DOE-STD-1212-2012, Explosives Safety
Functional areas: Safety Controls, Explosives, Hazard Identification
This Standard provides the basic technical requirements for an explosives safety program necessary for operations involving explosives, explosives assemblies, pyrotechnics and propellants, and assemblies containing these materials.
Superseded By:
DOE-STD-1212-2019, Explosives Safety on Nov 27, 2019
Version history and related documents
Superseded by
A newer version replaces this document.
- DOE-STD-1212-2019Explosives Safety (Nov 27, 2019)
Document text
Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
June 2012
DOE STANDARD
EXPLOSIVES SAFETY
U.S. Department of Energy AREA SAFT
Washington, DC 20585
MEASUREMENT
SENSITIVE
DOE-STD-1212-2012
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I. PURPOSE, SCOPE and APPLICABILITY, EXEMPTIONS,
WAIVERS, ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, AND DEFINITIONS .......... 1
1.0. PURPOSE ............................................................................................................. 1
1.1. Scope and Applicability.............................................................................. 1
2.0. STANDARD ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT ...................................... 3
3.0. EXEMPTIONS ....................................................................................................... 4
3.1. Exemption Requests .................................................................................. 4
3.2. Exemptions Achieving Equivalent Safety .................................................. 4
3.3. Exemptions Not Achieving Equivalent Safety ............................................ 4
4.0. WAIVERS .............................................................................................................. 6
4.1. Documentation of a Waiver ....................................................................... 6
5.0. AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION ................................................................ 7
6.0. LIST OF MEASUREMENT ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................... 8
7.0. ACRONYMS ....................................................................................................... 10
8.0. DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER II. OPERATIONAL SAFETY ....................................................................... 27
1.0. GENERAL OPERATIONS SAFETY GUIDELINES ............................................ 27
1.1. Protection of Explosives .......................................................................... 27
1.2. Equipment Checks ................................................................................... 27
1.3. Inspection Frequency .............................................................................. 28
1.4. Laboratory Operations ............................................................................. 28
1.5. Toxicity Hazards ...................................................................................... 28
1.6. Hazard Identification and Communication ............................................... 28
1.7. Process Hazard Analysis ......................................................................... 29
2.0. WORK ENVIRONMENT...................................................................................... 31
2.1. General Requirements ............................................................................. 31
2.2. Emergency Exit Requirements for Explosives Operations ...................... 31
3.0. BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE ................................................ 37
3.1. Cleaning .................................................................................................. 37
3.2. Maintenance and Repair.......................................................................... 37
3.3. Hot Work Permits ..................................................................................... 38
Section 2
4.0. REMOTE OPERATIONS .................................................................................... 39
4.1. Personnel Protection ............................................................................... 39
4.2. Access and Equipment Controls .............................................................. 39
5.0. GENERAL EXPLOSIVES AREA CONTROLS ................................................... 40
5.1. Smoking, Matches, Lighters, Metal Articles ............................................. 40
5.2. Cooking and Eating ................................................................................. 40
5.3. Access to Explosives Areas ..................................................................... 40
6.0. PROTECTION OF ELECTROEXPLOSIVE DEVICES (EED) FROM
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION (EMR) ........................................................ 41
7.0. STATIC ELECTRICITY ....................................................................................... 42
DOE-STD-1212-2012
ii
7.1. General .................................................................................................... 42
7.2. Bonding and Grounding of Equipment ..................................................... 42
7.3. Testing Bonded Equipment Grounds ....................................................... 42
7.4. Conductive Floors, Shoes, Mats and Wristbands .................................... 42
7.5. Conductive Floor, Work Surface, and Wristband Specifications ............. 43
7.6. Conductive Floor Tests ............................................................................ 44
7.7. Humidification .......................................................................................... 45
7.8. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter ............................................................... 45
8.0. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND WIRING ........................................................ 46
8.1. Location/Operation Electrical Hazard Classification ................................ 46
8.2. Electrical Supply System ......................................................................... 48
8.3. Building Electrical Service Entrance ........................................................ 49
8.4. Permanent Wiring, Fixtures and Equipment ............................................ 49
8.5. Flexible Cords/Wiring ............................................................................... 50
8.6. Electrical Equipment and Instrumentation ............................................... 51
8.7. Electrical Requirements for Outdoor Test Areas ..................................... 52
8.8. Hand-held, Battery-Powered Lights and Instruments .............................. 52
8.9. Non-Rated Extension Lighting ................................................................. 53
8.10. Laboratories ............................................................................................. 53
8.11. Modifications ............................................................................................ 53
9.0. VACUUM EQUIPMENT ...................................................................................... 54
9.1. General .................................................................................................... 54
9.2. Labeling ................................................................................................... 54
9.3. Disassembly ............................................................................................ 54
9.4. Traps or Filters......................................................................................... 54
Section 3
10.0. EXPLOSIVES DUST EXHAUST VENTILATION AND COLLECTION
SYSTEMS ........................................................................................................... 55
10.1. General .................................................................................................... 55
10.2. Exhaust Ventilation .................................................................................. 55
10.3. Dust Collection Systems .......................................................................... 55
10.4. Dust Collection Location .......................................................................... 56
11.0. DRAINS AND SUMPS ........................................................................................ 57
11.1. Collection ................................................................................................. 57
11.2. Effluent .................................................................................................... 57
12.0. PROCESSING .................................................................................................... 59
12.1. Heating, Drying, and Thermal Conditioning ............................................. 59
12.2. Pressing ................................................................................................... 62
12.3. Extruding.................................................................................................. 64
12.4. Machining ................................................................................................ 64
12.5. Dry Screening .......................................................................................... 70
12.6. Blending ................................................................................................... 70
12.7. Melting ..................................................................................................... 71
12.8. Assembly and Disassembly ..................................................................... 71
12.9. Inspection ................................................................................................ 72
12.10. Synthesis ................................................................................................. 73
12.11. Formulation .............................................................................................. 75
12.12. Concurrent Contact Operations ............................................................... 77
12.13. Contamination Prevention ....................................................................... 77
12.14. Hand-Cutting and Finishing Operations ................................................... 78
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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12.15. Use of Low-Pressure Fluids ..................................................................... 78
13.0. TESTING ............................................................................................................. 79
13.1. General .................................................................................................... 79
13.2. Test Planning ........................................................................................... 79
13.3. Test Firing ................................................................................................ 80
13.4. Test Firing in Tanks or Chambers ........................................................... 85
13.5. Gun Firings .............................................................................................. 86
13.6. Ballistic, Environmental, Physical Property, and Sensitivity Testing ........ 87
13.7. Test Failures and Misfires ........................................................................ 89
13.8. Electrical Instruments for Use with Explosives Systems ......................... 91
Section 4
14.0. MATERIALS HANDLING.................................................................................... 93
14.1. General .................................................................................................... 93
14.2. Manual Handling of Bare Consolidated Explosives ................................. 93
14.3. Carts or Hand Trucks ............................................................................... 94
14.4. Mechanical Handling Equipment ............................................................. 94
15.0. MATERIALS RECEIPT ....................................................................................... 95
15.1. Motor Vehicles ......................................................................................... 95
15.2. Railcars .................................................................................................... 96
15.3. Damaged Shipments ............................................................................... 96
16.0. TRANSPORTATION ........................................................................................... 97
16.1. Equipment and Operations ...................................................................... 97
16.2. General Operation Guidelines ............................................................... 102
16.3. Emergency Conditions ........................................................................... 102
17.0. EXPLOSIVES STORAGE ................................................................................. 104
17.1. Storage Magazine Facilities ................................................................... 104
17.2. Storage Magazine Operations ............................................................... 105
17.3. Storage Review Program ....................................................................... 106
17.4. Storage Compatibility ............................................................................. 108
17.5. Containers (Onsite)................................................................................ 111
17.6. Storage in Buildings Other Than Storage Magazines ............................ 112
18.0. DECONTAMINATION AND CLEANING .......................................................... 120
18.1. General .................................................................................................. 120
18.2. Cleaning Contaminated Equipment ....................................................... 120
18.3. Cleaning Screw Threads ....................................................................... 120
18.4. Final Decontamination and Disposal of Equipment ............................... 120
18.5. Inspection .............................................................................................. 121
18.6. Identification and Control of Decontaminated Items .............................. 121
18.7. Decontamination of Real Estate ............................................................ 122
18.8. Decontamination and Cleaning References .......................................... 123
19.0. WASTE COLLECTION ..................................................................................... 124
19.1. General .................................................................................................. 124
19.2. Solid Wastes .......................................................................................... 124
19.3. Vacuum Collection of Explosives Dusts ................................................ 124
19.4. Explosives Slurries ................................................................................ 125
19.5. Metal Scrap............................................................................................ 126
Section 5
20.0. WASTE DISPOSAL .......................................................................................... 127
20.1. Preparation for Open Burning ................................................................ 127
20.2. Destruction by Burning or Flashing ........................................................ 128
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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20.3. Ignition System Malfunctions ................................................................. 128
20.4. Post-burn Operations ............................................................................. 129
20.5. Disposal Area ........................................................................................ 129
20.6. Destruction by Detonation ..................................................................... 130
20.7. Use of Solvents...................................................................................... 130
21.0. LABORATORY OPERATIONS ........................................................................ 131
21.1. General .................................................................................................. 131
21.2. Safety Shields ........................................................................................ 131
21.3. Heating Operations ................................................................................ 133
21.4. Laboratory Setups ................................................................................. 134
21.5. Low Concentration of Explosives in Solution ......................................... 134
21.6. Explosives Sample Control .................................................................... 134
21.7. De minimis or Residual Quantities ......................................................... 135
22.0. EMERGENCY CONTROL................................................................................. 136
22.1. Placarding and Fire Symbols ................................................................. 136
22.2. Explosives Emergency Control Plans .................................................... 136
CHAPTER III. EXPLOSIVES AND PERSONNEL LIMITS AND CONTROL .............. 138
1.0. EXPLOSIVES LIMITS ....................................................................................... 138
2.0. PERSONNEL LIMITS ....................................................................................... 139
3.0. LIMIT CONTROL .............................................................................................. 140
3.1. Posting and Recording .......................................................................... 140
3.2. Limit Review and Approvals .................................................................. 140
3.3. Personnel Controls ................................................................................ 140
3.4. Explosives Control ................................................................................. 140
4.0. INSENSITIVE HIGH EXPLOSIVE LIMITS ........................................................ 141
CHAPTER IV. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT .............. 142
1.0. CLOTHING AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT .................................................... 142
1.1. Clothing ................................................................................................. 142
1.2. Footwear ................................................................................................ 142
1.3. Respirators ............................................................................................ 142
1.4. Eye Protection ....................................................................................... 142
1.5. Gloves ................................................................................................... 142
Section 6
2.0. MAINTENANCE AND TESTING ....................................................................... 143
2.1. Equipment Maintenance and Inspection ................................................ 143
2.2. Conductivity Testing .............................................................................. 143
2.3. Cleaning and Disinfecting ...................................................................... 143
2.4. Contaminated Clothing .......................................................................... 143
CHAPTER V. TRAINING ............................................................................................ 144
1.0. GENERAL ......................................................................................................... 144
2.0. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY .................................................................. 145
3.0. TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION PROGRAMS ............................................. 146
4.0. UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE (UXO) TRAINING .............................................. 148
5.0. REFERENCES .................................................................................................. 148
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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CHAPTER VI. QUANTITY-DISTANCE AND LEVEL-OF-PROTECTION
CRITERIA FOR EXPLOSIVES ACTIVITIES ......................................... 149
1.0. GENERAL ......................................................................................................... 149
1.1. Explosives Safety Site Plan Submission and Approval ......................... 149
1.2. Explosives Safety Site Plan Development ............................................. 149
2.0. APPLICABILITY OF CRITERIA ....................................................................... 151
2.1. Specific Applications .............................................................................. 151
2.2. Explosives Limits ................................................................................... 151
2.3. Areas Where Criteria Are Not Applicable .............................................. 151
3.0. QUANTITY-DISTANCE CRITERIA ................................................................... 152
3.1. Hazard Divisions .................................................................................... 152
3.2. Establishing Quantity of Explosives and Distances ............................... 154
4.0. LEVEL-OF-PROTECTION CRITERIA .............................................................. 158
4.1. Hazard Classes ..................................................................................... 158
4.2. Required Level of Protection ................................................................. 159
5.0. FIRE PROTECTION .......................................................................................... 163
5.1. Vegetation Control ................................................................................. 163
5.2. Fire Protection Criteria ........................................................................... 163
6.0. EXPLOSIVES FACILITY SITING AND DESIGN CRITERIA REFERENCES .. 164
6.1. Site and General Construction Plans for Ammunition and Explosives
Facilities ................................................................................................. 165
CHAPTER VII. OPERATING PROCEDURES ............................................................ 167
Section 7
1.0. GENERAL ......................................................................................................... 167
1.1. Requirements ........................................................................................ 167
1.2. Types of Procedures .............................................................................. 167
2.0. GUIDELINES .................................................................................................... 168
2.1. Before Operation ................................................................................... 168
2.2. Supervisory Responsibility ..................................................................... 168
2.3. Preparation ............................................................................................ 168
2.4. Approval ................................................................................................ 168
2.5. Control ................................................................................................... 169
2.6. Audits ..................................................................................................... 169
2.7. Reviews ................................................................................................. 169
2.8. Content of Standard Operating Procedures .......................................... 169
2.9. Content of Special or Experimental Procedures .................................... 171
3.0. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ............................................................................ 172
CHAPTER VIII. FORMULATION SCALEUP .............................................................. 173
1.0. EXPLOSIVES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM .................................................... 173
1.1. Explosives Development Committee ..................................................... 173
1.2. Phase-by-Phase Approvals ................................................................... 173
1.3. Modified Formulations ........................................................................... 173
1.4. Sensitivity Data from another Laboratory .............................................. 173
2.0. DEVELOPMENT PROCEDURES ..................................................................... 174
2.1. General .................................................................................................. 174
2.2. Synthesis Phase .................................................................................... 174
2.3. Compatibility Testing ............................................................................. 174
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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2.4. Phase I—Preliminary Explosives Testing .............................................. 175
2.5. Phase II—Experimental Characterization and Development ................. 177
2.6. Phase III—Full-Scale Testing and Production ....................................... 177
CHAPTER IX. INSENSITIVE HIGH EXPLOSIVES QUALIFICATION ........................ 179
1.0. INSENSITIVE HIGH EXPLOSIVES (IHE) ......................................................... 179
2.0. IHE SUBASSEMBLIES..................................................................................... 181
3.0. IHE WEAPONS ................................................................................................. 185
4.0. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ............................................................................ 186
Section 8
CHAPTER X. ELECTRICAL STORMS AND LIGHTNING PROTECTION ................. 187
1.0. ELECTRICAL STORM HAZARDS ................................................................... 187
2.0. LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS ............................................................ 189
2.1. Lightning Protection System Basic Design ............................................ 189
2.2. Lightning Protection Subsystems .......................................................... 189
2.3. Approved Lightning Protection Systems ................................................ 189
2.4. Lightning Protection Subsystem Criteria ................................................ 194
3.0. INSPECTION AND TESTING OF LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS ...... 198
3.1. Initial Installation or Approval ................................................................. 198
3.2. Periodic Inspections and Testing ........................................................... 198
3.3. Acceptable Electrical Test Measurements ............................................. 200
3.4. Procedures ............................................................................................ 201
3.5. Documentation and Trend Analysis ....................................................... 201
3.6. Training .................................................................................................. 202
4.0. LIGHTNING PROTECTION EXCEPTIONS ...................................................... 203
5.0. LIGHTNING THREAT DETECTION ................................................................. 204
6.0. LIGHTNING THREAT ACTIONS ...................................................................... 205
7.0. SHUTDOWN OF OPERATIONS ....................................................................... 208
8.0. LIGHTNING WARNING AND PROTECTION PLAN ........................................ 209
8.1. Evaluation of Lightning Risk .................................................................. 209
8.2. Lightning Protection System Installation ................................................ 209
8.3. LPS Inspection and Maintenance .......................................................... 209
8.4. Sideflash Separation Distances ............................................................. 210
8.5. Lightning Threat ..................................................................................... 210
9.0. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ............................................................................ 211
APPENDIX A. REFERENCES .................................................................................... A-1
APPENDIX B. EXPLOSIVES SAFETY COMMITTEE ORGANIZATIONS AND
FUNCTIONS .......................................................................................... B-1
APPENDIX C. INDEX ................................................................................................. C-1
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure II-1. Testing Shoes on Wearer ................................................................................. 44
Figure VI-1. Application of Hazard Classification System ............................................... 154
Figure X-1. Single Mast Zone of Protection ...................................................................... 190
Figure X-2. Example of Catenary System Zone of Protection ........................................ 191
Section 9
Figure X-3. Integral System Zone of Protection ............................................................... 194
LIST OF TABLES
Table II-1. Reserved for Future Use ................................................................................... 83
Table II-2. Reserved for Future Use ................................................................................... 83
Table II-3. Reserved for Future Use ................................................................................... 83
Table II-4. Storage Compatibility Groups for Explosives and Explosive-
Containing Devices ......................................................................................... 116
Table II-5. Storage Compatibility Mixing Chart ............................................................... 119
Table II-6. Safety Shields for Explosive Laboratory Operations* ................................. 133
Table VI-1. Divisions of Class 1 ........................................................................................ 153
Table VI-2. Quantity-Distance Separation for Protection of Underground Service
Installations ..................................................................................................... 157
Table VI-3. Guidelines for Minimum QD Requirements for Small Amounts of
Explosive Substances Having Hazard Division 1.1 Classification ............. 157
Table VIII-1. Scaleup Procedure Guidelines for New Explosives and Formulations ..... 176
Table IX-1. DOE IHE Qualification Tests........................................................................... 182
Table IX-2. Approved IHEs ................................................................................................. 182
Table IX-3. DOE Qualification Tests for IHE Subassemblies* ........................................ 183
Table IX-4. Approved IHE Subassemblies........................................................................ 183
Table IX-5. IHE Hazard Classification ............................................................................... 184
DOE-STD-1212-2012
viii
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
DOE-STD-1212-2012
1
CHAPTER I. PURPOSE, SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY, EXEMPTIONS,
WAIVERS, ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, AND DEFINITIONS
1.0. PURPOSE
This Technical Standard contains the safety requirements that were contained in the
Department of Energy (DOE) Manual (M) 440.1-1A, DOE Explosives Safety Manual (2006). It
provides the basic technical requirements for an explosives safety program necessary for
operations involving explosives, explosives assemblies, pyrotechnics and propellants, and
assemblies containing these materials. Technical changes in this Standard may differ from the
former DOE Explosives Safety Manual or site-issued versions of the Manual. However, all of
the changes have been proposed, reviewed, deliberated, and recommended by the DOE
Explosives Safety Committee and are approved in accordance with DOE’s Technical Standard
Program requirements. This Technical Standard will serve as the successor document for the
DOE Explosives Safety Manual and may be used in accordance with requirements of 10 CFR
851 Appendix A 3.(b).
1.1. Scope and Applicability
a. This Technical Standard applies to all DOE facilities engaged in developing,
manufacturing, handling, storing, transporting, processing, or testing explosives,
pyrotechnics, and propellants, or assemblies containing these materials, and to
the safe management of such operations. With the exception of explosives
storage and transportation, this Technical Standard does not apply to commercial
activities such as routine construction or routine tunnel blasting.
