Los Angeles Municipal Code § 57.5604 Explosive Materials Storage and Handling

Section 5604 of the CFC is hereby adopted in its entirety with the following exceptions, modifications, and additions.

The storage, processing, use or transportation of blasting agents shall be regulated in the same manner as explosive materials.

Storage of explosive materials shall be in accordance with Sections 57.5604.12.1 through 57.5604.12.8.3.

No person shall possess, keep or store any explosive material which is not completely enclosed and encased in a tight metal, wooden, or fiber container, except at one of the following locations:

1. A plant for the processing of explosive materials.

2. A laboratory.

3. During blasting operations.

No person having any explosive materials in their possession or control shall under any circumstances permit or allow any grains or particles of explosives to be or remain on the outside of, or about, the containers in which the explosive materials are kept.

Except while being transported, containers of explosive materials shall be kept or stored in an explosive vault or in an explosives magazine.

No explosive material shall be kept at any place where its accidental discharge would cut off the escape of persons working therein..

Black blasting powder shall not be stored with other Class “A” explosive materials except in an explosives vault.

Storage in explosive vaults shall be in accordance with Sections 57.5604.12.6.1 through 57.5604.12.6.10.

Explosive materials shall be stored in an explosives vault.

EXCEPTION: Explosive materials in temporary storage for immediate use may be stored in a portable magazine.

Not more than 500 pounds of explosive materials shall be stored in any one explosives vault.

Every explosives vault used for the storage of explosive materials shall be constructed and isolated as set forth in Chapter 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (Building Code), and located in accordance with the provisions of Chapter I of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (Zoning Code).

A legible printed sign with the words “EXPLOSIVES VAULT – DANGEROUS” in letters not less than 6 inches high shall be posted in conspicuous locations on each side of the entrance to any aboveground explosives vault and at the entrance to any underground explosives vault.

No match, fire, or lighting device of any kind except an electric flashlight or electric lantern shall at any time be taken into an explosives vault.

No package or container of explosives shall at any time be opened in any explosives vault.

Igniters, detonators, fuses, boosters, or other initiating devices shall not be stored in the same explosives vault with explosive materials.

When explosive materials or initiating devices (igniters, detonators, fuses, etc.) are removed from an explosives vault, those which have been longest in the vault shall be removed first.

Explosives vaults shall be kept clean and free from rubbish. They shall not be used for the storage of any material except explosive materials.

Keys or combinations for explosives vault locks shall be kept in a safe place. No unauthorized person shall unlock or remove explosive materials from an explosives vault.

Storage in portable magazines shall be in accordance with Sections 57.5604.12.7.1 through 57.5604.12.7.7.

Portable magazines may be used for the transportation or temporary storage of explosive materials.

Not more than 100 pounds of explosive materials shall be stored or transported in any one portable magazine.

Portable magazines shall be painted red and shall bear lettering in white, on all sides and top, at least 3 inches in height and having a 1/2-inch stroke which reads: “EXPLOSIVES.”

EXCEPTION: Smaller lettering may be approved when the size of the magazine prohibits the use of the larger lettering.

Portable magazines shall be so located and so protected as to prevent accidental impact from vehicles or falling objects.

Igniters, detonators, fuses, boosters, or other initiating devices shall not be stored or transported in the same portable magazine with other explosive materials.

Portable magazines left at locations where no persons is in constant attendance shall be secured in place.

Except when necessarily opened for use by authorized persons, portable magazines shall be kept closed and securely locked at all times.

The storage and display of black sporting powder shall be in accordance with Sections 57.5604.12.8.1 through 57.5604.12.8.3.

Black sporting powder shall be stored in shipping containers approved by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).

Storage requirements are as follows:

1. Commercial stock of black sporting powder shall be stored indoors.

2. Quantities of more than one pound and not more than 20 pounds shall be stored in an approved portable magazine constructed in accordance with Section 57.5003.8.7.

3. Quantities of more than 20 pounds and not more than 500 pounds shall be stored inside an explosives vault that conforms to the requirements of Chapter 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (Building Code).

Display shall not be accessible to the public and shall be limited to one pound maximum.

The transportation of explosive materials in any amounts, unless specifically exempted herein, shall be in compliance with Sections 57.5604.13.1 through 57.5604.13.9.2.5.

Specific exceptions to the transportation of explosive materials are provided in Sections 57.5604.13.1.1 through 57.5604.13.1.8.

Rail common carriers transporting dangerous cargo in compliance with the provisions of the United States Department of Transportation; and aircraft complying with applicable regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Transportation within the confines of a room, building or plant.

Signaling devices, such as flares, colored lights, fuses or other devices customarily used by railroads, public carriers, aircraft, and motor vehicles, or torpedoes customarily used by railroads for signaling purposes.

Small arms ammunition (Under .75 caliber).

