Buying, selling and storing blank cartridges for tools

Blank cartridges for tools (formerly called power device cartridges) are explosive cartridges used in power devices such as powder-actuated tools (nail guns).

The following guidance is for anyone involved with blank cartridges for tools. For situations not covered here, including exemptions and conditions, consult the Explosives Regulations. Blank cartridges for tools are classified under the Explosives Regulations as Type C.2).

Buying blank cartridges for tools

You are permitted to buy blank cartridges for tools if you are 18 or older unless otherwise exempted by the Explosive Regulations.

Storing blank cartridges for tools

Storage requirements for users and sellers

You are permitted to store blank cartridges for tools in a dwelling (such as a house, apartment or cottage) or in a storage unit.

Dwelling

If you store blank cartridges for tools in a dwelling, whether for use or for sale, you must store the blank cartridges for tools away from flammable substances and sources of ignition. You must protect them from theft and ensure that they can be accessed only by people you have authorized.

Storage unit

If you store your blank cartridges for tools in a storage unit, the following requirements must be met.

• The storage unit must be located away from flammable substances and sources of ignition;
• the interior of the storage unit must be kept clean and dry;
• the storage unit must be constructed and maintained to prevent unauthorized access and to protect the contents from weather;
• the storage unit must be attended when it is unlocked;
• if the storage unit is a container, it must not impede exit in case of fire;
• if the storage unit is not a container, all exits must be kept unobstructed;
• any shelving in the storage unit must be made from a non-sparking material (for example, wood or painted metal);
• if small arms cartridges, propellant powder, percussion caps, unmixed reactive targets or black powder cartouches are stored with blank cartridges for tools in the storage unit, they must be stored separately from one another (for example, on different shelves or separated by a wooden barrier);
• precautions that minimize the likelihood of an ignition or fire in or near the storage unit must be taken; and
• a sign that displays the words “Danger — Fire Hazard/Risque d’incendie” in letters at least 10 cm high and that prohibits smoking using letters, or a symbol, at least 10 cm high must be posted on the storage unit in a clearly visible location.

Selling blank cartridges for tools

Displaying for sale

To display blank cartridges for tools for sale, you must meet the following requirements.

• You must not display blank cartridges for tools in a dwelling (such as a house, apartment or cottage).
• In a sales establishment (store), blank cartridges for tools for sale must be kept behind a sales counter or locked up (for example, in a cabinet).
• Only people you have authorized must have access to the area behind a sales counter.

Contact us

Explosives Regulatory Division
National Headquarters
588 Booth Street, 4th Floor
Ottawa ON  K1A 0Y7
Tel.: 1-855-912-0012
Email: ERDmms@nrcan.gc.ca