important that management arrangements are drawn up to ensure that appropriate arrangements for health and safety in the workplace are in place and that roles and responsibilities are specified and understood.

Separation of explosives storage and other areas

A key measure to reduce the severity of an explosion is to separate storage buildings from production buildings. The aim is to ensure that an explosion which takes place in a production area (where the risk of an explosion is greatest) does not affect storage buildings (where the greatest quantity of explosive substances or articles is kept and therefore the hazard is greatest).

Licences to manufacture explosives or to store more than 2000 kilograms of explosives require distances to be maintained between process buildings and other explosives buildings ('process building' distances) and between different explosives stores ('inter-store' distances).

You should also consider ways to:

• limit the quantity of explosives in production areas
• limit the numbers of people in explosives areas
• restrict access to buildings or areas used for remote manufacturing or storage of sensitive explosives
• use containment and safe release of blast effects

For more information including detailed tables of separation distances for different types of explosives, download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7 MB).

Explosives manufacturing training for staff

It is essential that all staff have the necessary training and competence for the work they undertake. This covers not only the skills necessary to undertake their work under normal conditions but also an appropriate understanding of the hazards and risks which may arise and the action to be taken in abnormal or emergency situations.

This includes:

• understand the nature of the risks and hazards that may arise out of the processes in which they are involved
• be competent in the use of the work equipment they need
• understand when personal protective equipment is required
• know what abnormal and hazardous conditions may arise, what warning signs to look for and what action to take in the event of a warning sign being detected
• know what hygiene and housekeeping procedures need to be followed
• know what workplace rules apply
• know what action to take in the event of an emergency

Unauthorised access to explosives sites

It is important to control access to explosives sites to ensure unauthorised persons cannot enter.

If someone gains access without authorisation you should request them to leave. If they do not, it is recommended to contact the PSNI. Only in a situation of imminent threat to safety should you use reasonable means to remove the person.

Employment of young workers around explosives

You should not employ young people in roles where they are directly involved in the manufacture or storage of explosives or frequently go into explosives buildings or areas unless there are good reasons for doing so.

Young people should at all times be under appropriate supervision by a competent, responsible person whenever they are in an explosives area.

Explosives come in many forms and substances and have a range of different uses. The exact types of explosive you manufacture and work with determines your responsibilities under the law.

What are explosive substances?

An explosive substance means a substance or preparation which is either:

• capable by chemical reaction in itself of producing gas at a temperature, pressure and speed as could cause damage to surroundings
• designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke (or any combination) as a result of a non-detonative, self-sustaining, exothermic chemical reaction

This does not include gases or mixtures of gases, nor where other substances or preparation cause the explosive reaction.

Types of explosives covered by manufacturing legislation

Regulation of explosives covers the manufacture, storage and handling of all explosives, including:

• blasting explosives
• propellants, detonators and detonating cord
• fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles
• ammunition
• other explosive articles such as air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners

The activities covered include the manufacture of explosives and intermediate products for on-site mixing and storage.

Prohibition on the manufacture of certain explosives

You cannot manufacture or store any pyrotechnic article containing sulphur or phosphorus mixed with chlorate of potassium or other chlorates without separate application to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

It is illegal to manufacture explosives, including fireworks, unless you hold a licence. The type of explosives licence required, depends on your manufacturing activities.

What is the definition of explosives manufacturing?

Explosives manufacturing includes any activity where the nature of the substance or article is changed. It includes processes where explosive substances are reprocessed or adapted, or explosive articles are unmade or disassembled.

Manufacturing explosives includes the:

• repair, modification, disassembly or unmaking of explosive articles
• reprocessing, modification or adaptation of explosive substances

To carry out these explosives manufacturing activities you need to obtain a licence from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

You may also need a licence or certificate of registration from DOJ to store explosives as part of the manufacturing process.

Activities not considered explosives manufacturing

You do not require a licence to carry out the following activities:

• packing explosives
• unpacking explosives 
• re-packing explosives
• labelling explosives
• testing explosives

Where these activities alone are undertaken, there is no requirement to hold a licence.

