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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Justice § 555.202 

§ 555.185 Criminal sanctions. 

Any person who violates the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 842(l)–(o) shall be 

fined under title 18, U.S.C., imprisoned 

for not more than 10 years, or both. 

[T.D. ATF–387, 62 FR 8378, Feb. 25, 1997] 

§ 555.186 Seizure or forfeiture. 

Any plastic explosive that does not 

contain a detection agent in violation 

of 18 U.S.C. 842(l)–(n) is subject to seizure and forfeiture, and all provisions 

of 19 U.S.C. 1595a, relating to seizure, 

forfeiture, and disposition of merchandise introduced or attempted to be introduced into the U.S. contrary to law, 

shall extend to seizures and forfeitures 

under this subpart. See §72.27 of this 

chapter for regulations on summary 

destruction of plastic explosives that 

do not contain a detection agent. 

[T.D. ATF–387, 62 FR 8378, Feb. 25, 1997] 

Subpart K—Storage 

§ 555.201 General. 

(a) Section 842(j) of the Act and 

§555.29 of this part require that the 

storage of explosive materials by any 

person must be in accordance with the 

regulations in this part. Further, section 846 of this Act authorizes regulations to prevent the recurrence of accidental explosions in which explosive 

materials were involved. The storage 

standards prescribed by this subpart 

confer no right or privileges to store 

explosive materials in a manner contrary to State or local law. 

(b) The Director may authorize alternate construction for explosives storage magazines when it is shown that 

the alternate magazine construction is 

substantially equivalent to the standards of safety and security contained in 

this subpart. Any alternate explosive 

magazine construction approved by the 

Director prior to August 9, 1982, will 

continue as approved unless notified in 

writing by the Director. Any person intending to use alternate magazine construction shall submit a letter application to the regional director (compliance) for transmittal to the Director, 

specifically describing the proposed 

magazine. Explosive materials may not 

be stored in alternate magazines before 

the applicant has been notified that 

the application has been approved. 

(c) A licensee or permittee who intends to make changes in his magazines, or who intends to construct or 

acquire additional magazines, shall 

comply with §555.63. 

(d) The regulations set forth in 

§§555.221 through 555.224 pertain to the 

storage of display fireworks, pyrotechnic compositions, and explosive 

materials used in assembling fireworks 

and articles pyrotechnic. 

(e) The provisions of §555.202(a) 

classifying flash powder and bulk salutes as high explosives are mandatory 

after March 7, 1990: Provided, that those 

persons who hold licenses or permits 

under this part on that date shall, with 

respect to the premises covered by such 

licenses or permits, comply with the 

high explosives storage requirements 

for flash powder and bulk salutes by 

March 7, 1991. 

(f) Any person who stores explosive 

materials shall notify the authority 

having jurisdiction for fire safety in 

the locality in which the explosive materials are being stored of the type, 

magazine capacity, and location of 

each site where such explosive materials are stored. Such notification shall 

be made orally before the end of the 

day on which storage of the explosive 

materials commenced and in writing 

within 48 hours from the time such 

storage commenced. 

(Paragraph (f) approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 

1140–0071) 

[T.D. ATF–87, 46 FR 40384, Aug. 7, 1981, as 

amended by T.D. ATF–293, 55 FR 3722, Feb. 5, 

1990; T.D. ATF–400, 63 FR 45003, Aug. 24, 1998; 

ATF–11F, 73 FR 57242, Oct. 2, 2008] 

§ 555.202 Classes of explosive materials. 

For purposes of this part, there are 

three classes of explosive materials. 

These classes, together with the description of explosive materials comprising each class, are as follows: 

(a) High explosives. Explosive materials which can be caused to detonate 

by means of a blasting cap when 

unconfined, (for example, dynamite, 

flash powders, and bulk salutes). See 

also §555.201(e). 


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§ 555.203 27 CFR Ch. II (4–1–13 Edition) 

(b) Low explosives. Explosive materials which can be caused to deflagrate 

when confined (for example, black powder, safety fuses, igniters, igniter 

cords, fuse lighters, and ‘‘display fireworks’’ classified as UN0333, UN0334, or 

UN0335 by the U.S. Department of 

Transportation regulations at 49 CFR 

172.101, except for bulk salutes). 

(c) Blasting agents. (For example, ammonium nitrate-fuel oil and certain 

water-gels (see also §555.11). 

[T.D. ATF–87, 46 FR 40384, Aug. 7, 1981, as 

amended by T.D. ATF–293, 55 FR 3722, Feb. 5, 

1990; T.D. ATF–400, 63 FR 45003, Aug. 24, 1998] 

§ 555.203 Types of magazines. 

For purposes of this part, there are 

five types of magazines. These types, 

together with the classes of explosive 

materials, as defined in §555.202, which 

will be stored in them, are as follows: 

(a) Type 1 magazines. Permanent magazines for the storage of high explosives, subject to the limitations prescribed by §§555.206 and 555.213. Other 

classes of explosive materials may also 

be stored in type 1 magazines. 

(b) Type 2 magazines. Mobile and portable indoor and outdoor magazines for 

the storage of high explosives, subject 

to the limitations prescribed by 

§§555.206, 555.208(b), and 555.213. Other 

classes of explosive materials may also 

be stored in type 2 magazines. 

(c) Type 3 magazines. Portable outdoor magazines for the temporary storage of high explosives while attended 

(for example, a ‘‘day-box’’), subject to 

the limitations prescribed by §§555.206 

and 555.213. Other classes of explosives 

materials may also be stored in type 3 

magazines. 

(d) Type 4 magazines. Magazines for 

the storage of low explosives, subject 

to the limitations prescribed by 

§§555.206(b), 555.210(b), and 555.213. 

Blasting agents may be stored in type 

4 magazines, subject to the limitations 

prescribed by §§555.206(c), 555.211(b), 

and 555.213. Detonators that will not 

mass detonate may also be stored in 

type 4 magazines, subject to the limitations prescribed by §§555.206(a), 

555.210(b), and 555.213. 

(e) Type 5 magazines. Magazines for 

the storage of blasting agents, subject 

to the limitations prescribed by 

§§555.206(c), 555.211(b), and 555.213. 

§ 555.204 Inspection of magazines. 

Any person storing explosive materials shall inspect his magazines at 

least every seven days. This inspection 

need not be an inventory, but must be 

sufficient to determine whether there 

has been unauthorized entry or attempted entry into the magazines, or 

unauthorized removal of the contents 

of the magazines. 

