Police departments handling explosives for bomb squads, evidence storage, or training must comply with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations to ensure security and safety. Among the different types of storage solutions, Type 2 and Type 3 magazines are commonly used by law enforcement for secure and temporary explosive storage.
Understanding ATF storage requirements and choosing the right storage solution is essential for compliance and risk mitigation.
ATF Regulations for Explosive Storage
The ATF regulates explosive storage under 27 CFR Part 555, Subpart K, which outlines specific requirements for construction, security, and placement of explosive magazines. Police departments must comply with these laws to prevent unauthorized access, theft, or accidental detonation.
Type 2 Magazines: Portable & Indoor Explosive Storage
Type 2 magazines are high-security, portable, or permanent storage units designed for high explosives, including detonators and blasting agents.
ATF Requirements for Type 2 Magazines
Construction:
Must be built with ¼-inch thick steel lined with 2 inches of hardwood or equivalent fire-resistant material.
Hinges, hasps, and locks must be tamper-proof and protected against forced entry.
Roofs and doors must be bullet-resistant or otherwise reinforced.
Security Measures:
Two locking mechanisms are required (e.g., high-security padlocks or deadbolts).
Magazines must be placed at least 50 feet away from inhabited buildings (distance varies based on explosive quantity).
Indoor Type 2 magazines must be in a locked, non-residential building with limited access.
Common Uses in Law Enforcement:
Secure storage of evidence explosives.
Storage of department training explosives.
Bomb squad operations requiring high-security, stationary storage.
Type 3 Magazines: Portable “Day Boxes” for Temporary Storage
Type 3 magazines, also known as day boxes, are temporary, portable storage solutions used for daily transport and immediate access to explosives. Unlike Type 2 magazines, they are not intended for overnight storage unless kept inside a secure, locked facility.
ATF Requirements for Type 3 Magazines
Construction:
Must be ¼-inch thick steel or equivalent.
Must have one secure locking mechanism.
Hinges and locks must be shielded against tampering.
Security Measures:
Must be kept under constant surveillance when in use.
When unattended, must be stored in a Type 2 magazine.
Cannot be left in an unlocked or unsecured location.
Common Uses in Law Enforcement:
Bomb squad vehicles transporting explosives to a site.
Temporary storage during training exercises.
Evidence collection and transportation of explosive materials.
Choosing the Right Explosive Storage for Your Department
For police departments handling explosives, compliance with ATF regulations is non-negotiable. Investing in ATF-approved Type 2 and Type 3 magazines ensures:
✔ Regulatory Compliance – Avoids legal penalties and maintains operational integrity.
✔ Security & Risk Mitigation – Protects against theft, unauthorized access, and accidental detonation.
✔ Operational Efficiency – Enables bomb squads, evidence units, and training teams to handle explosives safely.
At KL Security, we provide ATF-compliant explosive storage solutions for law enforcement agencies, including rugged, secure, and field-tested Type 2 and Type 3 magazines. Contact us to discuss your department’s specific storage needs.
