When dealing with explosives, safety is essential to a successful outcome. Whether you’re working with high explosives such as dynamite or blasting caps, or low explosives like black powder or display fireworks, every explosive presents a danger. At U.S. Chemical Storage, we understand improper storage methods pose major threats to your safety. In addition to safety concerns, the fines incurred from poor storage methods can threaten your bottom line significantly. We offer several types of explosive magazine storage to prevent disasters and avoid fines.
Explosive Magazine Storage
To help assure the proper handling and safety procedures when using high and low explosives, the federal government requires the use of magazines for storing all classes of explosive materials. At U.S. Chemical Storage, we supply quality engineered Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4 magazines for the storage and transportation of both high and low explosives and ammunition.
All of our magazines are engineered and manufactured at our Wilkesboro, NC, facility. Same day quotes are available on all standard models. Each magazine is available in a wide range of sizes; all prefabricated magazines are customizable to meet your specifications.
All magazines meet and exceed:
Downloadable Information & Fact Sheets
Types of Explosive Storage Magazines
FAQs
1. What are the classes of explosives?
For storage purposes, federal requirements classify explosive materials according to their velocity. There are three classes of explosive materials, per ATF 27 CFR 555.202:
- High Explosives – explosives which detonate by means of a blasting cap (dynamite, emulsions, flash powders, etc.)
- Low explosives – explosives which deflagrate when confined (black powder, safety fuses, ignitor cords, “display fireworks,” etc.)
- Blasting agents – explosives consisting of fuel and oxidizer, intended for blasting and unable to detonated by a No. 8 test blasting cap when unconfined (ammonium nitrate-fuel oil and certain water-gels)
For more information, visit https://www.atf.gov/explosives/explosive-storage-requirements.
2. Does my explosive storage need to be grounded?
Yes. High and low explosives that are placed in outdoor magazines should have a grounding system according to the NFPA 70 standard. Grounding protects your magazine and its contents against lightning strike, and it will need to be properly grounded by a licensed electrician. For more information, please refer to NFPA .
3. Can DynaLoc magazines be customized?
Yes. Like all our safe storage buildings, U.S. Chemical Storage can provide custom explosive storage magazines to fit your needs. For assistance creating a custom solution for your storage needs,
contact one of our experts.
4. Do I need a foundation for my explosive storage?
It is not necessary to place your explosive storage container on a specific type of foundation. However, a foundation such as concrete can help to provide a truly level surface. Be sure to check your local guidelines to determine if any footer is required.
5. If storage magazines are mostly made of high-density wood, will that really contain a blast?
No. A common misconception is explosive storage magazines will contain a blast inside the unit—this is not the case. Explosive storage magazines work as a safeguard against theft and accidental detonation by improper storage and the environment.
6. What are day boxes?
Day boxes are used for the transfer and temporary, supervised storage of your explosives. These magazines are light enough for daily transport from your overnight storage area to the job site. Our
DynaLoc™ day boxes are constructed to be fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and theft-resistant.
