Bulletin # 16

June 2006

Zone Licences for Blasting Contractors

In response to requests from across Canada to provide Magazine Licences on short notice, it has been decided to extend the concept of zone licensing to include any blasting contracting firm having such a need. The following principles apply:

Licences for magazines must be approved through the Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) before explosives can be purchased from distributors.
In order to accommodate the need for explosives on short notice, it is recommended that the contracting company obtain the requisite number of zone licences to accommodate their operating requirements. These licences can designate the magazine as being in storage. If it is necessary to activate the licence, all that is required is completion and forwarding of a “Notification of Change of Location Form” to the regional office of the ERD indicating that the magazine is moving from “in storage” to a new specific location. This paperwork must be completed by an authorized representative of the firm within one working day of moving the magazines.
The number of these zone licences must be kept to a practical minimum, and the changes of location are to be reported within the time specified.

Failure to comply with these requirements will necessitate withdrawal of this policy. It is anticipated that the above will minimize paperburden and time delay for all concerned. Your regional office will be pleased to provide further information or clarification if required.

Chris Watson

Chris Watson, Ph.D.
Chief Inspector of Explosives