SLP-1

Construction Guide for Storage Magazines

FOREWORD

Explosive materials are unique and highly useful tools in our modern technology. It is in the best interest
of society to ensure that explosives are available where they are needed, when they are needed and at
costs consistent with the functions they perform. Storage is necessary to fill these needs.

All explosive materials should be stored in magazines properly located and designed to comply with all
applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and regulations. The purpose of regulating storage is to
minimize public exposure and unauthorized access to potentially dangerous materials and to reduce
deterioration of explosive materials.

This publication furnishes guidelines for the construction of proper explosive materials storage
magazines. Experience over the years has led to the development of these magazine designs by the
explosives industry that have been accepted as standards by most public authorities and explosive
materials consumers.

Other IME publications should be consulted for more detailed information regarding site location,
definitions of terms, and magazine operating procedures.

The information provided in this SLP is not intended to cover all hazards, safe practices or technical
challenges associated with the construction and/or use of explosives magazines. This SLP also is not
intended to replace or interpret federal, state, and/or local requirements applicable to explosives
magazines and explosives storage. Users of this document should also consult and comply with all such
requirements.

3
4
 DEFINITIONS

See the most recent edition of IME SLP-12, “Glossary of Commercial Explosives Industry Terms” for the
definition of terms used in this document.

5
6
 EXPLOSIVES REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Magazine construction in the United States is regulated primarily by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). ATF issues regulations prescribing standards for magazine construction
at 27 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 555. The construction recommendations set forth in this
Safety Library Publication (SLP) are intended for use by persons subject to ATF regulations.

Explosive materials storage is also regulated by other federal agencies such as the Mine Safety and Health
Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Explosive materials storage may
also be subject to regulation by state and local governments. Sites where commercial explosives are
stored with explosives under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense may be subject to military
standards. This SLP does not address the requirements of any regulatory authorities that may differ from
those of the ATF.

For storage purposes, ATF classifies explosive materials as High Explosives, Low Explosives, or
Blasting Agents. ATF also classifies some detonators as mass-detonating. Table 1 shows the ATF
definitions for these terms.

TABLE 1
ATF Explosives Classifications and Definitions

ATF Term ATF Definition

Explosive materials which can be caused to detonate by means of a blasting cap when
High Explosive unconfined, (for example, dynamite, flash powders, and bulk salutes). If an explosive article
contains high explosives, ATF considers the article a high explosive.
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
Low Explosive as UN0333, UN0334, or UN0335 by the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations at 49
CFR 172.101, except for bulk salutes). If an explosive article contains low explosives but no
high explosives, ATF considers the article a low explosive.

Any material or mixture, consisting of fuel and oxidizer, that is intended for blasting and not
Blasting Agent otherwise defined as an explosive; if the finished product, as mixed for use or shipment,
cannot be detonated by means of a number 8 test blasting cap when unconfined.

Explosive materials mass detonate (mass explode) when a unit or any part of a larger quantity
Mass Detonation or
of explosive material explodes and causes all or a substantial part of the remaining material to
Mass Explosion
detonate or explode.

7
Table 2 shows the type of storage magazine ATF specifies for storing each class of explosive material.

TABLE 2
Magazine Options Based on ATF Requirements

Storage in Magazines Magazine Types

1 2 3 4 5

High Explosives (includes dynamites; cap

sensitive emulsions; slurries and watergels; and X X X
cast boosters)
Low Explosives (includes black powder and
X X X X
propellants)
Mass-detonating Detonators, detonating cord and
other explosive articles containing high X X X
explosives
Detonators that will not mass detonate X X X X
Articles containing low explosives (includes
safety fuse, electric squibs, igniters, and igniter X X X X
cord)
Blasting Agents X X X X X

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Table 3 shows the types of explosives materials that may be stored together according to ATF
classifications. For interim storage prior to transportation, Table 6 should be consulted.

