Explosive

Older GHS revisions, and OSHA HazCom, place explosives in unstable explosives and divisions 1.1 to 1.6 based on the type of hazard, such as mass explosion, projection, fire or minor blast. Newer UN GHS revisions group them instead into Categories 1, 2A, 2B and 2C, while the transport divisions stay in use. Ammunition, pyrotechnics, blasting agents and certain unstable chemicals all fall in this group, along with items made to produce a pyrotechnic effect.

Sensitivity is a key idea. Primary explosives respond to small stimuli, while others need a booster or detonator. Many incidents involve materials that were never meant to be explosive but became so, such as dried picric acid or old peroxide-forming solvents. Knowing what is on your shelves, and how old it is, reduces this risk.

Storage and handling rules for explosives are strict and often involve licensing, particularly when federal or local authorities regulate the material. Quantities, distances between storage and buildings, and the use of purpose-built magazines are all regulated outside HazCom.

In transport, explosives are DOT Class 1 with compatibility groups that determine what may be loaded together. Placards and strict packaging rules apply. Anyone finding suspect old chemicals should avoid moving them and call the proper emergency or waste contact.