Tag: Explosive material

Stowage categories for Explosives (Class 1) – IMDG 36-12

One of the major changes came in IMDG Code 36-12 is revision of stowage categories of class 1, explosives. Up to 35th amendment of IMDG Code explosives were assigned with one of the stowage categories 01 to 15.

In 36th amendment of IMDG Code, which can be used voluntarily from 1st January 2013 and will become mandatory from 1st Jan 2014, explosives are assigned with one of the stowage categories 01 to 05.

Below is the tabular format of stowage categories in IMDG 36-12, for operational reasons refer to individual entries in IMDG Code and other relevant provisions as applicable.

Stowage categories for Explosives (Class 1) – IMDG 36-12Stowage categories for Explosives (Class 1) – IMDG 36-12
Stowage categories for Explosives (Class 1) – IMDG 36-12

Stowage on passenger ships

  • Division 1.4s compatibility group S may be transported without restriction on quantity.
  • No other goods of class 1 may be transported on passenger ships except:

Compatibility groups C, D and E and articles in group G if the total net explosive mass is not greater than 10 KG per ship and in closed transport unit on or under deck.

Articles in compatibility group B if the total net explosive mass is not greater than 10 kg per ship and in closed transport unit – on deck only.

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RAILWAY TRACK EXPLOSIVES

Railway track explosives are small explosives which need to be strapped on the railway line for use. When the train wheel crushes it while passing over the explosive will explode with a loud report which is a signal to train drivers to stop the train.

Use of railway track explosives quoted from Wikipedia

  • a warning, caution or stop signal in dense fog, when signals are difficult to see;
  • a warning of a train stopped on the line ahead by an incident or accident — the train’s personnel are usually responsible for placing the detonators;
  • a warning of ongoing engineering works ahead; or,
  • when a signaller or other railway employee requires to stop approaching trains in an emergency.
Pair of train rails in a wooded area.
Pair of train rails in a wooded area. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Entries of Railway Track Explosives in IMDG Code

ORGANOMETALLIC SUBSTANCES

Organometallic chemistry is the study of chemical compounds containing bonds between carbon and a metal. Organometallics have wide use in catalytic process including production of Polyethylene and polypropylene.

Cover of "Organometallics"

Depending on their properties, organometallic substances may be classified in classes 4.2 (substances liable to spontaneous combustion) or 4.3 (substances when in contact with water emits flammable gas). IMDG Code lists organometallic substances with UN ID 3391 to 3400.

These substances are very dangerous due to their potential to start fire especially UN 3394 ORGANOMETALLIC SUBSTANCE, LIQUID, PYROPHORIC, WATER-REACTIVE. Up to IMDG code 34th amendment UN 3394 was prohibited to be carried on ships carrying explosives. After various safety considerations of modern vessels IMO amended IMDG Code allowing UN 3394 on ships carrying dangerous goods with special requirement of stowage.

STOWAGE 3394 IMDG 34-08
STOWAGE 3394 IMDG 34-08
STOWAGE 3394 IMDG 35-10
STOWAGE 3394 IMDG 35-10

IMDG code observation on UN 3394 states this substance as “Highly flammable liquid. Liable to ignite spontaneously in air. In contact with air, evolve irritating and slightly toxic fumes. React violently with moisture, water and acids evolving flammable gas.”

Containerhafen

Below is the difference in IMDG Code 34th and 35th amendment for UN 3394 stowage.

  • Non containerized packages of UN 3394 and Explosives

If it is non-containerized packages then Separated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or hold from means : Vertical separation alone does not meet this requirement. Between a package under deck and one on deck, a minimum distance of 24 m, including a complete compartment, must be maintained longitudinally. For on deck stowage, this segregation means a separation by a distance of at least 24 metres longitudinally.

Segregation of packages containing dangerous goods and stowed in the conventional way
Segregation of packages containing dangerous goods and stowed in the conventional way
  • Containerized UN 3394 and Explosives
SEPARATED LONGITUDINALLY BY AN INTERVENING COMPLETE COMPARTMENT OR HOLD FROM
SEPARATED LONGITUDINALLY BY AN INTERVENING COMPLETE COMPARTMENT OR HOLD FROM

Compatibility between explosives

In this post we will check how to decide whether two explosives can be safely stored or transported together.

Class 1, Explosives, are considered compatible with each other if storing them or transporting them together will not increase the probability of an accident or if there is an accident the magnitude of the effects. For this purpose explosives are divided into various compatibility groups. Each group is denoted by an alphabet from A to L, N and S (letter I is not used).

