Explosives Rulemaking: Safety standards for possession, handling, and use of explosives

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is conducting rulemaking related to Chapter 296-52 WAC, Safety standards for possession, handling and use of explosives.

See all the rulemaking activity for Explosives on our L&I Rulemaking page.

Status

L&I filed a preproposal (CR-101) (41 KB PDF) with the Washington State Code Reviser January 23, 2018, to officially begin the rulemaking process. We are currently working with the Explosives Safety Stakeholder group (ESSG) Stakeholder Group to develop the proposed rule language.

Learn more about our rulemaking process and terminology.

Background

This chapter details the requirements for the manufacture, possession, storage, selling, purchase, transportation, and use of explosives, including blasting agents.

Explosives, including blasting agents, are used in many industries: mining, quarrying, construction and demolition, avalanche control, manufacturing, firefighting, local and state law enforcement, entertainment industry, pyrotechnics (fireworks), logging, agriculture, and even medicine to fracture kidney and gall stones.

Many sections of the chapter have not been updated in 10 to 30 years. Changes are needed to reflect current industry best practices and align with federal regulations.

L&I formed an Explosives Safety Stakeholder Group (ESSG) in 2017 in cooperation with explosives industry, government and law enforcement leaders. It is an advisory group for L&I regarding explosives safety, policy, and procedures in Washington. The mission of the ESSG is simple: Keep Washington safe and working — with explosives.

Washington Explosives Safety Stakeholder Group (ESSG) Guidelines

The group meets annually, except during times of code revision (quarterly then). The goal of bringing representatives from business, labor, and state entities, to name a few, is to develop recommendations to update the current occupational explosives standards; and, provide a safe and healthy environment for employees.

Stakeholder meetings and Public Hearings will continue to occur. Meetings are open to the public and will include representatives from business, labor, and government. Meeting dates and locations will be posted on this page.

Meetings & Timeline

Upcoming Meetings:

Thank you all who attended the stakeholder meeting. We appreciate your continued participation in this rulemaking.

The meeting summary, and draft of chapter 296-52 WAC, Safety standards for possession, handling, and use of explosives reflecting the changes made during the meeting are below under the January 10, 2023 meeting. Please note the words triggering encryption have been removed. In their place, you will see “xxxxx xxxxxxx.”

No additional meetings are scheduled at this time. Information regarding future meetings will be posted to this webpage

Please contact Cathy Coates with questions about this rulemaking: Cathy.coates@Lni.wa.gov or 360-902-5432.

Please contact Dan Massey with any technical questions about this rule: Daniel.massey@Lni.wa.gov or 360-902-5569.

Previous Meetings

Rule Drafts & Documents Additional Resources

Get updates via email

An email list has been set up for L&I to share information about this workgroup and the meetings. Select the "Explosives Rulemaking" topic when you sign up to receive email updates.

Please contact Cathy Coates with any rulemaking questions: Cathy.coates@Lni.wa.gov or 360-902-5432.

Please contact Dan Massey with any technical questions about this rule: Daniel.massey@Lni.wa.gov or 360-902-5569.