Division 2.1.4.3 The acceptance procedure for the hazard class ‘explosives’ need not be applied if:F1

There are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties present in the molecule. Examples of groups which may indicate explosive properties are given in Table A6.1 in Appendix 6 of the F2UN RTDG, Manual of Tests and Criteria; or

The substance contains chemical groups associated with explosive properties which include oxygen and the calculated oxygen balance is less than - 200;

The oxygen balance is calculated for the chemical reaction:

C_xH_yO_z+ [x+ (y/4)-(z/2)] O₂ → x CO₂ + (y/2) H₂O

Using the formula:

Oxygen balance = -1 600 [2x + (y/2)-z]/molecular weight;

For an organic substance, or a homogenous mixture of organic substances, containing a chemical group (or groups) associated with explosive properties:

• the exothermic decomposition energy is less than 500 J/g, or

• the onset of exothermic decomposition is 500 °C or above

as indicated in Table 2.1.3.

The exothermic decomposition energy may be determined using a suitable calorimetric technique (see section 20.3.3.3 of the UN RTDG, Manual of Tests and Criteria ).

For mixtures of inorganic oxidising substances with organic material(s), the concentration of the inorganic oxidising substance is:

• less than 15 % by mass, if the oxidising substance is assigned to Categories 1 or 2;

• less than 30 % by mass, if the oxidising substance is assigned to Category 3.