Explosives and Pyrotechnic Testing

UN Manual Testing for the Classification of Dangerous Goods

Explosives are dangerous goods and must have been assigned a classification by the Competent Authority of a Contracting Party to the European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) before they are consigned for carriage by road in Great Britain.

Classifications for commercial explosives in Great Britain are awarded by HSE.

The UN produces a 'Manual of Tests and Criteria' which contains the test methods and procedures relating to explosives and is one of the methods that can be used for the classification of dangerous goods.

HSE Testing and Monitoring offers a variety of testing in accordance with the manual to help with the classification and safe transportation of dangerous goods.

These include:

• UN gap test
• UN Koenen test
• Time/pressure test
• BAM Fallhammer test
• Rotter test
• BAM Friction test
• Thermal stability test
• Thermal stability test for unpackaged articles and packaged articles at 75°C

HSE Testing and Monitoring operates independently from the Competent Authority function.

Testing in accordance with the Energetic Materials Testing Assessment Policy Manual of Tests (EMTAP)

Where classifications for commercial explosives in Great Britain are awarded by HSE, classifications for military explosives are awarded by the Secretary of State for Defence. The Defence Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives Safety Regulator is appointed as the UK Competent Authority to fulfil this role.

The Energetic Materials Testing Assessment Policy Manual of Tests (EMTAP) is one of several standards relevant to the qualification of energetic materials and associated technical assessment for military explosives classification.

HSE Testing and Monitoring offers a variety of testing in accordance with EMTAP to help with the classification of military explosives.

These include:

• Rotter test
• Temperature of ignition test
• Ease of ignition (Bickford Fuze) test
• Train test
• Electric spark test
• Time/pressure test

To discuss your requirements, please contact TestingEnquiries@hse.gov.uk.

Ballistic Mortar Testing

A Ballistic Mortar test is used to measure the explosive power of a substance.

To discuss your requirements, please contact TestingEnquiries@hse.gov.uk.