Do you store or sell more than 2,000kg (net explosives content)? If yes, you need a licence from the Health and Safety Executive.
Do you store or sell less than 2,000kg? If yes, you need a licence from us.
How to apply
Complete the application form and send, with your risk assessment to foodandsafety@lbhf.gov.uk
Application for a licence for explosives (94KB word)
To make a payment please call 020 8753 1081. Information on fees can be found in the table below.
Risk assessment and control measures
It is a legal requirement for anyone storing explosives to conduct and record a risk assessment for the storage under relevant legislation. The HSE provides a template document for this purpose for retail premises, which can be downloaded from the HSE website. This must be included in your application.
Separation distances
You must ensure that the relevant separation distances are maintained. For further details on these separation distances please visit The Explosives Regulation 2014, Regulation 27, Schedule 5.
Hazard types
Explosives are classified into hazard types. Most fireworks and small arms ammunition are Hazard Type 4 and can be identified by the symbol, 1.4G in an orange diamond, which will be marked on the outer box. Some larger fireworks are classed as Hazard Type 3 and are marked 1.3G. Storing Hazard Type 3 fireworks may reduce the total quantity permitted to be stored depending on the licence type and separation distances available on site. If you are in any doubt about the classification of your fireworks, please consult your supplier.
Fees
The fees below are prescribed under The Health and Safety and Nuclear (Fees) Regulations 2016.
| Number of years | License to store explosives where a minimum separation distance of greater than 0 meters is required | License to store explosive where no minimum separation distance or a 0 meters separation distance is prescribed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | £185 | £109 |
| 2 years | £243 | £141 |
| 3 years | £304 | £173 |
| 4 years | £374 | £206 |
| 5 years | £423 | £238 |
| Number of years | Renewal of license to store explosives where a minimum separation distance of greater than 0 meters is required | Renewal of license to store explosive where no minimum separation distance or a 0 meters separation distance is prescribed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | £86 | £54 |
| 2 years | £147 | £86 |
| 3 years | £206 | £120 |
| 4 years | £266 | £152 |
| 5 years | £326 | £185 |
| Varying a Licence | |
|---|---|
| Varying name of licensee or address of site | £41.10 |
| Any other kind of variation | Please contact us for details |
| Transferring/Replacing a licence | |
|---|---|
| Transfer of license or registration | £40 |
| Replacement of licence or registration referred to above if lost | £40 |
This enables you to sell or store explosives during the following periods:
- 15 October to 10 November inclusive
- 26 December to 31 December inclusive
- on the 1st day of the Chinese New Year and the 3 days immediately preceding it
- on the day of Diwali and the 3 days immediately preceding it.
If you would like to discuss an annual licence please contact us for further information.
Further information
- The Explosives Regulations 2014 - guidance documents L150 The Safety of Explosives and L151 The Security of Explosives
- HSE website on explosives
- Some storage of explosives up to 2000kg require a license from the Police, please check the HSE guidance if you are unsure if this applies to you.
Contact details
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
The Environment Department
Food and Safety Team
Hammersmith Town Hall
King Street
London
W6 9JU