Divisions of Class 1 Explosives

  • Division 1.1: substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard
  • Division 1.2: substances and articles which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard
  • Division 1.3: substances and articles which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard
  • Division 1.4: substances and articles which present no significant hazard
  • Division 1.5: very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard
  • Division 1.6: extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard

Compatibility Groups and Classification Codes

Compatibility group Classification code Description of substance or articles
A 1.1A Primary explosive substance
B 1.1B1.2B1.4B Article containing a primary explosive substance and not containing two or more effective protective features. Some articles, such as detonators for blasting, detonator assemblies for blasting and primers, cap-type, are included even though they do not contain primary explosives.
C 1.1C1.2C1.3C1.4C Propellant explosive substance or other deflagrating explosive substance or article containing such explosive substance
D 1.1D1.2D1.4D1.5D Secondary detonating explosive substance or black powder or article containing a secondary detonating explosive substance, in each case without means of initiation and without a propelling charge, or article containing a primary explosive substance and containing two or more effective protective features
E 1.1E1.2E1.4E Article containing a secondary detonating explosive substance, without means of initiation, with a propelling charge (other than one containing a flammable liquid or gel or hypergolic liquids)
F 1.1F1.2F1.3F1.4F Article containing a secondary detonating explosive substance with its own means of initiation, with a propelling charge (other than one containing a flammable liquid or gel or hypergolic liquids) or without a propelling charge
G 1.1G1.2G1.3G1.4G Pyrotechnic substance, or article containing a pyrotechnic substance, or article containing both an explosive substance and an illuminating, incendiary, tear- or smoke-producing substance (other than a water-activated article or one containing whitephosphorus, phosphides, a pyrophoric substance, a flammable liquid or gel, or hypergolic liquids)
H 1.2H1.3H Article containing both an explosive substance and white phosphorus
J 1.1J1.2J1.3J Article containing both an explosive substance and a flammable liquid or gel
K 1.2K1.3K Article containing both an explosive substance and a toxic chemical agent
L 1.1L1.2L1.3L Explosive substance or article containing an explosive substance and presenting a special risk (such as due to water-activation or presence of hypergolic liquids, phosphides or a pyrophoric substance) and needing isolation of each type
N 1.6N Articles containing only extremely insensitive detonating substances
S 1.4S Substance or article so packaged or designed that any hazardous effects arising from accidental functioning are confined within the package unless the package has been degraded by fire, in which case all blast or projection effects are limited to the extent that they do not significantly hinder or prohibit fire fighting or other emergency response efforts in the immediate vicinity of the package

To check whether two explosives are compatible to be stored/transported together the transport regulation has a segregation table as shown below.

Notes for above table

“X” indicates that goods of the corresponding compatibility groups may be stowed in the same compartment, magazine, cargo transport unit or vehicle.

Notes:

1 Explosive articles in compatibility group G (other than fireworks and those requiring special stowage) may be stowed with explosive articles of compatibility groups C, D and E provided no explosive substances are transported in the same compartment, magazine, cargo transport unit or vehicle.

2 A consignment of one type in compatibility group L shall only be stowed with a consignment of the same type within compatibility group L.

3 Different types of articles of Division 1.6, compatibility group N, may only be transported together when it is proven that there is no additional risk of sympathetic detonation between the articles. Otherwise they shall be treated as Division 1.1.

4 When articles of compatibility group N are transported with articles or substances of compatibility groups C, D or E, the goods of compatibility group N shall be treated as compatibility group D.

5 When articles of compatibility group N are transported together with articles or substances of compatibility group S, the entire load shall be treated as compatibility group N.

6 Any combination of articles in compatibility groups C, D a nd E shall be treated as compatibility group E. Any combination of substances in compatibility groups C and D shall be treated as the most appropriate compatibility group shown in 2.1.2.3 of IMDG Code, taking into account the predominant characteristics of the combined load. This overall classification code shall be displayed on any label or placard placed on a unit load or cargo transport unit as prescribed in 5.2.2.2.2 of IMDG Code

Example compatibility check

With the above table let us check segregation requirement between below two explosives

  • UN 0161 Class 1.3C, POWDER, SMOKELESS
  • UN 0191 Class 1.4G, SIGNAL DEVICES, HAND

Segregation between compatibility letters C and G shows X1 and as per note x1 explosive articles of group G ( UN 0191 in this case) may be stowed with explosive articles of group C, D and E provided no explosive substances are loaded in the same container, UN 0161 is a substance hence cannot be loaded with UN 0191.

Applicable sections of IMDG Code for compatibility groups and segregation within explosives please refer to section 2.1.2 & 7.2.7

MUSK XYLENE

Musk Xylene (5-tert-BUTYL-2,4,6-TRINITRO-m- XYLENE ) is a chemical having the smell of natural musk.  Musk Xylene has explosive properties if kept under confinement. Transport regulations classify Musk Xylene under Class 4.1, Flammable Solids.