§ 555.205 Movement of explosive materials. 

All explosive materials must be kept 

in locked magazines meeting the 

standards in this subpart unless they 

are: 

(a) In the process of manufacture; 

(b) Being physically handled in the 

operating process of a licensee or user; 

(c) Being used; or 

(d) Being transported to a place of 

storage or use by a licensee or permittee or by a person who has lawfully 

acquired explosive materials under 

§555.106. 

§ 555.206 Location of magazines. 

(a) Outdoor magazines in which high 

explosives are stored must be located 

no closer to inhabited buildings, passenger railways, public highways, or 

other magazines in which high explosives are stored, than the minimum 

distances specified in the table of distances for storage of explosive materials in §555.218. 

(b) Outdoor magazines in which low 

explosives are stored must be located 

no closer to inhibited buildings, passenger railways, public highways, or 

other magazines in which explosive 

materials are stored, than the minimum distances specified in the table 

of distances for storage of low explosives in §555.219, except that the table 

of distances in §555.224 shall apply to 

the storage of display fireworks. The 

distances shown in §555.219 may not be 

reduced by the presence of barricades. 

(c)(1) Outdoor magazines in which 

blasting agents in quantities of more 

than 50 pounds are stored must be located no closer to inhabited buildings, 

passenger railways, or public highways 

than the minimum distances specified 

in the table of distances for storage of 

explosive materials in §555.218. 


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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Justice § 555.207 

(2) Ammonium nitrate and magazines 

in which blasting agents are stored 

must be located no closer to magazines 

in which high explosives or other blasting agents are stored than the minimum distances specified in the table 

of distances for the separation of ammonium nitrate and blasting agents in 

§555.220. However, the minimum distances for magazines in which explosives and blasting agents are stored 

from inhabited buildings, etc., may not 

be less than the distances specified in 

the table of distances for storage of explosives materials in §555.218. 

[T.D. ATF–87, 46 FR 40384, Aug. 7, 1981, as 

amended by T.D. ATF–293, 55 FR 3722, Feb. 5, 

1990; T.D. ATF–400, 63 FR 45003, Aug. 24, 1998] 

§ 555.207 Construction of type 1 magazines. 

A type 1 magazine is a permanent 

structure: a building, an igloo or 

‘‘Army-type structure’’, a tunnel, or a 

dugout. It is to be bullet-resistant, fireresistant, weather-resistant, theft-resistant, and ventilated. 

(a) Buildings. All building type magazines are to be constructed of masonry, 

wood, metal, or a combination of these 

materials, and have no openings except 

for entrances and ventilation. The 

ground around building magazines 

must slope away for drainage or other 

adequate drainage provided. 

(1) Masonry wall construction. Masonry wall construction is to consist of 

brick, concrete, tile, cement block, or 

cinder block and be not less than 6 

inches in thickness. Hollow masonry 

units used in construction must have 

all hollow spaces filled with welltamped, coarse, dry sand or weak concrete (at least a mixture of one part cement and eight parts of sand with 

enough water to dampen the mixture 

while tamping in place). Interior walls 

are to be constructed of, or covered 

with, a nonsparking material. 

(2) Fabricated metal wall construction. 

Metal wall construction is to consist of 

sectional sheets of steel or aluminum 

not less than number 14-gauge, securely fastened to a metal framework. 

Metal wall construction is either lined 

inside with brick, solid cement blocks, 

hardwood not less than four inches 

thick, or will have at least a six inch 

sand fill between interior and exterior 

walls. Interior walls are to be constructed of, or covered with, a nonsparking material. 

(3) Wood frame wall construction. The 

exterior of outer wood walls is to be 

covered with iron or aluminum not less 

than number 26-gauge. An inner wall 

of, or covered with nonsparking material will be constructed so as to provide 

a space of not less than six inches between the outer and inner walls. The 

space is to be filled with coarse, dry 

sand or weak concrete. 

(4) Floors. Floors are to be constructed of, or covered with, a nonsparking material and shall be strong 

enough to bear the weight of the maximum quantity to be stored. Use of pallets covered with a nonsparking material is considered equivalent to a floor 

constructed of or covered with a nonsparking material. 

(5) Foundations. Foundations are to 

be constructed of brick, concrete, cement block, stone, or wood posts. If 

piers or posts are used, in lieu of a continuous foundation, the space under 

the buildings is to be enclosed with 

metal. 

(6) Roof. Except for buildings with 

fabricated metal roofs, the outer roof is 

to be covered with no less than number 

26-guage iron or aluminum, fastened to 

at least 7⁄8 inch sheathing. 

(7) Bullet-resistant ceilings or roofs. 

Where it is possible for a bullet to be 

fired directly through the roof and into 

the magazine at such an angle that the 

bullet would strike the explosives within, the magazine is to be protected by 

one of the following methods: 

(i) A sand tray lined with a layer of 

building paper, plastic, or other nonporous material, and filled with not 

less than four inches of coarse, dry 

sand, and located at the tops of inner 

walls covering the entire ceiling area, 

except that portion necessary for ventilation. 

(ii) A fabricated metal roof constructed of 3⁄16-inch plate steel lined 

with four inches of hardwood. (For 

each additional 1⁄16 inch of plate steel, 

the hardwood lining may be decreased 

one inch.) 

(8) Doors. All doors are to be constructed of not less than 1⁄4 inch plate 

steel and lined with at least two inches 

of hardwood. Hinges and hasps are to 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with CFR
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§ 555.208 27 CFR Ch. II (4–1–13 Edition) 

be attached to the doors by welding, 

riveting or bolting (nuts on inside of 

door). They are to be installed in such 

a manner that the hinges and hasps 

cannot be removed when the doors are 

closed and locked. 

(9) Locks. Each door is to be equipped 

with (i) two mortise locks; (ii) two padlock fastened in separate hasps and 

staples; (iii) a combination of a mortise 

lock and a padlock; (iv) a mortise lock 

that requires two keys to open; or (v) a 

three-point lock. Padlocks must have 

at least five tumblers and a casehardened shackle of at least 3⁄8 inch diameter. Padlocks must be protected 

with not less than 1⁄4 inch steel hoods 

constructed so as to prevent sawing or 

lever action on the locks, hasps, and 

staples. These requirements do not 

apply to magazine doors that are adequately secured on the inside by means 

of a bolt, lock, or bar that cannot be 

actuated from the outside. 

(10) Ventilation. Ventilation is to be 

provided to prevent dampness and 

heating of stored explosive materials. 