Chemicals in the form of medicine, when such chemicals are securely packed in containers not exceeding 4 ounces in one outside package, and are prepared in accordance with U.S. Pharmacopoeia Standards.

Transportation of explosive materials by the U.S. Department of Defense, or by Police or Fire Departments in the performance of duty.

Common carriers for hire shall be permitted to transport not more than 100 pounds of smokeless powder packaged in original United States Department of Transportation containers, not exceeding 20 pounds in any single package, upon any public highway not designated in regulations amended by the California Highway Patrol as a route for the transportation of explosives.

Any vehicle regularly or temporarily used in carrying or transporting explosive materials shall, in addition to the above provisions, be regulated by and comply with the applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code and the California Health and Safety Code.

Permits and fees shall be required as set forth in Section 57.105.7, except for vehicles operating under valid permit from the California Highway Patrol, as required by the California Vehicle Code.

The use of passenger vehicles for the transporting of explosive materials is prohibited, except for the transporting of samples and other small quantities not to exceed a total of 5 pounds.

Vehicles used for the transportation of explosive materials shall be equipped with springs, and have a solid floor with well-maintained interior surfaces. Such vehicle shall have a sturdy wooden body with wooden sides and ends and with no exposed ferrous metal on the inside thereof where explosive materials are carried, except that portable magazines may be transported in vehicles having exposed metal parts. The body shall be completely enclosed, or shall be provided with a flame-resistant moisture-resistant tarpaulin for total covering of all explosive materials carried.

Vehicles used for the transportation of explosive materials shall comply with Sections 57.5604.13.4.1 through 57.5604.13.4.3.

Facilities shall be provided for securely lashing or bracing the load in place.

Warning placards designed and constructed as specified by the United States Department of Transportation shall be displayed on each side, and at the front and rear of vehicles carrying explosive materials.

At least two approved portable fire extinguishers shall be carried in accessible locations on every vehicle. One extinguisher shall have a Class 2A rating and the other shall have a Class l0B:C rating.

Vehicles used for the transportation of explosive materials shall be properly maintained, including brakes, headlights, warning devices, and other parts thereof. The chassis, motor, body, and all other parts of the vehicle shall be clean and free from surplus oil and grease. Gasoline tank and piping shall be secure and without leaks. Electric wiring shall be completely insulated and properly secured.

Acts listed in Sections 57.5604.13.6.1 through 57.5604.13.6.5 are prohibited.

No person shall carry matches, or any other flame-producing device, firearms or loaded cartridges while on or near a vehicle loaded with explosive materials.

Explosives shall not be transported in a trailer, nor shall any trailer be attached to any vehicle transporting explosives.

No person in, upon, or near any vehicle carrying explosive materials shall smoke or light any match or otherwise have or produce any fire.

Blasting caps or detonators shall not be transported on the same vehicle with other explosives.

No motor vehicle transporting explosive materials shall be left unattended upon any street or highway except in extreme emergency. Such vehicle shall be deemed attended whenever the person in charge thereof is in or upon the vehicle, or is in a position to observe the vehicle at all times.

Special operating requirements shall comply with Sections 57.5604.13.7.1 through 57.5604.13.7.6.

Every vehicle transporting explosive materials shall follow the routes of travel designated in regulations amended by the California Highway Patrol and pursuant to the California Vehicle Code.

Explosive materials shall not be transported during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., nor 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Except in an emergency or as may be required by traffic regulations, vehicles carrying explosive materials shall not be stopped or parked during the course of transit until the point of delivery has been reached.

All vehicles or group of vehicles transporting explosive materials shall be attended by at least one competent person.

Explosive materials shall not be piled above the level of the sideboards or tailgate of the body of the vehicle in which they are carried.

Vehicles loaded with explosive materials shall not be taken into a garage or other repair shop for repairs or storage.

In the event of an accident involving any vehicle transporting explosives on any public street or highway, the driver of the vehicle or other person in charge shall immediately take action to safeguard and warn all persons who may be endangered thereby, and notify the Fire Department as soon as possible.

Packing and labeling shall comply with Sections 57.5604.13.9.1 through 57.5604.13.9.2.5.

Every container of explosive materials offered for transportation shall bear a label which complies with United States Department of Transportation requirements.

Packing shall comply with Sections 57.5604.13.9.2.1 through 57.5604.13.9.2.5.

Every carrier of explosive materials shall exercise reasonable care to make certain that all materials are safely and securely packed.

No person shall transport, or offer for transportation, explosive materials which are not in safe containers and securely packed.

With each cargo of explosive materials offered for shipment there shall be a statement, signed by the shipper, representing that all applicable requirements have been complied with.

EXCEPTION: This requirement shall not apply to cargo in the shipper’s own vehicle.

No explosive materials shall be offered for shipment or transported unless the containers are securely closed or sealed.

Other than the explosive materials themselves, which may have such characteristics, there shall not be included any flammable liquids, acids, corrosive liquids, oxidizers or combustible materials.