TABLE 3
Explosives Compatibility Based on ATF Requirements (other than storage related to
transportation)
Magazine Type 1 Classes of materials 2 Detonator storage 3
(that may be stored together)
Type 1 All classes of explosives: High explosives, Detonators may not be stored in the same
low explosives, and blasting agents Type 1 magazine as other explosives, except
for shock tube, electric squibs, safety fuse,
igniters and igniter cord.
Type 2 All classes of explosives: High explosives, Detonators may not be stored in the same
low explosives, and blasting agents Type 2 magazine as other explosives, except
for shock tube, electric squibs, safety fuse,
igniters and igniter cord.
Type 3 All classes of explosives: High explosives, Detonators may not be stored with other
low explosives, and blasting agents explosive materials in a Type 3 magazine.
Type 4 Low explosives and blasting agents Only detonators that are non-mass detonating
may be stored in a Type 4 magazine, and
may be stored with shock tube, electric
squibs, safety fuse, igniters and igniter cord.
Type 5 Blasting agents Detonators may not be stored in a Type 5
magazine.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations at 49 CFR Parts 171-173, specify the labels and
markings that must be shown on explosive packagings and shipping containers to indicate the type of
explosive material and its hazard classification. DOT adopted, effective October 1, 1991, the United
Nations (UN) recommended shipping names and classifications. The display of DOT hazardous materials
classifications that were in use prior to October 1, 1991 is not permitted. 4

The UN recommendations classify explosive materials as Class 1 materials. They are then divided into
Divisions to indicate their relative hazard within the Class as shown in Table 4. All explosives must be
assigned an explosive hazard classification by DOT prior to transportation. Additionally, all Class 1
materials are assigned a Compatibility Letter to show which materials, when grouped together, will not
significantly increase the probability of an accident, or, for a given quantity, increase the magnitude of the
effects from such an accident.

1
Types of magazines as defined by ATF regulations, 27 CFR Part 555 Subpart K. This table applies to outdoor, indoor, and (other than Type 1)
vehicular or mobile magazines.
2
Classes of explosive materials per ATF regulations are High explosives, Low Explosives, and Blasting Agents. See SLP-1, Table 1.
3
27 CFR 555.213.
4
This includes the terms “Class A”, “Class B”, and “Class C” explosives.

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 TABLE 4
UN/DOT Commercial Explosive Classifications

DOT Explosive
Primary Hazard
Classification
Division 1.1 Mass explosion.
Division 1.2 Projections.
Division 1.3 Fire with a minor blast or projection hazard.
Division 1.4 Minor explosion hazard, not mass exploding.
Insensitive explosives with very little probability of initiation or transition from burning to
Division 1.5
detonation during transport.

The differences and similarities between ATF and DOT explosive classifications and the omnipresent DOT
labeling on explosives packages make it important that anyone storing explosive materials be aware of how
DOT’s classification and labeling relate to the ATF’s classification and storage requirements.

A major similarity is that a DOT Division 1.4 explosive will not mass detonate if the conditions of DOT’s
approval are maintained. Changes to an explosive’s package may invalidate the DOT Division 1.4
classification. For example, removing Division 1.4 detonators from their package and placing them in another
box may allow them to mass explode. The DOT approval documentation will describe packaging
requirements for proper classification.

Another major similarity is that a DOT Division 1.5 material meets ATF’s definition of blasting agent and a
DOT Division 5.1 material does not. This can often be helpful in determining if bulk products should be
stored in a Type 5 magazine.

A major difference is that DOT classifies black powder as Division 1.1 and even as Division 4.1 (flammable
solid) under certain conditions while ATF classifies black powder as a low explosive.

Table 5 summarizes the general relationship between the DOT and ATF explosive classifications for blasting
materials as commonly offered for transportation. Comparing Tables 2 and 3 can help determine the proper
storage for various materials.