Ventilation openings must be screened 

to prevent the entrance of sparks. Ventilation openings in side walls and 

foundations must be offset or shielded 

for bullet-resistant purposes. Magazines having foundation and roof ventilators with the air circulating between the side walls and the floors and 

between the side walls and the ceiling 

must have a wooden lattice lining or 

equivalent to prevent the packages of 

explosive materials from being stacked 

against the side walls and blocking the 

air circulation. 

(11) Exposed metal. No sparking material is to be exposed to contact with 

the stored explosive materials. All ferrous metal nails in the floor and side 

walls, which might be exposed to contact with explosive materials, must be 

blind nailed, countersunk, or covered 

with a nonsparking lattice work or 

other nonsparking material. 

(b) Igloos, ‘‘Army-type structures’’, tunnels, and dugouts. Igloo, ‘‘Army-type 

structure’’, tunnel, and dugout magazines are to be constructed of reinforced concrete, masonry, metal, or a 

combination of these materials. They 

must have an earthmound covering of 

not less than 24 inches on the top, sides 

and rear unless the magazine meets the 

requirements of paragraph (a)(7) of this 

section. Interior walls and floors must 

be constructed of, or covered with, a 

nonsparking material. Magazines of 

this type are also to be constructed in 

conformity with the requirements of 

paragraph (a)(4) and paragraphs (a)(8) 

through (11) of this section. 

§ 555.208 Construction of type 2 magazines. 

A type 2 magazine is a box, trailer, 

semitrailer, or other mobile facility. 

(a) Outdoor magazines—(1) General. 

Outdoor magazines are to be bullet-resistant, fire-resistant, weather-resistant, theft-resistant, and ventilated. 

They are to be supported to prevent direct contact with the ground and, if 

less than one cubic yard in size, must 

be securely fastened to a fixed object. 

The ground around outdoor magazines 

must slope away for drainage or other 

adequate drainage provided. When unattended, vehicular magazines must 

have wheels removed or otherwise effectively immobilized by kingpin locking devices or other methods approved 

by the Director. 

(2) Exterior construction. The exterior 

and doors are to be constructed of not 

less than 1⁄4-inch steel and lined with at 

least two inches of hardwood. Magazines with top openings will have lids 

with water-resistant seals or which 

overlap the sides by at least one inch 

when in a closed position. 

(3) Hinges and hasps. Hinges and hasps 

are to be attached to doors by welding, 

riveting, or bolting (nuts on inside of 

door). Hinges and hasps must be installed so that they cannot be removed 

when the doors are closed and locked. 

(4) Locks. Each door is to be equipped 

with (i) two mortise locks; (ii) two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and 

staples; (iii) a combination of a mortise 

lock and a padlock; (iv) a mortise lock 

that requires two keys to open; or (v) a 

three-point lock. Padlocks must have 

at least five tumblers and a case-hardened shackle of at least 3⁄8-inch diameter. Padlocks must be protected with 

not less than 1⁄4-inch steel hoods constructed so as to prevent sawing or 

lever action on the locks, hasps, and 

staples. These requirements do not 

apply to magazine doors that are adequately secured on the inside by means 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with CFR
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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Justice § 555.210 

of a bolt, lock, or bar that cannot be 

actuated from the outside. 

(b) Indoor magazines—(1) General. Indoor magazines are to be fire-resistant 

and theft-resistant. They need not be 

bullet-resistant and weather-resistant 

if the buildings in which they are 

stored provide protection from the 

weather and from bullet penetration. 

No indoor magazine is to be located in 

a residence or dwelling. The indoor 

storage of high explosives must not exceed a quantity of 50 pounds. More 

than one indoor magazine may be located in the same building if the total 

quantity of explosive materials stored 

does not exceed 50 pounds. Detonators 

must be stored in a separate magazine 

(except as provided in §555.213) and the 

total quantity of detonators must not 

exceed 5,000. 

(2) Exterior construction. Indoor magazines are to be constructed of wood or 

metal according to one of the following 

specifications: 

(i) Wood indoor magazines are to 

have sides, bottoms and doors constructed of at least two inches of hardwood and are to be well braced at the 

corners. They are to be covered with 

sheet metal of not less than number 26- 

gauge (.0179 inches). Nails exposed to 

the interior of magazines must be 

countersunk. 

(ii) Metal indoor magazines are to 

have sides, bottoms and doors constructed of not less than number 12- 

gauge (.1046 inches) metal and be lined 

inside with a nonsparking material. 

Edges of metal covers must overlap 

sides at least one inch. 

(3) Hinges and hasps. Hinges and hasps 

are to be attached to doors by welding, 

riveting, or bolting (nuts on inside of 

door). Hinges and hasps must be installed so that they cannot be removed 

when the doors are closed and locked. 

(4) Locks. Each door is to be equipped 

with (i) two mortise locks; (ii) two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and 

staples; (iii) a combination of a mortise 

lock and a padlock; (iv) a mortise lock 

that requires two keys to open; or (v) a 

three-point lock. Padlocks must have 

at least five tumblers and a case-hardened shackle of at least 3⁄8-inch diameter. Padlocks must be protected with 

not less than 1⁄4-inch steel hoods constructed so as to prevent sawing or 

lever action on the locks, hasps, and 

staples. Indoor magazines located in secure rooms that are locked as provided 

in this subparagraph may have each 

door locked with one steel padlock 

(which need not be protected by a steel 

hood) having at least five tumblers and 

a case-hardened shackle of at least 3⁄8- 

inch diameter, if the door hinges and 

lock hasp are securely fastened to the 

magazine. These requirements do not 

apply to magazine doors that are adequately secured on the inside by means 

of a bolt, lock, or bar that cannot be 

actuated from the outside. 

(c) Detonator boxes. Magazines for 

detonators in quantities of 100 or less 

are to have sides, bottoms and doors 

constructed of not less than number 12- 

gauge (.1046 inches) metal and lined 

with a nonsparking material. Hinges 

and hasps must be attached so they 

cannot be removed from the outside. 

One steel padlock (which need not be 

protected by a steel hood) having at 

least five tumblers and a case-hardened 

shackle of at least 3⁄8-inch diameter is 

sufficient for locking purposes. 

§ 555.209 Construction of type 3 magazines. 

A type 3 magazine is a ‘‘day-box’’ or 

other portable magazine. It must be 

fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and 

theft-resistant. A type 3 magazine is to 

be constructed of not less than number 

12-gauge (.1046 inches) steel, lined with 

at least either 1⁄2-inch plywood or 1⁄2- 

inch Masonite-type hardboard. Doors 

must overlap sides by at least one inch. 

