Loading and Unloading Explosives - SSB No.: 08/2015

PDF Version

RDIMS No .: 10795358
Date ( Y-M-D ): 2015-08-20

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The following should be applied for transportation

This SSB explains paragraph 155(2)(b) of the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations (CFTR), as it applies to packaged explosives of 25 kg or more (net explosive quantity), other than Class 1.4S, that are being loaded onto or unloaded from a vessel.

Paragraph 155(2)(b) of the CFTR refers to the Quantity Distance Principles User Manual published by Natural Resources Canada’s Explosives Safety and Security Branch. This tool helps inspectors of explosives (as defined in the Explosives Act, section 2) determine the maximum amount of explosives to store in a facility, while minimizing the risks of damage and/or injury in case of explosion.

Important Notes:

  • Natural Resources Canada is updating the Explosives Regulations. As a result, the Standards Council of Canada and the Bureau de normalisation du Québec have:
    • revised the Quantity Distance Principles User Manual; and
    • published a new National Standard of Canada (CAN/BNQ 2910-510/2015) Explosives — Quantity Distances (see https://www.bnq.qc.ca/english.html).

Natural Resources Canada’s Explosives Safety and Security Branch is incorporating the reference to the new standard into the updated Explosives Regulations.

  • Due to these changes, the term “Quantity Distance Principles User Manual” in the CFTR now refers to the new National Standard of Canada (CAN/BNQ 2910-510/2015) Explosives — Quantity Distances.
  • Paragraph 155(2)(b) of the CFTR does not apply to ports and does not require wharfs or port facilities to assess their sites against the Explosives — Quantity Distances standard. This means the port authorities must decide whether or not they need to carry out this assessment.

BUT with regards to loading packaged explosives onto a vessel or unloading them from a vessel, Transport Canada will allow handling only of the amount of cargo established using the Explosives — Quantity Distances standard for that wharf or port facility.

  • Subsection 155(1) of the CFTR requires ship masters to give the nearest Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security office and respective port authorities at least 24 hours’ notice of their intention to load or unload packaged goods that are explosives (other than Class 1.4S), when their net explosive quantity is 25 kg or more.

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Loading And Unloading Explosives - SSB No.: 08/2015 (216 KB )

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Keywords:
Questions concerning this bulletin should be addressed to:

1. Explosives
2. Quantity Distance Principles
3. Notification 

AMSEA/B
Port State Inspection and Cargoes
613-991-3143
Transport Canada
Marine Safety and Security
Tower C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street, 10th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N8
 

Contact us at: marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).