Section 10
b. This Technical Standard establishes safety controls and standards not
addressed in other existing DOE or non-DOE regulations to close the safety gap
created by DOE's unique activities to govern the DOE explosives safety process
and ensure that explosives safety is commensurate with the risk. However, the
Department of Defense (DoD), Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA), and other nationally recognized standards, such as the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) codes, provide the basic framework. Specific
requirements from these documents are applicable and pertinent as determined
by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
c. The design of all new explosives facilities shall conform to the requirements
established in this Standard. It is not intended that existing physical facilities be
changed arbitrarily to comply with these provisions, except as required by law.
Existing facilities that do not comply with these standards may continue to be
used for the balance of their functional lives if the following two conditions are
met:
1. The current operation presents no significantly greater risk than that
assumed when the facility was originally designed.
2. It can be demonstrated clearly that a modification to bring the facility into
compliance is not feasible.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
2
d. However, in the case of a major modification, the facility must be brought into
compliance with current standards.
Major Modification is a planned project that significantly extends the building’s
useful life through alterations including deferred maintenance that total more than
30 percent of the replacement value of the building. In addition a major
modification results when there is a change in the building’s function resulting in
a significant increase in hazard or risk, or significant increase in occupancy or
planned life of the building.
e. The requirements are presented as either mandatory or advisory. Mandatory
requirements, denoted by the words "shall," "must," or "will," must be followed
unless the DOE Head of Field Element or National Nuclear Security
Administration (NNSA) Site Manager grants an exemption. Advisory
requirements denoted by "should" or "may" may be deviated from with a written
waiver granted by facility management.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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2.0. STANDARD ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
a. This Technical Standard will be kept current to ensure life and facility safety. The
standard will be maintained i.e., reviewed, approved, and issued In accordance
with DOE Order 252.1A, Technical Standards Program. Upon approval of a
revised standard it will be considered the official document that shall be
incorporated into contracts, as appropriate. This official version of the standard
may be found online at:
http://www.hss.doe.gov/nuclearsafety/ns/techstds/standard/standard.html.
b. The DOE Explosives Safety Committee (ESC) promotes DOE policy that
requires all DOE explosives activities to be conducted in a manner that protects
the safety of the public and provides a safe and healthful workplace for
employees, will act as the Preparing Activity for this standard in support of the
DOE Office of Primary Interest (OPI). The Committee will review, evaluate, and
recommend proposed changes to the Standard. The changes will be consonant
with state-of-the-art technical changes in the field and include lessons learned
from DOE, other Governmental, and Industry experience and mishaps.
Section 11
NOTE: To assist in the transition of DOE Manual 440.1-1A, DOE Explosives
Manual into a Technical Standard, the Manual’s content describing the
Explosives Safety Committee organizations and functions has been included in
Appendix B of this document.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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3.0. EXEMPTIONS
a. Mandatory requirements, denoted by the words “shall,” “must,” or “will,” must be
followed unless the DOE Head of Field Element or NNSA Site Manager grants
an exemption. Advisory requirements denoted by “should” or “may” can be
granted a written waiver by facility management.
b. An exemption is a written release from a mandatory safety requirement.
Competent, knowledgeable, and experienced explosives safety subject matter
experts shall review all exemption requests. Approved exemption requests
should feature methodologies to mitigate to the highest practical level the
additional safety risks through additional engineering or administrative controls.
3.1. Exemption Requests
Requests for an exemption shall contain the following information:
a. Description of the condition.
b. Safety requirement necessitating deviation.
c. Reason why requirement cannot be achieved.
d. Steps taken to provide protection and to ameliorate the additional risk.
e. Statement of whether equivalent safety is provided and, if not, assessment of the
residual risk.
f. Any proposed corrective action and schedule.
g. Duration of the exemption.
3.2. Exemptions Achieving Equivalent Safety
a. The DOE Field/Operations Manger or NNSA Site Manager is permitted to grant
exemptions from the mandatory requirements of this Technical Standard
provided compliance is impracticable and the facility operator has demonstrated
that the conditions, practices, means, methods, or processes to be used result in
equivalent safety. Requests for exemptions shall be submitted to the DOE
Field/Operations Manger or NNSA Site Manager for documented review and
approval.
3.3. Exemptions Not Achieving Equivalent Safety
a. The DOE Operations Officer or NNSA Site Manager shall submit to the Program
Secretarial Officer (PSO) all requests for exemptions from mandatory
requirements for which equivalent protection of operating personnel, the public,
and property cannot be achieved. The PSO, with the advice and concurrence
from HS-1, the Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer, shall make a final
determination on the request for exemption. The DOE Operations Office or
NNSA Site Manager may grant a temporary exemption while the PSO is
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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processing an exemption request. The temporary exemption is limited to the
shorter of 180 days from its granting or until the exemption is approved or
denied. Exemptions will be reviewed for applicability and currency at intervals
not to exceed five years.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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4.0. WAIVERS
a. If an activity, operation, or process is determined to be out of compliance with the
Technical Standard’s advisory requirements, but the activity, operation, or
process is determined to be safe and necessary, facility management may grant
written approval in the form of a waiver for an alternate solution. Waivers will be
granted for the minimum time necessary; ongoing waivers shall be updated every
three years. Facility management shall maintain a central file of active waivers
and provide a copy of each waiver to the local DOE contracting officer.
4.1. Documentation of a Waiver
Each waiver shall contain, as a minimum, the following information:
Section 12
a. Description of the condition.
b. Safety standard requiring alternate solution.
c Reason why compliance is not achieved.
d. Any proposed corrective actions and schedule.
e. Waiver duration or expiration date.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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5.0. AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION
The NNSA Site Office Manager or DOE Field/Operations Manager has the ultimate
responsibility to resolve all safety matters. The title Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) as used
in this Technical Standard, refers to specific persons assigned functional responsibilities to
assist their management in assuring that the level of explosives safety provided to site-specific
explosives operations and activities is commensurate with the requirements of this Technical
Standard.
Each site that works with explosives usually has two local AHJs, whose areas of responsibility
are as follows:
a. A federal AHJ is the NNSA Site Office Manager or DOE Field/Operations
Manager, or his/her designee. He/she performs all inherently governmental AHJ
functions as determined by the NNSA Site Manager or DOE Field/Operations
Manager. He/she is a voting member on the DOE Explosives Safety Committee.
b. A contractor AHJ is a Subject Matter Expert who is appointed by the M&O
Contractor to provide day-to-day support to ongoing and planned explosives
operations and activities. He/she is a voting member on the DOE Explosives
Safety Committee.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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6.0. LIST OF MEASUREMENT ABBREVIATIONS
The following list expresses measurement abbreviations as used in this Technical Standard:
oC degrees Celsius
cm centimeters
oF degrees Fahrenheit
ft feet
ft2 square feet
g grams
gal gallons
gr grains
in inches
kg kilograms
kPa kilopascals
L liters
lbs pounds
m meters
m2 square meters
mg milligrams
min minute
mm millimeters
mm Hg millimeters of mercury
oz ounces
Pa pascals
psi pounds per square inch
psig pounds per square inch, gauge pressure
pt pints
rpm revolutions per minute
sec seconds
NOTE: Some conversions from standard to metric and from metric to standard have been
rounded up or down to the nearest practical figure (no more than four significant figures) with a
margin of error less than 0.1%. When a conversion has occurred, the original figure is in bold
while conversion is not.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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Examples:
standard (metric): This indicates that the standard figure is the original figure while the metric
figure is a conversion.
standard (metric): This indicates that the metric figure is the original figure while the standard
figure is a conversion.
standard (metric): This indicates that both the standard figure and the metric figure are original
figures that have not been converted.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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7.0. ACRONYMS
ACGIH American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists
AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction
ANSI American National Standards Institute
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
BEC Blast Effects Computer
BOE Bureau of Explosives
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DBA Design Basis Accident
DDESB Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board
DoD Department of Defense
DOE Department of Energy
DOT Department of Transportation
DSC Differential Scanning Calorimetry
DTA Differential Thermal Analysis
EBW Exploding Bridge Wire
ECM Earth-covered Magazine
EDC Explosives Development Committee
EED Electroexplosive Device
EIDS Extremely Insensitive Detonating Substance
EMR Electromagnetic Radiation
Section 13
EOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal
ES Exposed site
ESC Explosives Safety Committee
FMECA Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis
GFCI Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
GRE Ground Ring Electrode
HAZOP Hazard and Operability Study
HE High Explosive
HMX Cyclotetramethylene Tetranitramine
HSS Office of Health, Safety and Security
IHE Insensitive High Explosive
LDS Lightning Detection System
LEL Lower Explosive Limit
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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LFL Lower Flammable Limit
LPS Lightning Protection System
LTA Lightning Threat Alert
LTDS Lightning threat detection system
LTW Lightning Threat Warning
LWP Lightning Warning Plan
LWPP Lightning Warning and Protection Plan
LWS Lightning Warning System
MCE Maximum Credible Event
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
MSHA Mine Safety and Health Administration
NE Nuclear Explosive
NEC National Electric Code
NEO Nuclear Explosive Operation
NEQ Net Explosive Quantity
NEW Net Explosive Weight
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
NLDN National Lightning Detection Network
NNSA National Nuclear Security Administration
OPI Office of Primary Interest
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PBX Plastic Bonded Explosive
PEL Permissible Explosive Limit
PES Potential Explosion Site
PETN Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
PSO Program Secretarial Officer
Q-D Quantity-Distance
RDX Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine
RF Radiofrequency
SA Safety Assessment
SAR Safety Analysis Report
SOP Standard (Standing) Operating Procedure
SPD Surge Protection Device
SPL Sound Pressure Level
SPMS Safety Performance Measurement System
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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SSR Safe Secure Railcar
SST Safe Secure Trailer
TATB Triamino Trinitrobenzene
TMAC Toxic Materials Advisory Committee
TNT Trinitrotoluene
UFC Unified Facilities Criteria
UL Underwriters Laboratory
UN United Nations
UPS Uninterrupted Power Supply
UXO Unexploded Ordnance
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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8.0. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Technical Standard, the following terms are defined.
AIR TERMINAL. (1) A component of a Lightning Protection System (LPS) designed to accept
direct attachment of the lightning flash and transfer the current to the down conductor (see
STRIKE TERMINATION DEVICE). (2) A strike termination device that is a receptor for
attachment of flashes to the LPS and is listed for the purpose.
APPROVED. Complying with the provision(s) of this Technical Standard and with instructions
and details issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or with those of other approving agencies
specified herein.
ARM. A general term that implies the energizing of electronic and electrical circuitry, which in
turn controls power sources or other components used to initiate explosives. The arming
operation completes all steps preparatory to electrical initiation of explosives except the actual
fire signal.
AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION (AHJ). The National Nuclear Security Administration
(NNSA) Site Office Manager or DOE Field/Operations Manager has the ultimate responsibility to
resolve all safety matters. The title Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) as used in the Technical
Standard, refers to specific persons assigned functional responsibilities to assist their
management in assuring that the level of explosives safety provided to site-specific explosives
operations and activities is consistent with the requirements of this Technical Standard.
Section 14
BARRICADE. An intervening approved barrier, natural or artificial, of such type, size, and
construction as to limit in a prescribed manner the effect of an explosion on nearby buildings or
personnel.
BAY. A location (e.g., room, cubicle, cell, or work area) containing a single type of explosives
activity, which affords the required protection specified for appropriate hazard classification of
the activity involved.
BLENDING. The mixing of solid materials (usually dry) by gravity flow, usually induced by
vessel rotation.
BOND. An interconnection of metal objects, generally to the LPS (see BONDING).
BONDED. The joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that will ensure
electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed.
BONDING. (1) An electrical connection between a metal object and an LPS component. This
produces electrical continuity between the LPS and the object and minimizes electro-magnetic
potential differences. Bonding is done to prevent sideflash. (2) An electrical connection
between an electrically conductive object and an LPS component that is intended to significantly
reduce potential differences created by lightning currents.
BOOSTER. Explosives used in an explosive train to amplify the shock output of the initiating
device and cause detonation of the main explosive charge.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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CASUAL. A person other than an operator who intermittently visits an explosives operation for
the purpose of supervision, inspection, maintenance, etc. Casuals do not perform hands-on
work with explosives but are otherwise involved with the explosives operation being performed.
Casuals are accounted for in the established personnel limits for the area and are provided a
level of protection consistent with the explosion hazard of operations in adjacent areas.
CATENARY SYSTEM. An LPS consisting of overhead wire suspended from poles connected
to a grounding system via down conductors. Its purpose is to intercept lightning flashes from
the protected area.
CLEAR ZONE. The required maximum quantity-distance for the protection of personnel and
facilities from the potential explosion site (PES).
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL. Any material that, when ignited, will sustain burning.
COMPATIBILITY. The chemical property of materials to coexist without adverse reaction for an
acceptable period of time. Compatibility in storage exists when storing materials together does
not increase the probability of an accident or, for a given quantity, the magnitude of the effects
of such an accident. Storage compatibility groups are assigned to provide for segregated
storage.
CONCURRENT OPERATIONS. Operations performed simultaneously and in close enough
proximity that an incident with one operation could adversely influence the other.
CONDUCTOR. Usually a cable intended to be used to carry lightning currents between strike
termination devices and ground terminals. The conductor also serves as a strike termination
device for a catenary LPS. Conductors are usually heavy metallic cables but metallic building
structural members, (e.g., steel I-beams) can also function as down conductors.
CONTACT OPERATIONS. An operation in which an operator and an explosive item are both
present with no operational shield.
CONTRACTOR - AHJ. A contractor AHJ is a Subject Matter Expert who is appointed by the
M&O Contractor to provide day-to-day support to ongoing and planned explosives operations
and activities.
Section 15
CONTROL POINT. The location used for personnel control and operation coordination in an
explosives operating or test area.
CORING. A machining operation that removes material in the form of a cylinder by cutting at
the circumference to create a hole or recover the material from the center of the cut.
COUNTERPOISE. A type of an earth electrode system consisting of conductor cables buried
around the structure to be protected. Generally, a counterpoise will have more surface area
contacting the earth than ground rod systems. Commonly called a ground ring electrode (see
EARTH ELECTRODE SYSTEM).
CRITICAL TEMPERATURE. Temperature above which the self-heating of an explosive causes
a runaway reaction. It is dependent on mass, geometry, and thermal boundary conditions.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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DANGER ZONE. That area around a test site where personnel could be in physical jeopardy
due to overpressure, fragments, or firebrands released during an explosive test.
DEFLAGRATION. A rapid chemical reaction in which the output of heat is sufficient to enable
the reaction to proceed and be accelerated without input of heat from another source.
Deflagration is a surface phenomenon with the reaction products flowing away from the
unreacted material along the surface at subsonic velocity. The effect of a true deflagration
under confinement is an explosion. Confinement of the reaction increases pressure, rate of
reaction, and temperature and may cause transition into a detonation.
DETONATION. A violent chemical reaction within a chemical compound or mechanical mixture
evolving heat and pressure. A detonation is a reaction that proceeds through the reacted
material toward the unreacted material at a supersonic velocity. The result of the chemical
reaction is exertion of extremely high pressure on the surrounding medium, forming a
propagating shock wave that is originally of supersonic velocity. When the material is located
on or near the surface of the ground, a detonation is normally characterized by a crater.
DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY (DSC). A technique in which the difference in
energy inputs into a substance and a reference material is measured as a function of
temperature or time while the substance and the reference material are subjected to a
controlled temperature program, or are held isothermally. The record is the differential scanning
calorimetry or DSC curve. The energy input is substituted for ΔT and is plotted in the same
manner as a normal DTA curve.
DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL ANALYSIS (DTA). A technique in which the temperature difference
between a substance and a reference material is measured as a function of temperature or time
while the substance and the reference material are subjected to a controlled temperature
program or are held isothermally. The record is the DTA curve. The energy input is substituted
for ΔT and is plotted in the same manner as a normal differential thermal analysis (DTA) curve.
DIRECT CONTACT WITH EXPLOSIVES. Physical contact between an electrical instrument or
equipment to bare explosives, the metallic casing of an explosive, or the firing leads of an
explosive device.
DOWN CONDUCTOR. A form of a main conductor designed to conduct the current of a
lightning flash vertically down to the earth electrode system.
DRYING. The removal of volatiles from ingredients or mixtures.
Section 16
EARTH ELECTRODE SYSTEM. Sometimes called a ground terminal. (1) A component of an
LPS that transfers the current of a lightning flash to the earth. The earth electrode system is
connected to the down conductor and is in direct contact with the earth. Examples of earth
electrode systems include ground rods, a counterpoise, buried metal plates, Ufer grounds, or
other similar devices. The matrix of a Faraday-like shield acts as the earth (ground) electrode
for an LPS. (2) The portion of an LPS, such as a ground rod, ground plate, or ground
conductor, that is installed to provide electrical contact with the earth.
ELECTRICAL BONDING. Electrical connection between two conductive objects intended to
prevent development of an electrical potential between them.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION LINES. These are normally electrical lines solely supplying
multiple facility locations.
ELECTRICAL SERVICE LINES. Those electrical lines supplying individual facility locations.
ELECTRICAL SUPPLY LINES. Electrical lines classified by purpose as transmission,
distribution, or service.
ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINES. Those electrical lines supplying locations outside the
facility uniquely, or in common with the facility. Any line carrying 69kv or more shall be
classified as a transmission line for Q-D purposes.
ELECTROEXPLOSIVE DEVICE (EED). A device containing some reaction mixture (explosive
or pyrotechnic) that is electrically initiated. The output of the initiation is heat, shock, or
mechanical action. See also LOW-ENERGY EED.
EXPERIMENTAL OPERATING PROCEDURE. A procedure prepared for conducting a specific
experiment a limited number of times under close technical supervision.
EXPLODING BRIDGEWIRE (EBW). An EED that is initiated by the discharge of a high current
through the device bridgewire, causing the wire to explode and produce a shockwave. An EBW
as defined herein is a device containing no primary explosive.
EXPLOSIVE. Any chemical compound or mechanical mixture that is designed to function as an
explosive, or chemical compound that functions through self-reaction as an explosive, and that,
when subjected to heat, impact, friction, shock, or other suitable initiation stimulus, undergoes a
very rapid chemical change with the evolution of large volumes of highly heated gases that exert
pressures in the surrounding medium. The term applies to materials that either detonate or
deflagrate. DOE explosives may be dyed various colors except pink, which is reserved for
mock explosive.