Listed in IMDG Code under UN 2956 Musk Xylene’s packing instructions only allows packages which do not create confinement. IMDG Code authorized packages are Fibre drums max net mass 50 Kg or Fibreboard box with an inner plastic bag max net mass 50 Kg or Fibreboard box or fibre drum with inner plastic packaging each containing 5 Kg and total net mass not more than 25 Kg.

If any other package is used other than what is permitted in packing instructions then the product must display a subsidiary risk label of explosives however this requirement may be removed provided competent authority of the country of origin permits so basis test data showing there is no explosive behaviour in the packaging used.

During transport packages containing Musk Xylene shall be protected from direct sunshine and stored (or kept) in a cool and well ventilated place, away from all sources of heat.

Sympathetic detonation

Sympathetic detonation is a detonation caused by a nearby detonation of another explosive.

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- Unexploded ord...

UN Gap test will provide the results whether an explosive is having probability to undergo a sympathetic detonation.  IMDG Code segregation of explosives says “Different types of articles of Division 1.6, compatibility group N, may only be transported together when it is proven that there is no additional risk of sympathetic detonation between the articles. Otherwise they shall be treated as Division 1.1”.

This is applicable to UN 0486, ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, EXTREMELY INSENSITIVE (ARTICLES, EEI), Class 1.6N

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High consequence Dangerous Goods & Security

In 1998  bombing of US Embassy in Nairobi terrorist used TNT , oxygen tanks, gas cylinders and four bags of ammonium nitrate fertilizer resulting in 100s of death and massive destruction.  Marriot bombing in Islamabad terrorist used approximately 600 KG of RDX mixed with TNT killing  54 and  266 injured!!!
Ammonium nitrate is widely used by terrorists due it is easy availability and deadly potential when turned into an explosive.

English: Modern tank cars such as TILX 290344 ...

For security in transport of dangerous goods IMDG Code recommend Consignors and others involved in transport chain to adopt, carry out and comply with a security plan.

Model Regulations defines high consequence dangerous goods as those which have the potential for misuse in a terrorist incident and may produce serious consequences such as mass casualties or mass destruction.

There is a mandatory requirement for Shore-side personnel engaged in transport of dangerous goods by sea to undergo a security training addressing security risks, methods to address to reduce risks and action to be taken in the event of a security breach.

Security training and measures should include various levels addressing the organizational measures, measures for its employees within their capacity , measures to drivers hauling dangerous goods by road to identify the risks and actions to be taken.

In IMDG Code below are listed as an indicative list of high consequence dangerous goods

Class

Substance / Articles

1

Division 1.1 explosives

1

Division 1.2 explosives

1

Division 1.3 compatibility group C explosives

1

Division 1.4 UN Nos. 0104, 0237, 0255, 0267, 0289, 0361, 0365, 0366, 0440, 0441, 0455, 0456 and 0500

1

Division 1.5 explosives

2.1

 Flammable gases in quantities greater than 3000 ℓ in a road tank vehicle, a railway tank wagon or a portable tank

2.3

 Toxic gases

3

 Flammable liquids of packing groups I and II in quantities greater than 3000 ℓ in a road tank vehicle, a railway tank wagon or a portable tank

3

 Desensitized liquid explosives

4.1

 Desensitized solid explosives

4.2

 Goods of packing group I in quantities greater than 3000 kg or 3000 ℓ in a road tank vehicle, a railway tank wagon, a portable tank or a bulk container

4.3

 Goods of packing group I in quantities greater than 3000 kg or 3000 ℓ in a road tank vehicle, a railway tank wagon, a portable tank or a bulk container

5.1

 Oxidizing liquids of packing group I in quantities greater than 3000 ℓ in a road tank vehicle, a railway tank wagon or a portable tank

5.1

 Perchlorates, ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate fertilizers and ammonium nitrate emulsions or suspensions or gels in quantities greater than 3000 kg or 3000 ℓ in a road tank vehicle, a railway tank wagon, a portable tank or a bulk container

6.1

 Toxic substances of packing group I

6.2

 Infectious substances of category A (UN Nos. 2814 and 2900)

7

 Radioactive material in quantities greater than 3000 A1 (special form) or 3000 A2, as applicable, in Type B(U) or Type B(M) or Type C packages

8

 Corrosive substances of packing group I in quantities greater than 3000 kg or 3000 ℓ in a road tank vehicle, a railway tank wagon, a portable tank or a bulk container

 Various elements are recommended by IMDG Code to be included in the security plan.

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