Explosives FAQ's

Explosives

1.  Who is required to obtain an explosive permit?
2.  Am I required to have a Colorado Explosive Permit if I have a federal explosive license or permit?
3.  What is required to obtain a Type I explosive permit?
4.  How do I obtain an application?
5.  When will my permit expire?
6.  Are there additional requirements for the transportation of explosives on public roads or highways?
7.  What is the photo requirement for an individual blaster’s Type I permit?
8.  Do I submit my application before showing up for the exam?

For further information contact the Public Safety Office at 303-318-8495.

 1.  Who is required to obtain an explosive permit?

Except as specifically allowed by these regulations, it is unlawful for any person to use, possess, control, manufacture, purchase, sell, store, transport, or dispose of any explosive material without possessing a valid permit from the Division of Oil and Public Safety. 

• Type I Permit:  A permit required by and issued by the Division of Oil and Public Safety to individuals who possess and control or have access to explosives materials during the use, transportation, storage, distribution, manufacturing, sale, acquisition, or purchase of explosives materials.
   
• Type II Permit: A permit required by and issued by the Division of Oil and Public Safety to corporations, companies, partnerships, firms, individuals operating a business, associations, or state or local government agencies involved in the use, purchase, sale, manufacture, transportation, or disposal of explosives.
   
• Type III Permit: A permit required by and issued by the Division of Oil and Public Safety to corporations, companies, partnerships, firms, individuals operating a business, associations, or state or local government agencies for the storage of explosives in approved magazines.

2.  Am I required to have a Colorado Explosive Permit if I have a federal explosive license or permit?

Yes.  Link to http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/27cfr555_03.html  §555.62

3.  What is required to obtain a Type I explosive permit?

Individuals must submit an application, application fee of $75.00 and fingerprint card, have not less than one year of experience or on the job training in the use of explosives, undergo a criminal history check, and obtain a score of at least 90% on an exam administered by the division.

4.   How do I obtain an application?

 You may call or write the:

                                            Division of Oil and Public Safety Section
                                            633 17th Street, Suite 500
                                            Denver, CO 80202 to request

Or call (303) 318-8495, to request an application.

5.  When will my permit expire?

 An explosive permit is issued for a period not to exceed 36 months. 

6.  Are there additional requirements for the transportation of explosives on public roads or highways?

Yes, certain classes and amounts of explosive materials require a Hazardous Materials Transportation permit from the Public Utilities Commission and a Commercial Driver’s License with a Hazardous Materials transportation endorsement.   The Colorado Public Utilities Commission may be contacted at (303) 894-2868

7.  What is the photo requirement for an individual blaster’s Type I permit?

If you are submitting training documentation in lieu of the exam, you must contact the Division and make arrangements for the submission of a photo.  This photo must be taken by the Division or submitted in electronic form in a J-Peg file.

8.  Do I submit my application before showing up for the exam?

Yes, you must have submitted an application and received an invitation to test in order to sit for the explosives exam.  Please bring your test invitation and a valid ID when you show up for the exam.