When is this licence required?
An explosives storage licence is required to store any quantity of authorised explosives at a specific site (surface or underground).
Where separate entities store explosives at the same site in different storage facilities, a separate licence is required for each facility. Where a single storage facility is to be used by more than one entity, one of those entities must hold a licence and take responsibility for safety and security for that site.
An explosives storage licence is issued for five years.
When is an explosives storage licence not required?
If the person:
- holds an explosives manufacturing licence
- is storing limited quantities of explosives and holds a shotfiring licence
- is storing limited quantities of fireworks temporarily at a fireworks event display site in association with a valid fireworks event permit
- is storing limited quantities of explosives and holds a pyrotechnics (special use) licence.
- hold an explosives transport licence and are storing Class 1.4 explosives in transit.
What about unauthorised explosives?
Any person storing an unauthorised explosive must hold a test permit that authorises such storage.
Use of an accredited consultant
To develop the submission, it is recommended that those intending to apply for a licence engage a dangerous goods consultant accredited to prepare and submit security sensitive ammonium nitrate applications. The consultant will normally complete the application form on the applicant’s behalf, but the intended licensee must sign the application.
Applications submitted without accredited consultant endorsement may take up to three months to process and a checking fee applies. Deficient submissions will take longer to process.
Refer to What is the role of accredited dangerous goods consultants? for a list of consultants.
Who can apply?
Licences can be granted to an individual, body corporate or partnership.
Individuals must be at least 21 years of age.
For more information on proof of identity go to How do I prove my identity?
Required supporting information
The application must be signed by the intended licensee and lodged with:
- the supporting documentation, which can be the original or the original certified document (where a copy is requested this does not apply)
- the explosives management plan.
For more information on explosive management plans see What is required for explosives licences?
Failure to provide the required documentation will delay processing of applications. Most applications are dealt with within approximately 30 business days.
Application fee
The licence fee payable is determined by the total quantity of explosives stored at the site. Only the licence fee for the first year of the licence is to be lodged with the application. Licence fees for subsequent years will be billed annually.
A checking fee:
- does not apply if a consultant endorses the proposal as complying with the regulations
- applies for applications without accredited consultant endorsement.
The checking fees are equal to the licence fee payable with the application.
Go to Schedule of fees and charges for more information on licence fees.
Lodging the application
The completed and signed application form must be accompanied by:
- required information
- the fee
- this can be paid by credit card (details on application form)
- by cheque made payable to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
- cash payments can only be made when lodging in person.
Emailed to: cso@dmirs.wa.gov.au
Mailed to:
Dangerous Goods Licensing
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Locked Bag 100
East Perth WA 6892
Lodged in person:
303 Sevenoaks Street (entrance via Grose Avenue)
Cannington WA 6107
Related information
Transporting dangerous goods in limited quantities
Reporting an incident
Explosives storage licence holders are responsible for reporting accidents and incidents arising from their activities, including unexplained losses or theft.
Other guidance
Explosives storage must be in accordance with the following mandatory codes of practice which are available from Standards Australia.
AS 2187.0 - Explosives - Storage, transport and use - Terminology
AS 2187.1 - Explosives - Storage, transport and use – Storage
AS 2187.2 - Explosives - Storage and use - Use of explosives
The following publications provide guidance on the safe storage of explosives.
Applicable legislation
Contact details
For any enquiries please contact Dangerous Goods Licensing:
Phone: (08) 6251 2300
Email: cso@dmirs.wa.gov.au