5th April 2004: Technical Meeting - Explosive Regulations.
Thirty-five members and guests attended the third technical evening of the year on 5 April at the Mendip House Hotel, Frome. Andy Miller, the Head of Policy for Mines, Quarries and Explosives at the HSE gave an outline of the forthcoming Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations. He explained they had to cover everything from military arms to party poppers. There were thus many interested parties whose concerns had to be addressed. From the quarrying point of view he explained the main changes. Separation distances now have to take into account fragment hazard and population density. The enforcement and licensing responsibilities have been simplified.
Overall Andy considered that the vast majority of quarry sites with Division C stores and above would be largely unaffected. He concluded his talk by outlining the next steps before it finally becomes law. Following the question and answer session the speaker was thanked for giving an insight into how new regulations were formulated and the consultation process that takes place.
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