Other activities not classed as explosives manufacturing and may not need a licence include:

• manufacturing 100 grams or less of explosives for laboratory analysis, testing, demonstration or experimentation
• manufacturing certain ammunitions to be used at historical re-enactment events
• preparing and assembling fireworks at the place of intended use
• preparing and assembling explosives for use in theatrical, television or cinematic special effects
• mixing for immediate use certain substances at a mine or quarry, to produce an explosive which is not cap-sensitive
• using desensitised explosives in the manufacture of products which are not in themselves explosive

If you store explosives as part of the manufacturing process you will need a licence, unless the quantities are small enough to fall under an exemption. 

What is the definition of explosives storage?

The storage of explosives means the possession of explosives for any period after their manufacture, except for any period during which they are being:

• prepared at any place for use at that place
• transported beyond the place where they are stored

To carry out these explosives storage activities you will need to obtain a licence or certificate of registration from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

To ensure the safe storage of explosives you must:

• protect explosives from sources of ignition
• prevent fire and explosion spreading
• avoid unsuitable storage conditions
• ensure accurate control and record-keeping arrangements

Your explosives store, storage area, container or cupboard should be:

• suitably weatherproof
• designed to ensure that explosives do not come into contact with substances with which they are incompatible
• protected by a lightning conductor
• used only to keep explosives and tools or implements connected with the keeping of explosives
• kept clean, with steps taken to prevent grit entering unpackaged explosives

For more detail see explosives manufacturing and storage site safety and security.

Exemption from explosives storage licensing or registration

In some instances, you can keep a quantity of explosive without needing a licence or certificate of registration. This will depend on the net explosives content (NEC) kept and the Hazard Type:

• Hazard Type 1 - mass explosion hazard, where the entire body of explosives explodes as one.
• Hazard Type 2 - serious projectile hazard (but does not have a mass explosion hazard).
• Hazard Type 3 - fire hazard, giving rise to considerable radiant heat or which burn to produce a minor blast or projectile hazard.
• Hazard Type 4 - fire or slight explosion hazard, which present only a low hazard in the event of ignition or initiation, where no significant blast or projectile of fragments of appreciable size or range is expected.

If your explosives quantity falls within defined NEC limits you can store them for certain periods without having a licence or registering. 

Download a table showing the NEC of different types of explosives and the storage exemption periods (DOC, 16K).

You can apply for a licence or registration to manufacture and/or store explosives from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

There are two types of application form:

1. An explosives licence is used for three types of application: 

• the manufacture only of explosives
• the manufacture and storage of explosives
• the storage only of highly sensitive or large volumes of explosives

Download an explosives manufacturing licence application form (PDF, 328K).

2. An explosives registration allows for the storage of lower volumes or less sensitive explosives.

An explosives registration is the most commonly used application and in Northern Ireland the majority of registrations are for businesses who sell fireworks.

Download an explosives registration application form (PDF, 190K).

A licence or registration commonly lasts for five years, although in some circumstances this may be less. 

You will have to pay a fee to:

• apply for a licence or registration
• renew a licence or registration
• amend a licence or registration

Information on current fees can be obtained by emailing feb@justice-ni.gov.uk.

Explosives manufacturing licence and registration application process

Steps in the application process can include:

• the submission of your application form along with site plans
• a site inspection visit by a DOJ authorised representative
• checks for criminal or health and safety related convictions
• checks for Trading Standards violations and for planning permission information
• a Public Hearing may be deemed necessary

There may also be follow-up inspections before a certificate is issued, if the application inspection identifies actions needed in advance of explosives being allowed on site.

As the applicant you are responsible for ensuring the appropriate planning approvals are in place.

The police (PSNI) will be consulted on arrangements for securely transporting and storing explosives.

Your application can be refused in exceptional circumstances, typically on grounds of site safety or your fitness to store explosives.

When you manufacture or store explosives you need to take appropriate measures to:

• prevent fire or explosion
• limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion
• protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

The safety measures will depend on the nature of the operations and the explosive. Your first step should be to conduct a risk assessment.

