Forbidden Explosives for Transportation

In addition to the explosives that the DOT has approved for transportation, there are forbidden explosives that are too unstable or dangerous to be transported. Some may be transported only if wetted. The following are some examples of explosives that are forbidden to be transported. 

Nitrogen triiodide (black unstable crystals) explodes at the shghtest touch when dry. When handled, it is kept wet with ether. It is too sensitive to be used as an explosive, because it cannot be stored, handled, or transported. Azides, such as lead azide and hydrazoic azide, are highly unstable. Lead azide is a severe explosion risk and should be handled under water it is also a primary detonating compound. Hydrazoic acid or hydrogen azide is a dangerous explosion risk when shocked or heated. Metal fulminates, such as mercury fulminate, explode readily when dry. They are used in the manufacture of caps and detonators for producing explosions. 

Explosives that contain a chlorate along with an ammonium salt or an acidic substance, including a salt of a weak base and a strong acid, are forbidden in transportation, e.g., ammonium chlorate, which is shock-sensitive, can detonate when exposed to heat or vibration. It is used in the production of explosives. Ammonium perchlorate is also shock-sensitive, and may explode when exposed to heat or by spontaneous chemical reaction. This is the material that was involved in the explosion at the Pepcon plant in Henderson, Nevada. It is also used in the production of explosives, pyrotechnics, etching and engraving, and jet and rocket propellants. 

The Hazardous Materials Table in CFR 49 Part 172.101 lists all specific restricted explosives in various modes of transportation and those forbidden from shipment. Even though these materials are not transported, they may be found in fixed facilities of various types, such as research facilities, defense contractors, solid rocket fuel plants, explosives suppliers, and others. 

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Forbidden Explosives for Transportation Types of Chemical Explosions Explosive Effects Yield vs. Order... 

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