Blasting in Massachusetts requires permits and licenses. Blasting companies must hold an Explosives Users Certificate. Individuals must hold an Explosives Certificate of Competency. Companies must also have explosive magazine permits for permanent and vehicle mounted magazines. Local fire departments issue Use and Handling Permits for specific blasting projects.
Blasting Permits and Licenses
Blasting companies must have:
- An explosive user certificate
- An explosive magazine permit for permanent and vehicle mounted magazines
- A license to sell explosives
Individuals must have:
See the application instructions and licensing exam schedule.
Local fire departments issue Use and Handling Permits for specific blasting projects.
The Fire Safety Division has discontinued the Online Blasting Detail training course for fire departments. It has been replaced with a Blasting Detail Orientation Program from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. To register go to the DFS Learning Management System and search for course number 611-Blasting Detail Orientation Program.
Additional Resources for
Fireworks and Special Effects Permits and Licenses
Companies and individuals using fireworks and special effects must have:
- A pyrotechnic user certificate
- A fireworks certificate of competency
- A special effects certificate of competency
Fireworks can only be used by licensed shooters in Massachusetts where an FP-027 Application/Permit for Supervised Display of Fireworks has been obtained from the local fire department.
Additional Resources for
Transportation of Explosives and Fireworks Permits
All explosive magazine trucks must have:
- An explosive magazine permit from the Division of Fire Safety. This involves an inspection.
Trucks transporting fireworks must have:
- A permit to transport fireworks from the Division of Fire Safety
Additional Resources for
Information for Property Owners
Property owners may have concerns about nearby blasting projects. They can:
- Read Facts about Blasting for Massachusetts Property Owners before a blasting project begins.
- Use a pre-blast survey offered by blasting companies.
- If property owners believe that blasting damaged their property, they can complete the Blasting Regulatory Review form and submit it to the local fire department within 30 days of the blasting incident.
Information for Fire Departments
- Learn about training for public safety employees who work on blasting details. The training includes information on transportation, storage and use of explosive materials and air blast, ground vibration, and fly rock. The training includes a test.
- Learn about who can have and use explosives in Massachusetts in Public Safety: Explosives Accountability
- Learn about and print the Uniform Blasting Site Checklist