Emugel
Emugel Safety Sheet
Chemical Composition
Emugel is an emulsion explosives produced from an aqueous
solution of ammonium nitrate emulsified in oil. Emugel
products contain ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, aluminium and
sensitising agents
Hazards Identification
The Emugel range of explosives are classed as U.N. Division 1.1. i.e. Substances which have a mass explosion risk.
| HAZARDS | RISK |
| (I) Explosion | Serious |
| (ii) Lifting/handling | Medium |
| (iii) Chemical exposure | Minor |
The product is EXPLOSIVE (E): Mass explosion hazard. Risk
of explosion by shock, friction or fire.
The product is also HARMFUL (Xn) containing ingredients
with a limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (process oil).
PRECAUTIONS
a) Personnel handling explosives must be trained in their use.
b) Personnel should be trained in lifting/handling.
c) Gloves should be worn when handling exposed explosives.
First Aid Measures
Contact with the skin - wash thoroughly with water. Do not ingest.
Fire Fighting Measures
Fires involving explosives must NOT be fought.
An area of at least 300 metres around the fire should be evacuated and the site of the fire must not be approached until it is absolutely certain that the fire is out.
Accidental Release Measures
Spillages of these explosives should be carefully removed and, preferably put into a drill hole for disposal by detonation: if this is not possible the explosive should be destroyed in the manner described in U.I.E.'s leaflet "RECOMMENDED METHODS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF EXPLOSIVES & ACCESSORIES". See also HSE leaflet HS/G 36 "DISPOSAL OF EXPLOSIVE WASTE & DECONTAMINATION OF EXPLOSVIES PLANT".
Handling & Storage
Explosives must be handled with care and not subject to naked flame, friction or shock. Smoking whilst handling explosives is forbidden. Explosives may only be stored in licensed premises.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
When handling explosives, personnel are advised to wear suitable gloves, see "FIRST AID MEASURE" above.
When handled properly, these explosives do not present any serious hazard to personnel.
Physical and Chemical Properties
These explosives have the consistency of a firm gel. With time, the gel will break down and the material will lose its explosive properties. This process will accelerate with exposure to moisture, but due care should always be taken when handling.
The colour is pink.
The explosive is sold in white film with product identification on each cartridge.
Stability and Reactivity
The shelf life of these explosives, stored in good condition is, at least one year.
Toxicological Information
There is no known toxic hazard from these explosives.
Ecological Information
When burned these explosives give off some nitrous fumes.
Should the explosives degenerate and the gel breaks down, disposal in water will result in the release of nitrates and aluminum metal.
Disposal Considerations
See above under "Accidental Release Measures".
Transport Information
The Transport of Explosives is Controlled by "The Packaging of Explosives for Carriage Regulations" (NI) 1993 and "The Carriage of Explosives by Road Regulations" (NI) 1997.
Regulatory Information
The purchase of explosives is controlled under SRO (NI) No. 110 1970 (Control of Explosives Regulations", and SR No. 488 1993 "The Placing on the Market and Supervision of Transfer of Explosives Regulations (NI) 1993.
Other Information
Ulster Industrial Explosives Limited conduct Training Courses in "The Use of Explosives", which are approved by MPQC.
1. Shot Firing
2. Explosives Supervision
