69A-2.014. Transportation; Vehicles; Safety Requirements

(1) Vehicles used for transporting explosives shall be strong enough to carry the load without difficulty and be in good mechanical condition. If vehicles do not have a closed body, the body shall be covered with a flameproof and moisture-proof tarpaulin or other effective protection against moisture and sparks. All vehicles used for the transportation of explosives shall have tight floors, and any exposed spark-producing metal on the inside of the body shall be covered with wood or other non-sparking materials to prevent contact with packages of explosives. Packages of explosives shall not be loaded above the sides of an open-body vehicle.

(2) Every vehicle used for transporting explosives shall be marked or placarded on both sides, front and rear with the word “EXPLOSIVES” in letters not less than 3 inches in height in contrasting colors, or in lieu thereof, shall conspicuously display upon an erect pole, in such a manner that it will be readily visible from all directions, a red flag of not less than 540 square inches in area with the word “EXPLOSIVES” painted, stamped or sewed thereon in white letters at least 6 inches in height. This subsection shall not apply to vehicles carrying 6 pounds or less of explosive and/or 12 or less electric blasting caps. Note: See Rule 69A-2.017, F.A.C., for the transportation of smokeless propellants.)

(3) Every motor vehicle used for transporting explosives shall be equipped with a minimum of two fire extinguishers, each having a rating of at least 5-BC, completely filled and in working condition. This subsection shall not apply to vehicles carrying 100 pounds or less of smokeless propellant, 6 pounds or less of explosives and/or 12 or less electric blasting caps.

(a) Only extinguishers listed or approved by Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc., Factory Mutual Laboratories, or by some other nationally recognized fire equipment testing laboratory, shall be deemed suitable for use on explosives-carrying vehicles.

(b) Extinguishers shall be filled and ready for immediate use and located near the driver’s seat. Extinguishers shall be examined periodically as to condition by a competent person.

(4) Motor vehicles used for transporting explosives shall be given the following inspection before each trip to determine that they are in the proper condition for safe transportation of explosives:

(a) Fire extinguishers shall be filled and in working order,

(b) All electrical wiring shall be completely protected and securely fastened to prevent short circuiting,

(c) Chassis, motor, pan and underside of body shall be reasonably clean and free of excess oil and grease,

(d) Fuel tank and feed line shall be secure and have no leaks,

(e) Brakes, lights, horns, windshield wipers, and steering apparatus shall function properly,

(f) Tires shall be checked for proper inflation and defects,

(g) The vehicle shall be in proper condition in every other respect and acceptable for handling explosives.

Rulemaking Authority 552.13 FS. Law Implemented 552.12, 552.13 FS. History–Amended 6-25-66, 10-18-67, Repromulgated 12-24-74, Formerly 4A-2.14, 4A-2.014.