[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of
Cheltenham 12-29-1977 by Ord. No. 1431
as Ch. 8 of the Cheltenham Code. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Fire prevention — See Ch. 151.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
Includes any chemical compound or mechanical mixture that is commonly
used or intended for the purpose of producing an explosion that contains oxidizing
and combustible units, or other ingredients, in such proportions, quantities
or packing that an ignition by fire, friction or concussion, percussion or
by detonator of any part of the compound or mixture may cause such a sudden
generation of highly heated gases that the resultant gaseous pressures are
capable of producing destructive effects on contiguous objects or of destroying
life or limb.
A.
All explosives must be stored in a magazine complying
with the requirements of this chapter unless such explosives are being transported
or used as prescribed and authorized herein.
B.
Magazines for the storage of explosives shall be made
of not less than 18-gauge metal with an insert of one-inch wooden lines and
a three-inch space between the wooden liner and metal filled with sand.
C.
All magazines or places where explosives are stored must
be kept free and clean from grit, rubbish and empty packages.
D.
Blasting caps or detonators of any kind shall not be
kept in the same magazine with other explosives but shall be stored in a magazine
or magazines which shall be at least one hundred fifty (150) feet from any
explosives.
E.
Every person, firm or corporation shall keep an accurate
record showing the disposition of each container or package of explosives
stored, transported or used, which record shall be subject at all times to
inspection by the Fire Marshal of Cheltenham Township.
F.
Buildings or storage sheds used for the storing of blasting
agents separate from explosives shall be located away from inhabited buildings,
passenger railways or public highways in accordance with the provisions of
the American Table of Distances for Storage of Explosives, Table 12.7 in the
National Board of Fire Underwriters Regulations.
G.
At all places where high explosives are stored, there
shall be displayed, at a conspicuous place visible to those passing, a sign
whereon shall appear the words "Explosives Kept Here," and all vehicles used
for transporting such explosives shall display an easily legible sign on both
sides and the rear of said vehicle indicating that said vehicle contains explosives.
A.
All blasting or blasting operations must be conducted
during daylight hours except when authorized at other times by the Fire Marshal
of Cheltenham Township.
B.
The handling and firing of explosives shall be performed
by the person, firm or corporation to whom a permit has been issued or by
employees under said permittee's supervision who are over the age of
twenty-five (25) years.
C.
No person shall handle explosives while under the influence
of intoxicating liquors or narcotics.
D.
All blasting operations shall be suspended and all persons
shall be removed from the blasting area during the approach and progress of
an electrical storm.
E.
Before any blasting charge is set off, signs shall be
posted on all roads within three hundred fifty (350) feet of the blasting
operations warning all persons using the public highways against the use of
mobile radio transmitters.
F.
Whenever blasting is done in congested areas or in close
proximity to buildings, railways, highways, building operations or any other
installation that may be damaged, the blast shall be covered before firing
with a mat so constructed that it is capable of preventing rock from being
thrown into the air.
G.
The Fire Marshal of Cheltenham Township shall have the
power and authority at the time of issuance of a permit to set the amount
or size of any charge or blasting which might constitute a distinct hazard
to life or adjoining property.
A.
No person, firm or corporation shall store, sell, transport
or use explosives within the Township of Cheltenham until he shall have first
obtained a permit to do so to be issued by the Fire Marshal of the township.
B.
No permit shall be granted by the Fire Marshal to any
person, firm or corporation to blast or conduct any blasting operations within
the township until the applicant has filed a bond or certificate showing that
he is insured with a reputable insurance company to adequately compensate
for any damage to township property, public improvements, private property
or personal injury. The amount of said bond shall be not less than sixty thousand
dollars ($60,000.), fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.) to cover property damage
and ten thousand dollars ($10,000.) to cover personal injury damage. The Fire
Marshal shall have the power to increase the amount of the bond if in his
judgment it is necessary to adequately protect the safety of property and
persons.
Every permit issued under this chapter is subject to the right, which
is hereby expressly reserved, to revoke the same should the permittee violate
any of the provisions of this chapter. Said permit may be revoked by the Board
of Township Commissioners after written notice to the permittee, which notice
shall specify the ordinance or law violations with which the permittee is
charged, after hearing the permittee is found to be guilty of such violation.
Ten (10) days' notice shall be given the permittee. At such hearing,
the permittee and his attorney may present and submit evidence and witnesses
in his defense.
[Amended 3-21-1989 by Ord. No. 1686[1]]
Any person or legal entity violating the provisions of this chapter
shall, upon summary conviction before a District Justice, pay a fine of not
more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.), together with costs of suit, collectible
in the manner provided by law.
