Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Explosives
Made - 21st July 1983
Authority: Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, ss 15(1), (2), (3)(a), (c), (4)(a), (b), (5)(a), (b), (6)(b), 43(2), (4), 47(3), 82(3)(a), Sch 3, paras 1(1)(b), (c), (4), 2(1), 3(1), (2)
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/1
1. These Regulations may be cited as the Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 and shall come into operation on 1st November 1983.
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/2
2. (1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires-
...
["classified" means classified in accordance with-
and related expressions shall be construed accordingly;]
"combination" means a combination in the same packaging of articles or substances or of one or more of each of them;
...
"explosive article" means an article containing one or more explosive substances;
"explosive substance" means-
which is capable by chemical reaction in itself of producing gas at such a temperature and pressure and at such a speed as could cause damage to surroundings or which is designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke or a combination of these as a result of non-detonative self-sustaining exothermic chemical reactions;
["hazard classification code" means the division number as set out in paragraph 2.1.1.4 of the United Nations Recommendations, followed by the compatibility group letter, as set out in paragraph 2.1.2 of those Recommendations, for the article, substance, combination or unit load in question which is assigned on classification in accordance with regulation 3;]
"inner packaging" means the packaging immediately surrounding an article, substance or combination, except when it is the only packaging, but it does not include any envelope, case or contrivance forming part of an article;
"label" includes "mark" and related expressions shall be construed accordingly;
"military explosive" means any article, substance, combination or unit load to which these Regulations apply-
["name" means in relation to an explosive article or explosive substance-
"outer packaging" means the packaging immediately surrounding an article, substance or combination where it is the only packaging and in any other case the outermost packaging but does not include-
"supply" means (whether as principal or agent for another) supply in the course of, or for use at, work by way of-
and related expressions shall be construed accordingly;
"unit load" means the unit formed when packages or unpackaged articles are assembled on or in a device which enables them to be mechanically handled as one unit, but which is not any type of freight container, aircraft container, container with integral pallet, aircraft pallet, or vehicle;
["the United Nations Recommendations" means the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (based on those originally prepared by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods considered by the Economic and Social Council at its twenty-third session (Resolution 645 G (XXIII) of 26th April 1957)) [Current Edition (2003) ISBN 92-1-139090-7], as revised or reissued from time to time and any reference in these Regulations to the United Nations Recommendations shall, for a period of 6 months after any revision or reissue, be a reference to either the document as it was immediately before that revision or reissue took effect or the document as revised or reissued;]
["United Nations Serial Number" means the serial number set out in paragraph 3.2.1 of the UN Recommendations which is assigned to the article, substance, combination or unit load in question on classification in accordance with regulation 3 as a means of identification].
(2) Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in these Regulations to-
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/3
3. (1) Subject to Regulation 4, these Regulations shall apply to-
except that in relation to supply only, these Regulations shall apply to the items specified in this paragraph only in so far as they are supplied with a view to producing a practical effect by explosion or a pyrotechnic effect.
[(2) An article, substance, combination or unit load to which these Regulations apply may not be-
(3) . . . Nothing in paragraph (2) shall be construed as affecting any other requirement of law relating to the conveyance, keeping or supply of any article, substance, combination or unit load to which these Regulations apply.
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/4
4. (1) These Regulations shall not apply to an article, substance, combination or unit load-
(a) which complies with the classification and labelling requirements imposed in respect of it by or under the Explosives Act 1875, but this exception shall not apply after 1st November 1988, other than to the keeping of articles and substances manufactured, and combinations and unit loads formed, before 1st November 1983; or
[(b) which has not been classified or which has been allocated on classification the United Nations Serial Number 0190 and which-
and in this sub-paragraph "initiating explosives" means explosives intended solely to cause the detonation of other explosives; or
(c) which is in transit on any aircraft, vessel or hovercraft, if-
(d) which is being transhipped from one aircraft, vessel or hovercraft to another for the purpose of being conveyed to a place outside the United Kingdom provided that there is compliance with the appropriate classification and labelling provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code or the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, both as revised or re-issued from time to time and published respectively by the International Maritime Organisation and the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation; or
(e) which is being lawfully carried on the person, or in the baggage, of a passenger or member of the crew on an aircraft, vessel or hovercraft or in transit between one aircraft, vessel or hovercraft and another; or
(f) which is undergoing explosive ordnance disposal, other than dumping at sea, under the directions of a member of Her Majesty's forces or a constable.
(2) These Regulations shall not apply to an article or substance-
(3) These Regulations shall not apply to fireworks, small arms ammunition or combinations in the same packaging of fireworks or small arms ammunition that-
(4) These Regulations shall not apply to any explosive nuclear device or any component thereof.
