Control of Explosive Regulations 1991 (COER)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) deal with the licensing of manufacturing plants, factories and stores holding more than 2000 kilos of explosive and in certain circumstances can give exemptions.
In the Greater Manchester Area the Fire and Rescue Authority deal with licensing of explosives which are contained in Schedule 1 of the Control of Explosives Regulations 1991 as amended (COER). (Fireworks etc) up to 2000 Kilos.
Police are the Licensing Authority for all other explosives not mentioned in Schedule 1 of COER up to 2000 Kilos.
These regulations:
- Require a person who acquires or keeps explosives to hold an explosives certificate issued by the Chief Officer of Police.
- Impose restrictions on persons involved in the transfer of explosives.
Forbid a person who has committed certain offences or who has been sentenced to specific terms of imprisonment, custody or detention from acquiring, keeping, handling or controlling explosives.
- Forbid an employer from knowingly employ a prohibited person in a position where he handles or has control of explosives.
- Requires up-to-date accurate records to be kept of acquisition and disposal of explosives.
- Impose requirements for reporting loss of explosives to the police
There are two COER Explosive licences:
- Acquire only
This is issued to permit a person or company to obtain named explosives, which are to be used straight away and not kept overnight. Valid for up to one year.
- Acquire and Keep
This is issued to allow a person or company to obtain named explosives and keep them in an approved storage place or manner. Valid for up to three years.
The main users of explosives licensed under COER are:
Sporting / Social use
For use of gunpowder for shooting and events where re - enactments of historical battles involve the use of weapons including muskets, rifles and cannons.
Mines, quarries, factories and TV/Film
To break up rock and displace large quantities of earth or used in the manufacture of goods or explosives. Special effects in TV/Film/Theatres
Demolition
For bringing down large buildings, to use in underwater salvage and cave rescue.
More information on the Control of Explosives Regulations can be found by following at www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1991/Uksi_19911531_en_1.htm.
Contact Information
You can contact Greater Manchester Police Firearms & Explosives Licencing Section on 0161 856 0809.
If you wish to contact the Fire Service for advice on storing and manufacturing explosives you can e-mail us at petroleum-explosives@manchesterfire.gov.uk or call 0161 608 4189.