EXPLOSIVE DECONTAMINATION. The removal of hazardous explosive material.
EXPLOSIVES FACILITY. A structure or defined area used for explosives storage or operations.
Excluded are explosives presenting only localized, minimal hazards as determined by the
Authority Having Jurisdiction. Examples of excluded items may include user quantities of small
arms ammunition, commercial distress signals, or cartridges for cartridge actuated tools, etc.
EXTRUDING. Forcing a plastic-type material, under pressure, into a confined space or through
a confined opening to produce a desired configuration.
FACILITY. A group of buildings or equipment used for explosive operations at one geographic
location, generally owned by DOE.
FACILITY MANAGEMENT. Management staff of the facility operator (the contractor).
FACILITY OPERATOR. The organization having responsibility for conducting operations at a
DOE facility.
Section 17
FARADAY CAGE or FARADAY-LIKE SHIELD. An LPS where the area to be protected is
enclosed by a heavy metal screen (like a birdcage) or continuous metallic structure with no
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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unbonded metallic penetrations. On such a system, the lightning current flows on the exterior of
the structure, not through the interior.
FEDERAL AHJ. A federal AHJ is the NNSA Site Manager or DOE Field/Operations Manager,
or his/her designee. He/she performs all inherently governmental AHJ functions as determined
by the NNSA Site Manager or DOE Field/Operations Manager.
FIREBRAND. A projected burning or hot fragment whose thermal energy is transferred to a
receptor.
FIRING PAD. The prepared site where explosive items are fired for test data acquisition.
FIRING SITE. Controlled access area where test firing of explosives is conducted.
FLAMMABLE LIQUID. Any liquid having a flash point below 60°C and a vapor pressure not
exceeding 280 kPa (41 psia) at 37.8°C. This is the definition as applied in this Technical
Standard; it includes some materials defined as combustible liquids by the Department of
Transportation (DOT) and/or NFPA 70, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.
FLASH. The total lightning event. A flash may involve several lightning strokes, generally using
the same path through the air as the initial event.
FLASH POINT. The temperature at which a liquid or volatile solid gives off a vapor sufficient to
form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the material or within the test vessel.
FORMULATION. (1) The operation of combining ingredients to produce a mixture of a final
desired composition possessing specific physical and explosive properties. (2) An explosives
composition.
GROUND RESISTANCE. The value (in ohms) of the resistance between an earth electrode
system and earth.
GROUND RING ELECTRODE (GRE). An earth electrode system that encircles the structure,
either on or buried in the earth (see COUNTERPOISE and EARTH ELECTRODE SYSTEM).
GROUND ROD. A component of one type of earth electrode system, generally a cylindrical
device of approximately 3/4-in. diameter by approximately 10-ft long driven into the soil. The
ground rod is attached to the down conductor and dissipates a lightning flash’s current into the
earth.
GROUND TERMINAL. See EARTH ELECTRODE SYSTEM.
GROUNDED. (1) Connected to the earth or some conducting body that serves in place of the
earth. (2) Connected to the earth or some conducting body that is connected to earth.
GROUNDING. Providing an electrical path to the earth, generally to the earth electrode system.
HAZARD ANALYSIS: The identification of risks associated with the tasks being performed. It
focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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HAZARDOUS FRAGMENT OR DEBRIS HAVING AN IMPACT ENERGY GREATER THAN 11
FT-LBS (15J) AND LESS THAN 58 FOOT POUNDS (79J). Fragments or debris that can cause
serious injury.
HAZARDOUS FRAGMENT OR DEBRIS HAVING AN IMPACT ENERGY OF 58 FT-LBS (79J)
OR GREATER. Fragments or debris that can cause death or severe injury.
HEATING LIMITS. The conditions established for safely heating an explosive system
(maximum temperature, heating time, heating rate, etc.). These limits are based on the
estimated critical temperature of the explosive system with a suitable margin of safety.
HIGH-ENERGY INITIATOR. Exploding bridgewire systems, slapper detonators, and EEDs with
similar energy requirements for initiation.
Section 18
HIGH PRESSURE. Gas pressure greater than 3,000 psig (21 MPa gauge); liquid pressure
greater than 5,000 psig (35 MPa gauge).
HOLE (as applied to machine explosives). Any cavity that is more than one-half diameter deep,
being cut by any tool with the direction of feed along the axis of rotation.
HOT WORK (thermal). Any operation requiring the use of a flame-producing device, an
electrically heated tool producing a temperature higher than 109°C, or a mechanical tool that
can produce sparks or heat explosives or explosives contamination to provide an initiation
stimulus.
HYDROSTATIC PRESSING. The operation of compacting a material that is confined in a press
by a diaphragm by hydraulically applying pressure to the diaphragm.
IHE SUBASSEMBLIES. IHE hemispheres or spheres with booster charges, with or without
detonators that pass the DOE qualification tests listed in Table IX-3.
IHE WEAPONS. Weapons listed in DOE-DNA TP 20-7 as being exempt from storage and
transportation limits are classified as IHE weapons when stored or transported alone or in
combination with each other. This classification is valid only if the spacing between individual
units is that provided by storage or shipping containers or, if not in containers, by the spacing
specified in DOE-DNA TP 20-7.
IMPEDANCE. The resistance and reactance to an electrical current.
INDIRECT CONTACT WITH EXPLOSIVES. Contact between bare explosives, the metallic
casing of an explosive, or the firing leads of an explosive device and electrical instruments or
equipment through electrically conductive equipment or surfaces other than the equipment
leads.
INDUCTANCE. (1) The property of a conductor that makes it oppose any current change
through it. (2) A process by which an object having electrical or magnetic energy can produce
similar properties in a nearby object without direct contact.
INERT MATERIALS. Materials that show no exothermic decomposition when tested by DSC or
DTA. Moreover, when tested by recognized compatibility tests, the inert material shall not show
any incompatibility with energetic material with which it may be combined. Inert material shall
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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neither alter the onset of exotherm of the DSC or DTA trace of the energetic material nor
increase the rate of decomposition or gas evolution of the energetic material.
IN-PROCESS STORAGE MAGAZINE (facility, vault, rest house, etc.). See SERVICE
MAGAZINE.
INHABITED BUILDING. A building or structure other than operating buildings, magazines, and
auxiliary buildings occupied in whole or in part as a habitation for people or where people are
accustomed to assemble, both within and outside DOE facilities. Land outside DOE facilities
shall be considered as sites for inhabited buildings.
INHABITED-BUILDING DISTANCE. The minimum distance permitted between explosives
locations and inhabited buildings, administrative areas, site boundaries, main power stations,
and other facilities of vital or strategic nature.
INITIATION STIMULUS. Energy input to an explosive in a form potentially capable of initiating
a rapid decomposition reaction. Typical initiation stimuli are heat, friction, impact, electrical
discharge, and shock.
INITIATION, WITH ITS OWN MEANS. Explosives or ammunition having their normal initiating
device (e.g., detonators or squibs) assembled to them so that this device is considered to
present a significant risk of activation during storage.
Section 19
INITIATION, WITHOUT ITS OWN MEANS. Explosives or ammunition that (1) are not stored
with an initiating device assembled to them; or (2) have the initiating device assembled to them,
but (a) safety features preclude initiation of the explosives filler of the end item in the event of
accidental functioning of the initiating device, or (b) the initiating device does not contain any
primary explosives and has a high threshold of initiation (e.g., EBW or slapper detonators). The
power source for the initiator should not be present within the assembly or system. If the
initiator’s power source is present, two or more management-certified safety devices connected
in series shall be present to interrupt any flow of energy from the power source to the initiator.
INSENSITIVE HIGH EXPLOSIVES (IHE). Explosive substances that, although mass
detonating, are so insensitive that the probability of accidental initiation or transition from
burning to detonation is negligible. The materials passing the DOE qualification tests in Table
IX-1 are classified as IHE, and are listed in Table IX-2.
INTEGRAL SYSTEM. An LPS that has strike termination devices mounted on the structure to
be protected. These strike termination devices are connected to the earth electrode system via
down conductors. Metallic structure members can serve as parts of the LPS.
INTENTIONAL FIRING. This operation involves intentionally initiating explosives materials or
articles for the purpose of testing, training, demonstration, or destruction.
INTERMEDIATE PRESSURE. Gas pressure from 150 to 3,000 psig (1 to 21 MPa gauge);
liquid pressure from 1,500 to 5,000 psig (10 to 35 MPa gauge).
INTRALINE DISTANCE. The minimum distance permitted between any two operating buildings
or sites within an operating line, at least one of which contains, or is designed to contain,
explosives.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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INTRINSICALLY SAFE. An apparatus or system whose circuits are incapable of producing any
spark or thermal effect capable of causing ignition of a mixture of flammable or combustible
material under test conditions described in ANSI/UL 913.
ISOSTATIC PRESSING. The operation of compacting a material in a sealed flexible container.
The container is submerged in a pressure vessel, and the vessel is pressurized with liquid.
LABORATORY OPERATIONS. Experimental study, testing, and analysis of small quantities of
energetic materials. Manufacturing processes with small quantities of materials are not
included.
LIGHTNING DETECTION SYSTEM (LDS). A device or system to detect the presence of
lightning activity in the general area.
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM (LPS). A complete system of strike termination devices,
conductors, ground terminals, interconnecting conductors, surge suppression devices, and
other connectors or fittings required to complete the system.
LIGHTNING WARNING SYSTEM. A system that detects the presence and range of lightning
activity and thereby issues an alert or warning advisory.
LOW-ENERGY EED. All EEDs except EBW detonators and slapper detonators.
LOW PRESSURE. Gas less than 150 psig (1 MPa gauge); liquid less than 1,500 psig (10 MPa
gauge).
LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT (LEL). The concentration of vapor or dust in air below which an
explosion cannot occur.
LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (LFL). The concentration of a vapor or dust in air below which a
burning reaction cannot be sustained.
MACHINING. A forming operation accomplished by removing material with a mechanically
operated cutting tool.
Section 20
MACHINING OVERTEST. A test to evaluate the susceptibility of an explosive material to
initiation during machining.
MAGAZINE. See SERVICE MAGAZINE or STORAGE MAGAZINE.
MAGAZINE DISTANCE. The minimum distance permitted between any two storage
magazines. The distance required is determined by the type(s) of magazine and also the type
and quantity of explosives stored therein.
MAJOR MODIFICATION. A planned project that significantly extends the building’s useful life
through alterations including deferred maintenance that total more than 30 percent of the
replacement value of the building. In addition a major modification results when there is a
change in the building’s function resulting in a significant increase in hazard or risk, or significant
increase in occupancy or planned life of the building.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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MAST SYSTEM. An LPS system that consists of one or more poles with a strike termination
device connected to an earth electrode system by down conductors. In the case of a metallic
pole, the pole could serve as the strike termination device and down conductor. Its purpose is
to intercept lightning flashes from the protected area.
MAXIMUM CREDIBLE EVENT (MCE). The MCE from a hypothesized accidental explosion or
fire is the worst single event that is likely to occur from a given quantity and disposition of
explosives or explosives devices. The event must be realistic with a reasonable probability of
occurrence considering the explosive propagation, burning rate characteristics, and physical
protection given to the items involved.
MELTING. Operations involving change in the physical state of explosives from solid to liquid.
MILLING. (1) Operations that either reduce solid material particle size by attrition or apply high
shear mixing to incorporate solid materials into plastic binders. (2) A surface machining
operation performed on a mill.
MIXING. A mechanical operation that combines dissimilar materials.
MOCK EXPLOSIVE. Substances bearing similar physical properties (texture, density,
cohesion, etc.) to an explosive material. They are non-detonable; however, some are
exothermic materials that will burn. Mock explosives are used to represent explosives for
purposes such as dry run testing of equipment. DOE mock explosives are normally pink in
color.
NET EXPLOSIVE WEIGHT (NEW). Net explosive weight expressed in pounds.
NEW (OR EXPERIMENTAL) EXPLOSIVES. Explosive, explosive mixture, or explosive and
binder mixture that the Explosives Development Committee (EDC) has not characterized.
NON-FACILITY PERSONNEL. Construction or maintenance personnel who do not have a
continuing contract with DOE or NNSA or their agents at the facility/ site concerned where
construction or maintenance activities occur.
NON-OCCUPIED or UNOCCUPIED AREA. A location where occupancy is of a transitory
nature such as building corridors, access ramps, and facility roads. Other examples are
locations such as mechanical equipment rooms, equipment/parts staging/storage areas,
decontamination areas and janitor’s closets, which typically have a low personnel density and
an intermittent and relatively short-term duration of occupancy for assigned work but in which
personnel are not normally permanently assigned.
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE (NE). An assembly containing fissionable and/or fusionable materials
and main charge high-explosive parts or propellants capable of producing a nuclear detonation
(e.g., a nuclear weapon or test device).
Section 21
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE OPERATION (NEO). Any activity involving a nuclear explosive,
including activities in which main charge high-explosive parts and pit are collocated.
OCCUPIED AREA. Any work area that can be reasonably considered integral to an explosives
operating area to which personnel are assigned or in which work is performed, however
intermittently. Examples of areas to be considered as occupied are assembly/disassembly cells
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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or bays, explosives operating bays, radiography control and film processing rooms, offices,
break areas, and rest rooms.
OPERATIONAL SHIELD. A barricade constructed to protect personnel, material, or equipment
from the effects of a possible fire or explosion occurring at a particular operation.
PENETRATION. A conductive object that passes through the zone of protection or exterior
surface of an LPS.
PERSONNEL BARRIER. A device designed to limit or prevent personnel access to a building
or an area during hazardous operations.
POTENTIAL EXPLOSION SITE (PES). The location of a quantity of ammunition and explosives
that will create a blast, fragment, thermal, or debris hazard in the event of an accidental
explosion of its contents.
PRESSING. The operation of increasing the density of explosive material by applying pressure.
PRIMARY EXPLOSIVE. A sensitive explosive that nearly always detonates by simple ignition
from such means as a spark, flame, impact and other primary heat sources of appropriate
magnitude. Examples are mercury fulminate, lead azide, lead styphnate, and other materials of
similar sensitivities.
PROGRAM SECRETARIAL OFFICER. A senior program official, which includes the Assistant
Secretaries or Office Directors at the Assistant Secretary level for DOE or the Deputy or
Associate Administrators for NNSA.
PROPELLANT. Explosive composition used to propel projectiles and rockets and to generate
gases for powering auxiliary devices.
PUBLIC TRAFFIC ROUTE DISTANCE. The minimum separation distance required between a
potential explosion site and any public street, road, highway, passenger railroad, or navigable
waterway (including roads on DOE-controlled land open to public travel).
PUNCH AND DIE PRESSING. The operation of compacting a material confined by a die by
forcing a punch or punches into the die and against the material.
PYROTECHNIC MATERIAL. Physical mixtures of finely divided fuels and oxidizer powders;
may include various organic binders and color intensifiers. The material is intended to produce
an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke, or a combination of these as the result of non-
detonative, self-sustaining exothermic chemical reactions.
RATED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, FIXTURES, INSTRUMENTATION AND MATERIALS. As
used in the DOE Explosives Safety Technical Standard, “rated” refers to those items used in
explosives locations that meet identified standards or have been tested and found suitable for
use in Class I or Class II hazardous atmosphere. For an item to be considered rated, a
nationally recognized testing laboratory shall have approved its use (for example, Factory
Mutual) or listed it for use (for example, Underwriters Laboratory) in the appropriate Class I or
Class II hazardous atmosphere. Rated items are used to provide protection in explosives
locations where NFPA 70 Article 500 does not normally apply.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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Section 22
REMOTE OPERATION. An operation performed in a manner that will protect personnel in the
event of an accidental explosion. This can be accomplished by distance, shielding, barricades,
or a combination thereof. (Remote operations involve protection from accidental (not
intentional) initiations. See Intentional Firing in this section and Class 0 operations in Chapter
VI for operations involving intentional initiation.)
RESISTANCE. The property of a conductor to oppose the flow of an electric current and
change electric energy into heat. For lightning protection purposes, low resistance values are
desired. Resistance is measured in ohms.
RETURN STROKE. That part of a lightning flash where high electric currents are developed as
the negatively charged leader encounters the positively charged return stroke. The phase of
lightning that produces electric current, heat, a light flash, and thunder.
RISK. A measure of the combination of the probability and consequences of the hazards of an
operation, expressed in qualitative or quantitative terms.
RISK ANALYSIS: The scientific evaluation (in either qualitative or quantitative terms) to identify
situations, processes, etc. that may cause an accident, injury, or illness. Following the
identification an evaluation on how likely and severe the risks are, and then decide what control
measures should be in place to effectively prevent or control the accident, injury or illness.
ROLLING SPHERE ZONE OF PROTECTION MODEL. A theoretical concept describing the
area protected by an LPS where an imaginary sphere (100-ft radius for explosive facilities)
approaches an LPS from all angles and directions. The protected area is the area of the curve
between where the curve is tangent to the ground and the curve touches the LPS. For
example, with the rolling sphere method, the area protected by a mast system looks like a
teepee.
SAFETY ANALYSIS. A document prepared to systematically identify the hazards of a DOE
operation; describe and analyze the adequacy of measures taken to eliminate, control, or
mitigate identified hazards; and analyze and evaluate potential accidents and their associated
risks.
SCREENING. An operation using screens to separate particles of differing sizes.
SECONDARY EXPLOSIVES. An explosive substance that is relatively insensitive (when
compared to primary explosives) and is usually initiated by primary explosives with or without
the aid of boosters or supplementary charges. Such explosives may react as a deflagrating or
as a detonating explosive. Examples are TNT, plastic bonded formulations, and other materials
of similar sensitivity.
SERVICE MAGAZINE, REST HOUSE, ETC. An auxiliary building or suitable designated room
(vault) used for the intermediate storage of explosives materials not exceeding the minimum
amount necessary for safe and efficient operation.
SHUNT. An electrical interconnection of various portions of EED circuitry to prevent the
development of an electrical charge differential between the parts.
SIDEFLASH. (1) The phenomena in which lightning current will jump through a non-conductive
medium to attach to improperly bonded metallic objects. (2) An electrical spark, caused by
DOE-STD-1212-2012
24
differences of potential, which occurs between conductive metal bodies or between conductive
metal bodies and a component of an LPS or ground.
Section 23
SITE PLAN. A formal explosives facility and operations safety document to be prepared by
Facility Management for DOE/NNSA approval of explosives facilities siting and operations
before the operation starts. This document becomes a part of the authorization basis for
explosives facility operations.
