1. UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES (HCC)
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES - INTRODUCTION:
SLIDE 1 of 1: INTRODUCTION (1 min)
The United Nations devised a system for classifying dangerous goods. This is an established, internationally agreed and has been used extensively around the world for a long time.
The classification system was originally used for making transportation of dangerous goods safer.
The principles have, however, also been applied by many nations as the basis for a simplified consequential hazard and risk assessment for the storage of ammunition.
C4 Slide 1

2. Introduction Hazard Division Compatibility Groups
Hazard Classification Codes
Denotes the type of hazard to be expected
Denotes what can be stored together to minimise risk
Facilitates safer storage and transportation
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – RATIONALE AND COMPOSITION OF CODES:
SLIDE 1 of 1: INTRODUCTION - RATIONALE AND COMPOSITION OF CODES (4 min)
The system comprises:
Hazard Divisions (HD)
Compatibility Groups (CG)
and, when these are combined together: Hazard Classification Codes (HCC)
Hazard Divisions indicate the type of hazard to be expected primarily in the event of an accident involving a quantity of ammunition. The divisions are articulated numerically. This UN system covers all sorts of dangerous goods from chemicals to medical waste (there are nine (9) top-level classes in all). The Number for Explosives is “1”. This is then subdivided into explosives that present different types of hazard for example “1.1” or “1.2”.
Compatibility Groups are designed to minimise the risk of storing items together that will either increase the risk of an accident or, for a given quantity, the magnitude of the effects of such an accident. The Compatibility Groups are articulated alphabetically, for example “C” or “D”
Note that the application of the Hazard Division and Compatibility Group does not take into account the probability of an incident. It assumes that if it can happen it will, and when it does, it identifies the extent of the hazards.
The combination of the “Hazard Division” and the “Compatibility Group” results in an alpha-numeric “Hazard Classification Code” for each item and type of ammunition and explosives. For example "1.1D" or "1.4S".
These codes, or a similar national system, are critical to the safe storage and movement of ammunition and explosives.

3. Introduction to Hazard Divisions (HD)
The Hazard Division here is 1.1
It is also shown with Compatibility Group, here it is ‘D’
Note that ammunition and its containers generally has many other types of markings as well.
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – HAZARD DIVISIONS: (7 slides, 7 minutes)
SLIDE 1 of 8: INTRODUCTION TO HAZARD DIVISIONS (4 mins)
The Hazard Division for a particular explosive or type of ammunition shall be determined by its performance and test results according to Part I of the Manual of Tests and Criteria of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
Stockpile management organisations should ensure that the conventional ammunition and explosives in their possession is classified accordingly, although
alternative local systems may be utilised.
The Hazard Divisions are most often seen marked on orange diamonds on ammunition packaging. Note that these diamonds usually also include the Compatibility group, thus showing the complete Hazard Classification Code. The photo of the box of PE4 Plastic Explosive cartridges has an orange diamond on it. This shows that this type or store is HD Note that ammunition packaging will generally have a number of other markings on it, all of which perform some useful function. However in this lesson we are only looking at the Hazard Classification Codes.
There are 6 Hazard Divisions for Class 1 Explosive Goods. These are 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and We will come onto these next.
Note that there is also an additional category which covers unstable explosives. There is no pictogram or HD for this type of ammunition, as unstable explosives are not allowed to be transported.

4. Class 1 Hazard Divisions (HD)
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – HAZARD DIVISIONS: (7 slides, 7 minutes)
SLIDE 2 of 8: INTRODUCTION TO HAZARD DIVISIONS (4 mins)
The Hazard Division for a particular explosive or type of ammunition shall be determined by its performance and test results according to Part I of the Manual of Tests and Criteria of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
Stockpile management organisations should ensure that the conventional ammunition and explosives in their possession is classified accordingly, although
alternative local systems may be utilised.
The Hazard Divisions are most often seen marked on orange diamonds on ammunition packaging. Note that these diamonds usually also include the Compatibility group, thus showing the complete Hazard Classification Code. The photo of the box of PE4 Plastic Explosive cartridges has an orange diamond on it. This shows that this type or store is HD Note that ammunition packaging will generally have a number of other markings on it, all of which perform some useful function. However in this lesson we are only looking at the Hazard Classification Codes.
There are 6 Hazard Divisions for Class 1 Explosive Goods. These are 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and We will come onto these next.
Note that there is also an additional category which covers unstable explosives. There is no pictogram or HD for this type of ammunition, as unstable explosives are not allowed to be transported.

