Safety requirements

Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005

The main requirements of the Regulations are:

• anyone manufacturing or storing explosives must take appropriate measures to prevent fire or explosion
• to limit the extent of any fire or explosion should one occur and
• protect persons in the event of a fire or explosion

Guidance on the Regulations is given in the Approved Code of Practice. 

Licensing

With certain exceptions a licence is required for the manufacture or storage of explosives. HSE licenses manufacturing activities and larger explosives storage facilities.
In most cases, stores holding less than two tonnes of explosives are either licensed by HSE or registered with the local authority or the police.
HSE may not grant a licence for a manufacturing facility or store until the local authority has given its assent (normally following a public hearing).
See How to apply for a licence for more information.

Separation distances

In most cases a separation distance must be maintained between the explosives building and neighbouring inhabited buildings. This is to keep risks to those living or working in the area to an acceptable level.
If there is development in this separation zone then the quantity that may be kept must be reduced.

The tables in Separation distances give the minimum separation distances by hazard type and building construction.