[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 49, Volume 2]

[Revised as of October 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 49CFR173.50]



[Page 463-464]

 

                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

 

   CHAPTER I--PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, 

                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

 

PART 173_SHIPPERS_GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS AND PACKAGINGS

--Table of Contents

 

     Subpart C_Definitions, Classification and Packaging for Class 1

 

Sec. 173.50  Class 1--Definitions.



    Source: Amdt. 173-224, 55 FR 52617, Dec. 21, 1990, unless otherwise 

noted.





    (a) Explosive. For the purposes of this subchapter, an explosive 

means any substance or article, including a device, which is designed to 

function by explosion (i.e., an extremely rapid release of gas and heat) 

or which, by chemical reaction within itself, is able to function in a 

similar manner even if not designed to function by explosion, unless the 

substance or article is otherwise classed under the provisions of this 

subchapter. The term includes a pyrotechnic substance or article, unless 

the substance or article is otherwise classed under the provisions of 

this subchapter.

    (b) Explosives in Class 1 are divided into six divisions as follows:

    (1) Division 1.1 consists of explosives that have a mass explosion 

hazard. A mass explosion is one which affects almost the entire load 

instantaneously.

    (2) Division 1.2 consists of explosives that have a projection 

hazard but not a mass explosion hazard.

    (3) Division 1.3 consists of explosives that have a fire hazard and 

either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but 

not a mass explosion hazard.

    (4) Division 1.4 consists of explosives that present a minor 

explosion hazard. The explosive effects are largely confined to the 

package and no projection of fragments of appreciable size or range is 

to be expected. An external fire must not cause virtually instantaneous 

explosion of almost the entire contents of the package.

    (5) Division 1.5 \1\ consists of very insensitive explosives. This 

division is comprised of substances which have a mass explosion hazard 

but are so insensitive that there is very little probability of 

initiation or of transition



[[Page 464]]



from burning to detonation under normal conditions of transport.

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    \1\ The probability of transition from burning to detonation is 

greater when large quantities are transported in a vessel.

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    (6) Division 1.6 \2\ consists of extremely insensitive articles 

which do not have a mass explosive hazard. This division is comprised of 

articles which contain only extremely insensitive detonating substances 

and which demonstrate a negligible probability of accidental initiation 

or propagation.

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    \2\ The risk from articles of Division 1.6 is limited to the 

explosion of a single article.



[Amdt. 173-224, 55 FR 52617 Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66267, 

Dec. 20, 1991; 66 FR 45183, Aug. 28, 2001; 68 FR 48569, Aug. 14, 2003]