5. Hazard Division 1.1
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – HAZARD DIVISIONS: (7 slides, 7 minutes)
SLIDE 3 of 8: HAZARD DIVISION 1.1 (30 seconds)
Hazard Division 1.1 has a mass explosion hazard. Note that ammunition in this HD may also produce a fragmentation and fire hazard as well. The main hazard is that of the blast though. An example of a HD 1.1 store might be bulk demolition explosive.

6. Hazard Division 1.2
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – HAZARD DIVISIONS: (7 slides, 7 minutes)
SLIDE 4 of 8: HAZARD DIVISION 1.2 (30 seconds)
Hazard Division 1.2 has a projection hazard. This means it may produce fragmentation if it functions in an accident. There is no mass explosion hazard though. An example of a HD 1.2 store might be some kinds of grenade.
Note that NATO further sub-divides this Hazard Division into 1.2.1, 1.2.2, and to add further granularity to the description of the store based on the type of projection hazard.

7. Hazard Division 1.3
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – HAZARD DIVISIONS: (7 slides, 7 minutes)
SLIDE 5 of 8: HAZARD DIVISION 1.3 (30 seconds)
Hazard Division 1.3 has a fire hazard. It will also have a minor blast or projection hazard. It does not have a mass explosion hazard though.
The main hazard however is that of fire. An example of a HD 1.3 store might be some kinds of incendiary ammunition.
Note that NATO further subdivide this Hazard Division into and 1.3.2, to add further granularity to the description based on the type of fire/flash hazard.

8. Hazard Division 1.4
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – HAZARD DIVISIONS: (7 slides, 7 minutes)
SLIDE 6 of 8: HAZARD DIVISION 1.4 (30 seconds)
Hazard Division 1.4 presents no significant hazard in an accident. The usual example of a HD 1.4 stores would be many types of conventional small arms ammunition.

9. Hazard Division 1.5
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – HAZARD DIVISIONS: (7 slides, 7 minutes)
SLIDE 7 of 8: HAZARD DIVISION 1.5 (30 seconds)
Hazard Division 1.5 relates to very insensitive substances, but which if they do actually initiate will produce a mass explosion hazard.
This Hazard Division may become more widely used as more technologically developed nations develop what are known as “Insensitive Munitions”, also known as “IM”. This type of ammunition may also be known by its French abbreviation “MURAT” These are items of ammunition which are very, very difficult to initiate accidently. For example, a polymer bonded high explosive which is highly unlikely to initiate because of fire or other unplanned stimulus. However, if the IM explosive does initiate, then there will still be a mass explosion hazard.

10. Hazard Division 1.6
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – HAZARD DIVISIONS: (7 slides, 7 minutes)
SLIDE 8 of 8: HAZARD DIVISION 1.6 (30 seconds)
Hazard Division 1.6 ammunition is also extremely insensitive (as for HD 1.5), however even if it does initiate it will not produce a mass explosion hazard.

11. Fire Divisions
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – FIRE DIVISIONS: (1 slide, 3 minutes)
SLIDE 1 of 1: FIRE DIVISIONS (3 minute)
There are six fire divisions. These equate to the Hazard Divisions.
Each Fire Division has a symbol that represents it. A fire division number is shown on each symbol. These are shown on the slide.
The symbol should be indicated during storage and transportation. This is to allow fire fighting personnel to recognise the fire hazard when approaching the scene of an incident. Hazard Division symbols may also be used for this purpose.
By way of clarification:
The Fire Division 1 fire symbol and number is also used for Fire Division 5 as the fire-fighting hazards are very similar.
The Fire Division 2 fire symbol and number is also used for Fire Division 6 for the same reason.

12. Compatibility Groups (CG)
Identify commonalities between ammunition stores
More importantly – identify incompatible stores
The CG is added to the HD to form the complete
HAZARD CLASSIFICATON CODE (HCC)
The practical use of these is when applying the ‘Mixing Rules’
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – COMPATIBILITY GROUPS: (5 slides, 9 minutes)
SLIDE 1 of 5: INTRODUCTION TO COMPATIBILITY GROUPS (4 minutes)
Each specific type of conventional ammunition should be allocated a "Compatibility Group". This helps to store similar stores with each. More importantly however, it helps to identify stores which should not be stored together. For example, we would not want to store white phosphorous shells with bulk explosive. In the event of an accident, the combined effect of significant blast and white phosphorous would be much, much worse than an event involving only one of these types of store individually.
There may be hundreds of thousands of individual ammunition items, of many different types, stored in a single stockpile. The different types of ammunition will vary in purpose, calibre, explosive type and manufacturer, all with varying degrees of volatility. Compatibility Groups help to identify commonalities between stores.
Thus, the Compatibility Groups are considered as important to aide safe stock management. The "Compatibility Group" is added to the "Hazard Division" to form the complete "Hazard Classification Code".
The real practical use of the Compatibility Group is when we look at the “Mixing Rules” shortly.

