Explosives

This section provides forms and guidance to assist you in making applications before working with explosives.

All applicants should use the latest version of the forms, as previous forms will not be accepted. When applying to HSE the application forms may be completed online. Once complete you can submit your application to HSE either by post or email[19]

Applications to local authorities and the police for licences for storage of up to 2000kg of explosives where separation distances can be met

You should contact the appropriate licensing authority[20], or police explosives liaison officer, for an application form for licences to store up to 2000kg of explosives, where separation distances can be met. The exception to this is where the licence is for a site in a harbour or at a mine, or where separation distances cannot be met, in which case an application should be made to HSE, as detailed under the headings below.

You should return your completed application form, with the relevant fee[21], to the appropriate licensing authority. Any further questions regarding the completion of the forms, or the fees payable, should be directed to that authority.

If you are unsure as to whether you can meet the separation distance requirements of regulation 27 of the Explosives Regulations 2014 (ER2104)[22], contact your licensing authority before you complete the application form. If you cannot meet the separation distance requirements of regulation 27 of ER2014 you can apply to HSE for a licence for the storage of explosives.

Applications to HSE for a licence to store no more than 2000kg of explosives, where separation distances can be met

If you want to store no more than 2000kg of explosives above ground at a mine or in a harbour and can meet the separation distances of regulation 27 of ER2014 you should apply to HSE[23] for a licence using one of the following forms:

Fees are payable, on the scale laid down in the current Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations before it is granted[26]. You can also use these forms and make an application for a licence to HSE if you can meet the separation distance requirements of regulation 27 of ER2014, want to store no more than 2000kg of explosives, and have already been granted a licence by HSE for a site elsewhere that relates to the:

  • storage of explosives on the surface at a mine
  • storage of explosives within a harbour
  • storage of more than 2000kg of explosives
  • manufacture of explosives
  • manufacture or storage of ammonium nitrate blasting intermediate

If you are unsure as to whether you can meet the separation distances, contact HSE[27] before you complete the application form.

Applications to HSE for a licence to:

  • manufacture explosives
  • manufacture or store ANBI
  • store explosives in quantities greater than 2000kg
  • store explosives in quantities of no more than 2000kg where separation distances cannot be met
  • transfer an existing HSE licence to another company or individual (transferor)
  • accept the transfer of an existing HSE licence from another company or individual (transferee)
  • submit a variation to an existing HSE licence - change of licensee name
  • manufacture explosives by means of onsite mixing

Relevant forms and documents:

Applications for a licence to handle explosives at a harbour or other place

Applications for a ports licence should be made to HSE. Information on ports licences[38] is available.

Relevant forms and documents

Applications for classification

Applications for classification should be made to HSE. Information on how to apply[42] is available.

Relevant forms and documents

Where applications have a checklist attached, you should complete the checklist and send it and the supporting evidence with your application.

For UN default fireworks classification, the application form [47] is available as a spreadsheet. This format significantly speeds up the process and minimises costs. The spreadsheet should include all compositional information on your fireworks as well as all drawings (on CD).

Transfer of explosives from outside the UK into GB

Information on transfers of explosives[48] is available.

LP50 GB transfer approval (.docx) [49]

Send your completed form to Cad.Explosives@hse.gov.uk

Traceability of explosives

Information on GB traceability and identification requirements[50] and on applying for site code identification[51] is available.

Use this form to apply for a new GB site identification code[52].