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 TABLE 5
Blasting Materials – Common ATF and DOT Classifications

Blasting Material ATF Classification DOT Classification

Detonator-sensitive stick powder High explosive Division 1.1

Black powder and propellants Low explosive Division 1.1, 1.3 or 4.1

Fuse caps, detonating cord Mass detonating high explosive Division 1.1
detonator
Electric and nonelectric detonators Non-mass detonating high explosive Division 1.4
detonator
Safety fuse, electric squibs, igniters Low Explosive Division 1.1 or 1.4
and igniter cord
ANFO and other blasting agents Blasting agent Division 1.5

Ammonium nitrate and Not regulated by ATF Division 5.1

“unsensitized” emulsions, watergels,
and slurries

Table 6 provides guidance for storage of explosives prior to transportation. Although current ATF storage
regulations do not refer to compatibility letters, DOT compatibility letters can be helpful in determining
permissible storage of explosive materials as shown in Table 6. A “Yes” in Table 6 indicates that the
materials can be safely stored and transported together. For detailed information on UN Compatibility
Groups and classification codes refer to 49 CFR Part 173.52 (October 1, 1992).

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 TABLE 6
Compatibility Groups Used in Transporting, Loading and Storage Incidental to Transportation
Compatibility group letters are used to specify the controls applicable to explosives in transportation and storage related thereto, and to
prevent an increase in hazard that might result if certain types of explosives were transported or stored together. 5

NOTES TO TABLE 6:
2
– No detonators may be stored in the same magazine with other explosive materials, except that detonators which are not mass detonating may
be stored with safety fuse, electric squibs, igniters, or igniter cord in Type 1, 2, 3, or 4 magazines.
3
– Explosive articles in compatibility group G, such as fireworks and those requiring special handling, should not be stored with explosives in
compatibility groups C, D and E.

Class.
Compatibility Group A B2 C3 D3 E3 G S2
Code

A- Primary explosive substance ----- No No No No No No 1.1A

B- Article containing a primary explosive substance and
not containing two or more effective protective
1.1B
features. Some articles, such as detonators for blasting,
No ----- No No No No Yes 1.2B
detonator assemblies for blasting and primers, cap-
1.4B
type, are included, even though they do not contain
primary explosives.
C- Propellant explosive substance or other deflagrating
1.1C,1.2C
explosive substance or article containing such No No ----- Yes Yes Yes Yes
1.3C,1.4C
explosive substance.
D- Secondary detonating explosive substance or black
powder or article containing a secondary detonating
1.1D
explosive substance, in each case without means of
No No Yes ----- Yes Yes Yes 1.2D
initiation and without a propelling charge, or article
1.4D
containing a primary explosive substance and
1.5D
containing two or more effective protective features.
E- Article containing a secondary detonating explosive
substance, without means of initiation, with a 1.1E
propelling charge (other than one containing No No Yes Yes ----- Yes Yes 1.2E
flammable liquid or gel or hypergolic liquid) or 1.4E
without a propelling charge.
G- Pyrotechnic substance or article containing a
pyrotechnic substance, or article containing both an
1.1G
explosive substance and an illuminating, incendiary,
1.2G
tear-producing or smoke-producing substance (other No No Yes Yes Yes ----- Yes
1.3G
than a water-activated article or one containing white
1.4G
phosphorus, phosphide or flammable liquid or gel or
hypergolic liquid).
S- Substance or article so packed or designed that any
hazardous effects arising from accidental functioning
are limited to the extent that they do not significantly
No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes ----- 1.4S
hinder or prohibit fire-fighting or other emergency
response efforts in the immediate vicinity of the
package.

5
The information in Table 6 is derived from DOT regulations at 49 CFR 173.52.

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 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS – MAGAZINE CONSTRUCTION

Table 7 shows the general construction features for the five types of explosives storage magazines.
TABLE 7
Construction Features for Explosives Storage Magazines

Construction Feature Magazine Types

1 2 3 4 5

Permanent X X X
Portable X X X X
Bullet-Resistant X X
Fire-Resistant X X X X6 X4
Theft-Resistant X X X X X7
Weather-Resistant X X X X X
4
Ventilated X X X X X4

Magazines constructed according to the following minimum specifications are approved as bullet-
resistant.

