A Message from the Chief, Arson & Explosives Programs Division

SECURITY REMINDER

In the aftermath or terrorist attacks, ATF would like to take this opportunity to once again remind all members of the explosives industry of the vital importance of employing security safeguards over explosives materials. Whether the explosive materials are in the process of manufacture, in storage, or in use, we urge everyone to use all necessary measures to safeguard the explosive materials and prevent them from falling into the hands of those who would use them in criminal or terrorist applications. In past advisories to the explosives industry, ATF has requested that any suspicious behavior or unusual activity be called to the attention of ATF and local law enforcement authorities. In addition to reporting suspicious  activity, having proper security in place requires preparing and then implementing a security plan. We urge each member of the explosives industry to adopt a security program. ATF suggests that if you are already using a security plan, evaluate your security plan and ensure that it provides safeguards and an action plan in the event of an emergency situation. At a minimum, we recommend that the following steps be included in your security program.

• Implement a security team, designating persons who will have oversight over security issues within the company, and who would notify ATF and other proper authorities in the event of an emergency or other unusual or suspicious activity.
• Provide the security team with the names and phone numbers of local ATF offices as well as emergency providers and local law enforcement. It is essential for the security team to know what steps to take in the event of an emergency or unusual situation and whom to contact.
• Establish and maintain contact with law enforcement to ensure that vital information such as locations of storage magazines, especially in remote areas, and phone numbers to call in the event of an emergency or unusual activity are kept current.
• Information on where explosives are stored should be limited to law enforcement or those with a need to know, such as local fire authorities or other emergency providers.
• Restrict access to production or storage facilities to those persons who have a need for such access. Provide proper security to magazine keys, and restrict availability of the keys to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain and update your record keeping system for explosive materials so that all explosive materials can readily and accurately be accounted for.

We urge all members of the explosives industry to take these vital security and safeguard steps in order to better protect the American public from acts of violence by the misuse of explosive materials by criminals or terrorists.

DAY BOXES

The Federal explosive regulations require explosive materials to be kept in a locked magazine unless the explosive materials fall into certain criteria. This would include explosives that are:

1. In the process of manufacture;
2. Being physically handled in the operating process of a licensee or user;
3. Being used; or
4. Being transported to a place of storage or use by a licensee or permittee or by a person who has lawfully acquired explosive materials.

The explosive regulations also allow for the temporary storage of high explosives in a type 3 magazine, also known as a "day box" at a job site. A type 3 magazine must be fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and theft-resistant. It must be constructed of not less than number 12-gauge (0.1046 inches) steel, lined with either 1/2-inch plywood or 1/2-inch masonite-type hardboard. Doors or lids must overlap the sides by at least one inch, and hinges and hasps are to be attached by welding, riveting or bolting with the nuts on the inside. A day box requires only a single steel padlock (not protected by a steel hood) having at least five tumblers and a case-hardened shackle at least 3/8-inch in diameter. High explosives must not be left unattended in type 3 magazines and they must be removed to type 1 or 2 magazines for any unattended storage.

Further questions on the use of a day box should be referred to the Explosives Industry Programs Branch.

INDOOR STORAGE MAGAZINE LOCKING REQUIREMENTS

Questions have been asked on the locking requirements for indoor magazines. The Federal explosives regulations regarding storage magazines require that the door or other opening(s) on all explosives storage magazines to be equipped with two locks. These may either be two padlocks covered by hoods, two mortise locks, a combination of a hooded padlock and a mortise lock, or a mortise lock that requires two keys to open. Alternatively, magazine doors or other entry equipped with a three-point lock meet the requirements of the storage regulations.

However, indoor type 2, type 4, or type 5 magazines need only be secured with one steel padlock having at least five tumblers and a case-hardened shackle of at least 3/8 inch diameter, without a hood, if the door hinges and lock hasp are securely fastened to the magazine, and if they are located in rooms for which the doorway(s) or other entry are secured by the same type of locking system required for a magazine; that is, two hooded padlocks, tow mortise locks, a combination of a hooded padlock and a mortise lock, a mortise lock that requires two keys to open, or a three point lock.

Please note that the limitation of not more than 50 pounds of explosive materials stored indoors applies to all indoor magazines. In addition, indoor magazines are not permitted in any residence or dwelling.

WARNING -- Theft of Explosives Is a Federal Crime. Report Thefts of Losses Immediately to 1-888-ATF-2662

Courtesy of ATF Explosives Industry Newsletter (June 2004)

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