Hinges and hasps are to be attached by 

welding, riveting or bolting (nuts on 

inside). One steel padlock (which need 

not be protected by a steel hood) having at least five tumblers and a casehardened shackle of at least 3⁄8-inch diameter is sufficient for locking purposes. Explosive materials are not to 

be left unattended in type 3 magazines 

and must be removed to type 1 or 2 

magazines for unattended storage. 

§ 555.210 Construction of type 4 magazines. 

A type 4 magazine is a building, igloo 

or ‘‘Army-type structure’’, tunnel, dugout, box, trailer, or a semitrailer or 

other mobile magazine. 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with CFR
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§ 555.211 27 CFR Ch. II (4–1–13 Edition) 

(a) Outdoor magazines—(1) General. 

Outdoor magazines are to be fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and theft-resistant. The ground around outdoor 

magazines must slope away for drainage or other adequate drainage be provided. When unattended, vehicular 

magazines must have wheels removed 

or otherwise be effectively immobilized 

by kingpin locking devices or other 

methods approved by the Director. 

(2) Construction. Outdoor magazines 

are to be constructed of masonry, 

metal-covered wood, fabricated metal, 

or a combination of these materials. 

Foundations are to be constructed of 

brick, concrete, cement block, stone, 

or metal or wood posts. If piers or posts 

are used, in lieu of a continuous foundation, the space under the building is 

to be enclosed with fire-resistant material. The walls and floors are to be constructed of, or covered with, a nonsparking material or lattice work. The 

doors must be metal or solid wood covered with metal. 

(3) Hinges and hasps. Hinges and hasps 

are to be attached to doors by welding, 

riveting, or bolting (nuts on inside of 

door). Hinges and hasps must be installed so that they cannot be removed 

when the doors are closed and locked. 

(4) Locks. Each door is to be equipped 

with (i) two mortise locks; (ii) two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and 

staples; (iii) a combination of a mortise 

lock and a padlock; (iv) a mortise lock 

that requires two keys to open; or (v) a 

three-point lock. Padlocks must have 

at least five tumblers and case-hardened shackle of at least 3⁄8 inch diameter. Padlocks must be protected with 

not less than 1⁄4 inch steel hoods constructed so as to prevent sawing or 

lever action on the locks, hasps, and 

staples. These requirements do not 

apply to magazine doors that are adequately secured on the inside by means 

of a bolt, lock, or bar that cannot be 

actuated from the outside. 

(b) Indoor magazine—(1) General. Indoor magazines are to be fire-resistant 

and theft-resistant. They need not be 

weather-resistant if the buildings in 

which they are stored provide protection from the weather. No indoor magazine is to be located in a residence or 

dwelling. The indoor storage of low explosives must not exceed a quantity of 

50 pounds. More than one indoor magazine may be located in the same building if the total quantity of explosive 

materials stored does not exceed 50 

pounds. Detonators that will not mass 

detonate must be stored in a separate 

magazine and the total number of electric detonators must not exceed 5,000. 

(2) Construction. Indoor magazines are 

to be constructed of masonry, metalcovered wood, fabricated metal, or a 

combination of these materials. The 

walls and floors are to be constructed 

of, or covered with, a nonsparking material. The doors must be metal or 

solid wood covered with metal. 

(3) Hinges and hasps. Hinges and hasps 

are to be attached to doors by welding, 

riveting, or bolting (nuts on inside of 

door). Hinges and hasps must be installed so that they cannot be removed 

when the doors are closed and locked. 

(4) Locks. Each door is to be equipped 

with (i) two mortise locks; (ii) two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and 

staples; (iii) a combination of a mortise 

lock and padlock; (iv) a mortise lock 

that requires two keys to open; or (v) a 

three-point lock. Padlocks must have 

at least five tumblers and a case-hardened shackle of at least 3⁄8 inch diameter. Padlocks must be protected with 

not less than 1⁄4 inch steel hoods constructed so as to prevent sawing or 

lever action on the locks, hasps, and 

staples. Indoor magazines located in secure rooms that are locked as provided 

in this subparagraph may have each 

door locked with one steel padlock 

(which need not be protected by a steel 

hood) having at least five tumblers and 

a case-hardened shackle of at least 3⁄8

inch diameter, if the door hinges and 

lock hasp are securely fastened to the 

magazine. These requirements do not 

apply to magazine doors that are adequately secured on the inside by means 

of a bolt, lock, or bar that cannot be 

actuated from the outside. 

§ 555.211 Construction of type 5 magazines. 

A type 5 magazine is a building, igloo 

or ‘‘Army-type structure’’, tunnel, dugout, bin, box, trailer, or a semitrailer 

or other mobile facility. 

(a) Outdoor magazines—(1) General. 

Outdoor magazines are to be weatherresistant and theft-resistant. The 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with CFR
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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Justice § 555.213 

ground around magazines must slope 

away for drainage or other adequate 

drainage be provided. When unattended, vehicular magazines must have 

wheels removed or otherwise be effectively immobilized by kingpin locking 

devices or other methods approved by 

the Director. 

(2) Construction. The doors are to be 

constructed of solid wood or metal. 

(3) Hinges and hasps. Hinges and hasps 

are to be attached to doors by welding, 

riveting, or bolting (nuts on inside of 

door). Hinges and hasps must be installed so that they cannot be removed 

when the doors are closed and locked. 

(4) Locks. Each door is to be equipped 

with (i) two mortise locks; (ii) two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and 

staples; (iii) a combination of a mortise 

lock and a padlock; (iv) a mortise lock 

that requires two keys to open; or (v) a 

three-point lock. Padlocks must have 

at least five tumblers and a case-hardened shackle of at least 3⁄8 inch diameter. Padlocks must be protected with 

not less than 1⁄4 inch steel hoods constructed so as to prevent sawing or 

lever action on the locks, hasps, and 

staples. Trailers, semitrailers, and 

similar vehicular magazines may, for 

each door, be locked with one steel 

padlock (which need not be protected 

by a steel hood) having at least five 

tumblers and a case-hardened shackle 

of at least 3⁄8 inch diameter, if the door 

hinges and lock hasp are securely fastened to the magazine and to the door 

frame. These requirements do not 

apply to magazine doors that are adequately secured on the inside by means 

of a bolt, lock, or bar that cannot be 

actuated from the outside. 

