Permit to import and use explosives in the upstream oil and gas industry

The upstream industry in Ghana makes use of various chemicals which are highly inflammable and corrosive that can cause of risk and damages to human lives and properties. Therefore the use of these chemicals and explosives in the upstream industry needs a highly supervised authority to manage the operations of chemical use in the sector. Applications for permits to import, transport, and store or use explosives for upstream activities are managed through the Petroleum Commission, Ghana to the Ministry Of Interior (MoI) as part of the regulatory and monitoring role of the commission.

Guidelines to acquire explosives permit in the oil and gas industry permit to import

There are six procedures and steps needed to regulate the importation, storage and use of explosives in the country’s upstream oil and gas sector. These are:

1. The Operator and Subcontractor registers with the petroleum commission to undertake activities in the upstream petroleum sector
2. Applications for permits to import explosives is made to the Petroleum Commission by the operator ONLY.
3. The following information is required:
4. a) Application letter detailing the following
5. b) Justification for request
6. c) Description of explosives
7. d) Quantity of explosives
8. e) Country of origin
9. f) Classification of explosives
10. g) Commercial invoice
11. h) Purchase order
12. i) Shipper’s Declaration for dangerous goods
13. j) Mode of transportation
14. The application is reviewed at the Petroleum Commission and forwarded to the Ministry of Interior for further processing.
15. The MoI assesses application and determines applicable fees.
16. The MoI issues permit to the Petroleum Commission on behalf of the Operator upon payment by the operator.

Permit to take Delivery

Operator applies for a permit to take delivery of the imported explosives. This import allows the operator to take delivery of the explosives, transport and store same.

Required Documents:

1. a) The Waybill
2. b) Commercial Invoice
3. c) Shipper’s Declaration for dangerous goods
4. d) Classification of Explosives
5. e) Copy of permit to import
6. f) Traceability Report such as Invoice, Description of products, item code, package, quantity, weight, serial number, ID, location and country of origin are all assessed before the product can be cleared for the owner.

In conclusion, the use of explosive chemicals in the upstream industry especially when the upstream sector deals directly with flammable substances needs much safety tips and precaution to handle such substances to prevent casualties in the oil and gas industry of Ghana.

By David Aduhene Tanoh-www,reportingoilandgas.com