SITE PLANNING. The process of performing and documenting an analysis of planned and
existing facilities and missions involving ammunition and explosives, or occurring within the
hazard zones created by explosives. It may include evaluations of blast hazards; fragment
hazards; protective construction; grounding, bonding, and lightning protection systems;
electrical installations; natural or man-made terrain features; or other mission or local
requirements. Effective site planning relies heavily on explosives safety standards, but it also
incorporates survivability and operational considerations, and economic, security,
environmental, and legal criteria to meet the goals and needs of the DOE community.
SLAPPER DETONATOR. An EED initiated by a rapid discharge of a high current through a
metal foil. The expansion of the metal vapor causes a plastic or metal covering to be propelled
across an air gap and detonate a high-density explosive pellet.
SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION. (1) Ammunition designed to be fired from a pistol, revolver, rifle,
or shotgun held by the hand or to the shoulder. (2) Ammunition of caliber less than 20 mm with
incendiary, solid, inert, or empty projectiles (with or without tracers) designed to be fired from
machine guns or cannons. (3) Blank cartridges.
SPECIAL OPERATING PROCEDURE. A procedure prepared for performance of a specific
task on a one-time basis, or for situations not encountered in normal operation.
STANDARD (STANDING) OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP). A procedure prepared for
operation of a facility or performance of a task on a routine basis.
STORAGE MAGAZINE. A structure designed or specifically designated for the long-term
storage of explosives or ammunition.
STRIKE TERMINATION DEVICE. (1) A component or feature of an LPS that is intended to
accept the direct attachment of a lightning flash or strike. Strike termination devices include
overhead wires or grids, air terminals, or a building’s (grounded) steel structural elements. (2) A
component of an LPS that intercepts lightning flashes and connects them to a path to ground.
Strike termination devices include air terminals, metal masts, permanent metal parts of
structures, and overhead ground wires installed in catenary LPSs.
STROKE. The high electric current phase of a lightning strike. The term is better defined as the
return stroke.
SUBSTANTIAL DIVIDING WALL. An interior wall designed to prevent the propagation of an
accidental detonation on one side of a wall to explosives on the other side.
SURGE SUPPRESSION DEVICE. Also called a surge protector. (1) A device used on power
and communication lines to attenuate, suppress or divert lightning induced electrical energy to
ground. (2) A protective device used to limit surge voltages by discharging or bypassing surge
DOE-STD-1212-2012
25
current. It can also prevent continued flow of follow current while remaining capable of
discharging or bypassing surge current.
SYNTHESIS. The chemical operation or operations required to produce a desired chemical
compound.
TARGET. The area, structure, or material into which a projectile is fired.
TEST FIRING. See Intentional Firing.
Section 24
TNT EQUIVALENT. A measure of the blast effects from explosion of a given quantity of
material expressed in terms of the weight of TNT that would produce the same blast effects
when detonated.
TRANSFER IMPEDANCE. (1) A transmittance expressed as the ratio of the voltage at a pair of
terminals divided by the driving current, with all other terminals terminated in a specified way.
(2) A transmittance expressed as the ratio of the electric field on the interior of a shielded
enclosure divided by the current density on the exterior of the shield.
TRANSIENT. Any person within inhabited-building distance but not inside an explosives bay or
other occupied areas (offices, break areas, shops, etc.). A transient’s presence within IBD of an
explosives operation is transitory in nature, or to complete a relatively short-term, non-
explosives-related work assignment in an area in which personnel are not permanently
assigned, such as a building corridor, access ramp, or roadway. Transients are not accounted
for in established personnel limits for any explosives operating area and are afforded a level of
protection only from Class I explosion hazard activities.
UFER GROUND. An LPS ground produced by electrodes encased in concrete. This can be a
coil of cable encased in concrete or even the reinforcing steel in the footers or floor of buildings
(see EARTH ELECTRODE SYSTEM).
UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE (UXO). Explosive ordnance which has been primed, fuzed,
armed, or otherwise prepared for action, and which has been fired, dropped, launched,
projected, or placed in such a manner as to constitute a hazard to operations, installations,
personnel, or material and remains unexploded either by malfunction, design, or for any other
cause.
UNITED NATIONS (UN) CLASS 1 EXPLOSIVES. (1) Explosive substances (a substance that
is not itself an explosive but that can form an explosive atmosphere of gas, vapor, or dust is not
included in Class 1), except those that are too dangerous to transport or those where the
predominant hazard is appropriate to another class. (2) Explosive articles, except devices
containing explosive substances in such quantity or of such a character that their inadvertent or
accidental ignition or initiation during transport shall not cause any effect external to the device
either by projection, fire, smoke, heat, or loud noise. (3) Substances and articles not mentioned
under (1) and (2) that are manufactured with a view of producing a practical, explosive or
pyrotechnic effect.
ZONE OF PROTECTION. (1) The area considered statistically safe from the direct attachment
of a lightning strike as defined by the rolling sphere zone of protection model. (2) The space
adjacent to an LPS that is substantially immune to direct lightning flashes.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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INTENTIONALLY BLANK
DOE-STD-1212-2012
27
CHAPTER II. OPERATIONAL SAFETY
1.0. GENERAL OPERATIONS SAFETY GUIDELINES
1.1. Protection of Explosives
a. Explosives are energetic materials that can react violently and should be
protected from abnormal stimuli or environments, including:
1. Friction forces;
2. Excessive pressures and temperatures;
3. Impact, shock, and pinching;
4. Deformation;
5. Electrical sparks, abrasive or welding sparks, and open flame;
6. Contamination; and
7. Contact with incompatible materials.
1.2. Equipment Checks
a. Before being used in the explosives process, and at established intervals,
processing and test equipment shall be checked for:
1. Proper design;
Section 25
2. Proper function;
3. Specified clearances between parts in relative motion;
4. Abnormal metal-to-metal rubbing of moving parts potentially contacting
explosive materials;
5. Cracks, voids, or screw threads where explosives may accumulate; and
6. Contamination that is incompatible with the materials to be introduced.
b. This checkout may require the use of mock explosives in process or test
conditions.
c. Explosive materials must not be pinched or confined between equipment lids or
covers and their mating surfaces. These surfaces shall be cleaned before cover
placement. This includes pressing operations.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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1.3. Inspection Frequency
a. When this Technical Standard calls for an inspection, but the inspection interval
is not specified, local facility management shall establish the inspection interval.
Inspection intervals shall be modified when experience dictates a need.
1.4. Laboratory Operations
a. The special safety guidelines applicable to general laboratory operations
involving explosive materials are contained in section 21.0 of this chapter.
1.5. Toxicity Hazards
a. Explosives materials, explosives components (additives or adhesives), and
materials such as organic solvents used in explosives processing can be toxic
when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. The most frequently
reported effect from working with explosives is a skin rash resulting from skin
contact with explosives materials, or with solvents and adhesives used with
explosives operations. The following general precautions should be used to
prevent overexposure to these materials during explosives processing and
handling:
1. Know the health hazard and controls before beginning operations.
2. Evaluate the operation during startup to ensure that occupational
exposure limits are not exceeded; routine operations should be monitored
periodically.
3. Handle materials in a well ventilated area; local exhaust ventilation is
preferred.
4. Avoid skin contact; use appropriate protective clothing.
5. Practice good personal cleanliness; wash before eating, smoking, or
using toilet facilities; end-of-shift showers may be required for some
operators.
1.6. Hazard Identification and Communication
a. Before beginning explosives operations, managers shall ensure the following:
1. Identify and maintain a current list of explosives and other hazardous
materials used in conjunction with their operations.
2. Determine the hazardous properties and toxicity of these materials
through the use of the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) or other information sources and through consultation with the
facility industrial hygiene staff. For explosives without published
toxicological data, guidance can be obtained through the DOE Toxic
Materials Advisory Committee (TMAC). Health hazard information must
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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be available and communicated to employees who work with or generate
hazardous materials.
3. Educate and train employees in the hazards and precautions required for
handling explosives and materials used in conjunction with explosives
operation. This training should be a part of the employee training and
qualification program specified in Chapter V.
1.7. Process Hazard Analysis
a. Before beginning any explosives synthesis, formulation, manufacturing, testing,
or disposal operation, a primary hazard analysis shall be performed. A single
process hazard analysis may be performed for similar processes performed in a
single facility, provided that the “worst-case” process is the basis for the hazard
analysis. If required, a shield or other protective measure shall be employed.
Selection criteria for the worst-case process are:
Section 26
1. Sensitivity of materials;
2. Quantity of materials;
3. Number of personnel potentially affected; and
4. Impact on other operations/activities.
b. The process hazard analysis shall be performed as a team effort. The team shall
consist of a minimum of three personnel, and preferably no more than seven
personnel. The team shall include at least one engineer and one operator, and
should have the following makeup:
1. Team Leader, who is familiar with the analysis methodology used.
2. Technical Member(s), who is familiar with the process being analyzed.
3. Scribe, who writes notes of meetings and interviews and drafts reports.
c. The facility manager or team leader may select the analysis methodology used,
which should be one of the following:
1. Checklist (usually for similar batch operations).
2. What-if Analysis.
3. Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP).
4. Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA).
5. Fault Tree Analysis.
6. Event Tree Analysis.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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7. Documented Safety Analysis (DOE STD 3009, Preparation Guide for U.S
Department of Energy Nonreactor Nuclear Facility Documented Safety
Analyses).
d. The process hazard analysis shall be formally documented.
e. Employees and employee representatives shall be consulted on the process
hazard analysis. The result of the process hazard analysis shall be provided to
employees involved in or affected by the operation.
f. The process hazard analysis shall be updated and revalidated at least every
five years by a team meeting the criteria in section 1.7.b.
g. The facility manager shall be responsible for establishing a system to address
the team’s findings and recommendations promptly. Corrective actions,
schedules for corrective actions, and completion of corrective actions shall be
formally documented. Such documentation shall be filed with the process hazard
analysis.
h. Files containing process hazard analyses, updates, and corrective actions status
shall be maintained for the life of the process.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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2.0. WORK ENVIRONMENT
2.1. General Requirements
a. Workspace shall be adequate to perform operations safely and efficiently.
b. Work shall be organized to eliminate clutter in the area while operations are
being performed.
c. Walkways should be kept clear.
d. In work environments where solid, bare explosive pieces are handled, the floor
should be cushioned, and all hard objects that explosives could strike in a
handling incident should be cushioned where practical. Physical safety systems
demonstrated to preclude the explosives from being dropped or struck could
meet these requirements.
e. A procedure should be established to account for hand tools that may be
inadvertently dropped into an explosives processing operation, thus creating a
hazard.
f. Personnel shall be assigned in such a manner that each worker’s presence is
monitored frequently and assistance can be provided or aid summoned in the
event of an emergency.
g. Safety analyses of explosives facilities and operations shall be performed. The
safety analysis shall be performed during the design of new explosives facilities
or the redesign of existing facilities. Facility management shall prepare and
obtain DOE/NNSA approval of the Site Plan. The Site Plan shall include the
result of this analysis.
Section 27
h. Noisy environments caused by explosives testing operations or process and
handling equipment shall be evaluated. Areas with noise above the allowable
occupational exposure limits must be posted and appropriate control measures
instituted (e.g., engineering controls, protective equipment, and a hearing
conservation program).
2.2. Emergency Exit Requirements for Explosives Operations
a. Exit requirements for any building or structure containing explosives shall comply
with the intent of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, except as otherwise permitted in
this section.
2.2.1 Building or Structure Occupancy
(a) In determining occupancies:
(1) Explosives operating buildings shall be classified as industrial
occupancies (NFPA 101, Chapter 40).
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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(2) Explosives storage or staging buildings or structures shall be
classified as storage occupancies (NFPA 101, Chapter 42).
2.2.2 Hazard of Contents Classification
(a) The hazard of contents classification of any explosives occupancy
shall be determined using the guidelines given in NFPA 101 and the
following requirements:
(1) High-hazard explosives contents are those which, because of
form, character, or volume, are likely to burn with extreme
rapidity and/or can release poisonous fumes or explosions in a
fire. The expectation of poisonous fumes or explosions is to
be determined on a case-by-case basis. Operating buildings
containing propellant, pyrotechnic, or explosive powders shall
be classified as high-hazard occupancies unless a reduced
hazard classification can be justified.
(2) Reduced-hazard explosives contents are those that burn with
rapidity that is moderate or less and will not produce
poisonous vapors. This criterion shall be documented by a
hazard analysis.
2.2.3 Personnel Protective Restrictions and Requirements
(a) DOE occupancies containing high explosives dictate that personnel
be protected from blast overpressures and fragments (and spread of
plutonium in some occupancies) from an accidental detonation.
Accidental detonation of explosives is usually the result of stimuli
other than a fire.
(b) Non-compliance with some NFPA 101 provisions (such as those
covering exit doors, exit travel distance, number and location of exits,
and common path of travel to exits), is authorized where required to
provide protection from blast overpressure and fragments. When
NFPA 101 requirements are not met, the following additional
personnel-protective restrictions or requirements should be imposed:
(1) The building and means of egress should be protected by
supervised automatic sprinkler systems connected to sound
evacuation alarms. This requirement is not applicable to
explosives storage magazines, firing chambers, or rooms used
as firing chambers within explosives operating buildings.
(2) Explosives operating buildings and their means of egress
should have automatic, early warning fire detection systems
connected to sound evacuation alarms where such early
warning might reasonably aid in prevention or mitigation of
personnel injury. This requirement is not applicable to
explosives storage magazines, firing chambers, or rooms used
as firing chambers within explosives operating buildings.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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(3) Personnel limits within the explosives work area (bay, cell,
etc.) shall be established and controlled. These should not
exceed 20 for reduced-hazard occupancies or six for
high-hazard occupancies. The need for personnel in numbers
greater than these limits shall be documented in a hazards
analysis based on the criteria of section 2.2.5 of this chapter.
Section 28
2.2.4 Requirements for Existing Facilities
(a) Existing facilities may deviate from current NFPA 101 requirements in
the following situations:
(1) Current code requirements were not in effect when the
building was constructed. The building, however, is still
required to meet the code of record.
(2) Deviations were made to meet the level-of-protection and
design criteria in Chapter VI, section 6 of this Technical
Standard.
(3) Building construction predates both current and
level-of-protection criteria, but a hazards analysis has shown
the risk of operations to be at an acceptable risk.
(4) The risk from deviation has been analyzed and accepted by
current hazards analysis.
NOTE: Those facilities requiring hazards analysis to determine whether a
deviation from the Life Safety Code is acceptable shall follow the
considerations and criteria described in section 2.2.5 of this chapter.
2.2.5 Requirements for New Facilities
(a) New facilities shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 101, except
when deviation is necessary to provide personnel protection from
blast overpressure and fragments per Chapter VI of this Technical
Standard.
2.2.5.1. If deviations from NFPA 101 requirements are made, the Fire Hazards
Analysis required by Chapter VI of this Technical Standard shall
document the following aspects related to each explosives operation,
bay, and/or workroom where a deviation exists.
a. Clear pathways to exit in explosives bay or workroom.
b. Potential for sustained fire from the presence of combustible
and flammable materials and the presence of ignition sources
in work environments.
c. Total time required to exit the bay or workroom.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
34
2.2.5.2. The criteria considered acceptable for the components of the analysis
in section 2.2.5.1 of this chapter are, respectively:
a. No obstruction shall limit the width of the pathway to less than
36 in (91.44 cm).
b. Combustible and flammable material quantities shall be
minimized, justified, documented, and reviewed by site fire
protection personnel and approved by line management.
Ignition sources shall be identified and eliminated where
possible.
c. The total time for six people to exit the workroom or bay,
including the opening of doors where necessary, is 30
seconds or less. The total time for 20 people to exit the
workroom or bay is 90 seconds or less. Noncompliance with
this criterion shall be evaluated and justified during the
conceptual design review.
2.2.6 Single Exits
(a) Where NFPA 101 requires at least two exits, but provisions for
personnel protection from a blast will not permit at least two exits from
a room or structure, a single exit is acceptable, provided the
requirements of sections 2.2.3 and 2.2.4 of this chapter and the
following are met:
(1) The path of exit travel shall be arranged so it is not through or
toward a hazardous operation.
(2) A room containing a high-hazard explosive occupancy shall
not exceed 500 ft2 (46.45 m2), and the occupant load of the
room shall be restricted to two operators and two casuals.
(3) A room containing a reduced-hazard explosive occupancy
shall not exceed 1,000 ft2 (92.9 m2).
(b) Explosives storage magazines may have only single exits for the
purpose of maintaining integrity of design. The conditions of this
section do not apply to these magazines.
2.2.7 Blast-Resistant Doors
(a) Blast-resistant doors required to protect personnel from the effects of
an accidental detonation may be located in the means of egress,
provided the requirements of sections 2.2.3 through 2.2.5 of this
chapter and the following are met:
Section 29
(1) Where power-operated doors are required to accomplish
unlatching and opening, they shall have redundant features or
be capable of being opened manually (to permit exit travel) or
closed where necessary to safeguard exits.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
35
(2) The time required to fully open or close a door shall be as
short as reasonably possible.
(3) A revolving door is acceptable if a secondary means of escape
(with swinging doors) is provided at the same location. The
revolving door must also be prevented from rotating at too
rapid a rate to permit orderly exit of personnel.
(4) The following exceptions to NFPA 101 may be allowed when
justified and documented.
(b) Swinging doors may exceed 48 in (122cm) wide.
(c) The NFPA-required swinging doors adjacent to a revolving blast door
can be omitted.
(d) Revolving blast doors need to be designed to collapse into book-fold
position.
(e) Where fire-rated doors are required, blast doors are considered to
have the required fire rating.
(f) An airlock with two or more doors that is intended during routine
operations to prevent continuous and unobstructed passage by
allowing the release of only one door at a time shall be permitted in a
means of egress. In such cases, there shall be provisions to allow for
continuous and unobstructed travel during an emergency egress
condition.
(g) Panic hardware is not required on blast doors.
2.2.8 Slide Escapes
(a) Slide escapes should be provided for elevated explosives operating
locations from which rapid exit may be vital and cannot be obtained by
other means. Slide escapes should be located on opposite sides of
the explosives operation to reduce the likelihood of personnel being
trapped by fire between them and a single slide.
(b) Exits to slide escapes must open onto platforms that are not less than
3 ft2 (.0914 m2) and the platforms must be equipped with guardrails.
The slides shall begin at the outside edge of the platform, not at the
edge of the buildings. Slide escape landings shall be located at
selected places leading directly to escape routes that are free from
tripping hazards, low guy lines, drains, ditches, or other obstructions.
Manually or automatically controlled devices (trips) that sound an
alarm in the operating building shall be installed at or near the
entrances to slide escapes. These devices may also actuate deluge
valves and water curtains in the building or room affected.
Recommended slide escape specifications:
(1) Angle, 40 to 50 degrees horizontal.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
36
(2) Slide depth, 24 in (61 cm).
(3) Radius at bottom of slide, 12 in (30.48 cm).
