Publication No. 13
Disposal of Substantial Quantities of
Surplus Explosives under Specialist
Supervision
CONTENTS
Section
INTRODUCTION
2.
3.
4.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
2.1.
Burning
2.2.
Detonation
2.3.
Drowning
DESTRUCTION IN THE FIELD UNDER SPECIALIST SUPERVISION
3.1
Blasting Explosives
3.2
Detonators
3.3
Detonating Cord
3.4
Safety Fuse
3.5
Blackpowder
3.6
Contaminated waste and packing materials
DISPOSAL - DESTRUCTION BY MANUFACTURERS
4.1
General
4.2
Blasting Explosives
4.3
Detonators
4.4
Devices
5.
SECURITY
6.
RESUMÉ AND SUMMARY CHART
INTRODUCTION
Commercial blasting explosives and accessories are designed to be safe in storage
transport and use provided they are handled in accordance with the expert advice
which is afforded to the user by the manufacturer and the explosives industry. To this
end the Federation of European Manufacturers of Explosives have produced a series
of "Codes of Good Practice" covering these practical aspects of the safe handling of
explosives to which reference should be made.
Experience has shown that one of the most frequent causes of accidents, particularly in
the field, occurs when explosives and accessories, surplus to requirement, are disposed
of by destruction. It is often the case that explosives in this category have been held in
storage over some considerable time and may, therefore, be in a poor condition. A
contributory factor is, however, a tendency to adopt a somewhat casual attitude
towards the operation of disposal.
The purpose of this Code of Good Practice is to provide sound advice as to the
methods of safe disposal, the precautions to be taken and, in particular, the practices to
be avoided.
This Code is written for the guidance of trained explosives engineers and technologists
who may have the occasion to dispose of substantial quantities of surplus explosives
either in the field or at a place of manufacture. As such, the Code is an extension of
that prepared for the disposal of small quantities (less than 10 kilos) viz.
FEEM PUBLICATION NO. 21
and should be read in conjunction with that Code.
2.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD BURIAL BE USED AS A
METHOD OF DISPOSAL OF ANY EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCE OR DEVICE.
2.1.
BURNING
Occasionally, in the field and in production, it is necessary to dispose of quantities
larger than those covered by the Federation of European Explosives Manufacturers'
Code of Good Practice:"Disposal Of Small Quantities (LESS THAN 10 KILOS)
OF SURPLUS EXPLOSIVES AT FIELD MAGAZINES."
The most common way of disposing of explosives and explosives waste is by burning.
It should be recognised that, although the procedure is a common method of
destroying explosives, there is the danger of the burning process changing to
detonation and precautions should be taken accordingly. The following method is
suggested.
2.1.1.
Any burning site should be so located that burning to detonation will not
cause problems. The site should be specially prepared and could, where
possible, be barricaded or have some natural protection. The protection
afforded (or lack of it) will have a bearing on the safety distance(cf. Table 3.1.l.).
2.1.2.
The site should be free from metallic and other debris and high grass.
2.1.3.
Burning sites should be kept in an orderly fashion and cleaned up at regular
intervals.
2.1.4.
The burning site should be guarded to prevent unauthorised entry.
2.1.5
Firefighting equipment should be available at the site; in particular beaters
to handle grass fires should be placed at a number of points around the site.
2.1.6
The burning site should be inspected after each burning operation has been
completed to ensure no explosive remains.
2.1.7
All tools used for spreading out the explosive should be non-ferrous e.g.
wood or aluminium.
2.1.8.
DIFFERENT KINDS OF EXPLOSIVE MUST NOT BE BURNED ON
THE SAME
FIRE.
2.1.9.
Special care should be taken to ensure that no detonator is present
with or in the
explosive.
2.1.10. The explosive should be spread out in small lots, depending on the product and
size, and placed on a bed of combustible materials such as paper or wood.
2.1.11. Cartridges of diameter larger than 50 mm and/or in heavy wrappers, e.g. rigid
plastic or spirally wound cardboard may require splitting to reduce the effective
diameter. If for any reason this is not allowable, means other than burning should be
used.
2.1.12. The lots should be connected by a train of combustible materials and the
explosive and train well sprinkled with kerosene, diesel, or other combustible oil
before ignition.
2.1.13.
Low flash point fuels should NOT be used in the train.
2.1.14. Each lot should be separated from its neighbour by a distance of at least 3
meters.