When carrying out a risk assessment for explosives manufacturing, you need to consider the risks arising from associated activities such as:

• the manufacturing process itself
• transport and movement of explosives and other hazardous substances around your site
• disposal of explosives and decontamination of explosive-contaminated equipment
• cleaning, testing and quality control
• storage (including movements in and out of storage)
• maintenance

1. Prevent fire or explosion

Your primary safety responsibility as an explosives manufacturer is to control sources of energy that could initiate a fire or explosion.

The sources of ignition which need to be considered will depend on the conclusion of the risk assessment. In all cases, you must take precautions to exclude naked lights/flames. In other cases, depending on the results of the risk assessment, it will be necessary to consider:

• electricity (including static electricity and electromagnetic energy)
• sparks from mechanical or frictional contact between metal surfaces
• heat and temperature
• pressure
• impact and friction
• chemical incompatibility between certain substances

2. Limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion

You must take steps to limit the severity of the consequences of a fire or explosion, such as:

• managing stocks of explosive to limit the quantity of explosive in areas in which people are likely to be present
• limiting the number of people in areas where explosives are present
• keeping explosives away from flammable or combustible materials which could fuel a fire, and away from toxic substances which could be released in the event of a fire

3. Protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

In the event of a fire, anyone in the immediate area of the explosives must be able to escape quickly and safely. You need to:

• establish a set of emergency procedures
• take necessary fire precautions
• install fire detection and warning systems
• provide means of escape and evacuation
• provide equipment for fire-fighting
• take measures to protect against explosion

For detailed information on best practice for all of these measures, you can download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7MB).

When you manufacture or store explosives there are several special rules for health and safety management around your site and operation.

The complexity of the management arrangements will depend on the complexity of your operation. A small company that is storing a small quantity of explosives will need much simpler management arrangements than a large manufacturer.

It is important that management arrangements are drawn up to ensure that appropriate arrangements for health and safety in the workplace are in place and that roles and responsibilities are specified and understood.

Separation of explosives storage and other areas

A key measure to reduce the severity of an explosion is to separate storage buildings from production buildings. The aim is to ensure that an explosion which takes place in a production area (where the risk of an explosion is greatest) does not affect storage buildings (where the greatest quantity of explosive substances or articles is kept and therefore the hazard is greatest).

Licences to manufacture explosives or to store more than 2000 kilograms of explosives require distances to be maintained between process buildings and other explosives buildings ('process building' distances) and between different explosives stores ('inter-store' distances).

You should also consider ways to:

• limit the quantity of explosives in production areas
• limit the numbers of people in explosives areas
• restrict access to buildings or areas used for remote manufacturing or storage of sensitive explosives
• use containment and safe release of blast effects

For more information including detailed tables of separation distances for different types of explosives, download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7 MB).

Explosives manufacturing training for staff

It is essential that all staff have the necessary training and competence for the work they undertake. This covers not only the skills necessary to undertake their work under normal conditions but also an appropriate understanding of the hazards and risks which may arise and the action to be taken in abnormal or emergency situations.

This includes:

• understand the nature of the risks and hazards that may arise out of the processes in which they are involved
• be competent in the use of the work equipment they need
• understand when personal protective equipment is required
• know what abnormal and hazardous conditions may arise, what warning signs to look for and what action to take in the event of a warning sign being detected
• know what hygiene and housekeeping procedures need to be followed
• know what workplace rules apply
• know what action to take in the event of an emergency

Unauthorised access to explosives sites

It is important to control access to explosives sites to ensure unauthorised persons cannot enter.

If someone gains access without authorisation you should request them to leave. If they do not, it is recommended to contact the PSNI. Only in a situation of imminent threat to safety should you use reasonable means to remove the person.

Employment of young workers around explosives

You should not employ young people in roles where they are directly involved in the manufacture or storage of explosives or frequently go into explosives buildings or areas unless there are good reasons for doing so.

