Licence conditions

The NSW Explosives Act provides that the licence holder cannot contravene any conditions to which the licence is subject. The General explosive licence and security clearance conditions under the NSW Explosives Act and Regulation outlines the conditions to which a blasting explosive user licence (BEUL) holder is subject.

Blasting explosives user licence authorisations

A BEUL holder is authorised to:

  • use, at the premises or location (if any) specified in the licence, the explosives or explosive precursors specified in the licence, in such quantities that are specified in the licence
  • if specified in the licence, mix explosive precursors for the purpose of manufacturing ANFO in accordance with AS 2187 for immediate use or within 24 hours
  • purchase or possess explosives or explosive precursors for the purpose of using them under the licence
  • transport explosives or explosive precursors for the purpose of using them under the licence
  • dispose of the explosives or explosive precursors specified under the licence in accordance with AS 2187
  • if premises are specified in the licence, storing the explosives or explosive precursors at the premises specified in the licence, or in an appropriate facility at a location notified to the Regulator
  • the licence holder may store only the type and quantity of explosives or explosive precursors as are authorised under the licence.

It is a condition of the licence that the holder can only have for use in any one day (daily use amounts), whether purchased, manufactured or stored, the following total quantities of explosives:

  • Blasting explosives, including boosters – 50 kg
  • Detonators – 500
  • Detonating cord – 1000 metres
  • Ammonium nitrate – 100 kg.

It is a condition of the licence that a licence to store is required if the explosives and/or security sensitive dangerous substances (SSDS) are required to be stored overnight in greater quantities than:

  • 500 metres of detonator cord
  • 2.5 kg of blasting explosives
  • 125 detonators
  • 50 kg security sensitive ammonium nitrate.

Also, you must complete section 10 of the application form.

If explosives or explosive precursors are required to be stored for longer than overnight in quantities above the ‘daily use amounts’, the applicant is required to obtain a licence to store explosives and/or SSDS.

Additional storage sites require a licence to store explosives or SSDS.

Explosive precursors

Currently only security sensitive ammonium nitrate is prescribed as an SSDS.

Security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN) is any of the following:

  • Ammonium nitrate that is not a dangerous good of class 1 (such as an explosive).
  • Ammonium nitrate emulsions, suspensions or gels containing greater than 45 per cent ammonium nitrate.
  • Ammonium nitrate mixtures containing greater than 45 per cent ammonium nitrate.

It is a requirement for any licence relating to the handling of SSDS, that the applicant must have a legitimate reason for obtaining the licence.

The applicant must select the relevant reason(s) on the application form. If the reason ‘other’ is selected, the applicant must provide details.

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