Explosives information bulletin no. 51 | 17 May 2019 | Version 36
Transport of low risk loads of explosives
The Queensland Explosives Act 1999 requires persons transporting an item authorised as an explosive in Queensland to hold an authority under this Act.
From 12 December 2018 any person who transports low risk limited quantity loads of explosives must hold an authority. This authority will be in the form of a licence to use for the purpose of transporting which will allow an authority holder to transport an explosive in a vehicle or boat. The holder of a licence to use for the purpose of transporting must comply with part 9 of the Explosives Regulation 2017 and all imposed conditions on the licence.
Section 137 of the Queensland Explosives Regulation 2017 requires persons transporting a Class 1 explosive to comply with the Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail 3rd edition (AEC3), or for a declared class 2 – 9 explosive the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail 7th edition (ADGC).
The licence, will authorise the holder to possess and transport the explosives, as required under part 9 of the Explosives Regulation 2017. A condition of licence may restrict explosives divisions and quantities.
To obtain an authority, the applicant must have and show evidence of:
- A security plan as outlined below for review.
- A completed licence to use explosives form for Individual or Corporate (if a company).
- A completed payment form with the correct fee (for 1 or 5 years).
- A current ASIC extract that lists the current officeholders.
- Current security clearances for any individuals, directors, partners or nominated responsible persons (as applicable).
- A statement declaring that an operational Safety & Security Management System (SSMS) exists and is given effect within your business.
A documented security plan shall cover the arrangements and procedures for the transport and possession of explosives by road or rail as documented in the Australian Explosives Code section 8.8.2 (1). For more information on security plans visit here.
Your declaration of a SSMS shall reference Section 46 (4) of the Explosives Regulation 2017.
Persons who possess a low risk authority, shall only transport explosives up to the quantities listed in the tables below;
Authority is required
| Explosives Type | Class | Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) |
|---|---|---|
| Propellant Powders (excluding black powder) | 1.1C, 1.3C | Up to 50kg |
| Propellant Powders (excluding black powder) | 1.4C | Up to 250kg |
| Black Powder | 1.1D | Up to 25kg |
| Flares, Distress Signals | 1.1G, 1.2G, 1.3G | Over 50kg |
| Flares, Distress Signals | 1.4G | Over 250kg |
| Small Arms Ammunition | 1.4S | Unlimited |
| Small Arms Ammunition | 1.4G | 250kg |
| Small Arms Ammunition | 1.4E | 250kg |
| Fireworks | 1.1G, 1.2G | Up to 5kg |
| Fireworks | 1.3G | Up to 50kg |
| Fireworks | 1.4G | Up to 250kg |
| Pyrotechnics | 1.3C, 1.3G | Up to 50kg |
| Pyrotechnics | 1.4C, 1.4G | Up to 250kg |
| SSAN (see note 2) | 5.1, 9 or Non DG | Up to 20 kg |
Authority is not required
| Explosives Type | Class | Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Fuse | 1.4S | Unlimited |
| Electric Matches and Igniters | 1.4S | Unlimited |
| Unrestricted Fireworks (see note 1) | 1.4S | Unlimited |
| Power Device Cartridges | 1.4S, 1.4C | Unlimited |
| Automotive Airbag Actuators | 1.4S, 1.4C | Unlimited |
| Flares, Distress Signals | 1.4S | Unlimited |
Important points to note
- The term Unrestricted Fireworks consists of caps for toy pistols or starting pistols, model rocket motors (up to 62.5grams each), snaps for bon-bons, sparklers, streamer cones, indoor decorative fountains, table bombs (Class 1.4S).
- Security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN) up to 20 kg was endorsed by COAG National Working Group and is detailed in Explosives Information Bulletin 52 -Transport of security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN).
- The net explosive quantity (NEQ) is the mass of explosive material contained in an explosive or explosive article.
Contact: Manager, Explosives Licensing , +61 7 3199 8057 explosives@dnrme.qld.gov.au
Issued by Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
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