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During manufacturing and production processes of pyrotechnic compositions, semi-finished devices and regular pyrotechnic articles an inadvertent reaction or even explosion cannot be fully excluded. The optimization of the design of the involved single work processes can only reduce the risk of such a scenario. For doing so, one must consider the respective properties regarding thermal, mechanical, chemical and electrostatic sensitivities of the compositions being processed. One major key parameter in reducing the risks of such an event is to minimize the consequences, if the likelihood of this event cannot be further reduced.
Minimizing the consequences in cases of unintended explosions during production processes comprises of construction measures regarding buildings (different walls, orientation etc.), increasing safety distances to other buildings, and lowering the maximum net explosive masses and the number of people per room or production process.
Important criteria for defining and setting protection measures are the so-called ‘hazard groups’ (in German ‘Gefahrgruppen’), net explosive masses and the main impacts or hazards (such as blast pressure, heat/radiation and debris).
This paper aims at presenting some approaches used in Germany to minimize the impacts of possible reactions or inadvertent explosions during production processes of pyrotechnic compositions and articles in work spaces. This includes also the determination of safety distances and discussions on reducing thermal impacts.
To minimize hazards during manufacturing and production processes of pyrotechnic compositions, semifinished and regular pyrotechnic articles, related properties of the pyrotechnic compositions must be determined and assessed with focus on those parameters that influence the exothermic reactions and explosion phenomena. Estimated impacts of these reactions as well as the sensitivities towards Initiation by thermal, mechanical or electrostatic stresses are relevant for this assessment.
Since the 50s of the last century so-called ‘Hazard Groups’(in German ‘Gefahrgruppen’) of pyrotechnic compositions were defined, to assess these properties which aim was to set appropriate safety measures for production purposes. This system of Hazard Groups is currently under review to determine if they are still relevant with the latest composition developments in this field and still represent the state of the art.
Several necessary changes and new approaches have already been identified. The new system will contain the following Hazard Groups, all with associated protection measures: 1.1 (and further sub-groups 1.1-1, 1.1-2 and 1.1-3), 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4. This structure is aligned to the international principles for the classification of such substances according to the TDG and GHS regulations. New or updated test and assessment criteria for these (sub-) groups are under development, and comprise of aspects such as sensitivity towards friction, impact, temperature and explosion effects.
This paper aims at giving an overview of this system of hazard Groups in Germany to optimize production safety including pyrotechnic compositions. An overview of this system is given along with example cases for testing and assessment, including a short differentiation of the energetic processes during the reactions.