2.1.15. There should be no more than 100 kilograms in any one burning.
2.1.16. The burning ground must be free from hot spots from previous activities, if
necessary dampened with water first.
2.1.17. Great care should be taken if burning is attempted in very windy or wet
weather.
2.1.18. All personnel should be withdrawn from the burning site and in a position of
safety before any attempt is made to ignite the burning.
2.1.19. Ignition of the piles should always be against the wind to ensure controlled
burning.
2.1.20. Ignition should, preferably, be by electrical means so that ignition can be
safely accomplished remotely.
2.1.21. Where electrical ignition is not possible, the igniting train should be ignited
against the wind to avoid windblown sparks from the train causing premature ignition.
2.1.22. As soon as the train is ignited the operator must retire immediately to a safe
sheltered position so that he is in no danger if a detonation should occur.
Once the fire has been ignited it should not be approached again until it has
COMPLETELY BURNED OUT. A good safety margin should be allowed (at least
one hour) after all evidence of burning has ceased.
2.1.24. Any explosive found remaining after the fire must be handled with
EXTREME care (because the explosive may be in a more sensitive state than usual)
and burned on the next fire.
2.1.25. Steps must be taken to ensure that all combustion has been extinguished and
the ground cooled before a second fire is built. Where possible the area should be well
watered after each fire.
2.1.26. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYTHING BE ADDED TO
A FIRE ONCE IT IS BURNING.
2.1.27. The burning off should only be carried out by trained and experienced
personnel or explosives engineers.
2.1.28. The responsibility for ensuring that disposal on this scale is carried out safely
rests with the Site or Factory Manager.
2.1.29. ALL DETAILS OF THE QUANTITIES AND TYPE OF EXPLOSIVE
DESTROYED SHOULD BE PROPERLY RECORDED.
2.1.30. IT CANNOT BE EMPHASISED TOO STRONGLY THAT WHEN
EXPLOSIVES MATERIALS ARE BEING DESTROYED BY BURNING, ALL
PERSONNEL MUST KEEP AWAY FROM THE BURNING SITE AND IN A
SAFE SHELTERED POSITION IN CASE AN EXPLOSION OCCURS.
2.2.
DETONATION
Whilst destruction of surplus or waste explosive by detonation is a relatively simple
operation it can only be carried out safely on spacious sites. In the field the preferred
site is one where blasting operations are routinely carried out. Where this is not
possible the site should be sufficiently far away from habitation to avoid complaint.
Destruction by detonation is particularly suitable for explosives which are filled into
rigid cartridges and which could present a risk of detonation if burnt in the open in
their containers.
2.2.1.
If small quantities of explosive are involved these may be incorporated in a
normal blast, loading them into the shothole as part of, but on top of, the standard
charge and fired with the rest of the round. Obviously only a small quantity can be
placed in each shothole otherwise it may interfere with the blasting result.
2.2.2.
The loading of waste explosive materials into shotholes should only be
carried out under the supervision of a trained shotfirer and with the approval of the
Site Manager.
2.2.3.
The responsibility for ensuring that the proper safety precautions are taken
rests with the Site Manager.
2.2.4.
Larger quantities may have to be fired separately in the open. In this event
fuller account should be taken of air overpressure effects and the particular
circumstances of the location. Reference should be made to the specialist
FEEM Code of Good Practice:“Vibration And Air Overpressure” for guidance.
2.2.5.
The site security must be in accordance with the recommendations made in
the specialist FEEM Code of Good Practice: “Blasting”
2.2.6.
If circumstances are such that more than three cases have to be fired then
the local conditions will have to be taken into careful consideration.
2.2.7.
The quantity of explosive to be destroyed should, as far as possible, be split
up into a series of lots preferably of not more than three 25 kilo cases.
2.2.8.
Each lot should be fired either separately or using delay detonators and
with a delay interval of not less than 2 seconds between each lot.
2.2.9.
The lots should be separated by a distance such as to avoid any possibility
of sympathetic detonation.
2.2.10. In very remote areas (e.g. deserts where static protection must also be
observed) large lots may be fired in single shots provided proper precautions are taken
to ensure safety of all personnel.
2.2.11.
IN THESE CASES (2.2.10.) ELECTRICAL SHOTFIRING SHOULD
ALWAYS BE USED AND EACH LOT SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST TWO
DETONATORS PER LOT.
2.2.12. Additionally, each lot should be laced with detonating cord or adequately
primed to ensure complete detonation.
If a number of shots have to be fired in the open at the same location and the area is
rocky, then the lots should not be fired in the crater from the previous shot.