(4) Height at lower end of slide, not over 24 in (61 cm) above the
landing.
(c) If necessary, the end of the slide shall have a horizontal run sufficient
to prevent employee injury from exit speed without the use of landing
cushions, which are unsatisfactory in cold weather. One foot of
horizontal run is required for a 15-ft (4.57 m) -long slide. One
additional foot of horizontal run will be provided for each additional 5 ft
(1.524 m) of slide length. The juncture of the two sections must be
well rounded. Metal sheets constructing the slide must overlap in the
direction of travel.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
37
3.0. BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
3.1. Cleaning
a. Structures containing explosives shall be kept clean and orderly.
b. Explosives and explosives dust shall not be allowed to accumulate on structural
members, radiators, heating coils, utility lines, equipment, or electrical fixtures.
Section 30
c. To maintain safe conditions, there shall be a regular cleaning program for
building interiors to prevent the accumulation of explosives dust and waste. This
program should not be conducted in any bay where a hazardous operation is
being conducted.
d. In buildings containing explosives, floors should be cleaned with hot water or a
water-steam mix wherever practical. Non-abrasive sweeping compounds that
are compatible with the explosives involved may be used when a water-steam
mix or hot water is not practical. Such sweeping compounds may be
combustible but must not be volatile (closed-cup flash point must not be lower
than 230oF (110C)). Sweeping compounds containing wax shall not be used on
conductive flooring. Where nitrated organic explosives (which may form
sensitive explosive compounds with some alkalis) are involved, the use of
cleaning agents containing those alkalis is prohibited.
e. Before beginning explosives decontamination activities involving large amounts
of organic solvents (generally over 2.113 pt (1L)), provisions must be made for
adequate ventilation or respiratory protection, fire protection, and adequate
protective clothing.
3.2. Maintenance and Repair
a. Records shall be maintained for inspection, repair, and servicing of process and
handling equipment and fire protection systems.
b. Maintenance operations involving major repairs, changes, or the use of
hazardous equipment should not be performed within bays (rooms) while
explosives are present. Before beginning such maintenance, explosives should
be removed and the area prepared. An approval procedure shall be established
to ensure that the area has been inspected and is safe for these operations.
c. Non-facility personnel performing maintenance or construction operations shall
be at least intraline distance from any explosives operation and should be at
least intraline distance from any building containing explosives. This requirement
does not apply to personnel making job site inspections or equipment repairs
requiring less than eight hours (e.g., technical representatives,
architect-engineering surveyors, etc.). Providing equivalent protection may
satisfy the intraline distance separation requirement. Transportation of
explosives is permitted on roadways at less than intraline distance.
d. Facility management shall determine the minimum practical distance by which
non-facility personnel (e.g., technical representatives, service representatives,
DOE-STD-1212-2012
38
architect-engineering surveyors, etc.) shall be separated from explosives
operations while making job site inspections or equipment repairs requiring less
than eight hours. Facility management shall control explosives operations so
that the chance of an explosion shall be kept to a minimum. The rationale for
establishing the minimum practicable distance and additional control measures
taken shall be documented and maintained until operations have been completed
and personnel have permanently vacated the work site. All such personnel shall
be informed of the risk of working at less than intraline distance and shall agree
to accept such risk.
e. New equipment or equipment subjected to major repair or modification shall be
test-operated, and handling equipment shall be tested before being returned to
operations. DOE STD-1090, Department of Energy Hoisting and Rigging
Standard, may be used as a guide.
f. Only authorized personnel shall perform maintenance work.
Section 31
g. Before resuming operations following maintenance, the area shall be cleaned
and approved by the operations supervisor.
3.3. Hot Work Permits
a. Where explosives are involved, a written permit shall be required for the
temporary use of portable, heat-producing equipment that generates
temperatures higher than 228°F (109°C). Explosives decontamination of the
immediately affected work areas and explosives removal shall be required before
beginning hot work operations. The permit should state the location, time,
duration, purpose of use, details of safety, and fire-fighting equipment required.
The permit shall be available at the named location for checkout by supervisory
personnel.
1. Permits shall be authorized by signature of personnel designated by local
facility management. Designated personnel should be qualified by
experience in explosives work, fire prevention, and general safety
precautions, in particular, the purging of equipment, presence of
flammable mixtures, and the avoidance of electrical and mechanical
hazards that could be incident to repair work.
2. Personnel designated to sign the hot work permit should represent
supervision of the work location, supervision of personnel performing the
hot work, and a third group independent of the first two (usually the safety
and fire protection group).
3. An individual should remain at the site of a cutting or welding job for
approximately 30 minutes after the job has been completed to extinguish
or report any fires that develop. Designated supervision should inspect
the job site before, during, and after completion of the job.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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4.0. REMOTE OPERATIONS
4.1. Personnel Protection
a. Explosives operations judged to present a significant level of risk of accidental
initiation to be performed remotely shall be conducted in facilities where the
construction of the operating bay or the control room affords sufficient protection
to personnel to prevent serious injuries. Chapter VI, section 4.2 specifies criteria
for the prevention of serious injuries.
b. Personnel involved in remote operations shall be provided protection from
serious injury and transient personnel shall be provided protection in accordance
with the requirements in DoD 6055.09-M, DoD Ammunition and Explosives
Safety Standards.
4.2. Access and Equipment Controls
a. Procedures and equipment shall be used to prevent entry into a hazardous bay
or area in which a remote operation is occurring or to prevent the operation from
proceeding when personnel enter, as follows:
1. Roads shall be blocked at a minimum public traffic route distance (K24) or
hazardous fragment distance from buildings where hazardous (remote)
operations are being performed, whichever is greater. Hazardous
fragment distance may be satisfied by providing equivalent protection.
2. Corridors leading to bays in which hazardous (remote) operations are
being performed shall be marked to warn of the danger. Barriers shall
also be set up.
3. Visual methods such as closed circuit television should be used to
monitor remote operations and to enable viewing of the operating area
conditions before entering. Remote audio monitoring and video recording
should also be considered.
4. Interlocking of remote operating equipment to access doors should be
required for each remote operation.
5. Lights or similar warning devices shall conspicuously identify buildings or
bays in which remote operations are performed to indicate when remote
operations are under way.
Section 32
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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5.0. GENERAL EXPLOSIVES AREA CONTROLS
5.1. Smoking, Matches, Lighters, Metal Articles
a. There shall be no smoking in explosives storage, processing, or test areas,
except in designated locations.
b. No matches, lighters, or other fire-, flame-, or spark-producing devices shall be
taken into an explosives control area except with written authorization. If
authorized to be carried, matches shall be contained in a metal carrying device
too large to fit into pockets. Kitchen “strike anywhere” matches shall not be used.
c. Operating personnel should not carry metal articles (e.g., keys, jewelry, knives,
coins, etc.) in explosives processing areas where such items could constitute a
hazard if dropped into the process operation.
5.2. Cooking and Eating
a. Food or beverages shall not be consumed in explosives buildings, except in
designated areas.
b. There shall be no personal dishes or utensils in an explosives building, except in
designated eating areas.
c. Coffee pots, hot plates, ovens (including microwaves), and portable electric
heaters shall not be permitted in rooms where:
1. Explosives may be present.
2. Combustible vapors or dust may be present.
3. Smoking or drinking is prohibited because toxic materials are present.
4. Electrical classification of appliances is not compatible with the area.
5.3. Access to Explosives Areas
a. Access control procedures shall be established for entry to all explosives areas.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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6.0. PROTECTION OF ELECTROEXPLOSIVE DEVICES (EED) FROM
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION (EMR)
a. EEDs are vulnerable to initiation from a variety of sources. One potential hazard
associated with EEDs is the accidental initiation by stray electromagnetic energy.
This hazard exists when an electromagnetic field of sufficient intensity is
generated to induce or otherwise couple currents and/or voltages of magnitudes
large enough to initiate electroexplosive devices or other sensitive explosive
components of weapon systems, or other explosive devices. This unintended
actuation could have safety (premature firing) or reliability (dudding)
consequences.
b. A large number of these devices are initiated by low levels of electrical energy
and are susceptible to unintentional initiation by many forms of direct or induced
stray electrical energy, such as from lightning discharges, static electricity, or
tribo-electric (friction generated) effects, and radio frequency (RF) energy.
Hazards from lightning discharges are covered in Chapter X. Lightning
protection systems and requirements normally preclude the inadvertent initiation
of EEDs by direct lightning strikes. Precautions for static electricity discharges
are addressed in section 7 of this chapter. Stray energy, such as transients and
other forms of induced energy, can be imposed on circuits affecting EEDs from
other subsystems by various methods. Examples are inductive or capacitive
coupling; sneak ground circuits; defective components or wiring; and errors in
design, modification, or maintenance.
c. The degree to which EEDs are susceptible to unintentional initiation by exposure
to the radiated fields of RF emitters depends on many variables. These variables
include the ability of the leads, circuit, or installation to capture RF energy; the
type and characteristics of RF energy; and methods of coupling that can
introduce this energy into the EED.
Section 33
d. Emitter operating frequencies, power levels, modulation, and illumination angles
are some of the factors that affect the vulnerability of EEDs to RF energy.
e. As a precautionary measure, EEDs should normally be left inside their containers
until ready for use. Shorting clips or other safety devices should not be removed
until the EED is actually ready for use.
f. AFMAN 91-201, Explosives Safety Standards, NAVSEAOP 3565/NAVAIR 16-1-
529, Electromagnetic Radiation Hazards (U) (Hazards to Personnel, Fuel and
Other Flammable Material) (U), or the Pantex V Curve formula should be used
for establishing minimum separation distance between EMR sources and EEDs.
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7.0. STATIC ELECTRICITY
7.1. General
a. Positive steps must be taken to control or eliminate static electricity in areas
where materials that are ignitable by static spark discharge are processed or
handled. This includes spark-sensitive explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics
as well as solvent vapors, and flammable gases.
7.2. Bonding and Grounding of Equipment
a. Bonding straps can be used to bridge locations where electrical continuity may
be broken by the presence of oil on bearings, paint, or rust at any contact point.
Pressure contact alone is not adequate grounding for permanent equipment in
contact with conductive floors or tabletops. Static grounds shall not be made to
gas, steam, or air lines; dry pipe sprinkler systems; or air terminals of lightning
protection systems. Static grounds can be made to water pipes, ground cones,
buried copper plates, or driven ground rods of lightning protection systems. If a
structure is equipped with a lightning protection system, all grounds shall be
interconnected. Wires used as static ground conductors should be at least No.
10 AWG or equivalent.
7.3. Testing Bonded Equipment Grounds
a. Grounding systems shall be tested for electrical resistance and continuity after
installation has been completed and, in the case of active equipment, at intervals
to be locally determined. If the equipment has been inactive for more than
one month, the ground system shall be visually inspected for continuity before
reactivation of the system. All exposed explosives or hazardous materials shall
be removed before testing. When testing for resistance-to-ground, equipment
should be considered as a unit except in the case of an electrically isolated
device or a belt-driven machine. In measuring the total resistance-to-ground for
belt-driven machinery (to assure compliance with the section below), resistance
of the belting is to be excluded. The maximum resistance-to-ground permitted
for different types of equipment is as follows in section 7.3.b of the chapter.
b. In hazardous locations (operations where a static spark discharge may be
dangerous), all conductive parts of equipment shall be bonded; in the case of
grounded equipment, bonding shall be such that resistance to ground does not
exceed 25 ohms, unless resistance is not to exceed 10 ohms because of a
lightning protection installation. For existing equipment, the rate of static
generation should be considered before making changes in grounding systems.
The resistance of conductive rubber hose should not exceed 250,000 ohms.
7.4. Conductive Floors, Shoes, Mats and Wristbands
Section 34
a. Conductive floors and shoes should be used for grounding personnel in
operations involving explosives (propellants, pyrotechnics, lead azide, lead
styphnate, mercury fulminate, CP, etc.) that are sensitive to initiation by the
electrostatic spark discharge from a person. Static discharge from a person may
ignite many flammable liquids and air mixtures. In areas where personnel come
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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into the proximity of (i.e., possible contact with) static-sensitive explosives or
vapors, conductive floors shall be installed except where adequate
housekeeping, dust collection, ventilation, or solvent recovery methods eliminate
the hazards of dust-air or flammable vapor-air mixtures. Conductive floors may
also be required in areas where operations involve EEDs that contain a
static-sensitive explosive.
b. Conductive floors are not required throughout an entire building or room if the
hazard is localized. In such cases, conductive mats or runners may be used
where required. These mats or runners shall meet all specifications and test
requirements that apply to conductive floors. Conductive wristbands may be
substituted for conductive mats and footwear at fixed, grounded or bonded
workstations or outdoor locations.
7.5. Conductive Floor, Work Surface, and Wristband Specifications
a. Conductive floors must be made of non-sparking material such as conductive
rubber or conductive flooring composition and shall meet the following
requirements:
1. The flooring and its grounding system must provide for electrical
resistance not to exceed 1,000,000 ohms (measured as specified in
section 7.6 of this chapter).
2. The surface of the installed floor must be free from cracks and reasonably
smooth. The material must not slough off, wrinkle, or buckle under
operating conditions. Conductive tiles are not recommended for use in
areas where explosives dust can cause contamination. The large number
of joints and the tendency of tiles to loosen provide areas in which
explosive dust can become lodged, making normal cleanup procedures
difficult.
3. Where conductive floors and shoes are required, resistance between the
ground and the wearer shall not exceed 1,000,000 ohms, (i.e., total
resistance of conductive shoes on a person, plus the resistance of floor to
ground). (See Figure II-1 for testing method.) Where conductive floors
and shoes are required, tabletops on which exposed explosives or dusts
are encountered should be covered with a properly grounded or bonded
conductive material that meets the same requirements as those for
flooring.
4. Conductive floors must be compatible with the explosive materials to be
processed.
5. Conductive wristbands shall not exceed a resistance between the wearer
and ground or bonding point of 1,200,000 ohms. This resistance shall be
measured with a suitably calibrated ohmmeter. Wristbands shall be of a
design that maintains electrical contact with the wearer when used.
6. Table-top work surface mats that are not part of a total conductive system
(section 7.5.a.3) shall have a resistance not to exceed 1,200,000 ohms.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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This resistance shall be measured by a method similar to that outlined in
section 7.6 and records shall be maintained.
Figure II-1. Testing Shoes on Wearer
7.6. Conductive Floor Tests
a. Initial tests shall be made of all conductive floors, and subsequent tests shall be
made at least semi-annually. Test results shall be permanently recorded and a
copy filed in a central location. Instruments used in making tests shall be used
only when the room is free from exposed explosives and flammable gas
mixtures.
Section 35
b. Maximum floor resistance shall be measured with a suitably calibrated ohmmeter
that operates on a normal open circuit output voltage of 500 volts DC and a short
circuit current of 2.5 milliamperes with an effective internal resistance of
approximately 200,000 ohms. Minimum floor resistance will be measured with
an ohmmeter suitably calibrated for the task.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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c. Each electrode shall weigh 5.07 lbs (2.3 kg) and shall have a dry, flat, circular
contact area 2.56 in (6.5 cm) in diameter, which shall comprise a surface of
aluminum or tinfoil .05118 to .0984 in (1.3 to 2.5 mm) thick, backed by a layer of
rubber .2362 to .2559 in (.6 to .65 cm) thick and measuring between 40 and 60
durometer hardness as determined with a Shore Type A durometer (ASTM
D-2240-68).
d. The floor shall be clean and dry. “Electrode jelly” such as brushless shaving
soap or saline solution shall not be used.
e. The resistance of the floor shall be more than 5,000 ohms in areas with 110 volt
service and 10,000 ohms in areas with 220 volt service, and less than
1,000,000 ohms in all areas, as measured between a permanent ground
connection and an electrode placed at any point on the floor and also as
measured between two electrodes placed 3 ft apart at any points on the floor.
Measurements shall be made at five or more locations in each room. If the
resistance changes appreciably with time during a measurement, the value
observed after the voltage has been applied for about 5 seconds shall be
considered as the measured value.
7.7. Humidification
a. Humidification to prevent static electricity accumulations and subsequent
discharges is usually effective if the relative humidity is above 60 percent.
However, due to the possibility of spontaneous ignition, certain materials such as
metallic powders and some pyrotechnic mixtures cannot be exposed to air with
60 percent relative humidity. Where this technique is used to prevent static
electricity accumulations, a daily preoperational check of the humidity levels will
be accomplished before work starts.
7.8. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
a. Ground fault circuit interrupter protection shall be provided in static grounded
areas where personnel may come in contact with AC-powered electrical
equipment.
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8.0. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND WIRING
8.1. Location/Operation Electrical Hazard Classification
a. The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) shall be followed in all situations where
the code normally applies. Although NFPA 70 does not specifically address
explosives, NFPA 70 Article 500, Hazardous (Classified) Locations, requirements
for the design and installation of electrical equipment and wiring in “classified”
locations shall be used as guidance for the installation of rated equipment and
fixtures where required by this section. The use of rated wiring, fixtures,
equipment, and instrumentation where the code normally does not apply
provides additional safety for work with explosives materials by (1) restricting
electrical ignition sources such as sparks and electrical faults (shorts, power
surges, etc.), (2) controlling surface temperatures of electrical items, and
(3) reducing the potential for electrically initiated fires. Rated wiring, fixtures,
equipment, and instrumentation shall be used for the operations specified below
unless demonstrated unnecessary through analysis for a specific operation and
location. The analysis shall be performed and documented per sections 8.4 and
8.6 of this chapter.
Section 36
b. Explosives do not normally fit the NFPA 70 definitions for groupings, classes,
divisions, and area classifications. In order to apply NFPA 70 Article 500 as a
guide, vapors containing explosives shall be treated as Group D (unless NFPA
70 requires a higher classification because of other components of the vapor)
and dusts of explosives or solid explosives shall be treated as Group G. Class,
division, and area classification determinations shall be based on the explosives
operation being performed, as specified below, and not on the location or
surrounding atmosphere nor its potential for producing an ignitable or explosive
mixture. Maximum temperature limits shall be based on the thermal analysis of
the explosives used in the operation. Division 1 items can be substituted for
Division 2 items, but never Division 2 for Division 1 items. Where there is a
conflict between the requirements of the code and requirements of this Technical
Standard, the more stringent of the two applies.
c. Rated wiring, equipment and instruments shall be approved for use by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory. Rated items shall have labels and/or
clearly identifiable markings to show Class, Division, Group, and Temperature
Range for which they are approved. Equipment approved for one Hazard
Class is not interchangeable with another Hazard Class.
d. The operations discussed below shall comply with the recommended
class/division unless it is determined unnecessary through documented analysis
for a specific operation and location.
1. Class I, Division 1 wiring, fixtures, process equipment, and
instrumentation are recommended for operations involving flammable
gases or chemicals/materials expected to produce flammable vapors with
explosives present.