(5) Placards. The placards required by 

Department of Transportation regulations at 49 CFR part 172, subpart F, for 

the transportation of blasting agents 

shall be displayed on all magazines. 

(b) Indoor magazines—(1) General. Indoor magazines are to be theft-resistant. They need not be weather-resistant if the buildings in which they are 

stored provide protection from the 

weather. No indoor magazine is to be 

located in a residence or dwelling. Indoor magazines containing quantities 

of blasting agents in excess of 50 

pounds are subject to the requirements 

of §555.206 of this subpart. 

(2) Construction. The doors are to be 

constructed of wood or metal. 

(3) Hinges and hasps. Hinges and hasps 

are to be attached to doors by welding, 

riveting, or bolting (nuts on inside). 

Hinges and hasps must be installed so 

that they cannot be removed when the 

doors are closed and locked. 

(4) Locks. Each door is to be equipped 

with (i) two mortise locks; (ii) two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and 

staples; (iii) a combination of a mortise 

lock and a padlock; (iv) a mortise lock 

that requires two keys to open; or (v) a 

three-point lock. Padlocks must have 

at least five tumblers and a case-hardened shackle of at least 3⁄8 inch diameter. Padlocks must be protected with 

not less than 1⁄4 inch steel hoods constructed so as to prevent sawing or 

lever action on the locks, hasps, and 

staples. Indoor magazines located in secure rooms that are locked as provided 

in this subparagraph may have each 

door locked with one steel padlock 

(which need not be protected by a steel 

hood) having at least five tumblers and 

a case-hardened shackle of at least 3⁄8

inch diameter, if the door hinges and 

lock hasps are securely fastened to the 

magazine and to the door frame. These 

requirements do not apply to magazine 

doors that are adequately secured on 

the inside by means of a bolt, lock, or 

bar that cannot be actuated from the 

outside. 

[T.D. ATF–87, 46 FR 40384, Aug. 7, 1981, as 

amended by T.D. ATF–298, 55 FR 21863, May 

30, 1990] 

§ 555.212 Smoking and open flames. 

Smoking, matches, open flames, and 

spark producing devices are not permitted: 

(a) In any magazine; 

(b) Within 50 feet of any outdoor 

magazine; or 

(c) Within any room containing an 

indoor magazine. 

§ 555.213 Quantity and storage restrictions. 

(a) Explosive materials in excess of 

300,000 pounds or detonators in excess 

of 20 million are not to be stored in one 

magazine unless approved by the Director. 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with CFR
172 

§ 555.214 27 CFR Ch. II (4–1–13 Edition) 

(b) Detonators are not to be stored in 

the same magazine with other explosive materials, except under the following circumstances: 

(1) In a type 4 magazine, detonators 

that will not mass detonate may be 

stored with electric squibs, safety fuse, 

shock tube, igniters, and igniter cord. 

(2) In a type 1 or type 2 magazine, 

detonators may be stored with delay 

devices and any of the items listed in 

paragraph (b)(1) of this section. 

[T.D. ATF–487, 68 FR 3748, Jan. 24, 2003, as 

amended by ATF 15F, 75 FR 3163, Jan. 20, 

2010] 

§ 555.214 Storage within types 1, 2, 3, 

and 4 magazines. 

(a) Explosive materials within a magazine are not to be placed directly 

against interior walls and must be 

stored so as not to interfere with ventilation. To prevent contact of stored 

explosive materials with walls, a nonsparking lattice work or other nonsparking material may be used. 

(b) Containers of explosive materials 

are to be stored so that marks are visible. Stocks of explosive materials are 

to be stored so they can be easily 

counted and checked upon inspection. 

(c) Except with respect to fiberboard 

or other nonmetal containers, containers of explosive materials are not 

to be unpacked or repacked inside a 

magazine or within 50 feet of a magazine, and must not be unpacked or repacked close to other explosive materials. Containers of explosive materials 

must be closed while being stored. 

(d) Tools used for opening or closing 

containers of explosive materials are 

to be of nonsparking materials, except 

that metal slitters may be used for 

opening fiberboard containers. A wood 

wedge and a fiber, rubber, or wooden 

mallet are to be used for opening or 

closing wood containers of explosive 

materials. Metal tools other than nonsparking transfer conveyors are not to 

be stored in any magazine containing 

high explosives. 

§ 555.215 Housekeeping. 

Magazines are to be kept clean, dry, 

and free of grit, paper, empty packages 

and containers, and rubbish. Floors are 

to be regularly swept. Brooms and 

other utensils used in the cleaning and 

maintenance of magazines must have 

no spark-producing metal parts, and 

may be kept in magazines. Floors 

stained by leakage from explosive materials are to be cleaned according to 

instructions of the explosives manufacturer. When any explosive material has 

deteriorated it is to be destroyed in accordance with the advice or instructions of the manufacturer. The area 

surrounding magazines is to be kept 

clear of rubbish, brush, dry grass, or 

trees (except live trees more than 10 

feet tall), for not less than 25 feet in all 

directions. Volatile materials are to be 

kept a distance of not less than 50 feet 

from outdoor magazines. Living foliage 

which is used to stabilize the earthen 

covering of a magazine need not be removed. 

§ 555.216 Repair of magazines. 

Before repairing the interior of magazines, all explosive materials are to be 

removed and the interior cleaned. Before repairing the exterior of magazines, all explosive materials must be 

removed if there exists any possibility 

that repairs may produce sparks or 

flame. Explosive materials removed 

from magazines under repair must be 

(a) placed in other magazines appropriate for the storage of those explosive materials under this subpart, or 

(b) placed a safe distance from the 

magazines under repair where they are 

to be properly guarded and protected 

until the repairs have been completed. 

§ 555.217 Lighting. 

(a) Battery-activated safety lights or 

battery-activated safety lanterns may 

be used in explosives storage magazines. 

(b) Electric lighting used in any explosives storage magazine must meet 

the standards prescribed by the ‘‘National Electrical Code,’’ (National Fire 

Protection Association, NFPA 70–81), 

for the conditions present in the magazine at any time. All electrical switches are to be located outside of the magazine and also meet the standards prescribed by the National Electrical 

Code. 

(c) Copies of invoices, work orders or 

similar documents which indicate the 

lighting complies with the National 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with CFR
173 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Justice § 555.218 

Electrical Code must be available for 

inspection by ATF officers. 

§ 555.218 Table of distances for storage of explosive materials. 

