Primers
Primers Safety Sheet
Chemical Composition
Pentolite (PETN/TNT)
CAS Number: 78-11-5 of PETN
Hazards Identification
Primers are classed as U.N. Division 1.1. explosives.
i.e. Substances which have a mass explosion risk.
| HAZARDS | RISK |
| (I) Explosion | Serious |
| (ii) Lifting/handling | Minor |
| (iii) Chemical exposure | Minor |
| (iv) Inhalation/ingestion | Minor |
PRECAUTIONS
a) Personnel handling explosives must be trained in their use.
b) Personnel should be trained in lifting/handling.
c) Avoid ingestion and contact with skin.
First Aid Measures
Contact with the skin – wash thoroughly with water.
Contact with eyes – irrigate thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical advice in event of ingestion or inhalation.
Fire Fighting Measures
Fires involving explosives must NOT be fought. 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.
Use water based extinguishers to prevent fire reaching primers.
Accidental Release Measures
Spillages of PETN/TNT should be carefully lifted and, preferably put into a drill hole for disposal by detonation: if this is not possible, the explosive should be destroyed in the manner described in U.I.E.’s leaflet “RECOMMENDED METHODS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF EXPLOSIVES & ACCESSORIES”.
Handling & Storage
Explosives must be handled with care and not subject to naked flame, friction or shock. Smoking whilst handling explosives is forbidden. Keep product clean and free from contamination. Explosives may only be stored in licensed premises.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
When handling primers, personnel are advised to wear overalls and suitable gloves, see “FIRST AID MEASURE” above.
Physical and Chemical Properties
| Physical state | Solid |
| Colour | White to yellow. |
| Odour | Slight sweet smell. |
| pH | Neutral |
| Melting point | 80 C |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| Density (g/cc) | 1.65 |
| Decomposition temp. | 140 C |
Stability and Reactivity
Stability
Stable at normal temperatures.
Conditions to avoid
High temperatures, impact,friction, flames, sparks and static discharge.
Materials to avoid
Acids and Bases
Toxicological Information
May cause dizziness, sickness and decrease blood pressure.
May cause irritation to eyes and may be absorbed through the skin in event of contact.
Ecological Information
When burned or detonated, these explosives may give off nitrogen oxides, oxides of carbon including carbon monoxide.
Disposal Considerations
See above under “Accidental Release Measures”.
Transport Information
The Transport of Explosives is Controlled.
Regulatory Information
The purchase of explosives is controlled under SRO (NI) No. 110 1970 (Control of Explosives Regulations”, and SR No. 488 1993 “The Placing on the Market and Supervision of Transfer of Explosives Regulations” (NI) 1993. The Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations (N.I.) 1991 also apply.
| R phases | R2,R23/24/25,R33 |
| S phases | S35,S44 |
| EINECS No. | 201-084-3 for PETN. 204-289-6 for TNT. |
| EC Annex 1 No. | 201-084-3 for PETN. 204-289-6 for TNT. |