Explosives: security

The main requirements on the security of explosives are set out in the Explosives Act 1875, the Control of Explosives Regulations 1991, and the Marking of Plastic Explosives for Detection Regulations 1996, all three regulations apply to anyone manufacturing or storing explosives for whatever purpose.

Explosives Act 1875

Section 23 of the Explosives act requires that anyone storing explosives to take all due precautions to prevent unauthorised access to the explosives. You licensing authority will be able to provide further advice.

Control of Explosives Regulations

The Control of Explosives Regulations 1991 (COER) covers all explosives used in commercial, military or leisure activities; this includes blasting explosives, detonators, fuses,ammunition, propellants, pyrotechnics and fireworks - although controls on acquisition, transfer and record-keeping (see below) do not apply to sporting ammunition, fireworks or many pyrotechnic devices.

COER Schedule 1 lists the explosives which, together with smokeless powder, do not require an explosives certificate

The main provisions of COER are:-

• anyone wanting to acquire or keep certain explosives must have an Explosives Certificate, issued by the police
• duties are placed on anyone wanting to transfer certain explosives to others
• anyone who has committed certain offences or been sentenced to certain terms of imprisonment must not acquire, keep, handle or control certain explosives or substances which could be used as explosives
• occupiers of licensed explosives stores or magazines must appoint someone to be responsible for explosives security
• comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date records must be kept of certain explosives
• the loss or theft of explosives must be reported immediately to the police

COER was amended by the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005. A copy of the amendments is available here:

• Amendments made to COER by MSER [119 kb]

Please contact your local police Explosives Liaison Officer (please follow this link to the Contacts page) for further information on COER and on obtaining an an explosives certificate.

Marking of Plastic Explosives

The Marking of Plastic Explosives for Detection Regulations 1996 apply to all explosive substances commonly known as 'plastic explosives' - whether or not they are in explosive articles or devices, or in the form of flexible or elastic sheets. Their main provisions are:

• anyone making plastic explosives has to mark them - in other words, they have to add (to certain minimum levels) any one of four specified chemical substances chosen to aid detectability;
• no-one can possess, transfer or import any plastic explosives that are unmarked.

The main exceptions are:

• until 31 July 2012, there are certain specific exceptions for police and military users of plastic explosives;
• the Regulations do not cover quantities sufficient for either researching, developing and testing new explosives or explosives detection equipment, or conducting forensic science.

Security of explosives at licensed and registered stores

HSE has issued guidance on the recommended standards of security for licensed and registered stores holding explosives which require an Explosives Certificate from the police to acquire and keep. HSE Circular to Chief Officers of Police No 1/2005 replaces the previous circular issued to enforcing authorities as HSE/Local Authority Circular (HELA) 26/5.

• HSE Circular No 1/2005 [1.2Mb]

Security of ammonium nitrate for blasting

Guidance on the security of ammonium nitrate used in blasting has been produced by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, in conjunction with the Quarries National Joint Advisory Committee and Health and Safety Executive.

• NaCTSO guidance leaflet [474kb]