South Africa’s explosives industry operates under strict regulations designed to protect both workers and the environment. The Explosives Regulations of 2003 under the Occupation Health and Safety Act is extensive, applying to any employer, self-employed person, or other user who operates a workplace where explosives are manufactured, tested, stored, or used.
Here are three crucial explosives regulations that every South African company involved with explosives should be aware of, along with insights into how these regulations are shaping the explosives industry:
1. Licensing of explosives worksites
Operating an explosives workplace in South Africa requires a formal license issued by the Chief Inspector of Explosives and must adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety act. This regulation ensures that every facility handling explosives meets the necessary safety and security standards before operations commence. Licenses cover a range of activities, including manufacturing, testing, storing, and using explosives.
The process for acquiring a license is thorough and often complex for newcomers, which is where explosives solutions providers such as Mining and Energy Acuity (MEA) play an important role. These providers bridge the experience gap, ensure that large and small companies are compliant, and that they can begin their operations as soon as possible.
There are many steps needed for a company to become compliant, some of which include: providing detailed documentation, such as site plans, risk assessments, and proof of compliance with local government and security requirements; conducting regular training sessions for employees to ensure they are knowledgeable about safety protocols and emergency procedures; and implementing monitoring systems to track the storage, handling, and use of explosives, ensuring all activities are logged and reviewed for compliance.
Notably, licenses are not permanent but expire after five years in the case of Continues Transport Permit (CTP), and can be revoked or amended if conditions change or if safety standards are no longer met. Companies that fail to maintain compliance may find themselves facing operational delays, fines, or even closure.
Licensing conditions can also vary depending on the scale and type of operations, making it essential for businesses to stay informed about the specific requirements for their industry. MEA’s role in guiding companies through licensing complexities has placed us at the forefront of explosives safety and compliance, helping our clients navigate these regulations without disruption to their operations.
2. Classification and use of explosives
Companies are forbidden from manufacturing or using explosives that have not been classified, and unclassified materials present a major safety risk and a legal liability. Explosives regulations also allow for the reclassification of explosives, which is vital in a landscape where new types of materials and explosives technologies are continually being developed. For businesses involved in the explosives supply chain, staying up to date with the latest classifications and ensuring that only approved materials are in use is fundamental to continued growth and future success.
MEA also excels in providing clients with guidance on how advancements in explosives technology affect regulatory compliance. By keeping our clients informed of changes in the regulatory landscape, MEA ensures that companies are compliant with regulations while using cutting-edge explosives safely.
3. Danger areas and access control
Explosives workplaces are often divided into 'danger areas,' which are zones where explosive materials are handled or stored. Regulations require that access to these areas is strictly controlled for safety and security reasons, and employers are required to maintain a detailed register of all entries and exits.
Only authorised personnel must be allowed to enter a danger area, and companies are responsible for ensuring that strict access control measures are in place. Unauthorised individuals, vehicles, and equipment are prohibited from entering these zones, and any exceptions must be documented and approved by the explosives manager on site.
These and the many other complex regulatory requirements governing the use of explosives in industrial settings add an additional layer of complexity to companies’ general operations, other regulatory compliance efforts, and number of standard safety protocols.
It’s often prohibitively time intensive and expensive for companies, especially smaller operations, to properly research, prepare for, and comply with all these regulations. This is why most reach out to expert providers such as MEA, which is fully dedicated to staying abreast of regulatory frameworks and best-in-business practices at all times, so that our clients don’t have to.
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