In the last two quarters of 2024, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) conducted inspections at 14 Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) companies. These companies train and guide dogs to detect explosives at events or in air freight. The ILT found deficiencies in 11 out of 14 (79%) of the inspected EDD companies.
Such as not having the correct permits and unsafe storage of explosives. To limit immediate safety risks, the ILT ordered these companies to store the explosives directly at the designated locations. The relevant environmental services have been informed by the inspection as the supervisory authority for the storage of explosives. 3 out of 14 (21%) of the EDD companies complied with laws and regulations.
Recognitions and Permits
Companies working with explosives must adhere to the Civil Use of Explosives Act (Wecg). Both the companies and the personnel who have access to the explosives and/or work with them must have a Wecg recognition. This recognition is issued by the Chief of Police Tasks. A transport permit from the municipality of the destination is required for transporting explosives. For the storage of different types of explosives, a location must be used for which the environmental service (OD) has issued a permit.
71% Without Transport Permit
10 out of 14 (71%) of the inspected EDD companies did not possess the required transport permit. Without a transport permit, unsafe situations can arise because government services are unaware that explosives are en route to a specific location. Moreover, these locations cannot be pre-checked for suitability for the presence and storage of explosives. This can pose a direct danger to the environment. The transport of explosives to, for example, a training location may only proceed once the EDD companies have a transport permit. After the ILTs warning, almost all companies now have a transport permit. The inspection has also approached several municipalities to inform them about the importance and necessity of this permit.
64% Without Environmental Permit
The OD of the municipality where the EDD company is located determines whether a (potential) storage location meets the requirements. After the OD grants the environmental permit for the storage of explosives, the company may only store the explosives at this permitted location. Storage without a permit means that explosives may be stored unsafely and that government services are not aware of the storage. The ILT found that 9 out of 14 (64%) EDD companies did not have an environmental permit.
At 6 of the 9 aforementioned companies, the explosives were not stored at a permitted location. The explosives were in an office space where people worked or in the company car that was parked in a residential area after working hours. Additionally, at 3 of the 9 EDD companies, the agreement for storage by an external party existed only on paper. Here too, the explosives were stored in the company car or the handlers home. These companies have been ordered by the ILT to store the explosives immediately at the permitted location. The ILT will keep a close watch on these 9 EDD companies in the coming period. The inspection has informed the relevant government services about this. Upon re-inspection, it was found that all explosives are now stored at permitted (external) storage locations.
14% Without Wecg Recognition for Personnel
The explosive dog handlers train the dogs with explosive substances and therefore must have proof of recognition to work with (certain) explosives. At 2 of the 14 EDD companies (14%), not everyone had the required Wecg recognition. The companies received a warning and had to ensure that all personnel had the recognition within three months. The recognitions at these 2 EDD companies are now in order.
Supervision of Wecg Compliance
Compliance with the Wecg is essential for the safety and control of explosives. There are requirements for the manufacture, marketing, use, storage, and transport of explosives. If companies do not comply with laws and regulations, this can pose societal safety risks. The ILT supervises compliance with the Wecg. In its supervision, the inspectorate works closely with chain partners such as the police and environmental services.