Young people should at all times be under appropriate supervision by a competent, responsible person whenever they are in an explosives area.

Explosives come in many forms and substances and have a range of different uses. The exact types of explosive you manufacture and work with determines your responsibilities under the law.

What are explosive substances?

An explosive substance means a substance or preparation which is either:

• capable by chemical reaction in itself of producing gas at a temperature, pressure and speed as could cause damage to surroundings
• designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke (or any combination) as a result of a non-detonative, self-sustaining, exothermic chemical reaction

This does not include gases or mixtures of gases, nor where other substances or preparation cause the explosive reaction.

Types of explosives covered by manufacturing legislation

Regulation of explosives covers the manufacture, storage and handling of all explosives, including:

• blasting explosives
• propellants, detonators and detonating cord
• fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles
• ammunition
• other explosive articles such as air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners

The activities covered include the manufacture of explosives and intermediate products for on-site mixing and storage.

Prohibition on the manufacture of certain explosives

You cannot manufacture or store any pyrotechnic article containing sulphur or phosphorus mixed with chlorate of potassium or other chlorates without separate application to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

It is illegal to manufacture explosives, including fireworks, unless you hold a licence. The type of explosives licence required, depends on your manufacturing activities.

What is the definition of explosives manufacturing?

Explosives manufacturing includes any activity where the nature of the substance or article is changed. It includes processes where explosive substances are reprocessed or adapted, or explosive articles are unmade or disassembled.

Manufacturing explosives includes the:

• repair, modification, disassembly or unmaking of explosive articles
• reprocessing, modification or adaptation of explosive substances

To carry out these explosives manufacturing activities you need to obtain a licence from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

You may also need a licence or certificate of registration from DOJ to store explosives as part of the manufacturing process.

Activities not considered explosives manufacturing

You do not require a licence to carry out the following activities:

• packing explosives
• unpacking explosives 
• re-packing explosives
• labelling explosives
• testing explosives

Where these activities alone are undertaken, there is no requirement to hold a licence.

Other activities not classed as explosives manufacturing and may not need a licence include:

• manufacturing 100 grams or less of explosives for laboratory analysis, testing, demonstration or experimentation
• manufacturing certain ammunitions to be used at historical re-enactment events
• preparing and assembling fireworks at the place of intended use
• preparing and assembling explosives for use in theatrical, television or cinematic special effects
• mixing for immediate use certain substances at a mine or quarry, to produce an explosive which is not cap-sensitive
• using desensitised explosives in the manufacture of products which are not in themselves explosive

If you store explosives as part of the manufacturing process you will need a licence, unless the quantities are small enough to fall under an exemption. 

What is the definition of explosives storage?

The storage of explosives means the possession of explosives for any period after their manufacture, except for any period during which they are being:

• prepared at any place for use at that place
• transported beyond the place where they are stored

To carry out these explosives storage activities you will need to obtain a licence or certificate of registration from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

To ensure the safe storage of explosives you must:

• protect explosives from sources of ignition
• prevent fire and explosion spreading
• avoid unsuitable storage conditions
• ensure accurate control and record-keeping arrangements

Your explosives store, storage area, container or cupboard should be:

• suitably weatherproof
• designed to ensure that explosives do not come into contact with substances with which they are incompatible
• protected by a lightning conductor
• used only to keep explosives and tools or implements connected with the keeping of explosives
• kept clean, with steps taken to prevent grit entering unpackaged explosives

For more detail see explosives manufacturing and storage site safety and security.

Exemption from explosives storage licensing or registration

In some instances, you can keep a quantity of explosive without needing a licence or certificate of registration. This will depend on the net explosives content (NEC) kept and the Hazard Type:

• Hazard Type 1 - mass explosion hazard, where the entire body of explosives explodes as one.
• Hazard Type 2 - serious projectile hazard (but does not have a mass explosion hazard).
• Hazard Type 3 - fire hazard, giving rise to considerable radiant heat or which burn to produce a minor blast or projectile hazard.
• Hazard Type 4 - fire or slight explosion hazard, which present only a low hazard in the event of ignition or initiation, where no significant blast or projectile of fragments of appreciable size or range is expected.