13. CG – Worked Example
Compatibility Group B: Articles containing a primary explosive substance and not containing two or more effective protective features Example: Detonators
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – COMPATIBILITY GROUPS: (5 slides, 9 minutes)
SLIDE 2 of 5: CGs – Worked Example – CG “B” (1 minute)
Compatibility Group B are Articles containing a primary explosive substance and not containing two or more effective protective features.
An example would be detonators, as they contain a primary explosive. Furthermore, they are unlikely to include two or more effective safety features.

14. CG B – Detonators
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – COMPATIBILITY GROUPS: (5 slides, 9 minutes)
SLIDE 2 of 5: CGs – Worked Example – CG “B” (1 minute)
Compatibility Group B are Articles containing a primary explosive substance and not containing two or more effective protective features.
An example would be detonators, as they contain a primary explosive. Furthermore, they are unlikely to include two or more effective safety features.

15. CG – Worked Example
Compatibility Group H: Article containing both explosive substance and white phosphorus Example: Incendiary Grenades.
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – COMPATIBILITY GROUPS: (5 slides, 9 minutes)
SLIDE 3 of 5: CGs – Worked Example – CG “H” (1 minute)
Compatibility Group H are Articles containing both explosive substance and white phosphorus
An example would be white phosphorous smoke mortar bombs which also include a bursting charge and a propelling charge. The notes to this CG also state “or other ammunition containing pyrophoric material”, so items containing red phosphorous and thermite may well come under this CG.

16. CG H – Incendiary Grenades
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – COMPATIBILITY GROUPS: (5 slides, 9 minutes)
SLIDE 3 of 5: CGs – Worked Example – CG “H” (1 minute)
Compatibility Group H are Articles containing both explosive substance and white phosphorus
An example would be white phosphorous smoke mortar bombs which also include a bursting charge and a propelling charge. The notes to this CG also state “or other ammunition containing pyrophoric material”, so items containing red phosphorous and thermite may well come under this CG.

17. CG – Worked Example
Compatibility Group S: Substance or article so packed or designed that any hazardous effects arising from accidental functioning are confined within the package Example: Small Arms Ammunition (Ball)
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – COMPATIBILITY GROUPS: (5 slides, 9 minutes)
SLIDE 4 of 5: CGs – Worked Example – CG “S” (1 minute)
Compatibility Group “S” are Substances or articles so packed or designed that any hazardous effects arising from accidental functioning are confined within the packages.
For example, if an appropriately packaged box of Small Arms Ammunition (SAA) (of the ball type) were involved in an accident, it would be expected that if one of the rounds functioned due to say, heat or unplanned percussion, the bullet upon leaving that round would be contained within the packaging.

18. CG S – Small Arms Ammunition
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – COMPATIBILITY GROUPS: (5 slides, 9 minutes)
SLIDE 4 of 5: CGs – Worked Example – CG “S” (1 minute)
Compatibility Group “S” are Substances or articles so packed or designed that any hazardous effects arising from accidental functioning are confined within the packages.
For example, if an appropriately packaged box of Small Arms Ammunition (SAA) (of the ball type) were involved in an accident, it would be expected that if one of the rounds functioned due to say, heat or unplanned percussion, the bullet upon leaving that round would be contained within the packaging.

19. CG – Worked Example
Compatibility Groups E and F: Question - What is the difference?
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – COMPATIBILITY GROUPS: (5 slides, 9 minutes)
SLIDE 5 of 5: CGs – Worked Example – CG “E” and “F” (2 minute)
Compatibility Groups “E” and “F” are very similar when read from the list.
Look at these groups on your hand-out. Can you spot the difference? (Instructor: ask the students to look a this briefly)
Here are the definitions:
E: Article containing a secondary detonating explosive substance without means of initiation, with propelling charge.
F: Article containing a secondary detonating explosive substance with its own means of initiation, with a propelling charge
The difference is whether or not the ammunition has its own means of initiation.
“E” might include a guided missile, assuming that the item cannot be initiated without being attached to a launcher, for example.
“F” might include a rocket propelled grenade.
Substances or articles so packed or designed that any hazardous effects arising from accidental functioning are confined within the packages.
For example, if an appropriately packaged box of small arms ammunition (of the ball type) were involved in an accident, it would be expected that if one of the rounds functioned due to say, heat or unplanned percussion, the bullet upon leaving that round would be contained within the packaging.