Quantity of explosives Distances in feet 

Pounds 

over 

Pounds 

not over 

Inhabited buildings 

Public highways with 

traffic volume of 3000 

or fewer vehicles/day 

Passenger railways— 

public highways with traffic volume of more than 

3,000 vehicles/day 

Separation of magazines 

Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded 

0 5 70 140 30 60 51 102 6 12 

5 10 90 180 35 70 64 128 8 16 

10 20 110 220 45 90 81 162 10 20 

20 30 125 250 50 100 93 186 11 22 

30 40 140 280 55 110 103 206 12 24 

40 50 150 300 60 120 110 220 14 28 

50 75 170 340 70 140 127 254 15 30 

75 100 190 380 75 150 139 278 16 32 

100 125 200 400 80 160 150 300 18 36 

125 150 215 430 85 170 159 318 19 38 

150 200 235 470 95 190 175 350 21 42 

200 250 255 510 105 210 189 378 23 46 

250 300 270 540 110 220 201 402 24 48 

300 400 295 590 120 240 221 442 27 54 

400 500 320 640 130 260 238 476 29 58 

500 600 340 680 135 270 253 506 31 62 

600 700 355 710 145 290 266 532 32 64 

700 800 375 750 150 300 278 556 33 66 

800 900 390 780 155 310 289 578 35 70 

900 1,000 400 800 160 320 300 600 36 72 

1,000 1,200 425 850 165 330 318 636 39 78 

1,200 1,400 450 900 170 340 336 672 41 82 

1,400 1,600 470 940 175 350 351 702 43 86 

1,600 1,800 490 980 180 360 366 732 44 88 

1,800 2,000 505 1,010 185 370 378 756 45 90 

2,000 2,500 545 1,090 190 380 408 816 49 98 

2,500 3,000 580 1,160 195 390 432 864 52 104 

3,000 4,000 635 1,270 210 420 474 948 58 116 

4,000 5,000 685 1,370 225 450 513 1,026 61 122 

5,000 6,000 730 1,460 235 470 546 1,092 65 130 

6,000 7,000 770 1,540 245 490 573 1,146 68 136 

7,000 8,000 800 1,600 250 500 600 1,200 72 144 

8,000 9,000 835 1,670 255 510 624 1,248 75 150 

9,000 10,000 865 1,730 260 520 645 1,290 78 156 

10,000 12,000 875 1,750 270 540 687 1,374 82 164 

12,000 14,000 885 1,770 275 550 723 1,446 87 174 

14,000 16,000 900 1,800 280 560 756 1,512 90 180 

16,000 18,000 940 1,880 285 570 786 1,572 94 188 

18,000 20,000 975 1,950 290 580 813 1,626 98 196 

20,000 25,000 1,055 2,000 315 630 876 1,752 105 210 

25,000 30,000 1,130 2,000 340 680 933 1,866 112 224 

30,000 35,000 1,205 2,000 360 720 981 1,962 119 238 

35,000 40,000 1,275 2,000 380 760 1,026 2,000 124 248 

40,000 45,000 1,340 2,000 400 800 1,068 2,000 129 258 

45,000 50,000 1,400 2,000 420 840 1,104 2,000 135 270 

50,000 55,000 1,460 2,000 440 880 1,140 2,000 140 280 

55,000 60,000 1,515 2,000 455 910 1,173 2,000 145 290 

60,000 65,000 1,565 2,000 470 940 1,206 2,000 150 300 

65,000 70,000 1,610 2,000 485 970 1,236 2,000 155 310 

70,000 75,000 1,655 2,000 500 1,000 1,263 2,000 160 320 

75,000 80,000 1,695 2,000 510 1,020 1,293 2,000 165 330 

80,000 85,000 1,730 2,000 520 1,040 1,317 2,000 170 340 

85,000 90,000 1,760 2,000 530 1,060 1,344 2,000 175 350 

90,000 95,000 1,790 2,000 540 1,080 1,368 2,000 180 360 

95,000 100,000 1,815 2,000 545 1,090 1,392 2,000 185 370 

100,000 110,000 1,835 2,000 550 1,100 1,437 2,000 195 390 

110,000 120,000 1,855 2,000 555 1,110 1,479 2,000 205 410 

120,000 130,000 1,875 2,000 560 1,120 1,521 2,000 215 430 

130,000 140,000 1,890 2,000 565 1,130 1,557 2,000 225 450 

140,000 150,000 1,900 2,000 570 1,140 1,593 2,000 235 470 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with CFR
174 

§ 555.219 27 CFR Ch. II (4–1–13 Edition) 

Quantity of explosives Distances in feet 

Pounds 

over 

Pounds 

not over 

Inhabited buildings 

Public highways with 

traffic volume of 3000 

or fewer vehicles/day 

Passenger railways— 

public highways with traffic volume of more than 

3,000 vehicles/day 

Separation of magazines 

Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded 

150,000 160,000 1,935 2,000 580 1,160 1,629 2,000 245 490 

160,000 170,000 1,965 2,000 590 1,180 1,662 2,000 255 510 

170,000 180,000 1,990 2,000 600 1,200 1,695 2,000 265 530 

180,000 190,000 2,010 2,010 605 1,210 1,725 2,000 275 550 

190,000 200,000 2,030 2,030 610 1,220 1,755 2,000 285 570 

200,000 210,000 2,055 2,055 620 1,240 1,782 2,000 295 590 

210,000 230,000 2,100 2,100 635 1,270 1,836 2,000 315 630 

230,000 250,000 2,155 2,155 650 1,300 1,890 2,000 335 670 

250,000 275,000 2,215 2,215 670 1,340 1,950 2,000 360 720 

275,000 300,000 2,275 2,275 690 1,380 2,000 2,000 385 770 

TABLE: AMERICAN TABLE OF DISTANCES FOR

STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES (DECEMBER 1910), 

AS REVISED AND APPROVED BY THE INSTITUTE OF MAKERS OF EXPLOSIVES—JULY, 

1991. 

Notes to the Table of Distances for Storage of 

Explosives 

(1) Terms found in the table of distances 

for storage of explosive materials are defined 

in §555.11. 