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/5
5. […..]
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/[6 ]
[6] [(1) A packaged article or substance, or a combination to which these Regulations apply, shall bear a label in accordance with paragraph 12 of Schedule 3.
(2) An unpackaged article, other than a firework, to which these Regulations apply, shall bear a label in accordance with paragraph 13 of Schedule 3.]
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/7
7. [.…]
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/8
8. (1) In addition to any labelling required by Regulation 6, where an outer packaging contains an explosive article listed in Schedule 4 or an explosive substance listed in Schedule 5, it shall be labelled in accordance with paragraph 14 of Schedule 3.
(2) Where an inner packaging contains an explosive substance listed in Schedule 5, it shall be labelled in accordance with paragraph 15 of Schedule 3.
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/9
9. […]
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/10
10. (1) The requirements of Regulations [6 and 8] and Schedule 3 shall be implemented by the use of durable labelling either-
(2) Where, in order to comply with paragraph (1), the size of the packaging, article, base or strap, as the case may be, would necessitate a reduction in the size of the label, as an alternative, a full sized label may be affixed in some other safe and suitable manner.
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/11
11. [….]
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/12
12. In any proceedings for an alleged contravention of, or breach of duty imposed by, these Regulations it shall be a defence for any person to prove that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of such an offence or breach.
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/[12A]
[12A] [In any proceedings for an offence-
(a) consisting of a contravention of regulation [3(2)(b) or 6]; and
(b) which was committed on or after 1st January 1997 and before 1st January 1999,
it shall be a defence for the accused to prove that-
(c) the explosives were labelled on or before 31st December 1996 in accordance with these Regulations as in force on that date;
(d) the labelling has not been altered or removed;
(e) it has not at any time since 31st December 1996 been reasonably practicable to re-label the explosives; and
(f) in the case of packaged explosives-
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/13
13. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1977, the enforcing authority for the purposes of these Regulations shall in all cases be the Health and Safety Executive.
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/14
14. (1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Health and Safety Executive may, by a certificate in writing, exempt from all or any requirements or prohibitions imposed by these Regulations any particular, or class of, article, substance, combination or unit load and any such exemption may be granted subject to conditions and to a limit of time and may be revoked by a certificate in writing at any time.
(2) The Executive shall not grant any such exemption unless, having regard to the circumstances of the case, and in particular to-
[it is satisfied that the environment, the security of the explosives and the health and safety of persons who are likely to be affected by the exemption will not be prejudiced in consequence of it].
(3) The Secretary of State may, by a certificate in writing, exempt from all or any requirements or prohibitions imposed by these Regulations any particular or class of military explosive and any such exemption may be granted subject to conditions and to a limit of time and may be revoked by a certificate in writing at any time.
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/15
15. [….]
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/SCHEDULE 1
[….]
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/SCHEDULE 2
[….]
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/SCHEDULE 3 Labels
Labels
Regulations 6, 7, 8, 10
1 – 11 […..]
12. [The label required by regulation 6(1)] shall show in respect of each explosive article or explosive substance, whether or not in a combination-
13. [The label required by regulation 6(2)] shall show in respect of the article-
14. The label required by Regulation 8(1) shall show in respect of the contents of the outer packaging-
15. The label required by Regulation 8(2) shall show in respect of the contents of the inner packaging-
16 – 17 [….]
