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Site Security
Explosives Theft

27 CFR Part 55

Explosives Theft

Using any internet search engine, search for “explosives” and “theft” and get ready for a shock. All too often explosives go missing or stolen; from mines, manufacturers, transportation companies, army depots and even police magazines. Many companies store, transport and use explosives—these companies are often the target of theft.

OSHA regulations tell handlers how to store and use explosives and how to report thefts to authorities.

OSHA Regulations

Anyone who imports, manufactures, deals in, purchases, uses or stores explosive materials is subject to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) regulations at 27 CFR, Part 55. There are also state requirements.

When storing and safeguarding explosives, the OSHA regulations at 29 CFR 1926.900(d) say that: All explosives must be accounted for at all times. Explosives not being used need to be kept in a locked magazine, unavailable to persons not authorized to handle them. The employer must maintain an “inventory and use” record of all explosives.

The regulations at 29CFR 1926.904 give the requirements for storage of explosives and state that explosives and related materials must be stored in facilities approved by the BATF regulations contained in 27 CFR, Part 55.

BATF Regulations

BATF is mentioned in the OSHA standards as the agency that lays down the rules for storage of explosives. Their publication“ATF Federal Explosives Law and Regulations” can be found at This publication describes in detail the requirements for storage of explosives.

What Must Employers Do?

Employers must ensure that explosive storage magazines are up to the requirements mandated by OSHA and BATF.

The regulations also call for inspection of those storage facilities at intervals not greater than seven days to “determine whether the contents are intact or if theft or unauthorized entry has occurred” (27 CFR 55.204). You may wish to inspect more often.

27 CFR, Part 55, Section K—Storage, discusses everything from the proper structure to housekeeping to lighting required in your storage area. These regulatory requirements were not written with terrorism in mind. It is up to the employer to ensure that the storage facility is in compliance, and that there is adequate security to prevent unauthorized entry.

There are no specific training requirements for storing explosives.

For training purposes review the following items specific to your facility:

  • Operations at this facility which involve explosives.
  • Company policies and procedures for safeguarding explosives.
  • A review of applicable OSHA and BATF regulations.

For more information see:

  • 27 CFR, Part 55—Commerce in explosives
  • 29 CFR 1926.900—Blasting and use of explosives
  • 27 CFR 1926.904—Storage of explosive and blasting agents
  • “ATF Federal Explosives Law and Regulations”

Site Security—Explosive TheftHandout

Companies that manufacture, store, transport or use explosives may be the target of thieves attempting to steal those explosives.

OSHA Regulations

OSHA regulations require that:

  • All explosives must be accounted for at all times.
  • Explosives not being used must be kept in a locked magazine, unavailable to persons not authorized to handle them.
  • The employer must maintain an inventory and maintain record of all explosives

Any employer who imports, manufactures, deals in , purchases, uses or stores explosive materials is also subject to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) regulations at 27 CFR, Part 55. 29 CFR 1926.904 which states that explosives and related materials have to be stored in facilities approved by the BATF regulations contained in 27 CFR, Part 55.

BATF Regulations

OSHA states that BATF is the agency that lays down the rules for storage of explosives. 27 CFR, Part 55, Section F-Storage, discusses the proper structure, housekeeping, lighting and so on.

The BATF “ATF Federal Explosives Law and Regulations” describes in detail the requirements for storage of explosives.

Employee Responsibility

Employees can help by following the rules and regulations which your employer has in place for handling and storing explosives.

Follow all company policies for site security and employee identification.

Site Security—Explosives Theft Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session Site Security—Explosives Theft. The session covered:

  • Operations at this facility which involve explosives.
  • Company policies and procedures for safeguarding explosives.
  • A review of applicable OSHA and BATF regulations.

Date of Training: / Facility:
Employee Signature / PRINT NAME

______

Supervisor’s Signature