If your explosives quantity falls within defined NEC limits you can store them for certain periods without having a licence or registering. 

Download a table showing the NEC of different types of explosives and the storage exemption periods (DOC, 16K).

You can apply for a licence or registration to manufacture and/or store explosives from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

There are two types of application form:

1. An explosives licence is used for three types of application: 

• the manufacture only of explosives
• the manufacture and storage of explosives
• the storage only of highly sensitive or large volumes of explosives

Download an explosives manufacturing licence application form (PDF, 328K).

2. An explosives registration allows for the storage of lower volumes or less sensitive explosives.

An explosives registration is the most commonly used application and in Northern Ireland the majority of registrations are for businesses who sell fireworks.

Download an explosives registration application form (PDF, 190K).

A licence or registration commonly lasts for five years, although in some circumstances this may be less. 

You will have to pay a fee to:

• apply for a licence or registration
• renew a licence or registration
• amend a licence or registration

Information on current fees can be obtained by emailing feb@justice-ni.gov.uk.

Explosives manufacturing licence and registration application process

Steps in the application process can include:

• the submission of your application form along with site plans
• a site inspection visit by a DOJ authorised representative
• checks for criminal or health and safety related convictions
• checks for Trading Standards violations and for planning permission information
• a Public Hearing may be deemed necessary

There may also be follow-up inspections before a certificate is issued, if the application inspection identifies actions needed in advance of explosives being allowed on site.

As the applicant you are responsible for ensuring the appropriate planning approvals are in place.

The police (PSNI) will be consulted on arrangements for securely transporting and storing explosives.

Your application can be refused in exceptional circumstances, typically on grounds of site safety or your fitness to store explosives.

When you manufacture or store explosives you need to take appropriate measures to:

• prevent fire or explosion
• limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion
• protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

The safety measures will depend on the nature of the operations and the explosive. Your first step should be to conduct a risk assessment.

When carrying out a risk assessment for explosives manufacturing, you need to consider the risks arising from associated activities such as:

• the manufacturing process itself
• transport and movement of explosives and other hazardous substances around your site
• disposal of explosives and decontamination of explosive-contaminated equipment
• cleaning, testing and quality control
• storage (including movements in and out of storage)
• maintenance

1. Prevent fire or explosion

Your primary safety responsibility as an explosives manufacturer is to control sources of energy that could initiate a fire or explosion.

The sources of ignition which need to be considered will depend on the conclusion of the risk assessment. In all cases, you must take precautions to exclude naked lights/flames. In other cases, depending on the results of the risk assessment, it will be necessary to consider:

• electricity (including static electricity and electromagnetic energy)
• sparks from mechanical or frictional contact between metal surfaces
• heat and temperature
• pressure
• impact and friction
• chemical incompatibility between certain substances

2. Limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion

You must take steps to limit the severity of the consequences of a fire or explosion, such as:

• managing stocks of explosive to limit the quantity of explosive in areas in which people are likely to be present
• limiting the number of people in areas where explosives are present
• keeping explosives away from flammable or combustible materials which could fuel a fire, and away from toxic substances which could be released in the event of a fire

3. Protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

In the event of a fire, anyone in the immediate area of the explosives must be able to escape quickly and safely. You need to:

• establish a set of emergency procedures
• take necessary fire precautions
• install fire detection and warning systems
• provide means of escape and evacuation
• provide equipment for fire-fighting
• take measures to protect against explosion

For detailed information on best practice for all of these measures, you can download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7MB).

When you manufacture or store explosives there are several special rules for health and safety management around your site and operation.

The complexity of the management arrangements will depend on the complexity of your operation. A small company that is storing a small quantity of explosives will need much simpler management arrangements than a large manufacturer.

It is important that management arrangements are drawn up to ensure that appropriate arrangements for health and safety in the workplace are in place and that roles and responsibilities are specified and understood.

