Explosives have many important uses in mining, quarrying, construction and demolition, avalanche control, manufacturing, fire fighting, law enforcement, entertainment industry, pyrotechnics (fireworks), logging, agriculture, and even medicine to fracture kidney and gall stones. 

Both federal and state licensing regulations are in place to ensure protection for the general public, a safe workplace for users of explosives, and to prevent illegal use and misuse of explosives. For example, if you manufacture, sell, purchase, store, or blast with explosives, you will need a Washington State explosives license.  You will also need a federal license, issued by ATF, if you are a non-government entity that manufactures, imports, sells, purchases, uses or handles, or stores explosives.

Along with licensing requirements, employers must meet applicable workplace safety and health requirements at the job site. These requirements are established to prevent injuries and illnesses caused by explosives and other safety hazards at work.

Note: Request an explosives licensing packet by phone at 360-902-5563 or e-mail at hajn235@lni.wa.gov.  Please specify the type of explosive license requested.

Related topics:

• Accident Prevention Program.
• Agriculture.
• Carbon Monoxide.
• Combustible Dusts.
• Construction Work.
• Fire Fighting Safety.
• Hazardous Atmospheres.
• Hearing Loss Prevention & Noise.
• Logging.
• Manufacturers, Importers & Distributors Hazard Communication.
• Marine & Waterfront Safety.
• Process safety management (PSM).
• Silica.

How can I get help from L&I?

• To request a confidential workplace safety or health consultation, call or visit http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Basics/Assistance/Consultation/about.asp for no charge technical assistance.
• For help with controlling your claims costs, call or visit http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Basics/Assistance/Consultation/riskmanagement.asp for a no charge risk management consultation.
• Find information about filing a workplace safety & health complaint you may call or visit a local L&I office to file a complaint.
• Follow guidance in Steps To a Safe Workplace to create your safety program from scratch.
• For general information, call 1-800-423-7233.