12 replies to this topic

[samboradford]

In and amongst all the doom and gloom I just wanted to post my positive experience with my application for certification.  Given other member's experiences it would appear I am extremely lucky to have a very switched-on and understanding ELO here in Devon & Cornwall.

 

There does seem to have been a lot of paperwork involved so far (now I have an EPP, A + K and A.O. ) but for me at least it has been straightforward.  I was initially granted A + K for BP early this year, having followed the posts from Danny at Skew Energetics I applied for the UN MAN2 variation which is only applicable to Acquire Only certification but does allow the broader umbrella of Any pyrotechnic substance subject to these regulations that is within the meaning of explosive contained within Regulation 2. In fact my ELO rang Danny a few days before to clarify this and I'm pleased to say this has been accepted.

 

So I now have 

a) an EPP

an A + K for BP powder / pucks < = 15Kg

c) an A.O. for UN MAN2 <=100g

 

I would be interested to know of similar experiences or who else has been involved with a similar process.  There are still some gaps here that I'm trying to work through in my head and once I have thought them through I would like to put these down for other members to comment, I'll let you know.

Sam.

 

 

 

 

[maxman]

Hi Sam, I'm really pleased you've got sorted  I wish it was as straight forward for me. My ELO seems to be stuck on whether I am a fit / competent person and has indicated that until the UKPS are able to "send something through" to prove competence as other recreational explosive user groups do such as re-enactment and rocket clubs he wont consider my application further.

 

Can I ask if this was something that was raised by your ELO? and how were you able to satisfy them?

 

Thanks

 

Rod

[Rip Rap]

Straight forward for me too so far. Durham ELO is understanding and equally important he seems interested.

I have had B.P. A&K for years. Got my AO for flash earlier this year. I have applied this week for my EPP. I hope that will turn out to be as straight forward as things have been so far.

[fruitfulsteve]

Hi Sam, I'm really pleased you've got sorted  I wish it was as straight forward for me. My ELO seems to be stuck on whether I am a fit / competent person and has indicated that until the UKPS are able to "send something through" to prove competence as other recreational explosive user groups do such as re-enactment and rocket clubs he wont consider my application further.

 

Can I ask if this was something that was raised by your ELO? and how were you able to satisfy them?

 

Thanks

 

Rod

Have you had more recent contact from your ELO ? Last time we discussed this you said he hadn't asked for for proof of competence or said wat he wanted from you before he would grant a certificate.

 

If he has asked that the society provide proof of your competence, did he say wat he would accept as proof ?

 

Is it not the case that GMP's lack of action is due to staff shortages ?

[fruitfulsteve]

Great news Sam. The message seems to be slowly getting through to more and more ELO's.

[maxman]

Steve no I've not had anymore contact but he cited no one to deal with the certificate and no proof of competence. He said other user groups had something to send through. I am at a loss.

Rod

[samboradford]

Thanks all, as has been said before I guess things may not be entirely consistent.  We did specifically discuss the issue of competence.  I explained my purposes were relatively modest and in terms of BP and small scale hobby manufacture I felt my competence was straightforward to justify as I was a member of the UKPS, was engaged with some fireworks training and was clear about those things I had no intention of doing that which would be outside of my competence.  So I guess I was trying to put across where my competence boundary lies and to convey that I would only operate within this. I also made it clear I had swallowed as much of the legislation as I could so I was also "competent" in understanding this. In terms of the chemistry I'm afraid I explained I had 3 natural science degrees that although not directly involved with pyrotechnics had a high level of relevance and was able to give examples of why this was the case.  I may well have not been successful elsewhere, I just don't know.

 

Rod, I think if your ELO has said on what basis they would issue your certification then in fact you do have a way forwards to either negotiate exactly what is required - I.e. what does the UKPS "need" to write, or for him to provide a more specific example of what would be acceptable under re-enactment - is this a safety issue and if so, would he be happy for you to gain that competence in another way outside of the UKPS -  I could think of some ideas, or if attending the day on the 26th of Sept would fulfil this criteria ( I know it has been made clear this isn't a training day and no certificates will be issued ) but you could obtain "proof of attendence".

 

I do have some questions about UN-MAN2 but I will start a new thread for this.

[Rip Rap]

Well, it has been 5 weeks today since I applied for my EPP - and I haven't heard a thing!

Can anyone who has received (or not) an EPP remember how long it was before they were contacted?

Cheers.

[wayne]

Its good to hear some positive news for a change!  Good on you Sam!

[samboradford]

Hi,

 

yes, I don't be sound like an annoying g*t as my reply from my EPP was about four weeks.  In fact I just sent back my EPP to have the list of items extended, this took 1 month exactly.  If it helps, I can post my permissions.

[Rip Rap]

FINALLY - after 7 weeks, I have just received an email to say my EPP licence has been granted.

What a relief! I was getting a bit paranoid after the 5th and 6th week

[samboradford]

Excellent.

[wayne]

Great news and encouraging for others - paranoia not required!