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Standardization of Explosives Classification and Characterization Testing
Robert T. Ford; 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
test methods, Round Robin, test methods matrix, sensitivity testing, reactivity testing, statistical analysis
ABSTRACT
Accurate sensitivity and reactivity testing is essential for appropriate explosives classification and characterization for
manufacturing, storage, transport and end use. This paper outlines the international effort to more fully standardize
all facets of these tests to enable consistent/repeatable test data and interpretation of results.
An overview is given of the roles and responsibilities of the Explosives Testing Users Group (ETUG), the United
Nations Explosives Working Group (UN EWG), and the UN Global Harmonization System (GHS). These
organizations share a common stewardship to ensure the proper 1) classification/characterization of explosive
substances and articles and 2) effective communication of explosive hazards to personnel.
Standardized and tailored protocols and test methods are developed as part of ETUG. ETUG participants include
major international, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), and industry explosives testing
laboratories and test sites. Participating laboratories collaborate to systematically minimize the variability associated
with explosives testing to ensure consistent/repeatable test data and interpretation of test results. This is accomplished
by 1) developing procedures and methods, 2) applying technology, 3) reaching consensus, and 4) performing periodic
“Round Robin” testing.
INTRODUCTION
Accurate sensitivity and reactivity testing is essential for appropriate explosives classification and characterization for
manufacturing, storage, transport and end use. The Explosives Testing Users Group (ETUG) is focused on
systematically minimizing the variables associated with energetic materials testing for in-process classification to
enable consistent and repeatable test data and interpretation of test results. The United Nations Explosives Working
Group (UN EWG) is focused on proper hazard identification and standardization of tests for transport of explosives.
The International Group of Experts on the Explosion Risks of Unstable Substances (IGUS) is a part of the UN EWG
and is a group of experts who are focused on the “exchange of information on the behavior of unstable substances,
with respect to production, handling, storage, and transport.” The UN Global Harmonization System (GHS) is focused
on the proper communication of hazards from dangerous good in all life-cycle stages. Working with ETUG, IGUS,
UN EWG, and GHS greatly facilitates the proper characterization and classification of explosives for all life-cycle
stages of explosives. In this paper, the details of the approach used in the Explosives Testing Users Group is
highlighted with the understanding that similar approaches are used in the other complementing groups.
The Explosives Testing Users Group (ETUG) is made up of major international, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD),
Department of Energy (DOE), and industry explosives testing laboratories and test sites. The ET Users Group
participants collaborate to improve and standardize in-process characterization test methods for explosives,
propellants, and pyrotechnic materials. Below is highlighted the approach used by the ETUG by developing
standardized procedures and methods, applying technologies, and completing Round Robin testing as a verification
tool for explosives characterization and classification. Additionally, as part of the ETUG, the group has created and
made available an online database termed the Test Method Matrix which is also highlighted below.
