New Explosives Regulations introduced to NI

New Regulations governing the manufacture and storage of explosives in Northern Ireland have come into operation from today.

Commenting on the new regulations Security Minister Paul Goggins said: “These new Regulations will not only strengthen existing legislation but, more importantly, will improve safety standards and reduce the complexity of the existing law that will be of valuable assistance to the industry.

“The changes have been widely consulted upon and I am convinced that they will meet the significant changes that have taken place within the industry in recent years.”

The Secretary of State, Peter Hain, consulted on the proposed Regulations from June 1 to 31 August 2006, which were made on October 19, laid before Parliament on November 3 and came into operation today.

The Regulations will be supported by an Approved Code of Practice and guidance (ACOP) to help businesses comply with the law. This will be published by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland.

The key 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 and protect persons, should one occur
• in most cases a separation distance must be maintained between the explosives and neighbouring inhabited buildings, and with certain exceptions, a licence or certificate of registration for the manufacture or storage of explosives

The new Regulations retain fundamental features of the existing framework but will introduce a number of changes, which include:

• the safety requirements will apply to the Ministry of Defence and other government departments
• powers for the Secretary of State to refuse, revoke or vary licences and registrations in certain circumstances
• a new duty prohibiting the supply of fireworks to anyone without an appropriate licence or who is not registered store to keep explosives and strict limitations on the quantity of fireworks which can be kept without a licence or registration

(EF)