Separation of explosives storage and other areas

A key measure to reduce the severity of an explosion is to separate storage buildings from production buildings. The aim is to ensure that an explosion which takes place in a production area (where the risk of an explosion is greatest) does not affect storage buildings (where the greatest quantity of explosive substances or articles is kept and therefore the hazard is greatest).

Licences to manufacture explosives or to store more than 2000 kilograms of explosives require distances to be maintained between process buildings and other explosives buildings ('process building' distances) and between different explosives stores ('inter-store' distances).

You should also consider ways to:

• limit the quantity of explosives in production areas
• limit the numbers of people in explosives areas
• restrict access to buildings or areas used for remote manufacturing or storage of sensitive explosives
• use containment and safe release of blast effects

For more information including detailed tables of separation distances for different types of explosives, download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7 MB).

Explosives manufacturing training for staff

It is essential that all staff have the necessary training and competence for the work they undertake. This covers not only the skills necessary to undertake their work under normal conditions but also an appropriate understanding of the hazards and risks which may arise and the action to be taken in abnormal or emergency situations.

This includes:

• understand the nature of the risks and hazards that may arise out of the processes in which they are involved
• be competent in the use of the work equipment they need
• understand when personal protective equipment is required
• know what abnormal and hazardous conditions may arise, what warning signs to look for and what action to take in the event of a warning sign being detected
• know what hygiene and housekeeping procedures need to be followed
• know what workplace rules apply
• know what action to take in the event of an emergency

Unauthorised access to explosives sites

It is important to control access to explosives sites to ensure unauthorised persons cannot enter.

If someone gains access without authorisation you should request them to leave. If they do not, it is recommended to contact the PSNI. Only in a situation of imminent threat to safety should you use reasonable means to remove the person.

Employment of young workers around explosives

You should not employ young people in roles where they are directly involved in the manufacture or storage of explosives or frequently go into explosives buildings or areas unless there are good reasons for doing so.

Young people should at all times be under appropriate supervision by a competent, responsible person whenever they are in an explosives area.

Explosives come in many forms and substances and have a range of different uses. The exact types of explosive you manufacture and work with determines your responsibilities under the law.

What are explosive substances?

An explosive substance means a substance or preparation which is either:

• capable by chemical reaction in itself of producing gas at a temperature, pressure and speed as could cause damage to surroundings
• designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke (or any combination) as a result of a non-detonative, self-sustaining, exothermic chemical reaction

This does not include gases or mixtures of gases, nor where other substances or preparation cause the explosive reaction.

Types of explosives covered by manufacturing legislation

Regulation of explosives covers the manufacture, storage and handling of all explosives, including:

• blasting explosives
• propellants, detonators and detonating cord
• fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles
• ammunition
• other explosive articles such as air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners

The activities covered include the manufacture of explosives and intermediate products for on-site mixing and storage.

Prohibition on the manufacture of certain explosives

You cannot manufacture or store any pyrotechnic article containing sulphur or phosphorus mixed with chlorate of potassium or other chlorates without separate application to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

It is illegal to manufacture explosives, including fireworks, unless you hold a licence. The type of explosives licence required, depends on your manufacturing activities.

What is the definition of explosives manufacturing?

Explosives manufacturing includes any activity where the nature of the substance or article is changed. It includes processes where explosive substances are reprocessed or adapted, or explosive articles are unmade or disassembled.

Manufacturing explosives includes the:

• repair, modification, disassembly or unmaking of explosive articles
• reprocessing, modification or adaptation of explosive substances

To carry out these explosives manufacturing activities you need to obtain a licence from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

You may also need a licence or certificate of registration from DOJ to store explosives as part of the manufacturing process.

Activities not considered explosives manufacturing

You do not require a licence to carry out the following activities:

• packing explosives
• unpacking explosives 
• re-packing explosives
• labelling explosives
• testing explosives

Where these activities alone are undertaken, there is no requirement to hold a licence.

