Debris hazard from explosions

Huang, L.C.P., Prediction of Debris Hazards from Explosions in Buildings, Twenty-First Explosives Safety Seminar, Houston, TX, Aug 1984. 

Hokanson, J., Vargas, L., Whitney, M., Moseley, P., and Cardinal, J., Fragment and Debris Hazards from Accidental Explosions, NSWC TR 85-114, 13 Jul 1981. 

DEBRIS HAZARD FROM ACCIDENTAL EXPLOSIONS IN UNDERGROUND STORAGE FACIUTIES ... 

The response to a nuclear explosion differs dramatically from the response to an attack with conventional explosives. When conventional explosives such as dirty bombs disperse radiological materials, the health hazards from the radiation exposure are secondary to the explosion (flying shrapnel, debris, fire, and smoke). In the case of a nuclear explosion, the risks of death, serious short-term health effects, and serious long-term health effects are no longer secondary to the explosion. 

Hazard Division 1.1 Comprises items which have a mass explosion hazard. The major hazards of this division are blast, high velocity projections and flame the explosion results in severe structural damage, the severity and range being determined by the quantity of explosives involved. There may be a risk from heavy debris propelled from the structure in which the explosion occurs or from the crater. 

As explained in Section 26.2, hazardous debris includes all debris pieces that impact with an energy >79 J. The final (impact) velocity of debris with different masses was calculated with the computer code TRAJ. Taking these velocities into account, it can be concluded that all pieces of crater debris from explosions in such underground installations with a mass heavier than 150 g are hazardous (see also Fig. 26.19). 

Emergency responses to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction are much different from responses to incidents involving conventional explosives. For example, while the debris from conventional explosives may be extensive and present hazards to the individuals responding, such as fires or structural instability, the materials are not inherently hazardous. In this situation, the site can be secured and forensic investigations can be conducted similarly to investigations at other crime scenes. 

The DFS differs from the MPF in that it is equipped to process drained rockets, mortars, mines, and explosive components from projectiles. This processing leaves behind fiberglass ash and metal debris (aluminum and steel). The ash and debris are collected in bins, allowed to cool, and sampled and analyzed to verify that they are agent free. Once this determination has been made, the wastes are consolidated into larger roll-off bins. The ash and debris are transported to a hazardous waste landfill. 

The second hazard is the tank s location close to ultra-high compressed air lines and equipment. A high pressure pipeline explosion could result Ifom a malfunctioning safety valve, a human error in operating the equipment, damage to a pipeline, or from other causes. Blast or flying debris could conceivably strike the propane tank, rupture it and cause it to explode with the same consequences as for a run-away vehicle. 

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