(2) When two or more storage magazines 

are located on the same property, each magazine must comply with the minimum distances specified from inhabited buildings, 

railways, and highways, and, in addition, 

they should be separated from each other by 

not less than the distances shown for ‘‘Separation of Magazines,’’ except that the quantity of explosives contained in cap magazines 

shall govern in regard to the spacing of said 

cap magazines from magazines containing 

other explosives. If any two or more magazines are separated from each other by less 

than the specified ‘‘Separation of Magazines’’ distances, then such two or more 

magazines, as a group, must be considered as 

one magazine, and the total quantity of explosives stored in such group must be treated 

as if stored in a single magazine located on 

the site of any magazine of the group, and 

must comply with the minimum of distances 

specified from other magazines, inhabited 

buildings, railways, and highways. 

(3) All types of blasting caps in strengths 

through No. 8 cap should be rated at 11⁄2 lbs. 

(1.5 lbs.) of explosives per 1,000 caps. For 

strengths higher than No. 8 cap, consult the 

manufacturer. 

(4) For quantity and distance purposes, 

detonating cord of 50 or 60 grains per foot 

should be calculated as equivalent to 9 lbs. of 

high explosives per 1,000 feet. Heavier or 

lighter core loads should be rated proportionately. 

[T.D. ATF–87, 46 FR 40384, Aug. 7, 1981, as 

amended by T.D. ATF–400, 63 FR 45003, Aug. 

24, 1998; T.D. ATF–446, 66 FR 16602, Mar. 27, 

2001; T.D. ATF–446a, 66 FR 19089, Apr. 13, 

2001] 

§ 555.219 Table of distances for storage 

of low explosives. 

Pounds From inhabited 

building 

distance 

(feet) 

From public railroad 

and highway distance 

(feet) 

From 

above 

ground 

magazine 

(feet) 

Over Not over 

0 1,000 75 75 50 

1,000 5,000 115 115 75 

5,000 10,000 150 150 100 

10,000 20,000 190 190 125 

20,000 30,000 215 215 145 

30,000 40,000 235 235 155 

40,000 50,000 250 250 165 

50,000 60,000 260 260 175 

60,000 70,000 270 270 185 

70,000 80,000 280 280 190 

80,000 90,000 295 295 195 

90,000 100,000 300 300 200 

100,000 200,000 375 375 250 

200,000 300,000 450 450 300 

§ 555.220 Table of separation distances 

of ammonium nitrate and blasting 

agents from explosives or blasting 

agents. 

TABLE: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AMMUNITION

AND EXPLOSIVES STANDARDS, TABLE 5–4.1 

EXTRACT; 4145.27 M, MARCH 1969 

Donor weight (pounds) Minimum separation 

distance of acceptor 

from donor when barricaded (ft.) 

Minimum 

thickness 

of artificial 

barricades 

(in.) 

Over Not over Ammonium nitrate 

Blasting 

agent 

................. 100 3 11 12 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with CFR
175 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Justice § 555.221 

1 Definition and Test Procedures for Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer, Fertilizer Institute 1015–18th St. N.W. Washington, DC 20036. 

Donor weight (pounds) Minimum separation 

distance of acceptor 

from donor when barricaded (ft.) 

Minimum 

thickness 

of artificial 

barricades 

(in.) 

Over Not over Ammonium nitrate 

Blasting 

agent 

100 300 4 14 12 

300 600 5 18 12 

600 1,000 6 22 12 

1,000 1,600 7 25 12 

1,600 2,000 8 29 12 

2,000 3,000 9 32 15 

3,000 4,000 10 36 15 

4,000 6,000 11 40 15 

6,000 8,000 12 43 20 

8,000 10,000 13 47 20 

10,000 12,000 14 50 20 

12,000 16,000 15 54 25 

16,000 20,000 16 58 25 

20,000 25,000 18 65 25 

25,000 30,000 19 68 30 

30,000 35,000 20 72 30 

35,000 40,000 21 76 30 

40,000 45,000 22 79 35 

45,000 50,000 23 83 35 

50,000 55,000 24 86 35 

55,000 60,000 25 90 35 

60,000 70,000 26 94 40 

70,000 80,000 28 101 40 

80,000 90,000 30 108 40 

90,000 100,000 32 115 40 

100,000 120,000 34 122 50 

120,000 140,000 37 133 50 

140,000 160,000 40 144 50 

160,000 180,000 44 158 50 

180,000 200,000 48 173 50 

200,000 220,000 52 187 60 

220,000 250,000 56 202 60 

250,000 275,000 60 216 60 

275,000 300,000 64 230 60 

TABLE: NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) OFFICIAL STANDARD NO. 492, 

1968 

Notes of Table of Separation Distances of Ammonium Nitrate and Blasting Agents From Explosives or Blasting Agents 

(1) This table specifies separation distances 

to prevent explosion of ammonium nitrate 

and ammonium nitrate-based blasting agents 

by propagation from nearby stores of high 

explosives or blasting agents referred to in 

the table as the ‘‘donor.’’ Ammonium nitrate, by itself, is not considered to be a 

donor when applying this table. Ammonium 

nitrate, ammonium nitrate-fuel oil or combinations thereof are acceptors. If stores of 

ammonium nitrate are located within the 

sympathetic detonation distance of explosives or blasting agents, one-half the mass of 

the ammonium nitrate is to be included in 

the mass of the donor. 

(2) When the ammonium nitrate and/or 

blasting agent is not barricaded, the distances shown in the table must be multiplied 

by six. These distances allow for the possibility of high velocity metal fragments from 

mixers, hoppers, truck bodies, sheet metal 

structures, metal containers, and the like 

which may enclose the ‘‘donor.’’ Where explosives storage is in bullet-resistant magazines or where the storage is protected by a 

bullet-resistant wall, distances and barricade 

thicknesses in excess of those prescribed in 

the table in §555.218 are not required. 

(3) These distances apply to ammonium nitrate that passes the insensitivity test prescribed in the definition of ammonium nitrate fertilizer issued by the Fertilizer Institute. 1 Ammonium nitrate failing to pass the 

test must be stored at separation distances 

in accordance with the table in §555.218. 

(4) These distances apply to blasting 

agents which pass the insensitivity test prescribed in regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (49 CFR part 173). 

(5) Earth or sand dikes, or enclosures filled 

with the prescribed minimum thickness of 

earth or sand are acceptable artificial barricades. Natural barricades, such as hills or 

timber of sufficient density that the surrounding exposures which require protection 

cannot be seen from the ‘‘donor’’ when the 

trees are bare of leaves, are also acceptable. 

(6) For determining the distances to be 

maintained from inhabited buildings, passenger railways, and public highways, use 

the table in §555.218. 

§ 555.221 Requirements for display 

fireworks, pyrotechnic compositions, and explosive materials used 

in assembling fireworks or articles 

pyrotechnic. 

