Explosive Regulations and the Public
The Explosives Act requires anyone working with explosives to have a licence, certificate or permit issued by the Minister of Natural Resources. The main exception are the use of explosives and some storage activities, which are regulated provincially, as well as the use of some low–hazard explosives, some low hazard pyrotechnic devices, sporting ammunition and family fireworks.
For the purposes of the Explosives Act and its regulations, an explosive is anything, other than a gas or organic peroxide, that is made, manufactured or used to produce an explosion, detonation or pyrotechnic effect, including any explosive substance or explosive article that is not manufactured or used to produce an explosion, detonation or pyrotechnic effect but is included in the Class 1 in Schedule 1 to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.
The Explosives Act covers much more than just dynamite. It covers propellant powder for ammunition and the ammunition itself, fireworks for professional shows and articles available for public purchase, sparklers, firecrackers, toy and professional rocket motors, avalanche control equipment, safety flares and even airbag for cars.
The Explosives Regulatory Division regulates the manufacture, importation, sale and storage of explosives, and, for fireworks and pyrotechnics, the actual use of the “explosives” and “explosive articles.” All explosives in Canada must be authorized by the Chief Inspector of Explosives, who, in many cases, requires the explosives to be inspected and tested by the Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory. Ensuring the safety and security of the public and the people involved in the use of explosives is the primary goal of explosives regulation. Articles deemed unsafe to manufacture, import, store or use are not authorized in Canada. The storage and sale of articles that pose a threat to the safety or security of Canadians are strictly regulated.
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