A. Exterior of steel:
1. 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) steel with an interior lining of any type of non-sparking material.
2. ½-inch (12.7 mm) steel with an interior lining of not less than 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) plywood.
3. 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) steel with an interior lining of:
a. 2 inches (51 mm) of hardwood, or
b. 3 inches (76 mm) of softwood, or
c. 2-1/4 inches (57 mm) of plywood.
4. 1/4–inch (6.4 mm) steel with an interior lining of:
a. 3 inches (76 mm) of hardwood, or
b. 5 inches (127 mm) of softwood, or
c. 5-1/4 inches (133 mm) of plywood, or
d. 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) of plywood with an intermediate layer of 2 inches (51 mm) of
hardwood, or
e. 5-1/4 inches (133 mm) of particle board.
5. 3/16-inch (4.8 mm) steel with an interior lining of:
a. 4 inches (102 mm) of hardwood, or
b. 7 inches (178 mm) of softwood, or
c. 6-3/4 inches (171 mm) of plywood, or
d. 3/4 inches (19 mm) of plywood with an intermediate layer of 3 inches (76 mm) of
hardwood, or
e. 6-3/4 inches (171 mm) of particle board.
6. 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) steel with an interior lining of:
a. 5 inches (127 mm) of hardwood, or
b. 9 inches (229 mm) of softwood, or
6
Over-the-road trucks or semi-trailers used for storage as Type 4 or 5 magazines need not be fire-resistant or ventilated.
7
Each door of a Mobile Type 5 magazine shall be equipped with at least one 5-tumbler padlock having at least a 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) case-
hardened shackle. The lock need not be hooded.

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 c. 3/4 inches (19 mm) of plywood with an intermediate layer of 4 inches (102 mm) of
hardwood, or
d. 3/4 inches (19 mm) of plywood with a first intermediate layer of 3/4-inch (19 mm)
plywood and a second intermediate layer of 3-5/8 inches (92 mm) of well-tamped dry
sand or sand/cement mixture.

Figure 1. Exteriors of Steel

B. Exterior of any type of fire-resistant material which is structurally sound with:

1. An interior lining of 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) plywood placed securely against an intermediate
layer of:
a. 4 inches (102 mm) of solid concrete block, or
b. 4 inches (102 mm) of solid brick, or
c. 4 inches (102 mm) of solid concrete.
2. An interior lining of 3/4 inches (19 mm) of plywood and a first intermediate layer of 3/4–
inch (19 mm) plywood, a second intermediate layer of 3-5/8 inches (92 mm) of well-tamped
dry sand or sand/cement mixture, a third intermediate layer of 3/4-inch (19 mm) plywood,
and a fourth intermediate layer of 2 inches (51 mm) of hardwood or 14-gauge steel
3. An intermediate 6-inch (152 mm) space filled with well-tamped dry sand or well-tamped
sand/cement mixture.

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 Figure 2. Exterior of Fire Resistant Material Wall Sections

C. Masonry construction of:

1. Standard 8-inch (203 mm) concrete block with voids filled with well-tamped dry sand or well
tamped sand/cement mixture, or
2. Standard 8-inch (203 mm) solid brick, or
3. 8-inch (203 mm) thick solid concrete, or
4. Two 4-inch (102 mm) thickness of concrete block.

Construction guidelines for Type 1 magazines are shown in figures on pages 10, 12, 15-20, and 22.
Illustrations of Types 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 magazines are shown on pages 13, and 23 through 25.

TYPE 1 MAGAZINES

A Type 1 magazine is a permanent structure

such as a building, igloo, tunnel or dugout. It
is to be bullet-resistant, fire-resistant,
weather-resistant, theft-resistant, and
ventilated.

Figure 3. Type 1 Magazine

EXCAVATION and FOUNDATION

Footings for concrete, concrete block, stone, or brick shall are to be constructed of concrete and
designed and constructed in accordance with approved building standards.

15
Foundations are to be constructed of concrete, concrete blocks, stone, brick, metal, or wood and are to
be completely enclosed except for vent openings to provide for magazine ventilation. If piers or posts
are used, any space under the magazine is to be enclosed with metal.

The ground around a magazine must slope away for drainage or other adequate drainage provided.

WALL CONSTRUCTION
Walls are to be constructed of a combination of steel, masonry or other materials which are fire-
resistant and structurally sound, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5.

Any wood on the exterior of the magazine are to be covered with a material offering reasonable
protection against fire.

