Revising Requirements and Exceptions for Storing Explosives
Key claim: ATF would let companies keep explosives out of locked magazines in more situations—during testing, immediately before use or transport, and in assembled oilfield perforating guns—so explosives are moved less often and portable type 3 magazines would no longer be required.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Justice Department, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau) The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) proposes amending Department of Justice regulations listing exceptions to the requirement that explosive materials must be stored in locked magazines. Specifically, ATF proposes adding a testing exception; removing restrictions limiting existing exceptions to materials being physically handled or transported to a site for storing or using; excepting materials to be imminently used or transported; and adopting a perforating gun exception. These changes would streamline on-site operations, acknowledge developments in industry practices, increase safety during these activities by reducing how often explosives are moved, and eliminate the requirement for type 3 magazines.
Why this matters
Federal explosives storage rules shape operating costs and safety practices for mining, demolition, and oilfield services. Easing locked-magazine requirements for in-use and assembled explosives trades some physical security margin for reduced handling—a tradeoff that matters because most explosives accidents occur during movement rather than storage. The oilfield perforating gun carve-out is especially consequential for the shale services industry.