22 FEBRUARY 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Safety and Security for Explosives Licensees and Permittees Adapted from Information by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) published useful tips, techniques, and tools for properly securing explosive materials. They generally advise permittees and licensees to prepare and implement a security plan for explosives operations and storage sites. Industry members are further encouraged to contact their local ATF office to discuss safety and security. ATF often provides presentations on security at industry seminars and conferences, as well as sending open letters and advisories to keep industry members informed when extra vigilance is necessary. Such notifications are aimed at preventing terrorism and reducing violent crime involving the use of explosives. Partnering with ATF, the Institute of Makers of Explosives listed minimum concepts which should be in any security program: • Limit public disclosure of information on quantities and locations of explosives storage on a need-to-know basis. • Know the local law enforcement, emergency planning committee, emergency responders, and Joint Terrorism Task Force. • Instruct all employees to report any unusual or suspicious activity immediately to appropriate authorities. • Designate an individual as security coordinator. • Establish a predetermined action plan for implementation of increased security measures. • Disseminate increased security alerts and security recommendations to customers and suppliers. • Control official documents and information. • Conduct a safety and security review of all outside contractors or service providers with access to storage sites. • Develop security plans and conduct vulnerability assessments for your entire operation. Other security suggestions include controlling access to keys, securing the magazine and storage site, recognizing vendors, and knowing customers. In case of a natural disaster, a preparedness plan will safeguard the business, facilitate a quick recovery, and protect the public. If theft or loss occurs, industry members should contact local law enforcement, local ATF, and the U.S. Bomb Data Center. Records, including accurate identification of manufactured or imported explosives, must list the location and date or shift of manufacture. Regulations also require keeping permanent records of the acquisition, disposition, and inventory of explosives, which must be stored in locked magazines meeting strict standards for construction and distance. Whether in the process of manufacture, in storage, or in use, ATF urges everyone to safeguard explosive materials. EXB Explosion in an open mine.
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