Office of Material Movemen — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

Page 1: U.S. Department of Transportation 400 Seventh Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20590 Special Programs Research and Administration • MAR 2 1 2000 Department of the Army Ref. No. 99-0203 • Office of Material Movement/ Terminal Warehouse Branch Building 1304, Nighthawk Street Fort Rucker, AL 36362-5116 Attention: Ms. Karon Jewell Dear Ms. Jewell: This is in response to your telephone conversation with Eric Nelson of my staff, and subsequent letter dated May 26, 1999, concerning the requirements for the segregation of explosives under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Your questions are paraphrased and answered as follows: Question 1: Can an explosive in compatibility group G be stowed together during shipment with a compatibility groups S and C? The answer to your question is yes, they can be shipped together by motor vehicle providing that the Division 1.4G explosives are not fireworks, and the Division 1.4S explosives are not detonators (as defined in 177.835(g)). article? Question 2: What is the difference between an explosive substance and an explosive An explosive substance is a material which meets the definition of an explosive as defined by Subpart C of Part 173 of the HMR, and is designed to produce a practical effect by explosion. An explosive article is a device containing an explosive substance, such as a detonator or a cartridge for weapons. I hope this information is helpful. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact this Office. Sincerely, Delmer F. Billings Chief, Standards Development Office of Hazardous Materials Standards#

Page 27-28-1999,8:23AM • FROM P. 2 • DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Nelser IEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES ARMY AVIATION CENTER AND FORT RUCKEI ORT RUCKER, ALABAMA 36362-5000 177.848 July 27, 1999 ATTENTION 09 REPLYTO 99-0203 Office of Material Movement/Terminal Warehouse Branch RSPA Office of Hazardous Material Standards US Department of Transportation 400 Seventh Street, SW ATTN: Eric Washington, DC 20590-0001 1. Reference phone conversation July 22, 1999 between Karon Jewell this office and Eric - DOT. 2. The following information is submitted for interpretation and clarification: a. Can the following explosives be shipped and stowed together? Can 1.4G be mixed with 1.4S and 1.4C? (1) UN 0339 - Cartridges for Weapons Inert Projectile- (2) UN 0339 - Cartridges for Small Arms-- -1.4C (3) UN 0038 - Cartridges for Weapons, Blank-- 1.4C (4) UN 0300 - Ammunition Incendiary- -1.4C (5) UN 0014 - Cartridges for Small Arms Blank....- 1.4G (6) UN 0012 - Cartridges Small Arms- 1.4S - 1.4S 3. Reference is made to Subpart C, Paragraph 177.848 (f) Compatibility Table for Class 1 (Explosive) Materials. Compatibility for Groups G & C' show instructional note "f". Quote: "f" means explosive articles in compatibility group G, other than fireworks and those requiring special stowage, may be stowed with articles of compatibility groups C, D, and E, provided no explosive substances are carried in the same vehicle. a. What is the difference between "explosive articles" and "explosive substances"? •4. POC: Karon Jewell-PH: (334) 255-9070 or (334) 255-2049. FAX: (334) 255-3121. MAILING ADDRESS: Building 1304, Nighthawk Street Fort Rucker, AI 36362-5116 KanGewel Karon Jeal - C, Mat Mvmts/Tml Whse Br "OUR MISSION IS WARFIGHTING!" •.#