Other activities not classed as explosives manufacturing and may not need a licence include:

• manufacturing 100 grams or less of explosives for laboratory analysis, testing, demonstration or experimentation
• manufacturing certain ammunitions to be used at historical re-enactment events
• preparing and assembling fireworks at the place of intended use
• preparing and assembling explosives for use in theatrical, television or cinematic special effects
• mixing for immediate use certain substances at a mine or quarry, to produce an explosive which is not cap-sensitive
• using desensitised explosives in the manufacture of products which are not in themselves explosive

If you store explosives as part of the manufacturing process you will need a licence, unless the quantities are small enough to fall under an exemption. 

What is the definition of explosives storage?

The storage of explosives means the possession of explosives for any period after their manufacture, except for any period during which they are being:

• prepared at any place for use at that place
• transported beyond the place where they are stored

To carry out these explosives storage activities you will need to obtain a licence or certificate of registration from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

To ensure the safe storage of explosives you must:

• protect explosives from sources of ignition
• prevent fire and explosion spreading
• avoid unsuitable storage conditions
• ensure accurate control and record-keeping arrangements

Your explosives store, storage area, container or cupboard should be:

• suitably weatherproof
• designed to ensure that explosives do not come into contact with substances with which they are incompatible
• protected by a lightning conductor
• used only to keep explosives and tools or implements connected with the keeping of explosives
• kept clean, with steps taken to prevent grit entering unpackaged explosives

For more detail see explosives manufacturing and storage site safety and security.

Exemption from explosives storage licensing or registration

In some instances, you can keep a quantity of explosive without needing a licence or certificate of registration. This will depend on the net explosives content (NEC) kept and the Hazard Type:

• Hazard Type 1 - mass explosion hazard, where the entire body of explosives explodes as one.
• Hazard Type 2 - serious projectile hazard (but does not have a mass explosion hazard).
• Hazard Type 3 - fire hazard, giving rise to considerable radiant heat or which burn to produce a minor blast or projectile hazard.
• Hazard Type 4 - fire or slight explosion hazard, which present only a low hazard in the event of ignition or initiation, where no significant blast or projectile of fragments of appreciable size or range is expected.

If your explosives quantity falls within defined NEC limits you can store them for certain periods without having a licence or registering. 

Download a table showing the NEC of different types of explosives and the storage exemption periods (DOC, 16K).

You can apply for a licence or registration to manufacture and/or store explosives from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

There are two types of application form:

1. An explosives licence is used for three types of application: 

• the manufacture only of explosives
• the manufacture and storage of explosives
• the storage only of highly sensitive or large volumes of explosives

Download an explosives manufacturing licence application form (PDF, 328K).

2. An explosives registration allows for the storage of lower volumes or less sensitive explosives.

An explosives registration is the most commonly used application and in Northern Ireland the majority of registrations are for businesses who sell fireworks.

Download an explosives registration application form (PDF, 190K).

A licence or registration commonly lasts for five years, although in some circumstances this may be less. 

You will have to pay a fee to:

• apply for a licence or registration
• renew a licence or registration
• amend a licence or registration

Information on current fees can be obtained by emailing feb@justice-ni.gov.uk.

Explosives manufacturing licence and registration application process

Steps in the application process can include:

• the submission of your application form along with site plans
• a site inspection visit by a DOJ authorised representative
• checks for criminal or health and safety related convictions
• checks for Trading Standards violations and for planning permission information
• a Public Hearing may be deemed necessary

There may also be follow-up inspections before a certificate is issued, if the application inspection identifies actions needed in advance of explosives being allowed on site.

As the applicant you are responsible for ensuring the appropriate planning approvals are in place.

The police (PSNI) will be consulted on arrangements for securely transporting and storing explosives.

Your application can be refused in exceptional circumstances, typically on grounds of site safety or your fitness to store explosives.

When you manufacture or store explosives you need to take appropriate measures to:

• prevent fire or explosion
• limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion
• protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

The safety measures will depend on the nature of the operations and the explosive. Your first step should be to conduct a risk assessment.

