Safety Consulting Engineers, Inc. (SCE) provides impartial consulting services and guidance to the industry in process safety.

DOT Classification Services – Explosives
United Nations (UN) Explosives Classification
(DOT Explosives Testing and Examination)

No explosives may move in commerce without appropriate Competent Authority approval. The required tests vary depending on the classification sought, the material (substances or articles) and test results.

Safety Consulting Engineers, Inc, is approved by the U.S. Competent Authority, that is, the U.S. Department of Transportation, to examine and recommend classification of new explosives in accordance with 49 CFR 173.56.

The divisions within Class 1, Explosives are:

Class and Division	Name of Class or Division	Required UN Test Series
-	Forbidden Explosives	None, see 49 CFR 173.54
1.1.	Explosives (with a mass explosion hazard)	Series 3 or 4
1.2	Explosives (with a projection hazard)	Series 3 or 4, and 6
1.3	Explosives (with predominately a fire hazard)	Series 3 or 4, and 6
1.4	Explosives (with no significant blast or projection hazard)	Series 3 or 4, and 6
1.5	Very insensitive explosives; blasting agents	Series 3 and 5
1.6	Extremely insensitive detonating substances	Series 3 and 7
-	Substances that may have explosive properties but are not intended for use as an explosive or pyrotechnic	Series 1 and 2
-	Article containing an explosive substance with minimal or no external effects upon actuation	External effects tests

The listed test series consist of the following tests:

Series 1 (Substances)
UN Gap Test, zero gap
Koenen Test
Time/pressure Test or Internal ignition Test

Series 2 (Substances)
UN Gap Test, 50mm gap
Koenen Test
Time/pressure Test or Internal ignition Test

Series 3 (Substance)
BOE or BAM Impact
ABL or BAM Friction
Thermal Stability at 75°C
Small-Scale Burn Test

Series 4 (Article)
12 Meter Drop Test
Thermal Stability Test

Series 5 (Substance)
Cap Sensitivity Test
DDT Test
External Fire Test

Series 6 (Substance or Article)
Single Package Test
Stack Test
External Fire Test
Unconfined Package Test

Series 7 (Substance and Article)
EIDS cap test
EIDS gap test
Susan test
EIDS Bullet Impact test
EIDS external fire test
EIDS slow cook-off test
1.6 Article external fire test
1.6 Article slow cook-off test
1.6 Article bullet impact test
1.6 Article stack test

External Effects Tests
Noise
Heat
Movement
Smoke

The typical DOT approval process for Explosives may be illustrated in the following sequence:

Product and Goals:
Material to be examined and tested is identified. Discussion of needs with an SCE representative.
Required information:
Collection of DOT required information needed for the analysis and report, (e.g., use or function, drawings, formulations, particle size, and quantities of explosives, packaging description, etc.).
Contract:
SCE can then identify required tests, quantity of sample, etc. A Purchase Order or similar is used to authorize SCE to proceed.
Examination:
As part of our services, the DOT has authorized us to provide a Tentative Approval, for shipment of the material to our test facility, if needed. SCE will then witness and/or perform the testing and examination of the material.
Request for Approval to ship explosive:
Client must submit approval request to the DOT, along with SCE’s test report and recommendation letter.
Receipt of EX-number, from U.S. DOT
This normally takes 60-120 days from the time a request for approval is submitted to the DOT.

Safety Consulting Engineers, Inc. (SCE) is an approved test agency, recognized by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to test and examine explosives or potentially explosive substances and recommend the proper shipping classification. We have the skills and credentials to assist you in all your test and analysis needs for hazardous or energetic materials or processes.

For more information regarding process hazards analysis, system safety, material characterization, DOT and other regulatory compliance, and any associated testing, please contact us at 847-925-8100 or email us at sceinc@sceinc.com.

Safety Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Chilworth | A DEKRA Company