Emex
Emex Safety Sheet
Chemical Composition
A gassed Emulsion / ANFO mixture.
Hazards Identification
The Emulsion explosives are classed as U.N. Division 1.1.
i.e. substances which have a mass explosion risk.
| HAZARDS | RISK |
| (I) Explosion | Serious |
| (ii) Chemical Exposure | Minor |
PRECAUTIONS
1. Personnel working with explosives must be trained in their use.
2. Gloves should be worn when handling exposed explosives.
First Aid Measures
Contact with the skin – wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Contact with the eyes – irrigate thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes.
Ingestion – seek medical advice.
Fire Fighting Measures
Fires involving explosives must not be fought. Use water based extinguishers to prevent fire reaching explosive material. The product may burn to detonation.
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
Wear gloves and overalls when treating spillages.
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 explosives should be destroyed in the manner described in UIE’s leaflet “Recommended Methods For The Destruction of Explosives & Accessories”.
See also HSE leaflet HS/G 36 “Disposal Of Explosive Waste & Decontamination of Explosives Plant”.
Do not allow spillages to enter water course.
Handling & Storage
Explosives must be handled with care and not subject to naked flame, friction or shock. Smoking whilst handling explosives is forbidden.
Bulk explosives loaded at point of use should not usually be stored.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
When handling explosives, personnel are advised to wear suitable gloves and overalls; see “First Aid Measures” above.
When handled properly, these explosives do not present any serious hazard to personnel.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Viscous fluid containing varying amounts of suspended solid. Possesses light diesel smell.
Material is insoluble in water.
Density = 1.1 g/cc.
Decomposition Temp > 150C
Stability and Reactivity
Stable at normal temperatures but will crystallise within one month. Avoid high temperatures, impact, friction, flames, sparks, acids and static discharge.
Hazardous decomposition product include nitrogen oxides, oxides of carbon including carbon monoxide.
Toxicological Information
Mildly irritant to skin and eyes.
Ecological Information
Viscous liquid.
When burned, these explosives give off nitrous fumes.
Disposal Considerations
See above under – Accidental Release Measures
Transport Information
Not normally transported
UN No. 0241
UN Class 1.1D
Regulatory Information
The purchase of explosives is controlled under SRO (NI) No. 110 1970 “Control Of Explosive Regulations”, and SR No. 488 1993 “The Placing On The Market & Supervision Of Transfers Of Explosives Regulations (NI) 1993”.
Other Information
TRAINING
Ulster Industrial Explosives Ltd., conduct training courses in the use of explosives, which are approved by MPQC.