2.2.14. After any blast has been fired the site should be checked to ensure that there is
no undetonated explosive in the debris.
2.3.
DROWNING.
Whilst drowning is not a method normally used nevertheless, where very large
quantities of explosive materials have to be disposed of, drowning at sea can be
considered where this is permitted by the Authorities.
2.3.1.
Before any such operation is undertaken, however, an appropriate licence
to carry out the operation must be obtained and the permission of the appropriate
Fishery or Coastal and/or other Authority sought.
2.3.2.
Drowning should only take place in properly designated sea areas denoted
as such on marine charts.
2.3.3.
The licence will lay down the terms covering the operation such as
recording, notification, etc.
2.3.4.
It is important that, when conveying explosives to sea for dumping, the
carriage complies with the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous
Goods Code prepared by IMCO.
2.3.5.
The explosive intended for drowning should be taken out of its case and
loaded into canvas or similar absorbent bags. The use of plastic is to be avoided
because this could entrap air providing positive buoyancy to the bag.
2.3.6.
A further calico bag prefilled with at least 5 kilograms of dry sand then
saturated with water should be placed inside the canvas bag containing the explosive.
The purpose of the sandbag is to act as drowning weight.
2.3.7.
There are various ways of disposing of the explosive loaded canvas bags
either singly or in multiples. Whichever way is adopted a careful record must be taken
of the number of bags (weight of explosive) its type and the navigational details
necessary to record the charted dumping spot.
2.3.8.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY BOXES OR
OTHER CONTAMINATED MATERIAL BE DUMPED OVERBOARD.
THESE SHOULD BE PLACED IN SEPARATE BAGS AND TAKEN ASHORE
FOR DISPOSAL BY BURNING.
2.3.9.
On completion of the dumping operation the deck of the ship must be
thoroughly cleansed and all lifting equipment thoroughly cleansed and oiled.
2.3.10. ALL DETAILS SHOULD BE PROPERLY RECORDED AND
ENTERED IN THE SHIP'S LOG.
3.
DESTRUCTION IN THE FIELD UNDER SPECIALIST
SUPERVISION
3.1.
BLASTING EXPLOSIVES
In remote areas quantities of up to 100 kilograms (4 cases) may be destroyed by
burning provided the procedures outlined in this code are followed and the
unbarricaded distance from the burning site to the nearest building or operation is
increased in accordance with the following table.
3.1.1. TABLE OF DISTANCES RECOMMENDED TO AVOID COMPLAINT
UNBARRICADED
Total Weight of Explosives
No. of Lots Distance to nearest habitation
Kilos.
Metres
10
20
30
40
50
100
1
2
3
4
5
10
250
300
350
400
450
550
3.1.2.
Particular care must be taken when burning deteriorated or time expired
Permitted Explosives to ensure proper combustion as they are, by design, difficult to
ignite and these should preferably be returned to the manufacturer’s plant for
destruction.
3.1.3.
TNT based explosives do not burn as readily as nitroglycerine explosives
and it is therefore necessary to take the precaution of using larger quantities of
combustible material.
3.1.3.
Water based explosives (Slurries and Emulsions) and blasting agents
(ANFO) may also be safely
burned again provided substantial quantities of
combustible materials are used as base.
3.1.4.
ANFO is particularly easily destroyed by dissolving in copious quantities
of water. The wash waters must, however, be treated as chemically contaminated
effluent.
3.2.
DETONATORS
Small quantities of detonators can be safely disposed of on user sites provided
precautions are taken to ensure that ALL detonators are properly destroyed. This can
be accomplished by incorporating the detonators in a standard blast.
3.2.1.
The detonators for destruction should be inserted into holes made in the
cartridge of blasting explosive. The cartridge may then be inserted into a shothole as
part of a standard blast or fired separately in a shothole specially drilled for the
purpose or dug for that purpose and then covered with earth.
3.2.2
Before inserting detonators into explosive cartridges for this purpose the
leading wires should be cut off.
IT IS EMPHASISED
THAT PROPER TOOLS (SECATEURS) SHOULD
BE USED TO CUT WIRES AND APPROPRIATE PROTECTION
PRECAUTIONS TAKEN AGAINST ACCIDENTAL INITIATION. UNDER
NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY ATTEMPT BE MADE TO PULL THE
WIRES FROM THE DETONATORS BY FORCE. THIS CAN, AND HAS,
CAUSED
SERIOUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE FUSEHEAD IGNITING
WHEN EXTRACTED IN THIS WAY.