Voids in standard concrete blocks are to be filled with well-tamped dry sand or well-tamped
sand/cement mixture.

Lattice lining as shown in Figures 4 and 5 is to be installed to aid in ventilating the magazine.

NOTE: Painting the exterior walls of the magazine an aluminum or light color will increase surface
reflection and reduce heating of the interior of the magazine.

FLOOR
The floor is to be constructed of wood or other approved materials. Figures 4, 5, and 6 show masonry
magazines with foundation, ventilation, and wood flooring.

ROOF or CEILING
The roof is to be constructed of structurally sound materials which are, or have been made, fire-
resistant on the exterior.

Where the natural terrain around the magazine makes it possible to shoot a bullet through the ceiling
or roof at such an angle that a bullet could strike the material stored in the magazine, then either the
roof or ceiling is to be bullet-resistant construction.

When required, a bullet-resistant roof is to be constructed according to any of the wall sections shown
on Figure 1.

A bullet-resistant ceiling is to be constructed at the eave line, covering the entire area of the magazine
except the space necessary for ventilation. The bullet-resistant ceiling is to be constructed according
to any of the wall sections shown on Figures 1 and 2, or by installing a 4 inch (102 mm) thick sand
tray as shown on Figures 4 and 5.

Other methods of construction for a ceiling that have been tested and found to be bullet-resistant are:
(a) 20 gauge steel with 4-inches (102 mm) hardwood, and (b) 18 gauge aluminum with 7-inches (178
mm) hardwood.

16
Figure 4. Half Cross Section of Type 1 Masonry Magazine

17
Figure 5. Half Longitudinal Section of Masonry Magazine

18
 Figure 6. Floor & Foundation Plan for Masonry Magazine

DOORS and LOCKS

Doors are to be constructed according to any of the wall sections shown on Figures 1 and 2 that are
practical. Commonly used door construction and details are shown on Figures 7, 8, and 9.

Each door is to fit tightly. Hinges, hasps, and all locking hardware is to be rigidly secure and fastened
by welding or by through-bolts, which cannot be removed when the door is locked.

Approved locking methods include:

1. Two mortise locks; or
2. Two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and staples. Padlocks should be steel, having at least
five tumblers and at least 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) diameter case-hardened shackle. All padlocks
should be protected by steel hoods made from 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) minimum thickness steel
and installed in such a manner as to discourage insertion of bolt-cutters, saws, files or
levering devices; or
3. Combination of mortise lock and a hooded padlock; or
4. Mortise lock that requires two keys to open; or
5. Three-point lock or equivalent-type lock that secures the door to the frame at more than one
point.

NOTE: Doors that are secured by at least two substantial internal bolts or bars do not require
additional locking devices on the exterior.

19
Figure 7. Door Opening Plan Section

Figure 8. Door Details

20
 Figure 9. Detail of Magazine Latches & Padlock Cover

VENTILATION
Adequate ventilation is to be provided to prevent dampening and heating of stored explosive
materials. Climatic conditions, magazine size and location will determine the amount of ventilation
required. The generally accepted minimum ventilation area is 0.2 square inches per cubic foot of
magazine space.

Recommended ventilation is as follows:

1. Wall or foundation – 4-inch (102 mm) x 8-inch (203 mm) openings on 6-foot (1.83 m)
centers around the magazine.
2. Roof (globe-type ventilator) - One 12-inch (305 mm) diameter per each 12-feet (3.66 m) of
magazine length or one 10-inch (254 mm) diameter per each 10-feet (3.05 m) of magazine
length.

Ventilating openings are to be screened as shown on Figure 10 to prevent the entrance of sparks and
rodents.

As shown on Figure 10, ventilation openings in foundations and walls are to be offset or shielded for
bullet resistant purposes.

For magazine security, ventilating openings are not to exceed 6-inch (152 mm) x 12-inch (305 mm)
or 12-inches (305 mm) in diameter.

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Ventilators are to be so spaced as to permit an even air flow throughout the entire magazine interior.
Magazine walls are to be provided with wooden lattice lining or equivalent to prevent the packages of
explosive materials from being stacked against the side walls and blocking the air circulation.

