Fumes from explosives

RR) E-J. Murphy, "Comparison of Methods for Detecting and Analyzing Fumes from Explosives , USBurMines R1 51133(1961). A comparative study of several analytical methods for determining carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in toxic gases produced by detonation of explosives... 

The fume from an explosive is best determined by firing a round in a part of a mine which can be completely cut off from the circulating air. After the air and fume have been circulated by a fan for a sufficient period, samples of the resulting mixture are taken and analysed. 

Aluminum dust and fine powder are highly explosive and can spontaneously burst into flames in air. When treated with acids, aluminum chips and coarse powder release hydrogen. The heat from the chemical reaction can then cause the hydrogen to burn or explode. Pure aluminum foil or sheet metal can burn in air when exposed to a hot enough flame. Fumes from aluminum welding are toxic if inhaled. 

Evaporate the ether in a well-ventilated area away from any source of sparks. Ether fumes are explosive. 

Explosion at Firestone Tire, An expln at Firestone Tire s Akron, Ohio research center killed veteran chemist Christian E- Best and injured 13 others. Damage was estimated at 1 million dollars. The blast occurred in a second-floor plastics lab and may have been caused by ignition of propylene fumes from a leaking cylinder. What ignited the volatile propylene fumes was not determined (Ref 4)... 

Titanium. There is a danger from explosions with titanium in contact with HN03, especially the red fuming HNOa (Refs 94, 102 106)... 

Toxic and/or explosive fumes from trapped chemicals may rise into homes and businesses... 

There are several points that must be remembered when using this explosive. First, the fumes from both the chemical ingredients and the explosive itself are toxic, so avoid inhaling them. Second, this explosive is chemically unstable, so it should not be stored for more then 24 hours after that, it should be discarded in a safe area. Third, because the explosive is so easy to manufacture, the ingredients may be carried separately and mixed on location. Lastly, because this material is very acidic, the blasting cap and lead wires should be coated with wax or an epoxy paint to protect them. 

Pour all materials into the container and stir well. WARNING The fumes from this explosive are poisonous. 

Use a balance and weighing paper to measure 1.5 g of salicylic acid. Place the salicylic acid in a small test tube and add 3 ml of distilled water. Use a 10-mL graduated cylinder to measure the water. Then add 3 mL of methanol. Use a Beral pipette to add 3 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid to the test tube. WARNING Concentrated sulfuric acid can cause burns. Methanol fumes are explosive—keep away from open flame. Handle chemicals with care. 

Aluminum metal (CAS 7429-90-5) Dusts can cause mild eye and respiratory tract irritation, Long-term inhalation of large amounts of fine aluminum powders or fumes from aluminum ore (bauxite) has been associated with reports of pulmonary fibrosis (Shaver s disease). Acute exposures in aluminum refining ("pot room") has been associated with asthma-like responses, Industrial processes used to produce aluminum have been associated with an Increased incidence of cancer in workers, 10 mg/m (metal and oxide) 5 mg/m (pyrophoric powders, welding fumes) 2 mg/m (soluble salts, alkyls NOC) 0 3 1 (powder) Oxidizes readily. Fine powders and flakes are flammable and explosive when mixed with air. Reacts with acids and caustic solutions to produce flammable hydrogen gas. 

N.B. Fumes from combustible liquids are usually also explosive. 

Precaution Flamm. mod. fire risk incompat. with oxidizing agents reacts violently with water readily hydrolyzed with liberation of HCI reacts with water or steam to produce toxic/corrosive fumes container explosion can occur under fire conditions Hazardous Decomp. Prods. Toxic fumes of CO, CO2, silicon oxide, hydrogen chloride gas emite toxic fumes under fire conditions HMIS Health 3, Flammability 3, Reactivity 1 Storage Store in cool, dry place keep tightly closed moisture-sensitive store under nitrogen keep away from heat, open flame do not allow contact with water... 

Numerous physical hazards may be present in a CDL, one of which is armed suspects who may be under the influence of methamphetamine with its induced paranoia. Explosive vapors from the solvents used in the manufacturing process as well as incompatible chemicals (when mixed, these cause fire, toxic fumes, or explosion) are common in CDLs, as most operators are not trained chemists and have little regard for safety. 

No plant, tank or vessel which contains, or has contained, any explosive or flammable substance shall be welded, brazed, soldered or cut, or opened by the application of heat until the substance and any fumes from it have been removed or rendered non-flammable. Before the plant, tank or vessel is refilled with an explosive or flammable substance, it must be cooled sufficiently to prevent ignition. 

Control Room. The control room location can be critical to the efficient operation of a faciHty. One prime concern is to locate it the maximum distance from the most ha2ardous units. These units are usually the units where LPG or other flammables, eg, hydrocarbons that are heavier than air, can be released and accumulate at grade level. Deadly explosions can occur if a pump seal on a light-ends system fails and the heavier-than-air hydrocarbons coUect and are ignited by a flammable source. Also, the sulfur recovery unit area should be kept at a healthy distance away as an upset can cause deadly fumes to accumulate. 

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