Section 200.603  Safety Precautions – Handling and Storage

a)         Use of Stocks

When explosive material is removed from a magazine for use, the oldest stocks shall be removed first.  When the certificate holder has adopted a quality control program that does not necessarily involve the removal of the oldest stock first, but that complies with Section 200.602(f), the requirements of this subsection shall be deemed to be met.

b)         Like Stocks Together

Corresponding grades and brands shall be stored in a magazine together and in such a manner that brand and grade marks are visible.  All stocks shall be stored so as to be easily counted and checked.

c)         Stacking

Containers of explosive materials shall be stacked in a stable manner to prevent shifting or falling.  Rigid containers of explosive materials shall be laid flat, and cases shall be placed with top side up.

d)         Ventilation

Explosive materials shall be stored within a magazine so as not to interfere with required ventilation.

e)         Black Powder

Black powder, when stored in the same magazine with other explosive material, shall be stacked separately.

f)         Containers

Containers of explosive materials that have been opened shall be securely closed before being placed in a magazine.  Only fiberboard containers may be opened in the magazine.  Explosive materials shall be stored in the original container.

g)         Damaged Containers

Containers of damaged explosive materials shall not be unpacked or repacked in, or within 50 feet of, a magazine or in close proximity to other explosive materials.

h)         Non-Sparking Tools

Tools used for opening containers of explosive materials shall be constructed of non-sparking material, except that metal slitters may be used for opening fiberboard containers, provided that the metal slitter does not come into contact with any metallic fasteners that may be in, or part of, the case.  Only a wooden wedge and a fiber, rubber or wooden mallet shall be used for opening or closing wood containers of explosive materials.

i)          Stained Floors

Magazine floors stained with leaked explosive components shall be dealt with according to instructions of the manufacturer.

j)          Distance Between Staging Area and Spectators

The distance from the spectators to the staging area, also known as the blast zone or display site, for an aerial fireworks display shall be no less than 70 feet for every inch of diameter of the largest shell being used.

k)         When working from a barge or floating platform, personal floatation devices equipped with a visual location device (water activated flashing light) is required during initiation of explosives.

l)          Staple Guns

Staple guns cannot be used to secure quick match to the mortar rack of any type of pyrotechnic material.

m)        Prior to initiation:

1)         Ample warning shall be given to allow all persons to be evacuated.

2)         All access routes to the blast zone shall be guarded or barricaded to prevent the passage of unauthorized persons or vehicles.

3)         The initiation system shall not be connected to the explosives or explosive device until just prior to initiation.

n)         Outdoor explosive storage magazines shall be grounded to prevent the accumulation of static electricity and stray current.

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 9600, effective June 24, 2024)