Acetylene

Link URLs in this page

  1. Formshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/index.htm
  2. Help for first time usershttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/help/ftuser.htm
  3. Overview - See all formshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/formsindex.htm
  4. Agriculturehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/agriculture/index.htm
  5. Asbestoshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/asbestos/index.htm
  6. Divinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/diving/index.htm
  7. Explosiveshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/index.htm
  8. SAPO - Specified Animal Pathogenshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/sapo/index.htm
  9. GMO - Genetically modified organismshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/genetic/index.htm
  10. Healthhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/health/index.htm
  11. Incident reportinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/incident/index.htm
  12. International visitorshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/international/index.htm
  13. Mininghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/mining/index.htm
  14. Overview - Notificationshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/notification/index.htm
  15. F10 Notification of Construction Projecthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/notification/f10.htm
  16. Offshorehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/offshore/index.htm
  17. Transporthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/transport/index.htm
  18. Forms FAQshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/help/homehelp.htm
  19. post or emailhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/contact.htm
  20. licensing authorityhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/licensing/how-to-apply.htm
  21. feehttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/253/made
  22. regulation 27 of the Explosives Regulations 2014 (ER2104)http://www.legislation.gov.uk/en/uksi/2014/1638/regulation/27/made
  23. apply to HSEhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/contact.htm
  24. ER1 - Application for a licence to store explosives where an explosives certificate is not requiredhttps://notifications.hse.gov.uk/ER1
  25. ER2 - Application for a licence to store explosives which are either stored smokeless powder or any explosive requiring an explosives certificatehttps://notifications.hse.gov.uk/ER2
  26. Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations before it is grantedhttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/253/made
  27. contact HSEhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/contact.htm
  28. LP41 – Application for a new site licence to manufacture and store, or to store more than 2000kg of explosiveshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp41.docx
  29. LP42 – Application for variation to an existing site licence to manufacture and/or store explosiveshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp42.docx
  30. LP43 – Application for the transfer of an existing licence to another company or individual (transferor) https://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp43.docx
  31. LP44 – Application for the transfer of an existing licence (transferee) https://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp44.docx
  32. LP45 – Application for a variation to an existing licence - change of licensee namehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp45.docx
  33. LP46 – Application for a new licence to manufacture and/or store Ammonium Nitrate Blasting Intermediate onlyhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp46.docx
  34. LP47 – Application for a variation to an existing licence to manufacture and/or store Ammonium Nitrate Blasting Intermediate onlyhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp47.docx
  35. LP48 – Application for a licence (or variation to an existing licence) for the manufacture of explosives by means of onsite mixinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp48.docx
  36. Population survey tool for application of reduced separation distances https://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/popsurveytool.xls
  37. Current fees – applications to HSEhttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/253/made
  38. Information on ports licenceshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/licensing/licensing-explosives-in-ports.htm
  39. Application for a ports licence, or variation of an existing licence, issued under part IX of the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987 (LP88)https://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp88.pdf
  40. Guidance on application for a ports licence https://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp88note.pdf
  41. Current fees – Applications for a licence to handle explosives at a harbour or other placehttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/253/made
  42. Information on how to applyhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/classification/how-to-apply.htm
  43. LP71 - Application for assignment of classification of explosives (other than fireworks)https://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp71.doc
  44. LP82 - Application for recognition of explosives classified by the Competent Authority of a country that is NOT a Contracting Party to ADR https://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp82.doc
  45. LP83 - Excel spreadsheet Application for the Approval of Classification of Fireworkshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp83.xls
  46. Current fees - Applications for classificationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/classification/how-to-apply.htm
  47. application form https://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp83.xlsm
  48. Information on transfers of explosiveshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/transfer-of-explosives.htm
  49. LP50 GB transfer approval https://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lp50.docx
  50. Information on GB traceability and identification requirementshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/traceability-itoer.htm
  51. applying for site code identificationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/applying-for-site-identification-code.htm
  52. GB site identification codehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/lpex40.dotx
  53. Information on acetylene licensinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/acetylene-licensing.htm
  54. ASR1 – Application for a Licence or Renewal of a Licence to Manufacture and/or compress and/or fill cylinders with acetylene gas at equal to or greater than 0.62 bar (g) under the Acetylene Safety (England and Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2014 https://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/explosive/asr1.dotx
  55. Explosives websitehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/index.htm

Is this page useful?

Updated 31.07.24