Importers, manufacturers, transporters, suppliers and users of explosives need to hold a BEUL before they can handle explosives or explosive precursors. The licence is administered by Workcover NSW.

Anyone needing a BEUL must first obtain a Security Clearance (previously known as an unsupervised handling licence) from Workcover NSW.

This requires a national police and security check that is valid for five years.

Anyone applying for a licence to use on a mine site (coal or metalliferous/extractives/opal mining) must first gain a reference from NSW Trade & Investment, Mine Safety indicating that the applicant is adequately trained and competent.

This reference must accompany the BUEL application to Workcover NSW.

Application forms can be downloaded from the Mine Safety website.