2. Class I, Division 1 and Class II, Division 1 (dual rated) wiring, fixtures,
process equipment, and instrumentation are recommended for synthesis,
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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formulation, mixing, wet blending, and casting explosives, heating/drying
of uncased explosives, plus any explosives processing that is expected to
produce sublimation.
3. Class II, Division 1 wiring, fixtures, process equipment, and
instrumentation are recommended for screening, grinding, blending,
pressing, dry machining explosives, and weighing of explosives powders,
the use of explosive or ignitable dust mixtures with explosives present,
plus any explosives process that is expected to produce dust from
explosives that is suspended in the air.
4. Class II, Division 2 wiring, fixtures, process equipment, and
instrumentation are recommended for explosives operations capable of
producing explosives dust that can accumulate on electrical equipment or
apparatus. Examples are; inspection of explosives powders, wet
machining of explosives, and heating of fully encased explosives.
Class II, Division 1 or dual-rated equipment and wiring can be substituted.
Permanent wiring and equipment in storage and assembly locations
should also be rated for Class II per section 8.4.b.2 of this chapter.
5. General Purpose wiring, fixtures, process equipment, and instrumentation
are allowed for shipping and receiving operations with fully encased
explosives or explosives packaged in DOT/DoD approved shipping
containers and areas in explosives facilities where no explosives are
present. Examples are offices, control rooms, halls, rest rooms, and
mechanical equipment rooms. General Purpose Areas may be
established in explosives locations if facility management can determine,
based on documented analysis of the processes involved and the
separation between explosives operations requiring Class I or Class II
rated electrical wiring, fixtures, process equipment, and instrumentation
and the General Purpose Area is established and maintained such that:
Section 37
(a) Migration of explosive or ignitable gasses, vapors or dust mixtures
into the General Purpose Area from the rated area (not to be
confused with the NEC Classified locations) will not occur under
normal operating conditions.
(b) Ignition energy that may be developed in the General Purpose
Area will not be transferred to the rated area (not to be confused
with the NEC Classified locations), even under electrical fault
conditions.
(c) Due to the potential for unacceptable consequences concerning
operations with nuclear explosives, subassemblies, or
components, they shall be evaluated in accordance with
section 8.0 of this chapter to determine the appropriate electrical
hazard classification.
(d) Facility management shall evaluate, by using the principles given
above, all explosives operations not specified elsewhere in this
section to determine the appropriate electrical classification. The
analysis shall be documented.
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8.2. Electrical Supply System
a. Mutual hazards may exist where explosives facilities are located near electrical
supply lines and stepping equipment. To protect against these hazards,
NFPA 70 and the following requirements apply to all new construction or major
modifications, and should be considered for existing facilities. Quantity distance
(Q-D) requirements are based on air blast overpressure only, and fragment
distances are not considered. Electric supply lines that can be interrupted
without loss of power (i.e., power is rerouted through existing lines and/or
networks) can be separated from explosives sites in accordance with
section 8.2.a.3 below. Electrical supply lines are classified by purpose as to
transmission, distribution, or service.
1. Electrical transmission lines are those supplying locations outside the
facility uniquely, or in common with the facility. Any line carrying 69KV or
more shall be classified as a transmission line for Q-D purposes. Electric
transmission lines and the tower or poles supporting them shall be
located no closer to explosives facilities than:
(a) Inhabited-building distance if the line in question is part of a
grid/system serving a large, offsite area.
(b) Public traffic route distance if loss of the line will not create serious
social or economic hardships to offsite areas.
2. Electrical distribution lines (electrical lines carrying less than 69 KV)
supply multiple facility locations.
(a) Electrical distribution lines and the tower or poles supporting them
shall be located no closer to explosives facilities than public traffic
route distance.
(b) Electrical supply lines which jointly supply power (regardless of
voltage) to offsite, non-facility locations shall be considered
transmission lines for Q-D purposes.
(c) If an electrical distribution line exclusively supports a
storage/operations area and it has been determined that the loss
of the line would be acceptable should an accident occur, it can be
separated from explosives sites in accordance with service line
criteria below (8.2.a.3).
3. Electrical service lines are those lines supplying individual facility
locations. Aboveground, DOE-controlled electric service lines required to
be in close proximity to a combustible constructed or uncovered
explosives facility shall be no closer to that facility than the length of the
lines between the poles or towers supporting the lines, unless an effective
means is provided to ensure that broken, energized lines cannot come
into contact with the facility or its appurtenances. Acceptable controls
include, but are not limited to, geographic terrain features, instantaneous
circuit interrupters, cable trays, and linking lines together. Equivalent
Section 38
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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underground electrical service lines shall be located as specified in
Chapter VI, section 3.2.4 and Table VI-2.
4. Electrical lines servicing explosives facilities shall be installed
underground from a point not less than 50 ft (15.24 m) away from such
facilities.
5. Unmanned privately owned or contractor-owned electrical substations
(not to include building transformers and associated switch gear) shall be
no closer to explosives facilities than public traffic route distances.
6. Certain types of auxiliary power facilities, transformer stations, etc.,
present fire hazards to explosives facilities. Transformers and associated
electrical switching apparatus serving one explosives facility or complex
that do not present a fire hazard to the facility (i.e., dry-type, “less
flammable” oil-insulated, etc.) shall be located as specified by NFPA 70
and FMDS 5-4/14-18. Normal oil-insulated transformers shall be located
at least 50 ft (15.24 m) from an explosives facility or as specified
in DoD 6055.09-M.
7. Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) should be provided if electrical power
is critical to an explosives operation during a power shut down or
interruption.
8.3. Building Electrical Service Entrance
a. Each electrical service entrance for explosives facilities should be provided with
the following protection.
1. Arrestors
(a) Lightning arrestors shall be the appropriate size and class for the
application and system voltages and shall be provided on the
primary side of the transformer located in, on, or near the facility.
See Chapter X for additional lightning protection guidance.
(b) Surge arrestors and surge capacitors shall be provided on the
supply side of the main service disconnect.
2. Grounding
b. The lightning arrestor, surge arrestor, surge capacitors, service entrance ground,
and building ground shall be interconnected. This interconnection shall be made
outside the building.
8.4. Permanent Wiring, Fixtures and Equipment
a. Permanent facility wiring includes installed electrical wiring, communications
wiring, security systems wiring, and fire protection systems alarm and response
wiring. Permanent equipment includes the installed electrical fixtures and
equipment associated with permanent wiring. Permanent equipment also
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includes equipment such as HVAC, hoods, vacuum pumps, hydraulic pumps,
etc.
b. New Facilities and Renovations
1. All permanent equipment and wiring of a room shall conform to
section 8.1 of this chapter for the operations for which the room is
designed.
2. To maintain maximum, long-term flexibility of use of facilities, facility
management is encouraged to consider installing dual-rated (i.e., Class I,
Division 1 and Class II, Division 1) permanent wiring and equipment in
explosives operating rooms. As a minimum, installation should allow for
easy conversion to dual-rated wiring and equipment.
3. Rated electrical fixtures shall not be painted.
4. Where equipment cannot meet the above requirements, the equipment
should be located outside the hazardous environment. Otherwise, the
equipment shall be analyzed and controlled as specified for electrical
equipment and instrumentation in section 8.6 of this chapter.
c. Existing Facilities
1. Permanent wiring and equipment shall meet the requirements in effect at
the time the facility was built. The wiring and equipment shall be brought
into conformance with section 8.4.b of this chapter if remodeling or
renovation would affect the wiring or equipment.
Section 39
2. As a minimum, the permanent wiring and equipment shall meet the
requirements of section 8.1 of this chapter for the explosives operations
performed.
3. Where equipment cannot meet the above requirements, the equipment
should be located outside the hazardous environment. Otherwise, the
equipment shall be analyzed and controlled as specified for electrical
equipment and instrumentation in section 8.6 of this chapter.
8.5. Flexible Cords/Wiring
a. Wiring from the permanent premises wiring to process equipment or process
instrumentation should be rated for actual explosives operation being performed,
per section 8.1 of this chapter. As a minimum, flexible cords shall be hard usage
service cord. Splices are not allowed. In addition, all flexible cords, receptacles,
and attachment plugs must be equipped with three prongs so that the third prong
(green wire) acts as ground. The cord shall be supported so that there is no
tension on the terminal connections. Seals shall be provided where the cord
enters explosion-proof enclosures. For Hazard Class I or Class II, Division I or
dual-rated operations, the cord shall also be equipped with explosion-proof
attachment plugs. Flexible cords shall not be used where fixed installed
electrical wiring is required by equipment design.
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8.6. Electrical Equipment and Instrumentation
a. Non-permanent electrical equipment and instrumentation shall comply with the
following:
1. Process instrumentation and process equipment should be rated for the
actual environment based on the explosives operation being performed
as defined in section 8.1 of this chapter.
2. If the thermal properties of an explosive are such that Group G or
Group D equipment provides inadequate surface temperature limits,
special protection shall be provided, or the equipment shall be excluded
from the hazardous location. This equipment shall not have a surface
temperature exceeding the lowest onset of the exotherm of the explosive,
as determined by the differential thermal analysis (DTA) test or the
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test in section 12.1.1(c) of this
chapter and Chapter VIII, section 2.2.a.4. Approved instrumentation and
equipment shall be administratively controlled and marked accordingly.
3. When Hazard Class I or II, as applicable, equipment or instrumentation is
required but not available, the substitute equipment should be purged or
pressurized in accordance with NFPA 496, or be determined intrinsically
safe (without regard to voltage) in accordance with NFPA 70 Article
504/ANSI 913/NFPA 493 by facility management, or, in Hazard Class II
locations, sealed to prevent explosives contamination. When the
equipment is purged or sealed, the surface temperature shall not exceed
248°F (120°C) for normal operations, or 329F (165C) for overload
conditions.
4. All electrical equipment or instrumentation in hazardous locations that do
not meet the requirements of section 8.6.a.3 above shall be evaluated
and documented as to their suitability for use in the specific area and
operation. The following are suggested areas for evaluation:
(a) Malfunction of electrical equipment or process instrumentation.
(b) Consequences of electrical initiated fire.
(c) Initiation of explosives by electrical current.
(d) Initiation of explosives by electrical fault.
(e) Breach of containment resulting in exposed explosives or spillage
of explosives.
Section 40
(f) Ignition sources arising from physical damage to the wiring
method used (e.g., crushing by forklift or other material handling
equipment, frayed cords, etc.).
(g) Exposed electrical conductors or connectors that could make
contact with leg wires or cables of explosive devices during
routine handling.
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(h) Exposed electrical conductors or connectors on which explosives
dust or vapors could collect.
(i) Collection of explosives dust on or in the equipment.
(j) Sensitivity to heat and spark, and thermal stability of explosives
involved.
5. If the equipment is purged, the airflow shall be monitored per NFPA 496
and interlocked to the equipment, or alarmed, if operator shutdown of the
machine can be reliably performed immediately upon receipt of that
alarm.
6. A waiver is not required when the wiring, equipment or instrumentation
meets the requirements of either section 8.6.a.3 or 8.6.a.4 of this chapter.
If the wiring, equipment or instrumentation cannot meet these criteria or
has not been evaluated by facility management, it shall meet the
appropriate electrical hazard class requirements.
b. Watertight equipment (that would pass a NEMA 4 hose test) should be provided
in those locations where water-explosives mixtures may come in contact with the
electrical equipment and wiring.
c. Operations involving the sealing of explosives packages with electric heat sealing
machines will be limited to one machine per operating bay.
8.7. Electrical Requirements for Outdoor Test Areas
a. Requirements for outdoor test areas shall be contained in the specific test
procedures.
8.8. Hand-held, Battery-Powered Lights and Instruments
a. Flashlights and hand lanterns powered by low-voltage dry cell batteries and
“miner cap lamps” approved as permissible by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA), UL, or those previously approved by the U.S. Bureau of
Mines, for NEC Class I hazardous locations, are authorized for use in both Class
I and Class II locations. Devices that provide “cold light” through chemical action
are acceptable for use in any location.
b. Hand-held instruments, watches, calculators, hearing aids, cameras,
self-contained flashes, and communication devices powered by low-voltage dry
cell batteries are authorized for use in the vicinity of Hazard Class II, Division 2
rated hazardous operations and during setup of Hazard Class I or Class II,
Division 1 hazardous operations. They shall be evaluated as to their intrinsic
safety and approved by facility management prior to use during Hazard Class I or
Class II, Division 1 hazardous operations.
c. Hand-held, battery-operated equipment shall not come in direct or indirect
contact with bare explosives. Batteries shall not be removed or replaced in
hazard rated areas (section 8.1 of this chapter).
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8.9. Non-Rated Extension Lighting
a. When it is necessary to use extension lights within 10 ft (3.048 m) of exposed
explosives, where no airborne dust exists, the following requirements shall apply:
1. Lights shall be mounted on heavy tripod stands.
2. The lights shall be fitted with exterior globes to prevent the falling of hot
sparks or particles that might ignite the explosives.
3. The lights shall be fitted with adequate guards to protect the globes from
physical damage.
4. The wire providing power to the lights shall be positioned so as to prevent
vehicles and personnel damaging the cord.
5. The flexible cord shall comply with section 8.5 of this chapter.
Section 41
6. The light stand shall be secured to prevent tipping.
7. Neither the light nor the power cord shall be allowed to come in direct or
indirect contact with the explosives.
8. Lights shall be positioned outside the fall-down distance to the explosives.
8.10. Laboratories
a. Permanent wiring and equipment for existing laboratory areas are not required to
meet the requirements of section 8.4 of this chapter, except as noted in
section 8.4.c.1.
b. Process equipment used for synthesis, heating, drying, mechanical mixing, and
blending shall be dual-rated. Weighing equipment shall be Class II, Division 1 or
mechanical. These operations shall be isolated from non-rated wiring, electrical
equipment, and instrumentation in a manner that prevents dust or vapors
reaching an ignition source.
c. When laboratory equipment cannot meet the requirements of section 8.10.b of
this chapter, apply section 8.6.a.3 or 8.6.a.4 of this chapter.
8.11. Modifications
a. Operating buildings and magazines are constructed to perform a specific function
that dictates the requirements for electrical installation. Procedures shall be
established by each DOE facility to control the use and modification of electrical
equipment in explosives areas and ensure that uniform standards are adhered to
throughout the facility.
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9.0. VACUUM EQUIPMENT
9.1. General
a. Precautions shall be taken to prevent explosives from entering any vacuum
system not specifically designed to collect explosives.
9.2. Labeling
a. All vacuum lines used for explosives operations should be labeled to warn
maintenance personnel that explosive residue may be present in these lines.
One suggested label is:
DANGER, MAY CONTAIN EXPLOSIVES
9.3. Disassembly
a. All vacuum lines that are potentially contaminated with explosives shall be
disassembled according to approved operating procedures. Disassembly should
be accomplished at flanged connections or elastomeric tubing whenever
practical. No attempt should be made to disassemble a vacuum line at a
threaded connection. The design or installation of any new vacuum lines
associated with processes capable of generating explosives contamination of
concern (see section 18.4.a of this chapter) shall not employ demountable,
internal screwed, or threaded fittings or connections unless welded or fixed
permanently in place.
9.4. Traps or Filters
a. Vacuum systems used to evacuate processes for explosives operations that are
capable of generating explosives contamination of concern shall be equipped
with primary and secondary intake line traps or filters to prevent explosives from
contaminating the pump.
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10.0. EXPLOSIVES DUST EXHAUST VENTILATION AND COLLECTION SYSTEMS
10.1. General
a. Exhaust ventilation should be used to control explosives dust (or other hazardous
materials used in or resulting from explosives operations) that could be
hazardous to operating personnel or contaminate the operating area. Exhaust
ventilation used to remove explosives dust requires an approved dust collection
system to prevent the release of the dust outside the building.
10.2. Exhaust Ventilation
Section 42
a. Exhaust ventilation and collection systems that control explosives dust and materials
associated with explosives production shall be designed to meet minimum requirements
established in the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
ACGIH Ventilation Manual: Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practice
and this Technical Standard. The exhaust ventilation system should have sufficient
capture and adequate makeup air to reduce exposure to explosives dusts, or materials
used in conjunction with explosives, to as low as reasonably achievable. This is
particularly important when toxicity information and occupational exposure limits are not
available for the explosives in use.
10.3. Dust Collection Systems
a. A “wet collector” that moistens the dust close to the point of origin and keeps it
wet until the dust is removed for disposal is preferred. A “dry type collector” is
permitted when authorized by a standard operating procedure (SOP).
b. Dust collectors shall be designed to prevent explosives dust from reaching any
mechanical power source of the collection system.
c. All conductive portions of the collection system shall be grounded and bonded.
d. A dust collection system shall not have screw threads, recesses, or cracks that
may be exposed to explosives contamination.
e. Dust collection lines should be equipped with flanged connectors and inspection
ports.
f. Pipes or ducts through which explosives are conveyed shall be designed using
one of the following methods:
1. The pipes or ducts shall be designed to avoid dead spots or propagation
of detonation. The design shall establish pipe characteristics including
materials selection, diameter and turn radii in relation to the material
being transferred, its ignition and detonation characteristics, and transfer
rates; or
2. The pipes and ducts shall have long radius bends with a centerline radius
at least four times the diameter of the ducts or pipes.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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g. Dust collectors shall be emptied and cleaned on a regular basis as system use
warrants and must be inspected periodically.
10.4. Dust Collection Location
a. Wherever practical, dry-type explosives dust collection chambers should be
located outside operating buildings, in the open, or in buildings exclusively set
aside for the purpose.
b. Stationary and portable wet-type collectors may be placed in the explosives
operating bays or cubicles, provided the quantity of explosives in the collectors
does not exceed 2 kg.
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11.0. DRAINS AND SUMPS
11.1. Collection
a. All drain lines handling explosive wastes shall be provided with sumps, clarifiers,
weirs or basins of adequate design and capacity for removal of explosives by
settling. The drains shall be of adequate capacity, free of pockets, and have
sufficient slope (at least 1/4 in./ft) to prevent the settling out of explosives in the
line until it reaches the sump, clarifier, weir or other settling basin.
b. Drain gutters within buildings may be constructed with a slope of 1/8 in./ft.
However, a satisfactory program of cleaning must be developed to ensure
removal of all hazardous material from drain gutters.
Section 43
c. Sumps must be designed to prevent suspended and settleable solid explosive
material from being carried in the wash waters beyond the sumps. The design
shall allow sufficient settling time on the basis of the settling rate of the material
and the usual flow rate. Sumps shall be constructed so that the overflow will not
disturb any floating solids. The design must also permit easy removal of
collected explosives and retention of those explosives that float on water (until
they can be skimmed off). When using settling basins to supplement sumps,
they will be cleaned periodically and a log will be maintained.
d. Explosives collection trays for sumps will be constructed of nonferrous metal.