3.2.3.
Only a cap sensitive high velocity type of explosive should be used for the
above purposes. ANFO is not suitable.
3.2.4.
If destruction is carried out in the open then no more than 50 detonators
should be destroyed at any one time.
3.3.
DETONATING CORD
3.3.1.
Detonating cord can be destroyed at remote sites by burning under
supervision provided it is cut into short lengths (about 1 metre long) and all crimped
on caps, detonators and detonating relays etc. cut off.
3.3.2.
All knots in the cord should be untied or cut.
3.3.3.
The cut cord lengths should be burned in 2.5 kilogram heaps separated by a
minimum distance of 3 metres in the same way as for blasting explosives.
3.3.4.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY ATTEMPT BE
MADE TO BURN COMPLETE REELS OF DETONATING CORD.
3.3.5.
A convenient way to destroy detonating cord at user sites is by placing it
alongside the charges as they are being lowered into the shothole for normal blasting.
3.3.6
This method, can, however, only be carried out if downhole initiation is
being practised. The operation should, therefore, only be carried out by a qualified
shotfirer and with the approval of the site engineer.
3.3.7.
If the site is so remote that there is no possibility of complaint due to
airblast (noise) then large quantities may be destroyed by detonation.
3.4.
SAFETY FUSE
3.4.1
When there is a need to dispose of safety fuse it should be taken off the reel
and ignited in the usual way.
3.4.2
The reels on which the safety fuse is supplied should be disposed of
separately by burning as for other explosive waste, because reels can become heavily
contaminated.
3.5.
BLACKPOWDER
3.5.1.
Blackpowder can easily be destroyed by treating with copious quantities of
water. The wash water must, however, be treated as chemically contaminated effluent.
3.5.2.
It can also burned but it must be remembered that unconfined blackpowder
is very easily ignited and burns very quickly.
IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT TO TAKE PARTICULAR PRECAUTIONS
WHEN HANDLING THIS MATERIAL.
3.5.3.
Before attempting to burn Blackpowder it must first be removed from any
wrapper or container.
3.5.4.
IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THE
POWDER IS NOT CONFINED IN ANY WAY AS THIS CAN LEAD TO THE
BURNING TURNING INTO AN EXPLOSIVE EFFECT.
3.5.5.
Care must be taken to ensure that the powder is spread in a thin layer not
exceeding 2 cm otherwise the burning may give rise to a "fireball" which is to be
avoided.
3.5.6.
Care must be taken to ensure that the loose powder does not blow about. It
is therefore advisable that a calm day is chosen and the loose powder should be well
dampened with kerosene or other combustible oil.
3.5.7.
Ignition of a blackpowder fire should always be carried out by electrical
means so that it can be accomplished remotely.
3.6.
CONTAMINATED WASTE AND PACKING MATERIALS.
3.6.1.
Packing materials, linings any other material which has been in contact
with or has become impregnated with explosives can be conveniently disposed of by
using it as combustible base for the fires.
3.6.2.
Cotton waste and cleaning material that has been contaminated with
explosive during manufacturing operations is best disposed of by using it as
combustible base for factory burnings.
3.6.3.
Solvents that have been used during the manufacturing process or in
clean-up are most conveniently disposed of by soaking on cotton waste or wood meal
and burning either separately or as part of a factory burning.
3.6.4.
ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD CONTAMINATED SOLVENT BE
USED TO FUEL THE IGNITING TRAIL.
4.
DISPOSAL/DESTRUCTION BY MANUFACTURERS AT
DEDICATED SITES
4.1.
GENERAL
Because of the wide ranging nature of the explosives and devices produced by
manufacturers, the areas laid aside for the disposal of waste or unwanted explosive
have to be properly designated as such.
4.1.1.
Such areas should be isolated and remote from any of the manufacturing
operations.
4.1.2.
The area should be fenced off and clearly designated as the disposal area.
4.1.3.
The quantity of explosives to be destroyed should be split up into lots,
typically 10 kilos for NG explosives and up to 25 kilos for slurry and emulsion
explosives.
4.1.4.
The distance of the designated burning station from the nearest factory
operation will vary with the maximum quantity being burned at any one time. The
recommended minimum distances should conform to the following table:
4.1.5. TABLE OF DISTANCES.
Weight
of explosive.
Kilos
No.
of lots
operation.
