now witnessing? What kind of action did you take, educational or otherwise? Mr. BOTH. As I said in my statement, we have no mathematical way to show that there are any more thefts of explosives today than there were 10 or 15 or 20 years ago. In other words, even with this new wave of terror bombing that is going on, we have not noticed any increase or decrease of thefts of explosives from our member company magazines. We also for years have been putting out rules and regulations such as these which show standards for the storage, transportation, and shipping of explosives to all our member companies. There has not been any increase in thefts, sir. The CHAIRMAN. If there has not been an increase in the number, has there been an increase in the quantities stolen? Mr. BOTH. No, sir. The statistics we have show that from the magazines under the control of the manufacturer-I haven't got an average with me—it runs 15 or 20 magazines a year, and that is all. There are literally thousands of explosive magazines in the country today, and yet we have not had any significant increase in thefts: 1962, 36 thefts; 1969, 30. These are thefts from magazines controlled by member companies. In other words, there have not been very many thefts. The CHAIRMAN. In any event, how do the people who are perpetrating these illegal bombings get the explosives? Mr. Bотн. They get them from places where the people are not responsible for the material that they purchase. This is what we are recommending, that the legitimate users be held responsible and accountable for all the material that they purchase. So if you purchase 50 pounds of dynamite for the small job you have, you ought to be held accountable for all 50 pounds. The CHAIRMAN. Has your organization endeavored to have States check on this to see whether they could stop some of these bombings which you say are not any greater than they are today? Mr. BOTH. No, we have been more concerned, as you can imagine, in this institute for the legitimate uses of explosives. The CHAIRMAN. Will you explain your definition of explosives, and why it is preferred to the definition offered in the administration bill, and the other bills? What is the difference? Mr. BOTH. I think probably if you turn to this page 1, you will see that this code will exclude certain types of materials which we do not think should be under commercial explosives. The CHAIRMAN. You are reading from the suggested code of regulations? Mr. BOTH. Yes, sir. The CHAIRMAN. I think it might be well to put that in the record if you do not mind. Mr. BOTH. This is already annexed to the statement, sir. I already annexed this whole folder to the statement. (The code of regulations referred to follows:) ATLAS CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, INC. AUSTIN POWDER COMPANY Cleveland, Ohio 44113 COAST FUSE Benson, Arizona 85602 THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY Midland, Michigan 48640 E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS & CO., INC. THE ENSIGN-BICKFORD COMPANY HERCULES INCORPORATED IRECO CHEMICALS MONSANTO COMPANY TROJAN-U.S. POWDER FOREWORD A SUGGESTED CODE OF REGULATIONS FOR THE AND USE OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS Explosive materials are essential tools in our modern society. They play some part direct or indirect — in practically everything that we build, make, use, and enjoy. Without them, available where and when they are needed, public works and private enterprises would be badly hampered. To facilitate their proper transportation, handling and use while providing safeguards for life and property is in the best interests of the whole community. Modern explosives, thanks to extensive research and long experience, are safe enough to make unreasonable restrictions unnecessary. Standards and precautions are well known and can be incorporated into codes that are understandable, enforceable and effective. Many states and municipalities have enacted such regulations and their experience as well as the technical knowledge of the explosives industry and the regulations of the Federal government have entered into the development of the model code that follows. Because this recommended code is both reasonable and effective and because uniformity in such regulations is desirable, the Institute of Makers of Explosives respectfully suggests that this model code be carefully considered for adoption by state and local regulatory bodies. An enabling act is annexed as Appendix C. This material was first issued in March 1966 and was revised in each subsequent year. It was thoroughly reviewed in 1970 and adopted by the Institute of Makers of Explosives on May 28, 1970 as a Suggested Code of Regulations having the support of the leading American producers of explosive materials intended for blasting and related legitimate purposes. The Institute has available a great deal of technical data and information. Its members have had long experience with all phases of explosives. The Institute is always ready to provide assistance, cooperation, and advice to lawmaking and regulatory bodies and will welcome the opportunity to explain or amplify the suggested code and legislation. Call or write to the address shown below. |