Hoisting equipment used to lift trays will be designed to prevent the trays from
binding on the sides of the sump. Bolted sump tanks or other types of
construction that permit the explosives to settle in obscure or hidden spaces are
prohibited.
e. Drains between the source of explosive and the sump shall be troughs with
rounded bottoms and removable ventilated covers to facilitate inspection for
accumulation of explosives. This requirement applies to all new construction and
major modifications and should be considered for existing facilities. Short
sections of closed pipe or trough are permitted if they can be visually inspected
for blockage or explosives buildup. Explosives or explosives-contaminated
waste liquids shall not be released into closed drains and sewers.
f. Drains shall be inspected periodically and necessary steps taken to prevent the
buildup of explosive deposits.
11.2. Effluent
a. Drains containing explosive waste materials must not be connected in a manner
that allows such wastes to empty into the normal sewage systems carrying inert
or sanitary wastes.
b. Care must be taken to avoid the possibility of deposition of explosives from sump
effluent due to drying, temperature changes, or interaction with other industrial
contaminations. When handling explosives that are appreciably soluble in water,
sweeping and other dry collecting measures shall be used to keep such out of
the drainage system.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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c. The combination of sumps, settling ponds, and other systems must remove
explosives so that outflows meet environmental standards.
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12.0. PROCESSING
12.1. Heating, Drying, and Thermal Conditioning
12.1.1 General
(a) Heating explosives is potentially dangerous for several reasons:
(1) Elevated temperature can increase an explosive’s sensitivity to
other stimuli such as impact, shock, friction and static
electricity.
(2) At or above the explosive’s critical temperature (see definition
in Chapter I, section 8.0), a runaway chemical reaction may
occur that can produce an explosion or fire.
(3) Elevated temperature of an explosive in a sealed container
can cause gas generation and pressure rupture of the
containment even at temperatures below the critical
temperature.
(4) Chemically incompatible or reactive materials, which may be
present as accidental contaminants, as components of the
formulation, or in external contact with the explosive, can
intensify the preceding dangers or cause them to occur at
lower temperatures.
(5) Nonuniform heating can cause excessively hot regions in the
explosives. Causes may include inadequate agitation of fluid
explosives, nonuniform heaters, and nonuniform heat
conduction.
Section 44
(b) Critical temperature is a system property that depends on a
combination of the explosive’s chemical decomposition reactions, its
mass and shape, heat transfer and other thermal characteristics of the
system, and the confinement or pressure of decomposition products,
especially gases. Several different methods of thermal analysis can
be used to determine or estimate the critical temperature. The
process is typically quite complex because of the complexity of
normally occurring chemical reactions. For operational safety, a
conservative estimate (i.e., lower limit) of the critical temperature for a
heating operation shall be made (uncertainties of 18oF to 45oF (10oC
to 25°C) being common). Analogy of one explosive or system to
another similar system with a reliable thermal analysis may be used to
determine safe heating temperatures and heating times (heating
limits).
(c) The differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC), or other comparable techniques can be used to
measure the temperature of the onset of an exothermic reaction in an
explosive. The test results can be used to rank the thermal stability of
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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explosives and as part of a thermal analysis. Because of the
complexity of chemical decomposition, however, the DTA/DSC
exotherm has no systematic relationship to the critical temperature
and is unreliable for estimating safe heating limits. Exotherm
temperature is always considerably above critical temperature and
usually increases with the heating rate of the test. Where the
DTA/DSC exotherm is specified as a standard for temperature control,
the test heating rate shall not exceed 18oF (10°C) per minute.
DTA/DSC shall not be used as a sole means for establishing heating
limits (except as specified in section 8.6.a.2 of this chapter).
(d) Each facility shall conduct or obtain thermal analysis of any explosives
system before the explosive is heated in a contact operation or in
association with hazardous radioactive materials as described in
section 13.6.2 of this chapter. From this analysis, a heating limit for
the explosives system shall be established which the Explosives
Development Committee (EDC) shall approve. All factors in sections
(a) and (b), above, shall be considered. Any significant change in the
geometry or an increase in mass should be considered a new
explosives system. For a contact operation, the maximum
temperature should be set at least 18oF (10°C) below the critical
temperature. For heating explosives in association with hazardous
radioactive materials, the maximum temperature should be set at
least 36oF (20°C) below the critical temperature. Facility management
may approve heating to a temperature greater than the above
specifications if a documented analysis of the explosive’s thermal
characteristics indicates that an acceptable time or temperature safety
factor is still present for a specific operation. These operations shall
be conducted remotely.
(e) Heating controls for each operation shall be established and specified
in written operating procedures. Specified conditions should be set at
the lowest temperatures and heating times to do the job efficiently and
should not exceed the heating limit for the explosives system. Factors
to consider when establishing heating controls include the heating
limit and accuracy of the estimated critical temperature, accuracy of
the temperature control equipment, and the likelihood of incompatible
chemical contamination and other operational parameters.
Section 45
12.1.2 Heating and Drying Equipment
(a) Heat should be supplied by steam, hot water, friction air, or electrically
heated transfer fluid. Redundant, automatic heat controls shall limit
temperatures.
(b) In systems heated by steam only, the requirements for redundant,
automatic heat controls shall be satisfied if a pressure-reducing valve,
pressure relief valve, and thermostatic valve on the system control the
steam pressure.
(c) In electricity heated systems, a manual reset secondary
overtemperature system consisting of a controller, failsafe sensor, and
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an interrupting device shall be provided to interrupt the heat supply
source if the primary system fails. The secondary interrupter shall be
separate from the primary interrupter. The upper limit of the primary
controller is determined by the desired operating temperature limit.
The secondary (override) controller is set at a higher temperature but
should not exceed the maximum temperature determined by the
heating limit specified for the explosives system as determined in
section 12.1.1(d) of this chapter.
(d) Visual and/or audible alarms should be provided to alert operating
personnel to abnormal temperature conditions. The heating of
explosives should be monitored at all times.
(e) The air or gas used to condition exposed explosives shall not be
recirculated if directly heated by electrical resistance elements.
(f) Drying or heating ovens should be vented to a safe location outdoors.
Water wash or filtration of the exhaust may be required. If exhaust
fans are used, they shall be interlocked with the heat source.
12.1.3 Heating and Drying Operations
(a) Heating and drying shall be performed under the mildest set of
conditions that will accomplish the task safely and efficiently. A
thermal analysis shall be made and a written procedure prepared
consistent with section 12.1.1. The procedure shall include controls
on the mass and geometry (thickness of the layer, etc.) of the material
that may be heated.
(b) Except as described in section 12.1.3(c) below, drying shall be
achieved by circulating a warm, dry gas—either air or inert—over or
through the material.
(c) Small samples may be dried by placement in desiccators or by
subjecting them to vacuum. Vacuum drying of larger items should be
preceded by drying at atmospheric pressure to remove quantities of
moisture or solvent before vacuum is applied to remove the final
traces of moisture or solvent. Explosives having a vapor pressure
exceeding .013 Pa (1 x 10-4 mm Hg) at the drying temperature shall
not be subjected to vacuum drying. A cold trap shall be used for
vacuum drying where the vapor pressure of the explosives is
unknown.
(d) A vapor-air mixture within explosive concentration limits shall be
avoided. Such a vapor-air mixture can be controlled by providing
sufficient airflow to maintain a vapor concentration well below the
lower flammability limit or by using an inert atmosphere. For inert
atmosphere, positive purge shall be used to preclude oxygen leakage
into the unit. If vapor concentrations approaching a flammable level
are anticipated, they shall be monitored. Airflow shall be controlled to
prevent dusting.
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(e) When heating explosives whose vapor pressure may cause undesired
condensation of explosives on equipment parts, heating shall be
conducted in a manner to control condensation of the explosive
material. This control should be accomplished by heating the exhaust
system or by circulating the air at a rate that will keep the explosives
concentration below the level at which condensation could occur.
Section 46
(f) The proper operation of heater controls shall be verified on a regular
schedule established by site management.
12.2. Pressing
a. Explosives pressing operations subject explosives to high pressures to achieve a
physical change. Pressing of explosives formulations is done routinely to
consolidate explosive materials into configurations required for test assemblies or
weapon systems. Two common types of pressing operations commonly
performed are isostatic/hydrostatic and punch and die. The following safety
guidelines apply to these types of pressing operations.
12.2.1 General
(a) Explosives pressing operations shall be conducted as remote
operations.
(b) The correct functioning of press interlock systems shall be verified at
regular intervals.
(c) Pressing mandrels, punches, and dies used in explosives operations
shall be examined regularly during periods of use for evidence of
structural failure. Suitable nondestructive test methods shall be used
to perform the examination. Site management shall establish
intervals between inspections for each tooling design before
committing the tooling to use. The inspection interval and updating
should be based on experience with similar tooling designs and
configurations. All new or modified mandrels, punches, and dies shall
be inspected before their first use. At least one pressing cycle should
be completed with mock explosives before proceeding to explosives.
(d) Pressure controllers and indicators shall be calibrated periodically to
ensure accurate control and monitoring of pressing operations.
(e) Press parts that contact explosive materials shall be cleaned
thoroughly to remove residual explosives before use with a different
explosive formulation.
(f) Temperature control for heated presses and dies shall comply with
the requirements of sections 12.1.2(a) and 12.1.2(b) of this chapter.
(g) All pressing assemblies shall be designed or procedural controls
established to minimize or eliminate the extrusion of explosives
between two mating metal surfaces during the pressing operation.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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(h) Operations with explosive powders should be performed in a manner
that reduces the release of explosives dust and thereby reduces
operator exposure and general room contamination. For operations
involving large amounts of powders, local exhaust ventilation with a
dust collection system should be provided. Respiratory protection to
prevent inhalation of explosives dust may be required when adequate
ventilation is not available.
12.2.2. Isostatic/Hydrostatic Pressing
(a) Before an elastomeric container or mandrel constructed of a new
material is introduced into a pressing operation (where it will contact
explosives), the material shall be evaluated for compatibility with the
explosives.
(b) All pressing vessels shall be examined for evidence of cracking or
other signs of incipient structural failure at regular use intervals by
suitable nondestructive test methods. Local management shall
establish examination intervals.
(c) Before large-scale pressings of new explosives or explosives
formulations, the materials shall be evaluated for thermal stability (see
scaleup procedures, Chapter VIII). “New explosives or explosives
formulations” refer to those that are “new” to large-scale pressing.
Stability test results shall be used to assist in establishing safe
pressing conditions for the specific pressing size.
(d) For isostatic pressing, procedural controls shall be established to
ensure that:
Section 47
(1) An acceptable vacuum can be obtained on the mandrel
assembly to prevent adiabatic heating during pressing; and
(2) Air is bled out of the press before pressurization.
(e) Consideration should be given to the use of fire-resistant hydraulic
fluids. New fluids must be checked to ensure compatibility with the
explosives used.
12.2.3 Punch and Die Pressing
(a) All pressing punches and dies shall be inspected visually for damage,
deformation, and cleanliness before installation on a press. Any
questionable condition shall be resolved before the pressing proceeds
to ensure that the operation’s safety is not compromised.
(b) All punches, dies, and press attachment fixtures shall be designed to
minimize the possibility of the punch being misaligned with the die
(resulting in gouging of a die surface during pressing). Press setup
procedures shall provide for operator verification of proper alignment
before pressing.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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(c) The responsible user of a gauging section capable of performing the
necessary measurements shall control punches and dies, which
should be maintained in matched sets. A group other than the user
should check critical punch and die dimensions before initial use and
at suitable intervals thereafter. Suitable check intervals for each
punch and die design should be determined as in section 12.2.1.c. of
this chapter.
12.3. Extruding
a. Extrusion operations involve the flow of plastic explosives material under
pressure into a cavity in a component of an assembly. The following general
safety guidelines apply to this type of extrusion operation.
1. Extrusion operations shall be conducted remotely. Contact extrusion may
be performed only when extruding nonexplosive or mock materials or
when hand-extruding small quantities with no metal-to-metal contact.
Precautions shall be taken to prevent personnel from being injured by the
rupture of pressurized equipment.
2. The explosive shall be protected against extrusion beyond the tooling
cavity. Precautions shall be taken to prevent foreign material from
entering the explosives.
3. New designs and significant design changes in equipment, tooling or
components shall be tested by mock explosives extrusion before actual
explosives extrusion.
4. Pressure controllers and indicators shall be calibrated periodically to
ensure that proper sealing and extrusion pressures are maintained.
5. Extrusion press parts shall be cleaned thoroughly of residual explosives
remaining from the previous operation before the press is loaded with a
different explosive formulation.
6. Hand-loading of extrudable explosives is covered in section 12.8.2. of this
section.
12.4. Machining
a. Explosives machining is a class of operation that involves cutting of the explosive
material, often in conjunction with harder inert materials. Heat buildup from
friction at the cutting surface can result in thermal initiation of the explosive
substance. Precautions must be taken to limit this buildup and to facilitate the
dissipation of thermal energy.
12.4.1 Equipment Requirements
(a) Interlocks shall be provided for wet machining operations to ensure
coolant flow before machine operation. The coolant flow shall be
monitored and the equipment automatically and safely shut down if
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loss of coolant flow is detected. The interlocks shall be protected from
tampering and unauthorized disabling by physical means, or
supervisory control.
Section 48
(b) The vacuum on vacuum chuck holding fixtures shall be monitored and
interlocked with the equipment for automatic shutdown of machining
in the event of vacuum loss.
(c) Tool path controls (stops, limits, design patterns, etc.) shall be
provided to prevent the unplanned travel path of a tool or work piece.
Positive means or secondary verification shall control and limit
equipment speed and feed rates.
(d) Pressure-relief devices should be installed on pneumatically or
hydraulically powered equipment to ensure safe operation.
(e) Metal chip waste from machining operations should be kept separate
from explosives waste. When this is not possible, mixed explosives
and metal waste should be completely segregated from unmixed
waste and held for separate disposal.
(f) Dull or damaged tools shall not be used. A cutting tool inspection and
control program shall be established for explosives machining
operations.
(g) Consideration will be given to additional safety control devices (i.e.,
design patterns, safety templates, chip thickness sensors, tool
pressure sensors, etc.), depending on the type of machining
operations, size of explosives pieces, types of explosives, and other
factors.
(h) The “machining overtest” shall be considered a testing operation (see
section 12.4.4(e) of this section) and shall be exempt from equipment
requirements.
12.4.2 Contact or Remote Operations
(a) The following explosives may be contact machined if a compatible,
nontoxic, noncombustible coolant is used. Explosives not listed below
shall be machined remotely.
(1) Amatol
(2) Baratol
(3) Boracitol
(4) Explosive D
(5) Octol with no more than 75 percent HMX
(6) Pentolite with no more than 50 percent PETN
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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(7) RDX/TNT compositions with no more than 75 percent RDX.
These compositions include Composition B, Composition B-3,
and 75/25 Cyclotol.
(8) TATB and TATB compositions with an inert plastic binder
(9) TNT
(b) Explosive assemblies composed of any combination of explosives
listed in the above section and the following non-explosive materials
may be contact machined if a compatible, nontoxic, noncombustible
coolant is used. If an assembly contains an explosive not listed in the
above section or a nonexplosive material not listed below, the
assembly shall be machined remotely.
(1) Foamed plastics
(2) Solid plastics
(3) Adhesives
(4) Amorphous graphite
(5) Calcium sulfate casting powder
(6) Explosives mockup
(c) On any explosive, with certain exceptions for IHE and explosives
machined by fluid jet (see section 12.4.2(e) of this section), the
following operations shall be performed remotely:
(1) Drilling of holes smaller than 1.968 in (5 cm) in diameter,
except for IHE, where drilling of holes smaller than .1968 in
(5 mm) shall be done remotely.
(2) Coring operations (except contact operations on those
explosives listed in section 12.4.2.a. of this chapter, when the
requirements of section 12.4.5.b. of this chapter are met and a
coolant is used).
(3) Machining of any metal/explosives interface.
(4) Machining IHE subassemblies with Hazard Division 1.1
boosters installed.
(5) Dry machining, except that IHE booster pellets may be contact
machined provided a dust collection system (see section 10.0
of this chapter) is used.
(6) Machining of explosives in Phase II or earlier stage of scaleup
(see Chapter VIII).
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(d) Machining of primary explosives shall be avoided. Alternative
methods, such as forming or pressing to final dimensions, should be
used to achieve the desired shape.
Section 49
(e) IHE, PBX 9404, and LX-10 may be contact machined by
high-pressure fluid jet. The fluid jet system pressure shall not exceed
20,000 psig (137,895 kPa). The velocity of the fluid jet shall not
exceed 1706 ft/sec (520 m/sec) (theoretical). The jet nozzle orifice
diameter shall not exceed .01 in (.0254 cm). The system machining
fluid shall be water and shall not contain any abrasives. See
section 12.15 of this section for use of low-pressure fluids.
(f) Concurrent contact machining operations in the same bay should not
be permitted. However, concurrent IHE contact machining is
permitted when other explosives are not present.
(g) Provisions shall be made to monitor remote machining operations
visually. Consideration should be given to video recording and audio
monitoring.
12.4.3 Setup and Preparation
(a) The following precautions are provided for preparation and setup
before beginning the machining operation.
(1) Before setting up the explosive work piece, the equipment
shall be checked for proper function and the absence of
interference between stationary and moving parts.
(2) An inert shape (i.e. wax, Lexan (polycarbonate), or mock
explosive) should be used to test the equipment function of
any operation using new tooling or new part programs.
(3) The explosive component to be machined shall be inspected
by radiography or other suitable nondestructive test methods
for cracks, voids, and high-density foreign objects. The
component shall also be checked for proper size.
(4) Caution shall be exercised during setup and adjustment to
avoid pinching, dropping, crushing, or otherwise applying
abnormal forces to explosives present. Special care must be
given to mounting and centering a part on a vacuum chuck.
Special attention must be given to the proper functioning of the
vacuum system and its surface holding area.
(5) Limits on machine speed, depth of cut, and feed rate shall be
set before the machine is activated.
(6) Interlocks shall be functional before the machine is used to
machine explosives. They should be tested once per shift.
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12.4.4 Operations Guidelines
(a) The minimum tool speed necessary for safe and efficient operation
should be maintained. The following maximums shall apply:
(1) The relative velocity between the explosives surface and the
cutting tool shall not exceed 213.2 ft/min (65 m/min);
(2) Work pieces or cutting tools shall not be rotated at speeds
exceeding 525 rpm; and
(3) The feed rate of the cutting tool or work piece shall not exceed
.03937 in (1 mm) per revolution.
(b) The work piece, fixture, cutting tools, equipment, floor, troughs,
drains, etc., should be cleaned frequently to prevent accumulation of
explosive wastes.
(1) Approved measures should be taken to prevent rust and
minimize deterioration of precision surfaces.
