R614-4-10. Explosive Materials Ingredient Preparation Operations

A. When explosive material ingredients are susceptible to ignition by static electricity, shock, friction, spontaneous combustion, or incompatibility, adequate precaution shall be taken.

B. Blending or mixing equipment shall be of a construction suitable for the hazards of the materials being handled or processed.

C. Drive equipment for explosive material blenders, mixers, presses (hydraulic), screeners (mechanical), and other equipment shall be so designed that drive motors and pumps are located outside of the operating room in a dust-free and vapor-free atmosphere.

D. When materials are dried, the safe temperature for drying shall be established and then not exceeded at any point in the dryer apparatus or drying operation.

E. Containers used for handling oxidizers such as sodium nitrate and ammonium nitrate shall be examined for foreign material before use.

F. When necessary, screening of raw materials shall be supplemented by a permanent type magnetic separator.

G. Sulfur shall be handled so as to avoid friction and static electricity ignition.

H. Nitrocotton shall not be subjected to rough handling.

I. Extreme cleanliness shall be maintained in all nitrocotton operations. Any material that has escaped from its container shall be wet down immediately with water for proper disposal. Waste or dirty nitrocotton shall be properly disposed of.

J. Hoops and nuts on nitrocotton barrels or containers shall be wet with water or oil prior to removing them and prior to placing them back on the containers.

K. Nitrocotton shall be stored in closed containers.

L. Frozen nitrocotton shall be thawed before removing from drums.

M. Nitrocotton shall be screened before use; screens shall be of non-sparking material and grounded.

N. Nitrocotton containing less than 25% moisture shall not be screened.

O. Partially filled drums of nitrocotton or similar materials shall be closed to prevent evaporation of moisture.

P. Empty drums shall be thoroughly cleaned of nitrocotton, inside and out.