`
10
20
30
40
50
100
1
2
3
4
5
10
Distance to nearest
Meters
50
65
70
75
80
100
4.1.6.
The facilities provided at the disposal area, reception, preparation and firing
and control facilities should be appropriate to the type and quantity of explosive to be
destroyed.
4.1.7.
The control of the disposal area and the supervision of the operators must
be under a properly qualified and trained person operating with the authority of the
factory manager.
4.2
BLASTING EXPLOSIVES
4.2.1
Blasting Explosives are most conveniently disposed of at factory sites by
burning following the same procedures and safety precautions as detailed in Sections
2.1. and 3.1.
4.2.2.
Explosives designed for and approved for use in gassy mines (permitted
explosives) may also be disposed of by burning but special precautions are necessary
to ensure the proper destruction of these specialised compositions. The cartridges
should preferably be broken and the powder spread out on the base of the fire to a
depth not exceeding 2 cm and then thoroughly dampened with kerosene before
ignition.
4.3.
DETONATORS
4.3.1.
A most convenient way of disposing of detonators at manufacturers
premises is by burning.
4.3.2.
It must be emphasised that, containing as they do, initiating material,
detonators are much more liable to detonation (and shrapnel effect) than other
accessories.
4.3.3.
Detonators and similar devices should, therefore, only be burned in a
properly designed and enclosed armoured furnace which will prevent the scattering of
unfired detonators and contain any shrapnel effect.
4.3.4.
Such specialist furnaces should be loaded remotely.
4.3.5.
The burning of detonators and devices should only be carried out by a
properly qualified and trained person with the authority of the Factory Manager.
4.3.6.
As this particular operation is very specialised a proper operational guide
should be drawn up covering all aspects of the operation specific to the method and
apparatus.
4.3.7.
Detonators may be destroyed in small numbers at designated disposal sites
by detonation.
4.3.8.
The area designated for detonation should be remote from the burning area.
4.3.9.
Detonation must be carried out in such a manner that any unfired
detonators are not scattered.
4.3.10.
One method is to prepare bundles of detonators (not exceeding 100) all
orientated in the same way, and then wrapped with detonating cord so that the bundle
is completely covered.
4.3.11. Precautions must be taken to prevent any shrapnel effect either by covering the
bundles with sandbags or blasting mats or by firing in a closed cell or bunker.
4.3.12. The cord is then primed with an electric detonator in the usual way.
4.3.13.
Alternatively the destruction by detonation of electric detonators can be
carried out under water. Special arrangements and procedures will have to be made
depending on the location and circumstances.
4.4.
DEVICES
4.4.1.
The process of dismantling explosive devices in most European countries is
a process which is only permitted in a factory properly licensed to do so. Consequently
the disposal area, if handling these types of devices, will come under the appropriate
licence conditions covering quantities, distances, personnel etc.
4.4.2.
ONCE AGAIN THE KEEPING OF RECORDS IS VITAL.
5.
SECURITY
It should be recognised that the disposal of surplus explosives, particularly in the field,
could pose security problems.
ALL SUCH DISPOSAL OPERATIONS SHOULD, THEREFORE, BE
SUBJECT TO THE SAME CAREFUL ACCOUNTING AND RECORDING
PROCEDURES AS ARE FOLLOWED FOR THE MAGAZINING AND
ISSUING OF EXPLOSIVES FOR NORMAL USE. THE QUANTITIES AND
TYPES DISPOSED OF SHOULD BE PROPERLY REGISTERED AND THE
REGISTERS SIGNED BY THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE UNDER THE
LICENCE OR AUTHORISATION.
6. RESUMÉ
6.1.
All disposal operations should be treated in the same way as any other
explosive handling or blasting operation and the same precautions observed (e.g. no
smoking - use only non-metallic tools - proper warning signals etc.).
6.2.
If there is any doubt whatsoever about the correct method of disposal then
the manufacturer should be contacted without delay for his guidance and assistance.
6.3.
The methods of disposal for the various classes of explosives and
accessories dealt with in this Code of Good Practice are summarised as follows.
BURN
DETONATE
NG Based Blasting Explosives
*
*
ANFO
*
*
Pyrotechnic Devices
*
N
Blackpowder
*
N
Detonators
*
*
Detonating Cord
*
*
Slurry & Water Based
Explosives
*
Contaminated Paper Waste
*
*
N
*
N
Initiating Explosives
N
*
Non NG-based Explosives
*
*
Safety Fuse
N
*
`
NOT RECOMENDED
RECOMMENDED