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Buying, selling and storing high-hazard special purpose explosives

High-hazard special purpose explosives include explosive bolts and cable cutters, rock breaking and power device cartridges, as well as reactive targets. (High-hazard special purpose explosives are classified under the Explosives Regulations as Type S.2.)

 

The following guidance is for anyone involved with high-hazard special purpose explosives. For situations not covered here, including exemptions and conditions, consult the Explosives Regulations. For low-hazard explosives, consult Buying, selling and storing low-hazard special purpose explosives.

Buying high-hazard special purpose explosives

You are permitted to buy and use high-hazard special purpose explosives if you are 18 or older, unless exempted by the Explosives Regulations.

You must have a fireworks operator certificate or a possession and acquisition licence (PAL) to buy reactive targets (binary kits/exploding targets). See additional requirements and learn to use reactive targets safely.

Storing high-hazard special purpose explosives

Storage requirements for users

Dwelling

High-hazard special purpose explosives (whether for use or for sale) must not be stored in a dwelling (such as a house, apartment or cottage).

Storage unit

You are permitted to store up to 20 kilograms (excluding packaging or container) of high-hazard special purpose explosives in a storage unit.

You are permitted to store more than 20 kilograms of high-hazard special purpose explosives if you hold an explosives licence. The following requirements must be met:

  • The storage unit must be in a dry place, away from flammable substances and sources of ignition.
  • The storage unit must prevent unauthorized access and protect the contents from weather.
  • If the storage unit is a container, it must not block any exit in case of fire.
  • If the storage unit is not a container, all exits must be kept clear.
  • Any shelving in the storage unit must be made from a non-sparking material (for example, wood or painted metal).
  • Only special purpose explosives are permitted to be stored in the storage unit.
  • The storage unit must be monitored when it is unlocked.
  • The storage unit must be kept clean, dry, organized and free of grit.
  • Any spill, leakage or other contamination must be cleaned up immediately.
  • You must take steps to minimize the risk of fire in or near the storage unit.
  • You must post a sign that displays the words “Danger — Fire Hazard/Risque d’incendie” in letters at least 10 centimetres high on the storage unit in a clearly visible location. The sign must also communicate the message that smoking is prohibited in letters or with a symbol of at least 10 centimetres high.

Storage requirements for sellers

You must hold an explosives licence to store high-hazard special purpose explosives you plan to sell.

High-hazard special purpose explosives intended for sale must not be stored in a dwelling or storage unit. They must be stored in the magazine specified in your licence.

You must keep a storage record for high-hazard special purposes explosives that you store. The storage record must be kept for 2 years after the date you made it. The record must include:

  • each type of high-hazard explosive that is stored
  • the quantity of each type of explosive that is stored
  • the date on which each explosive was placed in and removed from the magazine

For information on the safe storing of high-hazard special purpose explosives, consult the following guidelines:

Selling high-hazard special purpose explosives

Displaying for sale

High-hazard special purpose explosives must not be displayed for sale.

Record of sale

You must keep a record of every sale of high-hazard special purpose explosives. The record must be kept for 2 years after the sale. The record must include:

  • the buyer’s name and address
  • in the case of a licensed buyer, the licence number and expiry date
  • the product name of each explosive sold and the name of the person who obtained its authorization
  • the quantity of explosives sold under each product name
  • the date of the sale

Maximum sales quantity

You are not permitted to sell more than 20 kilograms of high-hazard special purpose explosives to an individual unless they hold an explosives licence. You are not permitted to sell an individual more than the quantity listed on their explosives licence.

Selling reactive targets Identification

For reactive targets, you must verify and record the number and expiry date of the buyer’s fireworks operator certificate or possession and acquisition licence (PAL).

Consult the following guidelines on safely storing and selling reactive targets:

Contact us

Explosives Regulatory Division
National Headquarters
588 Booth Street, 4th Floor
Ottawa ON  K1A 0Y7
Tel.: 1-855-912-0012
Email: ERDmms@nrcan.gc.ca

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