Section 780. Storage of explosive materials

Part VI. Explosives—Surface and Underground

A. Detonators and explosives, other than blasting agents, shall be stored in magazines accepted by the Institute of Makers of Explosives or other approved agency.

B. Detonators shall not be stored in the same magazine with explosives.

C. Explosives magazines shall be:

1. Located in accordance with the American Table of Distances;

2. Detached structures located away from power lines, fuel storage areas, and other possible sources of fire;

3. Of substantial construction and constructed of noncombustible material or covered with fire-resistant material;

4. Reasonably bullet resistant;

5. Electrically bonded and grounded if constructed of metal;

6. Made of nonsparking material on the inside, including floors;

7. Provided with adequate and effectively screened ventilation openings near the floor and ceiling;

8. Kept locked securely when unattended;

9. Posted with suitable danger signs so located that a bullet passing through the sign will not strike the magazine;

10. Used exclusively for storage of explosives or detonators and blasting-related materials;

11. Kept clean and dry in the interior and in good repair;

12. Unheated, unless heated in a manner that does not create a fire or explosion hazard. Electrical heating devices shall not be used inside a magazine; and

13. Located at least 300 feet away from any underground mine opening, occupied building, public road, or private road not used in connection with the mine.

D. An accurate inventory log of explosives stored in the magazine shall be maintained on site.

E. Any theft or unaccounted loss of explosives shall be reported immediately by telephone to local police, state police, the U.S. Department of Justice, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Division of Mineral Mining.

F. Smoking or open flames shall be prohibited within 50 feet of explosives magazines or blasting agents storage facilities.

G. Areas surrounding magazines and facilities for the storage of blasting agents shall be kept clear of combustible materials, except live trees over 10 feet tall, for a distance of 50 feet in all directions.

H. Prior to repairs of a magazine which may cause a fire or explosion, the contents shall be removed to a safe location and guarded.

I. Explosives stored in magazines shall be:

1. Arranged so that the oldest stock is used first;

2. Separated by brand and type;

3. Stored with their top sides up; and

4. Stacked in a stable manner not over eight feet high.

J. When stored with other explosives, ammonium nitrate fuel oil blasting agents shall be physically separated to prevent contamination.

K. Damaged or deteriorated explosives and blasting agents shall be destroyed in a safe manner by a certified blaster.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 6.1, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.