Division 2.1.4.1 The classification of substances, mixtures and articles in the explosives hazard class and further allocation to a division is a very complex, three step procedure. Reference to Part I of the UN RTDG, Manual of Tests and Criteria is necessary.F1

The first step is to ascertain whether the substance or mixture has explosive effects (Test Series 1). The second step is the acceptance procedure (Test Series 2 to 4) and the third step is the assignment to a hazard division (Test Series 5 to 7). The assessment whether a candidate for ‘ammonium nitrate emulsion or suspension or gel, intermediate for blasting explosives (ANE)’ is insensitive enough for inclusion as an oxidising liquid (section 2.13) or an oxidising solid (section 2.14) is answered by Test Series 8 tests.

F2Some explosive substances and mixtures are wetted with water or alcohols, diluted with other substances or dissolved or suspended in water or other liquid substances to suppress or reduce their explosives properties. They may be a candidate for classification as desensitised explosives (see Section 2.17).

Certain physical hazards (due to explosive properties) are altered by dilution, as is the case for desensitised explosives, by inclusion in a mixture or article, packaging or other factors.

The classification procedure is set out in the following decision logic (see Figures 2.1.1 to 2.1.4).