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/SCHEDULE 4 Explosive articles in respect of which outer packaging is to be labelled
Explosive articles in respect of which outer packaging is to be labelled
Regulation 8(1)
In this Schedule "N.O.S." means "not otherwise specified"
1 |
2 |
3 |
United Nations |
Article |
Hazard |
|---|---|---|
[0486 |
ARTICLES EXPLOSIVE, EXTREMELY INSENSITIVE (ARTICLES, EEI) |
1.6N] |
0354 |
ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S |
1.1 L |
0355 |
ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S |
1.2 L |
0356 |
ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S |
1.3 L |
0350 |
ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S |
1.4 B |
0351 |
ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S |
1.4 C |
0352 |
ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S |
1.4 D |
0353 |
ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S |
1.4 G |
0349 |
ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S |
1.4 S |
0225 |
BOOSTERS WITH DETONATOR |
1.1 B |
0268 |
BOOSTERS WITH DETONATOR |
1.2 B |
0042 |
BOOSTERS without detonator |
1.1.D |
0283 |
BOOSTERS without detonator |
1.2 D |
0048 |
CHARGES, DEMOLITION |
1.1 D |
0442 |
CHARGES, EXPLOSIVE, COMMERCIAL without detonator |
1.1 D |
0443 |
CHARGES, EXPLOSIVE, COMMERCIAL without detonator |
1.2 D |
0444 |
CHARGES, EXPLOSIVE, COMMERCIAL without detonator |
1.4 D |
0445 |
CHARGES, EXPLOSIVE, COMMERCIAL without detonator |
1.4 S |
0059 |
CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator |
1.1 D |
0439 |
CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator |
1.2 D |
0440 |
CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator |
1.4 D |
0441 |
CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator |
1.4 S |
0288 |
CHARGES, SHAPED, FLEXIBLE, LINEAR metal clad |
1.1 D |
0237 |
CHARGES, SHAPED, FLEXIBLE, LINEAR metal clad |
1.4 D |
0060 |
CHARGES, SUPPLEMENTARY, EXPLOSIVE |
1.1 D |
0382 |
COMPONENTS, EXPLOSIVE TRAIN, N.O.S |
1.2 B |
0383 |
COMPONENTS, EXPLOSIVE TRAIN, N.O.S |
1.4 B |
0384 |
COMPONENTS, EXPLOSIVE TRAIN, N.O.S |
1.4 S |
0248 |
CONTRIVANCES, WATER-ACTIVATED with burster, expelling charge or propelling charge |
1.2 L |
0249 |
CONTRIVANCES, WATER-ACTIVATED with burster, expelling charge or propelling charge |
1.3 L |
0065 |
CORD, DETONATING, flexible |
1.1 D |
0289 |
CORD, DETONATING, flexible |
1.4 D |
0290 |
CORD (FUSE), DETONATING, metal clad |
1.1 D |
0102 |
CORD (FUSE), DETONATING, metal clad |
1.2 D |
0104 |
CORD (FUSE), DETONATING, MILD EFFECT, metal clad |
1.4 D |
0066 |
CORD, IGNITER |
1.4 G |
0030 |
DETONATORS, ELECTRIC for blasting |
1.1 B |
0255 |
DETONATORS, ELECTRIC for blasting |
1.4 B |
0029 |
DETONATORS, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting |
1.1 B |
0267 |
DETONATORS, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting |
1.4 B |
0360 |
DETONATOR ASSEMBLIES, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting |
1.1 B |
0361 |
DETONATOR ASSEMBLIES, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting |
1.4 B |
0099 |
FRACTURING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE, for oil wells, without detonator |
1.1 D |
0103 |
FUSE, IGNITER, tubular, metal clad |
1.4 G |
0101 |
FUSE, INSTANTANEOUS, NON-DETONATING |
1.3 G |
0105 |
FUSE, SAFETY |
1.4 S |
0106 |
FUZES, DETONATING |
1.1 B |
0107 |
FUZES, DETONATING |
1.2 B |
0257 |
FUZES, DETONATING |
1.4 B |
0367 |
FUZES, DETONATING |
1.4 S |
0408 |
FUZES, DETONATING with protective features |
1.1 D |
0409 |
FUZES, DETONATING with protective features |
1.2 D |
0410 |
FUZES, DETONATING with protective features |
1.4 D |
0121 |
IGNITERS |
1.1 G |
0314 |
IGNITERS |
1.2 G |
0315 |
IGNITERS |
1.3 G |
0325 |
IGNITERS |
1.4 G |
0124 |
JET PERFORATING GUNS, CHARGED, oil well, without detonator |
1.1 D |
0173 |
RELEASE DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE |
1.4 S |
0374 |
SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE |
1.1 E |
0296 |
SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE |
1.1 F |
0375 |
SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE |
1.2 E |
0204 |
SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE |
1.2 F |
UK Legislation (Health and Safety)/UK Parliament Statutory Instruments/Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1140)/SCHEDULE 5 Explosive substances in respect of which inner and outer packagings are to be labelled
Explosive substances in respect of which inner and outer packagings are to be labelled
Regulation 8(1), (2)
In this Schedule "N.O.S." means "not otherwise specified"
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| United Nations Serial Number | Substance | Hazard Classification Code |
|---|---|---|
| 0224 | BARIUM AZIDE, dry or wetted with less than 50 per cent water, by weight | 1.1 A |
| 0027 | BLACK POWDER (GUNPOWDER) granular or as a meal | 1.1 D |
| 0028 | BLACK POWDER (GUNPOWDER) COMPRESSED, or BLACK POWDER (GUNPOWDER) IN PELLETS | 1.1 D |
