Shotfirers

The use of blasting explosives, display fireworks and special effects in the Northern Territory is restricted to people who hold a NT Shotfirers Licence.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this licence you must:

• be at  least 18 years of age
• provide proof of identity (refer to bulletin identity requirements – people licensing)
  • one primary document and two secondary documents; or
  • two primary documents and one secondary document
• have a current criminal history check (issued no more than six months before you apply)
  • new – criminal history fingerprint check
  • renewal or reciprocal – criminal history name check

Note: A dangerous goods security card issued in Western Australia, New South Wales or Queensland is accepted in place of a criminal history check.

New

• evidence of competency training and a letter from employer outlining in-house training (no more than six months before you apply)

Renewal

• evidence of continual use e.g. blast plans or log books
• letter from employer outlining practical or continual use

Reciprocal

• current Interstate Shotfirer licence

Conditions

Blasting

There are various Shotfirer conditions available depending on the training and/or experience held by the applicant including:

• agricultural / seismic / small scale blasting;
• quarrying / open cut;
• construction;
• tunnelling and underground mining.

Fireworks display and special effects

There are two shotfirer conditions for fireworks display and special effect available depending on the training and/or experience held by the applicant.

• Firework displays
  • community events, such as Territory day celebrations, festivals, corporate or sporting events. A community event is an even open to the public, fee or no fee.
• Special effects
  • close proximity events, such as for film and TV, or indoor/outdoor theatrical events e.g. festivals, ceremonies or performing arts events.

Allowed quantities

A licenced Shotfirer can have in their possession, the below quantity of explosives. It is a condition of their licence that the explosives are used within 3 months after the date of purchase.

Storage of these explosives must be kept in a secure storage facility as per the Dangerous Goods Regulations 1985 and Australian Standard AS2187.