Fireworks And Explosives - 806

Question 1

How are explosives defined by the HSE?

Answer 1

‘Any material that is capable of undergoing a self-contained and self-sustained exothermic chemical reaction at a rate that is sufficient to produce substantial pressures on their surroundings, thus causing physical damage’

Question 2

What are the 2 types of explosive materials?

Answer 2

• detonating

* deflagrating

Question 3

Describe detonating explosions

Answer 3

• when reaction exceeds speed of sound

Question 4

Describe deflagrating explosions?

Answer 4

• below speed of sound

* pressure, heat and confinement influence rate of reaction not the material

Question 5

What is the most common accidental cause of explosion?

Answer 5

Mixture of natural gas and air following a gas leak

Question 6

What is ‘over pressure?’

Answer 6

• Blast wave from an explosion
• velocity greater than speed of sound
• can kill

Question 7

Up to what distance are fireworks designed to propel to before explosion?

Answer 7

50-100m

Question 8

How big can the fireball be from fireworks?

Answer 8

100m diameter

Question 9

What can lead to a significant mass explosion event with regards to fireworks?

Answer 9

Excessively loaded containers or illegal storage of non standard fireworks

Question 10

How should fireworks be stored

Answer 10

• in ‘ISO’ shipping containers

* plenty of space

Question 11

Explosives with radio controlled detonators or metal components can be detonated by radio transmissions within what distance?

Answer 11

60m

Question 12

NATO prohibits radio signal within what distance of explosive materials?

Answer 12

600m

Question 13

Who should be informed when explosive storage is identified?

Answer 13

Station managers should inform ORPT (operational resilience and planning team)

Question 14

How do ‘Yankee hazards’ appear on the MDT?

Answer 14

• red triangle, black exclamation mark

Question 15

On arrival to a suspected explosive hazard, what information should the ic gather from the responsible person?

Answer 15

• quantity
• type
• location
• storage
• separation
• involvement
• site plans
• fixed installations
• safety control measures
• building design features

Question 16

What priority message must be sent when explosives are confirmed?

Answer 16

’ explosives confirmed involved’

Question 17

If the ic believes that explosives have been subject to heating or fire, what should be done?

Answer 17

• set up cordon

* withdraw all personnel and public

Question 18

Once explosives are ignited, can they be extinguished?

Answer 18

No

Question 19

What is the maximum storage of fireworks for domestic use for a shop?

Answer 19

250kg in ISO container

Question 20

How much black powder are gun enthusiasts holding a ‘acquire and keep certificate’ allowed to keep?

Answer 20

20kg

Question 21

What are ‘railway fog signals?’

Answer 21

• small round discs with 8g black powder
• Small primary charge
• make noise but do not fragment
• treated as high explosive when stored in bulk in metal boxes

Question 22

What size cordon should be set up for explosives up to 250kg?

Answer 22

200m

Question 23

What size cordon should be set up for explosives 251kg-2000kg and any military explosive munitions?

Answer 23

600m

Question 24

What size cordon should be set up for explosives over 2000kg?

Answer 24

1000m

Question 25

How are explosive hazards identified?

Answer 25

‘Yankee hazard’