2.17.2. Classification criteria
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2.17.2.1. |
Any explosive while in a desensitised state shall be considered in this class unless, in that state:
(a)
It is intended to produce a practical explosive or pyrotechnic effect;
(b)
It has a mass explosion hazard according to test series 6 (a) or 6 (b) or the corrected burning rate according to the burning rate test described in part V, subsection 51.4 of the UN RTDG, Manual of Tests and Criteria is greater than 1 200 kg/min; or
(c)
The exothermic decomposition energy is less than 300 J/g. NOTE 1: Substances or mixtures, which meet the criterion (a) or (b) in their desensitised state shall be classified as explosives (see Section 2.1). Substances or mixtures which meet the criterion (c) may fall within the scope of other physical hazard classes. NOTE 2: The exothermic decomposition energy may be estimated using a suitable calorimetric technique (see section 20, sub-section 20.3.3.3 in Part II of the UN RTDG, Manual of Tests and Criteria). |
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2.17.2.2. |
Desensitised explosives shall be classified and packaged for supply and use in one of the four categories of this class depending on the corrected burning rate (Ac) using the test ‘burning rate test (external fire)’ described in Part V, sub-section 51.4 of the UN RTDG, Manual of Tests and Criteria, according to Table 2.17.1:
Table 2.17.1. Criteria for desensitised explosives
Note 1: Desensitised explosives shall be prepared so that they remain homogeneous and do not separate during normal storage and handling, particularly if desensitised by wetting. The manufacturer/supplier shall give information in the safety data sheet about the shelf-life and instructions on verifying desensitisation. Under certain conditions the content of desensitising agent (e.g. phlegmatiser, wetting agent or treatment) may decrease during supply and use, and thus, the hazard potential of the desensitised explosive may increase. In addition, the safety data sheet shall include advice on avoiding increased fire, blast or projection hazards when the substance or mixture is not sufficiently desensitised. Note 2: Explosive properties of desensitised explosives shall be determined by test series 2 of the UN RTDG, Manual of Tests and Criteria, and shall be communicated in the safety data sheet. Note 3: For the purposes of storage, supply and use, desensitised explosives do not fall additionally within the scope of Sections 2.1 (explosives), 2.6 (flammable liquids) and 2.7 (flammable solids). |