(2) All tools, equipment, fixtures, and parts should be cleaned
before removal from the work area for storage.
(c) For contact machining operations, coolant shall be used to aid in
removing heat and cutting waste. Coolant should be used for remote
operations when practical.
(1) Coolant should be used on explosives/inert assemblies. When
the explosives portion is included in the cut, coolant shall be
used for contact machining. Coolant is not required if the
explosives portion of the assembly is contained (no bare
explosives) and is not included in the cut, or the machining is
conducted remotely.
Section 50
(2) Spray mist coolant may be used during machining of the
explosive-containing assemblies if the explosives portion is not
included in the cut.
(d) All visible explosives shall be removed from the machine before
maintenance or repairs. No safeguards or interlocks shall be
removed or made inoperative, except by authorized personnel.
(e) Before submitting an explosive for contact machining approval, a
machining overtest program shall be conducted to identify the
machinability and associated hazards. These HE qualification tests
should be performed in facilities set aside for these purposes.
(1) Machining overtest shall be conducted remotely.
(2) Operations performed during sample preparation may include
gaging and assembly, but shall not include any contact cutting,
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scraping, or other material-removing operations on explosives
specimens.
12.4.5 Specific Machining Operations
(a) Drilling
(1) Drilling operations should be set up to maximize the ease of
achieving and maintaining proper alignment and to facilitate
removal of explosives chips, fines, and powder.
(2) The fluting length on the drill bit shall exceed the depth of the
hole to be drilled by a minimum of .512 in (1.3 cm) or one hole
diameter, whichever is greater.
(3) The depth of a hole shall not be extended more than 1.5 times
the hole diameter (up to a maximum of .787 in (2 cm)) during
a single insertion of the drill into the material. After each
insertion, it may be advisable to withdraw the drill completely
and remove loose explosives from the cavity and drill bit
before reinserting.
(4) Coolant flow (when used) shall be directed to the
explosives/cutting edge interface. Drill bits larger than ¼ inch
(6 mm) should have a coolant channel to the tip of the drill.
Bits ¼ inch (6 mm) or less in diameter do not need coolant
channels, but should limit the depth of each pass to no more
than ½ the diameter of the bit to ensure that the coolant flow is
capable of keeping the hole clean. Pulsating pressure types of
coolant supplies are recommended for drills of ¼ inch (6 mm)
diameter or less to remove drill fines.
(b) Coring
(1) Coolant flow (when used) shall be directed at the
explosives/cutting edge interface.
(2) If the hole is not positioned to provide continuous breakout, the
coring shall be accomplished incrementally. When done in
increments, no more than 1.5 times the diameter of the hole
shall be cored at one time. Before the maximum distance has
been cored, the tool shall be totally retracted from the hole and
cleaned. The hole shall be flushed with coolant.
(c) Sawing
(1) The feed rate of the saw blade or work piece shall not exceed
2.953 in/min (7.5 cm/min).
(2) For band saws, coolant flow should be directed onto the saw
blade at the cutting interface, guide rollers, and the drive
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wheel/saw blade interface. For circular saws, the coolant flow
should be directed at the explosives/cutting edge interface.
12.5. Dry Screening
a. Dry explosives often require screening for size classification or to remove
extraneous objects. Use of magnetic separators is often advisable to remove
ferrous materials that may have passed through the screens. The following
guidelines shall be observed for screening operations and equipment:
1. Operations using mechanical screens shall be performed remotely.
Equipment shall be designed and operations performed to avoid
subjecting explosive materials to pinching, friction, or impact.
Section 51
2. Screening small samples may be performed as a contact operation if
approved by written procedures.
3. Equipment shall be electrically bonded and grounded.
Resistance-to-ground shall be 10 ohms or less and shall be inspected on
a regular basis. Equipment used to transfer electrostatic-sensitive
explosives to or from screens shall be conductive and electrically bonded
to the screen during transfer.
4. Operations and equipment shall be set up to minimize and control dust
generation.
5. Operating areas and equipment therein shall be cleaned frequently to
avoid accumulation of explosives dust.
6. Precautions shall be taken to prevent metals from rubbing together when
the screens vibrate. Vibrating equipment shall be inspected frequently for
developing cracks subject to contamination by explosives.
12.6. Blending
a. Dry blending of explosives shall be performed remotely. However, dry, hand
blending of small samples may be performed as a contact operation when
approved by facility management.
b. Equipment should be designed and operations performed to minimize generation
and dispersion of explosives dust.
c. Equipment shall be electrically bonded to provide a continuous path-to-ground.
Resistance-to-ground shall be 10 ohms or less and shall be inspected regularly.
Equipment used to transfer electrostatic-sensitive explosives to or from blenders
shall be conductive and electrically bonded to the blender during transfer.
DOE-STD-1212-2012
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12.7. Melting
a. The heat for melting explosives shall be supplied by saturated steam, hot water,
or another temperature-controlled medium. The steam pressure shall be
controlled in accordance with section 12.1.2(b) of this section.
b. Temperatures for contact melting of TNT-based explosives (except those
containing PETN, e.g., pentolite) and keeping them molten shall not exceed
249.8°F (121°C). The temperature limit for TNT explosives containing PETN
shall be 228.2°F (109°C).
c. Feeding of the melt kettle and the melting operation shall be controlled or
regulated to prevent the formation of large chunks of explosives.
d. Alarms shall be provided on the melt temperature and on melt kettle agitation
when the operation will be left unattended. Alarms shall sound if the temperature
exceeds the specifications of section 12.7.b. above, or if agitation ceases.
e. Wherever possible, valves, piping, and threaded bolts and fasteners should be
eliminated from melted explosives handling systems.
f. Provisions should be made for emergency emptying of melt kettles in the event
of temperature control problems or power failures.
g. Melt kettles shall be constructed with corrosion-resistant materials. Construction
shall not contain blind holes, threads, or cracks in areas exposed to melted
explosives. Welds shall be inspected and found free of cracks and porosity.
12.8. Assembly and Disassembly
a. Hand tools and electrical and pneumatic tools that may subject the explosives to
abnormal frictional forces, pinching, or excessive pressure, or cause significant
deformation, shall not be used during assembly or disassembly. However, they
may be used on nonexplosive components.
12.8.1 Assembly Operations
(a) During assembly operations, the operator should be alert for
mismated parts and misaligned components. Hard surfaces that will
contact explosives shall be precisely machined to mate with the
explosives, lined with cushioning material, or otherwise configured to
keep sharp corners or projections from being forced into explosives.
Section 52
12.8.2 Loading Assemblies with Plastic or Extrudable Explosives
(a) The workability and plasticity of plastic and extrudable explosives
improves with increased temperature. Plastic explosive compositions
C-3 and C-4 may be softened by warming to between 69.8°F (21°C)
and 100.4°F (38°C) before working. Extrudable explosives LX-13 and
extex should be kept as cool as practical to prevent premature curing.
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(b) Contamination of these explosives with abrasive or foreign
substances shall be avoided.
(c) The assembly shall be loaded with small increments of explosives and
may be tamped with suitable nonmetallic tools to eliminate air voids.
12.8.3 Disassembly Operations
(a) Before beginning disassembly, the device’s condition shall be
assessed to determine if it can be safely handled.
(b) Disassembly operations shall be planned before actual disassembly.
Possible problem areas caused by method of construction or physical
condition shall be considered. A safety procedure for each unique
disassembly shall be written and reviewed.
(c) If disassembly would normally cause release of pressure or if a
credible hazard exists of pressure causing components to fly apart,
before beginning disassembly, pressurized units shall be thoroughly
depressurized.
(d) If approved for use, compressed air shall be applied cautiously during
disassembly to avoid causing device components to fly apart. This
may require remote operation. Use hydraulic pressure if possible.
12.8.4 Personnel Protection for Disassembly Operations
(a) Operators and all other personnel shall be provided complete
protection from disassembly operations involving conditions known or
expected to require the use of abnormal force. Such operations
require either remote operation or the use of an operational shield.
The shielding shall be designed to protect personnel at other
operations or locations from blast and missiles arising from a possible
explosion.
(b) When disassembly requires that the operator be protected by an
operational shield, disassembly shall be defined as complete
separation (threads or other connections) of component parts. For
example, parts shall not be loosened while the operator is properly
protected and then separated without the same protection.
12.9. Inspection
a. This section addresses the following types of explosives inspection operations:
1. Inspecting incoming explosives raw materials and pressed explosive
billets for foreign bodies or cracks that could cause operating or safety
problems in processing operations; and
2. Measuring physical parameters of explosive pieces and assemblies.
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b. To enhance the safety of process operations, positive steps shall be taken to
ensure the proper identification of explosives used and to prevent foreign
material from entering the operation via the explosives’ raw materials or via
materials in process (i.e., pressed explosive billets). Some of the means by
which this can be accomplished include:
1. Screening
2. Visual inspection
3. Magnetic separation
4. Radiographic inspection
5. Chemical analysis
c. The following principles shall be followed in the design and operation of
explosives inspection equipment.
1. Pinch points shall be eliminated or steps taken to preclude explosives
contamination of pinch points.
2. Threaded fasteners or threads of measuring equipment shall be protected
from explosives contamination. Care shall be taken to prevent parts of
the measuring or handling equipment from becoming loose and getting
into the explosives.
Section 53
3. Inspection fixtures shall be designed to secure the explosives piece or
assembly securely to prevent toppling, rolling, or dropping during
measurement operations. This is especially critical if the explosives
assembly is in motion (i.e., spinning, vibrating, etc.) during measurement.
12.10. Synthesis
a. Synthesis and other chemical processing of new explosives compounds are
ongoing activities at DOE weapons facilities. Synthesis operations are
conducted both on laboratory and pilot scales. The Explosives Development
Committee (EDC, Chapter VIII) will approve new operations and materials. In
the laboratory, the new material will initially be prepared on a small scale and
characterized as to sensitivity, physical, and explosive properties. Also, the
laboratory will develop processing techniques for the material. If laboratory
studies determine that the explosive is of continuing interest, it may be advanced
to the Pilot Plant where processing techniques will be refined and scaled up. The
Pilot Plant will produce sufficient material for larger-scale physical, explosive, and
sensitivity characterizations.
12.10.1 Laboratory-Scale Synthesis
(a) Before initiation of work, the professional staff member who is
directing or conducting the synthesis shall analyze each explosives or
potential explosives experiment for the type and magnitude of
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hazards. This staff member shall be responsible for planning the
proper selection of conditions, quantity of explosives, and safety
devices to be employed.
(b) Experiments should be designed to minimize the amount of
explosives involved and to use the mildest conditions that will yield the
desired information.
(c) New explosives materials shall be afforded extra protection against
impact, pinching, friction, pressure, sparks, contamination, and
deterioration. If it is necessary to subject explosives to any of these
conditions, the operation shall be conducted remotely or adequate
personnel shielding shall be provided.
12.10.2 Pilot- or Processing-Scale Synthesis
(a) When operations are conducted using flammable or toxic liquids or
gases, local ventilation shall be provided to prevent hazardous vapor
concentrations from forming in the work area.
(b) Alarms should be provided for coolant flow to the reactor, for reaction
vessel agitation, and for reactor temperature. These alarms should
be energized whenever coolant supply or agitation is critical to
prevent a runaway reaction. When agitation is critical, the reactor
should be equipped with at least two sources of power to maintain
agitation in the event of failure. For example, a reactor might employ
an air or inert gas bubble tube as a backup for a mechanical agitator.
(c) The reaction vessel should be equipped with an emergency system.
Upon activation, the emergency system will automatically cool the
vessel or will open or close a vessel dump valve as required by the
process. Contact operations should be conducted with a means to
activate the emergency system manually.
(d) The building exhaust ventilation system shall be operating during all
synthesis operations involving flammable liquids.
(e) An alarm or monitor should be provided for the critical exhaust
ventilation system to warn operating personnel if airflow rates drop
below a predetermined level.
(f) Emergency plans shall be established for the synthesis area,
specifying action to be taken in the event an alarm sounds.
Section 54
(g) Before operations begin, all equipment shall be set up and checked
for proper function. New or infrequently used equipment shall be
tested in a dry run before being used with any hazardous material.
(h) All explosives synthesis process equipment shall be maintained
routinely. Equipment with defects that could affect safe operations
shall be tagged to prevent its use until repairs are completed.
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(i) Before starting any process operation, the transfer lines to be used
should be properly labeled and their function specified in the operating
procedure.
(j) Transfer hoses and portable equipment not involved in the process
shall be removed from the work area and stored in their proper
places.
(k) All control valves shall be correctly identified according to function.
(l) Safety equipment and clothing shall be worn as defined in operating
procedures.
(m) Agitator blades on reactors and mixers shall be inspected regularly for
proper clearance to ensure that there is no pinch point or
metal-to-metal contact. Local facility management shall set up and
approve the inspection schedule.
(n) Explosives warning signs shall be conspicuously displayed on any
processing vessel in which explosive materials are to be left
overnight.
(o) Any vessel that can be sealed and that can operate above
atmospheric pressure shall be equipped with overpressure protection.
(p) All closed vessels should be purged with inert gas before flammable
liquids are introduced.
(q) Inert gas pressure should be used to transfer flammable liquids when
gravity flow or pumping is not practical.
12.11. Formulation
a. Formulation operations considered in this section involve combining compounds
or mixtures when one or more of the ingredients are explosive. Combining
ingredients is commonly accomplished at DOE explosives handling facilities to
obtain some desired physical property, combination of properties, or reaction
parameters.
12.11.1 General
(a) Explosives may be loaded into mixers, mills, and deaerators as an
operator-attended, contact operation. However, the starting,
operating, and stopping of such equipment with explosives present
shall be accomplished remotely. As an exception, mixing-type
operations involving a low energy transfer may be allowed as a
contact operation (e.g., slurry coating and melt agitation).
(b) Equipment used for explosives formulation shall be checked for
proper operation before adding explosives. Equipment shall be
examined for proper clearances and for metal-to-metal rubbing of
moving parts with the potential to contact explosives. Bearings should
be sealed to preclude explosives contamination.
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(c) Fast-action deluge systems shall be considered for equipment (e.g.,
mixers, mills, and deaerators) used for easily ignitable explosives
formulations.
(d) Hot water, cold water, or steam can be applied to mixers and mills.
Heating fluid temperatures shall not exceed known safe operating
temperatures for the explosives involved. When roll milling, allowance
shall also be made for viscous shear heating of the explosives in
process. Heated systems shall comply with the requirements of
sections 12.1.2(a) and 12.1.2(b) of this section.
12.11.2 Mixing
(a) Mixer seals and gaskets shall be checked on a regular schedule and
cleaned or replaced as required.
(b) Checks should be made to ensure that maximum particle sizes of
ingredients or hard agglomerates of proposed mixes are less than the
blade-to-blade or blade-to-bowl clearances.
Section 55
(c) Initial cleaning with solvents used for dissolving or suspending the
explosives residues shall be done remotely (except for melt-mix or
slurry coating vessels).
(d) Explosive powders and plastic-bonded explosives formulations may
be mixed wet in a contact operation. This can be accomplished if the
wet mixture cannot be initiated with energy sources available, the
viscosity is kept low, and the possibility of isolated portions of the mix
becoming dry is precluded.
12.11.3 Ball or Jar Milling
(a) Balls that are porous or contain cavities shall not be permitted in mills
for grinding explosives.
(b) Grinding media contaminated with explosives slurry shall be protected
from excessive impact when emptying of the mill.
(c) After grinding, a careful inspection shall be made to ensure that the
explosive is free of grinding media. Dispose of any explosives
contaminated with broken media.
(d) After separating the explosive, the grinding media shall be thoroughly
cleaned and inspected before reuse or disposal.
12.11.4 Roll Milling
(a) Positive stops should be installed on roll mills to prevent rolls from
rubbing against each other.
(b) Before starting a milling operation on a roll mill, the contact of the
scraper blade with the roll should be adjusted to the minimum
pressure necessary to perform the operation.
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(c) Roll gaps should be set as wide as possible while still allowing
adequate working of the material. The minimum gap setting shall be
.003937 in (.1 mm).
(d) Roll rpm should be held at the minimum required to process the
material adequately.
(e) All roll mills that may be contact operated (e.g., with nonexplosive
materials) shall be equipped with emergency stop devices (breaker
bar or chain) within easy reach of the operator.
12.12. Concurrent Contact Operations
a. The preferred setup for explosives operations is to perform each operation in a
separate location to preclude any adverse operation interaction. Because such
an arrangement is frequently impractical, concurrent operations may be
permitted if the following conditions exist:
1. Potential equipment-operator interactions between the two operations
have been analyzed and the risk is not appreciably greater than that for
both operations considered separately.
2. Explosive materials in either operation are not exposed to stress
conditions such as elevated temperature (melting or heat conditioning),
elevated pressures (pressing or extruding), or deformation/shear
(machining or cutting).
3. Mixing of materials in the concurrent operations will not create
compatibility problems.
4. Each operator is aware at all times of concurrent operations in his or her
area.
12.13. Contamination Prevention
a. Precautions shall be taken to avoid mutual contamination when two or more
incompatible explosives or materials are handled on a single line or within one
building or room. This includes vacuum systems and explosives scrap collection.
Inadvertent mixing of incompatible explosives materials can be hazardous not
only to manufacturing facilities and personnel but also to the user if such
materials are loaded into explosives devices.
b. When two or more explosives are used in a line or within a building and mixing is
not intended, the materials shall be segregated in separate locations. Containers
shall be clearly marked with the weight and contents identified. Care shall be
exercised to properly segregate material in service magazines and in operating
buildings.
Section 56
c. When a different explosive is to be used in process equipment, the equipment
shall be thoroughly cleaned, and excess explosive from the previous job should
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be removed from the bay. This eliminates the hazards caused by mixing
materials.
d. In any explosives operation, permanent service lines shall be labeled as to their
contents. Valves and switches on service lines whose operation can result in a
hazardous situation shall be labeled as to their function.
12.14. Hand-Cutting and Finishing Operations
a. Hand-cutting and finishing, which may include cutting, trimming, coring, and
lapping (surface polishing), of explosive materials shall be performed using the
mildest energy input that will accomplish the task safely and efficiently. The
facility EDC shall review and approve the safety of hand-cutting and finishing
operations, which shall then be incorporated into an operating procedure before
starting the operation.
12.15. Use of Low-Pressure Fluids
a. Low-pressure fluids (liquid pressure less than 1,500 psig (10,342 kPa) may be
handled as in contact operations to aid explosives dissolution, rinsing, system
flushing, and similar operations under the following conditions:
1. The fluid system shall have a pressure relief device installed to prevent
system overpressurization.
2. Low-pressure fluid operations may be used with those explosives whose
impact sensitivity is less than PETN. Such operations may be used on
other explosives only after analyzing the energies involved.
3. Solvents shall be compatible with the explosive material. Controls for
their use shall be sp