How should blasting agents and ANFO be stored and handled?

• A. In vehicles outdoors
• B. In unmarked containers; casual storage; ignore inventory; keep near heat
• C. Keep together with fertilizer
• D. In approved, labeled containers; secure storage; follow inventory and handling procedures; avoid ignition sources

Answer: (D)

Storing and handling blasting agents and ANFO requires using approved, labeled containers, secure storage, and strict inventory and handling procedures while avoiding ignition sources. These materials are sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, and ammonium nitrate–based mixtures can detonate if mismanaged. Labeling and approved containers ensure you know exactly what’s present and prevent contamination or misidentification, while secure storage limits access and keeps the materials away from unauthorized people or tampering. An accurate inventory helps track quantities, batch numbers, and shelf life, which is essential for safe blasting operations. Avoid ignition sources by keeping heat, sparks, open flames, and other ignition risks away from the storage area.

Storing blasting agents in vehicles outdoors introduces heat exposure, weather effects, theft risk, and unstable conditions. Unmarked containers with casual storage and ignoring the inventory, especially near heat, create immediate hazards and regulatory violations. Keeping blasting agents with fertilizer is dangerous and inappropriate due to chemical incompatibilities and the need for separate, controlled handling.