The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) recently published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to remove the reference to an outdated guidance document in an explanatory note following the table of separation distances (TSD) of ammonium nitrate (AN) and blasting agents from explosives or blasting agents. ATF also proposed amending that note to clarify that those separation distance requirements apply to all AN.
Category Archives: ATF
ATF Approves Variance from Q/D Based on IMESAFR
According to the Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME), ATF has approved the first variance from the American Table of Distances (ATD) based on a quantitative risk analysis using the Institute of Makers of Explosives Analysis for Risk (IMESAFR) tool. IME Member Company, Nelson Brothers, was granted the variance in April 2015. Explosives Risk Managers LLC (ERM) contributed to this effort and congratulates IME and Nelson Brothers for this accomplishment. Please contact us at (202) 288-2029 or santis@ermanagers.com if you are interested in seeking ERM’s support in getting a variance from ATF from quantity-distance (Q/D) regulations.
B. Todd Jones Resigns as ATF Director
After less than two years at the post, ATF Director B. Todd Jones has resigned, the agency announced on Friday. Jones was the first ATF Director approved by Congress after a lengthy period from 2006 to 2013 in which a series of nominees failed to meet Congress’ criteria and the agency was rudderless.
So once again, ATF has no permanent leader. This is not a good situation for the explosives industry. Initiatives that would be beneficial to industry may now be held up because of uncertainty at the top.