Page 1 of 17
In-Process Hazard Classification of Explosives
Overview of ETUG Standard ETUG-GS01-15
Robert T. Ford; Safety Management Services, Inc. (SMS
®
); West Jordan, Utah, United States of America
Kirt N. Sasser, PE; Safety Management Services, Inc. (SMS
®
); West Jordan, Utah, United States of America
Troy A. Gardner. PE, CSP; Safety Management Services, Inc. (SMS
®
); West Jordan, Utah, United States of
America
Clint G.Guymon, PhD, PE; Safety Management Service, Inc. (SMS
®
); West Jordan, Utah, United States of America
KEYWORDS
hazard classification, in-process, explosive life cycle, sensitivity testing, hazard division, classification decision tree
ABSTRACT
This paper provides an overview of the existing in-process hazard classification procedure that has been adopted by
the Explosives Testing Users Group (ETUG) as ETUG-GS01-15 ETUG Standard for In-Process Hazard
Classification of Explosives. The transport hazard classification division for explosive substances or articles that are
packaged/configured for transport may not be valid when the substance or article is removed from the transport
packaging for handling, processing/manufacturing, staging, or other unique conditions found in the various life cycle
stages. This creates the need for “in-process” classification of explosives. The ETUG Standard utilizes standards
from the UN MTC, US Department of Defense (DoD), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and other
industry-accepted test methods/protocols to more closely simulate key in-process parameters for explosive
substances and articles in-process classification testing. Tests that incorporate these key parameters are essential to
determine proper in-process classification of explosives. Application of the ETUG Standard In-Process
Classification protocol can provide accurate classification of explosives for the unique and varied configurations and
conditions that may exist during manufacturing, remanufacturing, intermediate storage, and use. Such explosives
classification will facilitate proper design and specification of process equipment and facilities and will therefore
reduce the risk to personnel.
INTRODUCTION
This paper provides an overview of the existing in-process hazard classification procedures that have been adopted by
the Explosives Testing Users Group (ETUG) as ETUG-GS01-15 ETUG Standard for In-Process Hazard Classification
of Explosives. The ETUG-GS01-15 in-process hazard classification protocols for explosives are referenced in the
NFPA 495 Explosive Materials Code, Section 5.3 Classification and Characterization of Energetic Materials Used in
Process Operations, Annex A, Explanatory Material, A.5.3.1, as an example test protocol in which the in-process
classification of materials are established by testing. The ETUG Standard is also incorporated by reference in the
International Fire Code (IFC) Section 5605 Manufacture, Assembly and Testing of Explosives, Explosive Materials
and Fireworks (2012).