Figure 10. Vent Details

TYPE 2 MAGAZINE

A Type 2 magazine is a portable

or mobile structure such as a skid-
magazine, trailer, or semi-trailer.
Any of the wall construction
specifications for a Type 1
magazine are acceptable for a
Type 2 outdoor magazine.

Figure 11. Type 2 Magazines

The magazine is to be supported in such a manner as to prevent the floor from being in contact with
the ground. A magazine of less than one cubic yard in size is to be fastened to a fixed object to
prevent theft of the entire magazine.

Hinges, hasps, locks, and locking hardware are to conform to provisions for Type 1 kingpin locking
device, or by other approved measures.

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 TYPE 3 MAGAZINE

A Type 3 magazine is a “day box” or

other portable magazine. It is to be theft-
resistant, fire-resistant, and weather-
resistant (does not have to be bullet-
resistant).

Figure 12. Type 3 Magazines

Minimum specifications require that a “day box” be constructed of not less than 12-gauge (.1046
inch) (2.66 mm) steel, lined with ½ -inch (12.7 mm) hardboard or plywood. The door or lid is to
overlap the door opening by at least 1 inch (25 mm). Hinges, hasps, and panels are to be welded,
riveted, or bolted (with nuts on inside) so they cannot be removed or disassembled from the outside

The magazine is to be equipped with steel padlocks with at least five tumblers (which need not be
protected by a steel hood) having at least a 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) diameter case-hardened shackle.
Explosive materials are not to be left unattended in Type 3 magazines and must be removed to Type 1
or Type 2 magazines.

TYPE 4 MAGAZINE

A Type 4 magazine may be a permanent,

portable, or mobile structure such as a building,
igloo, box, semi-trailer, or other mobile
container. It is to be fire, weather, and theft-
resistant, but it does not need to be bullet-
resistant.

Figure 13. Type 4 Trailer Magazine

Construction is to be of masonry, wood covered

with metal, fabricated metal, or a combination of
these materials. Permanent Type 4 magazines
shall be constructed according to Type 1
magazine requirements with respect to
foundations, floors, ventilation, and locking
devices.

Figure 14. Type 4 Permanent Magazine

NOTE: Over-the-road trailers or semi-trailers used for storage as Type 4 magazines need not be
ventilated.

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Unattended vehicular Type 4 magazines are to have wheels removed or shall be immobilized by kingpin
locking devices.

TYPE 5 MAGAZINE
A Type 5 magazine may be a building, an igloo or Army-type structure, a
dugout, a bin, a box, a trailer, or a semi-trailer, or other mobile facility. It
shall be weather and theft-resistant but need not be bullet resistant.
Permanent Type 5 magazines are to be ventilated in accordance with Type 1
magazine requirements, but mobile and bin-type facilities do not have to be
ventilated.

Construction is to be of masonry, wood covered with metal, fabricated

metal, or a combination of these materials. Foundations, floors, and
ventilation are to be in accordance with Type 1 magazine requirements.
Doors shall be of metal or wood covered with metal. Only one locking
device is required per door or cover. Locks on bins or mobile units do not
require lock hoods.

NOTE: Vehicular or bin Type 5 magazines do not require ventilators.

Figure 15. Type 5
Bin Magazine
Unattended vehicular Type 5 magazines shall have wheels removed or shall be immobilized by kingpin
locking devices. Placards required by DOT must be displayed on all Type 5 magazines containing
blasting agents.

Figure 16. Type 5 Trailer Magazine Figure 17. Type 5 Tank Magazine

INDOOR STORAGE
Magazines used for indoor storage are to be fire and theft-resistant. They
do not have to be weather or bullet-resistant.
No indoor storage facility is to contain more than 50 pounds (22.7 kg) of
explosive materials or more than 5,000 detonators. When explosive
materials and detonators are stored in the same building they are to be
stored in separate magazines.
NOTE: No indoor storage magazine for explosive materials is to be
located in a residence or dwelling.
Figure 18. Type 2
Indoor Magazine

24