The Explosives User Group was set up in 1991 to act as a forum for the benefit of cavers using explosives for cave exploration and rescue.

Principal objectives of the Group are as follows:

• To create links with the Police, the Health and Safety Executive and with other authorities in order to demonstrate to them that cavers using explosives are competent and present no safety or security risks.
  
  
• To provide the authorities with a means of communication with the caving community for the purposes of consultation and to represent cavers views when necessary (eg during the drafting of new legislation).
  
  
• To organise meetings and publish a newsletter to allow Group members to give one another the benefits of their experience in using explosives and related technology, and to keep members informed of developments and changes in legislation where possible.

In addition the Group attempts, where possible, to give individual advice to members on matters related to explosives such as the design of stores, application for licences and the installation of security systems.

The Group is formed as a special interest group of the British Cave Research Association and is thus part of a registered charity. It has developed links with the Health and Safety Executive, the Police, the Institute of Explosives Engineers and with manufacturers of explosives.

The Group publishes an occasional newsletter, there being two issues a year. Irregular publications on explosives related topics are also available to members. In addition, we have a programme of seminars held in various locations around the country.

Membership

Membership of the Group is open to anyone who supports its aims, and can be achieved by sending the annual subscription (a minimum of UK£2.00) to the following address:

BCRA EUG, The Hall, Great Hucklow, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 8RG

Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to BCRA EUG.

For insurance reasons, persons who are not already members of BCRA should join the Association as Individual or Associate members at the time of joining the Group. Further details of membership rates and benefits of joining BCRA can be found on the BCRA web site.

Note that the Group does not seek to have control over the issue of any individual's licence: this is the responsibility of the Police. The Group can put potential licence holders in touch with individuals who might act as referees to an application, but will not recommend the issue or denial of a licence to any individual.

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10 August 2001