| 0226 | CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN), WETTED with not less than 15 per cent water, by weight, or CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENE- TETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN), DESENSITIZED with not less than 10 per cent phlegmatiser, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0391 | CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX) AND CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN) MIXTURES, WETTED with not less than 15 per cent water by weight, or CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX) AND CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN) MIXTURES, DESENSITIZED with not less than 10 per cent phlegmatiser, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0072 | CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX), WETTED with not less than 15 per cent water, by weight, or CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX), DESENSITIZED with not less than 10 per cent phlegmatiser, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0074 | DIAZODINITROPHENOL, WETTED with not less than 40 per cent water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water) | 1.1 A |
| 0081 | EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE A | 1.1 D |
| 0082 | EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE B | 1.1 D |
| 0331 | EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE B | 1.5 D |
| 0083 | EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE C | 1.1 D |
| 0084 | EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE D | 1.1 D |
| 0241 | EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE E | 1.1 D |
| 0332 | EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE E | 1.5 D |
| 0113 | GUANYL NITROSAMINOGUANYLIDENE HYDRAZINE, WETTED with not less than 30 per cent water, by weight | 1.1 A |
| 0114 | GUANYL NITROSAMINOGUANYLTETRAZENE (TETRAZENE), WETTED with not less than 30 per cent water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water) | 1.1 A |
| 0079 | HEXANITRODIPHENYLAMINE (DIPICRYLAMINE; HEXYL) | 1.1 D |
| 0392 | HEXANITROSTILBENE | 1.1 D |
| 0393 | HEXATONAL, CAST | 1.1 D |
| 0118 | HEXOLITE, dry or wetted with less than 15 per cent water, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0129 | LEAD AZIDE, WETTED with not less than 20 per cent water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water) | 1.1 A |
| 0130 | LEAD STYPHNATE (LEAD TRINITRORESORCINATE), WETTED with not less than 20 per cent water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water) | 1.1 A |
| 0133 | MANNITOL HEXANITRATE (NITROMANNITE), WETTED with not less than 40 per cent water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water) | 1.1 D |
| 0135 | MERCURY FULMINATE, WETTED with not less than 20 per cent water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water) | 1.1 A |
| 0340 | NITROCELLULOSE, dry or wetted with less than 25 per cent water (or alcohol), by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0341 | NITROCELLULOSE, unmodified or plasticized with less than 18 per cent plasticizing substance, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0343 | NITROCELLULOSE PLASTICIZED with not less than 18 per cent plasticizing substance, by weight | 1.3 C |
| 0342 | NITROCELLULOSE, WETTED with not less than 25 per cent alcohol, by weight | 1.3 C |
| 0143 | NITROGLYCERIN, DESENSITIZED with not less than 40 per cent non-volatile water insoluble phlegmatiser, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0144 | NITROGLYCERIN, SPIRIT OF, with more than 1 per cent but not more than 10 per cent nitroglycerin in solution in alcohol | 1.1 D |
| 0282 | NITROGUANIDINE, (PICRITE), dry or wetted with less than 20 per cent water, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0146 | NITROSTARCH, dry or wetted with less than 20 per cent water, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0147 | NITRO UREA | 1.1 D |
| 0266 | OCTOLITE, (OCTOL), dry or wetted with less than 15 per cent water, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0411 | PENTAERYTHRITE TETRANITRATE (PETN) with not less than 7 per cent wax, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0150 | PENTAERYTHRITE TETRANITRATE (PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE; PETN), WETTED with not less than 25 per cent water, by weight, or PENTAERYTHRITE TETRANITRATE (PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE; PETN), DESENSITIZED with not less than 15 per cent phlegmatiser, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0151 | PENTOLITE, dry or wetted with less than 15 per cent water, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0433 | POWDER CAKE, WETTED with not less than 17 per cent alcohol, by weight | 1.1 C |
| 0159 | POWDER CAKE (POWDER PASTE), WETTED with not less than 35 per cent water, by weight | 1.3 C |
| 0160 | POWDER, SMOKELESS | 1.1 C |
| 0161 | POWDER, SMOKELESS | 1.3 C |
| 0190 | SAMPLES, EXPLOSIVE, other than initiating explosive | As appropriate |
| 0357 | SUBSTANCES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. | 1.1 L |
| 0358 | SUBSTANCES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. | 1.2 L |
| 0359 | SUBSTANCES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. | 1.3 L |
| 0208 | TRINITROPHENYLMETHYLNITRAMINE (TETRYL) | 1.1 D |
| 0209 | TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT), dry or wetted with less than 30 per cent water, by weight | 1.1 D |
| 0388 | TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) AND TRINITRO- BENZENE MIXTURES or TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) AND HEXANITROSTILBENE MIXTURES | 1.1 D |
| 0389 | TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) MIXTURES CONTAINING TRINITROBENZENE AND HEXANITROSTILBENE | 1.1 D |
| 0390 | TRITONAL | 1.1 D |
| 0220 | UREA NITRATE, dry or wetted with less than 20 per cent water, by weight | 1.1 D |