Explosives personal protections

When an explosive device is used to disperse radioactive, chemical, or biological materials, the treatment of casualties is more difficult because of the presence of contamination. In this situation, emergency responders could face a life-threatening situation unless appropriate precautions are taken. These precautions include using screening instruments (see Section 6.12) to assess hazard conditions before responding, then selecting the appropriate level of personal protective equipment (see Section 6.7) to provide protection from the hazard. 

Materials synthesis is a necessary component in the development of advanced technologies for national security and homeland defense. For instance, new composites, nanoscale molecules and compounds, and polymers are needed for tougher, explosion- or puncture-resistant materials that can be employed in buildings, garments, bridges, and other products and structures. Personal protective materials could be enhanced with new chemical adsorbents filter materials, impermeable membranes, artificial sutures, and improved energetic materials for... 

Safety advisors and directors state that one of their greatest difficulties is to convince the workers to make use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while working. However, the management must strictly pursue with them till they imbibe the habit of using personal protective equipment as a routine. This will not only provide personal protection to them but will also be in the interest of the organization. There must not be any relaxation of this rule. A list of PPE for any explosive or chemical laboratory or factory is as follows ... 

In a nutshell, continued vigilance by the workers coupled with the use of personal protective equipment and unrelenting surveillance by the management remain the best remedy for prevention of accidents, be it explosions or fires. Further, we must learn a lesson from each accident but unfortunately this does not really happen [35]. The findings of the enquiries and investigations conducted do not yield meaningful results. The main reasons being ... 

Concentrated peroxide may decompose violently in contact with iron, copper, chromium, and most other metals or their salts, and dust (which frequently contains rust). Absolute cleanliness, suitable equipment (PVC, butyl, or Neoprene rubber), and personal protection are essential for safe handling. During concentration under vacuum of aqueous or of aqueous-alcoholic solutions of hydrogen peroxide, violent explosions occurred when the concentration was sufficiently high (probably above 90%). Detonation of hydrogen peroxide vapor has been studied experimentally.6... 

For personal protection the test is performed in an explosion-proof fume-chamber or in a well-ventilated test-cell. The capacity of the exhaust fan should be large enough to dilute the decomposition products to the extent that no explosive mixtures with air can be obtained. A stable, shatter-proof glass shield must be placed between the observer and the Dewar. 

The Safety Manual AMCR 385-100 prescribes general safety rules for the US Army Materiel Command including those relevant to facility construction for explosive materiel operations and storage requirements, personal protective clothing and equipment together with quantity distance standards of explosives. 

The use of radiation dispersal devices, commonly referred to as dirty bombs, is particularly concerning for disaster planning and emergency preparedness personnel. An RDD is an explosive device designed to spread radioactive material without a nuclear explosion (Briggs Brinsfield, 2003). The initial blast from the explosion can kill or inflict mechanical trauma on those who are close in proximity to the explosion while the radioactive material is dispersed. Please refer to chapter 27, Radiological Incidents and Emergencies, for further information on decontamination, radiation sickness, and personal protective measures. 

Obtain special instructions before use. Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. Use personal protective equipment as required. DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches explosives. Explosion risk in case of fire. Evacuate area. Store... (in accordance with local/regional/national/intemational regulation). Dispose of contents/container to. .. (in accordance with local/regionaEnational/intemational regulation). 

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