ATF will investigate any applicant before issuing a license or permit. Additionally, ATF must inspect places of storage and conduct background checks on responsible persons and employee possessors authorized to possess explosives.  If employers wish to require their own background checks as a condition of employment, they may do so. However, such a background check will not be accepted in place of the ATF background check. [18 U.S.C. 843(b); 18 U.S.C. 843(h); 27 CFR 555.33, 27 CFR 555.49(b)]