(a) Display fireworks, pyrotechnic 

compositions, and explosive materials 

used to assemble fireworks and articles 

pyrotechnic shall be stored at all times 

as required by this Subpart unless they 

are in the process of manufacture, assembly, packaging, or are being transported. 

(b) No more than 500 pounds (227 kg) 

of pyrotechnic compositions or explosive materials are permitted at one 

time in any fireworks mixing building, 

any building or area in which the pyrotechnic compositions or explosive materials are pressed or otherwise prepared for finishing or assembly, or any 

finishing or assembly building. All pyrotechnic compositions or explosive 

materials not in immediate use will be 

stored in covered, non-ferrous containers. 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with CFR
176 

§ 555.222 27 CFR Ch. II (4–1–13 Edition) 

(c) The maximum quantity of flash 

powder permitted in any fireworks 

process building is 10 pounds (4.5 kg). 

(d) All dry explosive powders and 

mixtures, partially assembled display 

fireworks, and finished display fireworks shall be removed from fireworks 

process buildings at the conclusion of a 

day’s operations and placed in approved magazines. 

[T.D. ATF–293, 55 FR 3722, Feb. 5, 1990, as 

amended by T.D. ATF–400, 63 FR 45004, Aug. 

24, 1998] 

§ 555.222 Table of distances between 

fireworks process buildings and between fireworks process and fireworks nonprocess buildings. 

Net weight of 

fireworks 1

(pounds) 

Display fireworks 2

(feet) 

Consumer fireworks 3 (feet) 

0–100 ............. 57 ........................... 37 

101–200 ............. 69 ........................... 37 

201–300 ............. 77 ........................... 37 

301–400 ............. 85 ........................... 37 

401–500 ............. 91 ........................... 37 

Above 500 ......... Not permitted 4,5 .... Not permitted 4,5

1 Net weight is the weight of all pyrotechnic compositions, 

and explosive materials and fuse only. 2The distances in this column apply only with natural or artificial barricades. If such barricades are not used, the distances must be doubled. 3While consumer fireworks or articles pyrotechnic in a finished state are not subject to regulation, explosive materials 

used to manufacture or assemble such fireworks or articles 

are subject to regulation. Thus, fireworks process buildings 

where consumer fireworks or articles pyrotechnic are being 

processed shall meet these requirements. 4A maximum of 500 pounds of in-process pyrotechnic compositions, either loose or in partially-assembled fireworks, is 

permitted in any fireworks process building. Finished display 

fireworks may not be stored in a fireworks process building. 5A maximum of 10 pounds of flash powder, either in loose 

form or in assembled units, is permitted in any fireworks process building. Quantities in excess of 10 pounds must be kept 

in an approved magazine. 

[T.D. ATF–293, 55 FR 3723, Feb. 5, 1990, as 

amended by T.D. ATF–400, 63 FR 45004, Aug. 

24, 1998] 

§ 555.223 Table of distances between 

fireworks process buildings and 

other specified areas. 

DISTANCE FROM PASSENGER RAILWAYS, PUBLIC

HIGHWAYS, FIREWORKS PLANT BUILDINGS

USED TO STORE CONSUMER FIREWORKS AND

ARTICLES PYROTECHNIC, MAGAZINES AND

FIREWORKS SHIPPING BUILDINGS, AND INHABITED BUILDINGS. 3,4,5

Net weight of fireworks 1 (pounds) 

Display fireworks 1

(feet) 

Consumer fireworks 2 (feet) 

0–100 .................. 200 ...................... 25 

DISTANCE FROM PASSENGER RAILWAYS, PUBLIC

HIGHWAYS, FIREWORKS PLANT BUILDINGS

USED TO STORE CONSUMER FIREWORKS AND

ARTICLES PYROTECHNIC, MAGAZINES AND

FIREWORKS SHIPPING BUILDINGS, AND INHABITED BUILDINGS. 3,4,5—Continued 

Net weight of fireworks 1 (pounds) Display fireworks 1

(feet) 

Consumer fireworks 2 (feet) 

101–200 ................. 200 ...................... 50 

201–300 ................. 200 ...................... 50 

301–400 ................. 200 ...................... 50 

401–500 ................. 200 ...................... 50 

Above 500 .............. Not permitted ....... Not permitted. 

1 Net weight is the weight of all pyrotechnic compositions, 

and exposive materials and fuse only. 2While consumer fireworks or articles pyrotechnic in a finished state are not subject to regulation, explosive materials 

used to manufacture or assemble such fireworks or articles 

are subject to regulation. Thus, fireworks process buildings 

where consumer fireworks or articles pyrotechnic are being 

processed shall meet these requirements. 3This table does not apply to the separation distances between fireworks process buildings (see § 555.222) and between magazines (see §§ 555.218 and 555.224). 4The distances in this table apply with or without artificial or 

natural barricades or screen barricades. However, the use of 

barricades is highly recommended. 5 No work of any kind, except to place or move items other 

than explosive materials from storage, shall be conducted in 

any building designated as a warehouse. A fireworks plant 

warehouse is not subject to § 555.222 or this section, tables 

of distances. 

[T.D. ATF–293, 55 FR 3723, Feb. 5, 1990, as 

amended by T.D. ATF–400, 63 FR 45004, Aug. 

24, 1998] 

§ 555.224 Table of distances for the 

storage of display fireworks (except 

bulk salutes). 

Net weight of firework 1

(pounds) 

Distance between 

magazine and inhabited building, passenger railway, or 

public highway 3,4

(feet) 

Distance 

between 

magazines 2,3

(feet) 

0–1000 ........................ 150 ........................... 100 

1001–5000 .................. 230 ........................... 150 

5001–10000 ................ 300 ........................... 200 

Above 10000 ............... Use table § 555.218 ....................

1 Net weight is the weight of all pyrotechnic compositions, 

and explosive materials and fuse only. 2For the purposes of applying this table, the term ‘‘magazine’’ also includes fireworks shipping buildings for display 

fireworks. 3For fireworks storage magazines in use prior to (30 days 

from the date of publication of the final rule in the FEDERAL

REGISTER), the distances in this table may be halved if properly barricaded between the magazine and potential receptor 

sites. 4This table does not apply to the storage of bulk salutes. 

Use table at § 555.218. 

[T.D. ATF–293, 55 FR 3723, Feb. 5, 1990, as 

amended by T.D. ATF–400, 63 FR 45004, Aug. 

24, 1998] 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with CFR