1926.902: Surface Transportation of Explosives
Explosives transport must meet the listed DOT rules, and vehicles must be driven by a licensed, physically fit driver who knows the rules. No smoking, flame devices, firearms or loaded cartridges in or near the vehicle. Explosives may not ride with other cargo, and blasting caps may not ride with other explosives. Vehicles must be sound, have tight floors with covered spark-producing metal, and be placarded Explosives on all four sides.
Key takeaways
- 1926.902 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart U).
- Most-cited part: 1926.902(d).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.902, "Surface transportation of explosives", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart U). It has 11 numbered paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
Show the full text of 1926.902 (11 paragraphs)
(a) Transportation of explosives shall meet the provisions of Department of Transportation regulations contained in 46 CFR parts 146-149, Water Carriers; 49 CFR parts 171-179, Highways and Railways; 49 CFR part 195, Pipelines; and 49 CFR parts 390-397, Motor Carriers.
(b) Motor vehicles or conveyances transporting explosives shall only be driven by, and be in the charge of, a licensed driver who is physically fit. He shall be familiar with the local, State, and Federal regulation governing the transportation of explosives.
(c) No person shall smoke, or carry matches or any other flame-producing device, nor shall firearms or loaded cartridges be carried while in or near a motor vehicle or conveyance transporting explosives.
(d) Explosives, blasting agents, and blasting supplies shall not be transported with other materials or cargoes. Blasting caps (including electric) shall not be transported in the same vehicle with other explosives. Open (d)
(e) Vehicles used for transporting explosives shall be strong enough to carry the load without difficulty, and shall be in good mechanical condition.
(f) When explosives are transported by a vehicle with an open body, a Class II magazine or original manufacturer's container shall be securely mounted on the bed to contain the cargo.
(g) 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 nonsparking material, to prevent contact with containers of explosives.
(h) Every motor vehicle or conveyance used for transporting explosives shall be marked or placarded on both sides, the front, and the rear with the word “Explosives” in red letters, not less than 4 inches in height, on white background. In addition to such marking or placarding, the motor vehicle or conveyance may display, in such a manner that it will be readily visible from all directions, a red flag 18 inches by 30 inches, with the word “Explosives” painted, stamped, or sewed thereon, in white letters, at least 6 inches in height. Open (h)
(i) Each vehicle used for transportation of explosives shall be equipped with a fully charged fire extinguisher, in good condition. An Underwriters Laboratory-approved extinguisher of not less than 10-ABC rating will meet the minimum requirement. The driver shall be trained in the use of the extinguisher on his vehicle.
(j) Motor vehicles or conveyances carrying explosives, blasting agents, or blasting supplies, shall not be taken inside a garage or shop for repairs or servicing.
(k) No motor vehicle transporting explosives shall be left unattended.
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended at 58 FR 35311, June 30, 1993]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.902, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Permissibility of transporting blasting caps with other explosives in the same vehicle where an IME 22-1993 container is used. (2003-10-27)
- Marking of vehicles transporting explosives. (1992-07-20)
- OSHA construction standards do not apply to highway transportation of explosives. (1975-06-19)
Most-cited parts of this rule
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Who may drive a vehicle carrying explosives?
A licensed driver who is physically fit and familiar with local, State and Federal rules on transporting explosives.
Can blasting caps ride with other explosives?
No. Blasting caps, including electric, may not be transported in the same vehicle with other explosives.
How must the vehicle be marked?
On both sides, the front and the rear with the word Explosives in red letters not less than 4 inches high on a white background.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.902 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.