When carrying out a risk assessment for explosives manufacturing, you need to consider the risks arising from associated activities such as:

• the manufacturing process itself
• transport and movement of explosives and other hazardous substances around your site
• disposal of explosives and decontamination of explosive-contaminated equipment
• cleaning, testing and quality control
• storage (including movements in and out of storage)
• maintenance

1. Prevent fire or explosion

Your primary safety responsibility as an explosives manufacturer is to control sources of energy that could initiate a fire or explosion.

The sources of ignition which need to be considered will depend on the conclusion of the risk assessment. In all cases, you must take precautions to exclude naked lights/flames. In other cases, depending on the results of the risk assessment, it will be necessary to consider:

• electricity (including static electricity and electromagnetic energy)
• sparks from mechanical or frictional contact between metal surfaces
• heat and temperature
• pressure
• impact and friction
• chemical incompatibility between certain substances

2. Limit the potential extent of any fire or explosion

You must take steps to limit the severity of the consequences of a fire or explosion, such as:

• managing stocks of explosive to limit the quantity of explosive in areas in which people are likely to be present
• limiting the number of people in areas where explosives are present
• keeping explosives away from flammable or combustible materials which could fuel a fire, and away from toxic substances which could be released in the event of a fire

3. Protect people from the effects of any fire or explosion

In the event of a fire, anyone in the immediate area of the explosives must be able to escape quickly and safely. You need to:

• establish a set of emergency procedures
• take necessary fire precautions
• install fire detection and warning systems
• provide means of escape and evacuation
• provide equipment for fire-fighting
• take measures to protect against explosion

For detailed information on best practice for all of these measures, you can download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7MB).

When you manufacture or store explosives there are several special rules for health and safety management around your site and operation.

The complexity of the management arrangements will depend on the complexity of your operation. A small company that is storing a small quantity of explosives will need much simpler management arrangements than a large manufacturer.

It is important that management arrangements are drawn up to ensure that appropriate arrangements for health and safety in the workplace are in place and that roles and responsibilities are specified and understood.

Separation of explosives storage and other areas

A key measure to reduce the severity of an explosion is to separate storage buildings from production buildings. The aim is to ensure that an explosion which takes place in a production area (where the risk of an explosion is greatest) does not affect storage buildings (where the greatest quantity of explosive substances or articles is kept and therefore the hazard is greatest).

Licences to manufacture explosives or to store more than 2000 kilograms of explosives require distances to be maintained between process buildings and other explosives buildings ('process building' distances) and between different explosives stores ('inter-store' distances).

You should also consider ways to:

• limit the quantity of explosives in production areas
• limit the numbers of people in explosives areas
• restrict access to buildings or areas used for remote manufacturing or storage of sensitive explosives
• use containment and safe release of blast effects

For more information including detailed tables of separation distances for different types of explosives, download the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 1.7 MB).

Explosives manufacturing training for staff

It is essential that all staff have the necessary training and competence for the work they undertake. This covers not only the skills necessary to undertake their work under normal conditions but also an appropriate understanding of the hazards and risks which may arise and the action to be taken in abnormal or emergency situations.

This includes:

• understand the nature of the risks and hazards that may arise out of the processes in which they are involved
• be competent in the use of the work equipment they need
• understand when personal protective equipment is required
• know what abnormal and hazardous conditions may arise, what warning signs to look for and what action to take in the event of a warning sign being detected
• know what hygiene and housekeeping procedures need to be followed
• know what workplace rules apply
• know what action to take in the event of an emergency

Unauthorised access to explosives sites

It is important to control access to explosives sites to ensure unauthorised persons cannot enter.

If someone gains access without authorisation you should request them to leave. If they do not, it is recommended to contact the PSNI. Only in a situation of imminent threat to safety should you use reasonable means to remove the person.

Employment of young workers around explosives

You should not employ young people in roles where they are directly involved in the manufacture or storage of explosives or frequently go into explosives buildings or areas unless there are good reasons for doing so.

Young people should at all times be under appropriate supervision by a competent, responsible person whenever they are in an explosives area.