Explosive precursor licencing - Now live!

Hi All,

As per subject, precursor licencing is now a reality.  Here are the particulars:

• It costs £39.50
• License last up to 3 years (dependent on the expiry date of proof of identity (passport/driving licence)) and the renewal fee is £39.50 with the same application process as a new application.
• You must hold a licence by 03/03/16 to cover any existing restricted chemicals in your possession
• You must hold a licence by 02/09/14 to cover any new acquisitions of restricted chemicals
• You must hold a licence by 02/09/14 to cover the sale of restricted chemicals and any sales should only take place where the buyer has a licence in place

This is serious stuff guys, so please apply as soon as you need to.  Failure to do so will be not be taken lightly, or has the home office puts it:

"If found guilty, there is a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine."

All the details and licence application process can be found:

https://www.gov.uk/g...sive-precursors

Its a big change for us, but think of plus points:

• It legitimises our activities further - A licence is another way to prove competency
• It will isolate and possibly eliminate the casual "I want to make flash to make big bangs" type people and help to make the hobby more professional.
• You don't have to worry about chemical supply companies turning you away from purchasing chemicals - you have a license to purchase, they can't turn you away!

I will be applying ASAP to see how the process proceeds.  I will keep you all posted.

Cheers,

Wayne.

Edited by wayne, 13 August 2014 - 10:53 AM.

Thanks for the update Wayne, this is the start of a new era for hobby pyro, it will be interesting to see how it is received.

The home Office page doesn't appear to say how long a licence is valid for which is quite an important bit of info. Do you happen to know Wayne?

I found this hidden away in a related page "The EPP licence will be valid for a maximum of three years."

I'm not sure why it's a maximum of three years and not just three years, maybe that will become clear after filling in the full application. I have emailed them to ask that this info is made more clear up front. 

I found this hidden away in a related page "The EPP licence will be valid for a maximum of three years."

I'm not sure why it's a maximum of three years and not just three years, maybe that will become clear after filling in the full application. I have emailed them to ask that this info is made more clear up front. 

Well spotted, couldn't find that info. myself so I asked the question...

I think its a maximum of three years because if your photo ID expires first then you will have to renew, or it lasts 3 years.

Do you think its best to apply for this first? or the acquire and keep first? or doesn't matter?

Rod

Do you think its best to apply for this first? or the acquire and keep first? or doesn't matter?

They are 2 totally independent things, so it really doesn't matter.  Go for gold and do both at the same time 

Now updated first posting to include renewal particulars...

Wayne, I was waiting for the good practice guidance to come out first before I did the acquire and keep. Are they changing the application forms to be more "pyro friendly"? I mean do I need to ask for flash powder to be added as well as BP? on the a&k?

Rod

Wayne, I was waiting for the good practice guidance to come out first before I did the acquire and keep. Are they changing the application forms to be more "pyro friendly"? I mean do I need to ask for flash powder to be added as well as BP? on the a&k?

 

Rod

The guidance is in limbo at the moment, I'm still waiting for feedback and I have meeting at the HSE on the 8th of September for further discussions.

Yes they are changing the application form but it will take time to appear.  I've yet to see it.

If you apply before October 1st, there no need to add flash to the application but you would on the subsequent renewal.  If you apply after October 1st, you would need to add flash to the application.  In either case you would be still covered for flash.

Edited by wayne, 13 August 2014 - 10:42 AM.

Oh right fair enough. I was just a bit concerned that after the 1st oct if I had flash and it wasn't specifically on the certificate then that might be a problem. I thought that you could only acquire / keep a relevant explosive that was on your certificate?

Rod

Oh right fair enough. I was just a bit concerned that after the 1st oct if I had flash and it wasn't specifically on the certificate then that might be a problem. I thought that you could only acquire / keep a relevant explosive that was on your certificate?

 

Rod

That is true, but at the time of issue (pre 1st October), flash wasn't a controlled explosive so the license is still valid for flash.  They have to honour this otherwise they would have to force a renewal for all existing licences.

Gotcha, good explanation. So looks like best to apply before the 1st. Sorry for going off topic a bit but feel free to move if appropriate.Surely the storage requirements wouldn't be the same for flash as BP would they? not that I intend to store any loose flash of course, just wondered how that worked.

Rod

Gotcha, good explanation. So looks like best to apply before the 1st. Sorry for going off topic a bit but feel free to move if appropriate.Surely the storage requirements wouldn't be the same for flash as BP would they? not that I intend to store any loose flash of course, just wondered how that worked.

 

Rod

Storage of flash is an interesting one.  In MSER, BP (Shooters powder) can be stored in a wooden compartmented storage box.  Flash can't really be classed as "shooters" powder, so it doesn't directly apply.   That said, If it has be be stored, AFAIK, it could be stored in the same box as long as the quantity is less than 100g.  Over 100g, it would be subject to separation distances unlike "Shooter" powders which are exempt from this with quantities less than 30kg.

Best practise would not be to store flash at all unless its built into a device.  After all, flash can be made quickly without any necessity to store for further processing (such as drying).

Wayne, is it possible to open a thread for help with regards to filling in COER1 ? I don't want to cock it up but would like to get the ball rolling. I keep seeing threads where other members say they are going to apply or will keep us posted then no follow up. Did Phil Dunford get yours? any problems?

Rod