Health and Safety Executive

This website uses non-intrusive cookies to improve your user experience. You can visit our cookie privacy page for more information.

Social media

Javascript is required to use HSE website social media functionality.

Separation distances

How to use Tables 1 to 8

Internal separation distances are given in Tables 1 and 2. External separation distances are given in Tables 3 to 8.

Find out which separation distance table you should use.

  Explosives process building Explosives magazine
Explosives process building Tables 1 and 2 Tables 1 and 2
Other occupied buildings within the boundary of the licensed site except those described in the next line of this table Tables 3–8* Tables 3–8*
Occupied buildings within the boundary of the licensed site meeting one or more of the following criteria:
  • The building is not in the occupation of the applicant.
  • The building has more than one storey, suitable for occupation, above ground.
  • The building is normally occupied by more than 20 people
Tables 3–8† Tables 3–8†
Explosives magazine Tables 1 and 2 Tables 1 and 2
Other store within the boundary of the licensed site Tables 1 and 2 Tables 1 and 2
‘On-site’ bulk flammable gas/flammable liquid storage Tables 3–8 Tables 3–8
Any off-site building or work namely any:
  • railway, aerodrome, canal (in active use) or other navigable water, dock, pier or jetty
  • market place, public recreation or sports ground or other open place where the public are accustomed to assemble;
  • public highway
  • private road which is the principal means of access to a church, chapel, college, school, hospital or factory
  • river wall, sea wall, reservoir, dwelling
  • retail shop
  • government and public buildings, church, college, chapel, school, hospital, theatre, cinema or other building where the public are accustomed to assemble
  • motorway
  • caravan site for which planning permission for this use had been granted and on which is located an occupied caravan for a total period in excess of 28 days in any one calendar year
  • factory
  • building or works used for the bulk storage of petroleum spirit, gas, or other inflammable substances
  • buildings or works used for the storage and manufacture of explosives or of articles which contain explosives
Tables 3–8 Tables 3–8

* Use half the appropriate distance required to a building in Tables 3–8, depending on the hazard type.
† Use the appropriate distance required to a building in Tables 3–8, depending on the hazard type.

Social media

Javascript is required to use HSE website social media functionality.

Updated: 2011-10-21