20. What are the “Mixing Rules”
Compatibility Groups – identify types of stock
Theoretical ideal – store each type individually
Practically – this is not likely to be viable
Need to compromise: mix suitable groups
Aim – to reduce the risk / to improve safety
Mixing Rules state what can be stored with what
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – MIXING RULES: (4 slides, 16 minutes)
SLIDE 1 of 4: What are the Mixing Rules (3 minutes)
Having considered how an ammunition nature might respond in the event of unplanned stimulus – in effect if an incident occurs at the site which affects the ammunition, we have seen that each item should be allocated a letter to denote its “Compatibility Group”.
This means that, in theory, we can store like ammunition with like. Furthermore we can only store ammunition that is definitely incompatible in a separate location.
We may also be able to compromise by mixing ammunition of different Compatibility Groups, if we know they will be acceptable to store together.
What do we mean be acceptable? Essentially, we are looking to store the ammunition in a manner which reduces the probability of an accident, and also reduces the severity of an accident if one does occur. WE ARE LOOKING TO REDUCE THE RISK (RISK BEING A COMBINATION OF PROBABILITY AND SEVERITY).
Why is the ability to store different ammunition types together important? In an ideal world, each type of ammunition – would be stored on its own, without being in proximity to different types of ammunition. This applies to both storage and transportation. However, there are practical constraints on this, the most obvious being the available space that we have to store everything. In reality, this ideal approach is likely to be impractical however desirable it is.
And the million dollar question: how do we know what exactly can be stored with what? If we don’t know this, there would be little point in having Compatibility Groups.
The answer lies in the “Mixing Rules”. We will now look at these in more detail.

21. Mixing Rules Table
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – MIXING RULES: (4 slides, 16 minutes)
SLIDE 2 of 4: The Mixing Rules table (8 minutes)
Having considered what we hope to achieve, it seems evident that the most practical way to provide this information is in a table or matrix.
Conventional ammunition should be stored in accordance with these mixing rules. This table is in the IATG, specifically at IATG 01:50. Note that this applies to ‘fixed’ ammunition storage sites, for example a base ammunition depot, or similar.
There are a number of notes (7 in all) which add further detail to the table.
The standard table is on the slide. You should also have it in your hand-outs. Now look at your hand-outs. Don’t forget that this table applies to conventional ammunition storage.
Compatibility Group ‘B’ items are those like detonators. Compatibility Group ‘S’ items are things like SAA Ball ammunition. Can we mix these together in storage? Answer – yes we can. To develop this answer further, because ‘S’ is perceived to be unresponsive in terms of effects outside the packaging, it is often used – particularly for 1.4S Small Arms Ammunition, as a physical barrier between other compatibility groups. This is more detailed storage information, but an interesting practical anecdote for the time being.
Compatibility Group ‘H’ items are incendiary items, for example mortar smoke bombs containing white phosphorous. Can these be stored with Compatibility Group ‘S’ items? The answer is yes. But can they be stored with Compatibility Group ‘B’ items? The answer is no. Detonators contain primary explosive and are sensitive, and white phosphorous munitions are potentially problematic as well. To mix these two types of ammunition together would mean a potential magnification of each other’s hazards – both in terms of probability and severity. This increases the safety risk, which is contrary to what we are trying to achieve. So we don’t mix these types of item together.
Compatibility Group ‘L’ would be an explosive substance or article containing an explosive substance and presenting a special risk needing isolation of each type. For example, liquid rocket fuel engines. In this case, they should be stored separately, regardless. This applies to items in other Compatibility Groups, as well as other types of Compatibility Group L. For example, damaged ammunition comes under CG ‘L’. We would not store damaged ammunition with this kind of rocket motor, or indeed anything else.

22. Mixing Rules for Field Storage
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – MIXING RULES: (4 slides, 16 minutes)
SLIDE 3 of 4: Mixing Rules for Field and Temporary Storage (2 minutes)
Field storage (and temporary storage) presents its own idiosyncrasies. This is essentially storage of ammunition ‘in the open’ rather than in a purpose built or functioning ammunition depot. The main implication is that there are no ammunition storage buildings to use.
It is likely that the field or temporary storage site will be in the wild, for example hidden in a forest, or spread across an area of desert perhaps.
While the ideal and most efficient method of storing ammunition is in purpose built ammunition depots to ensure explosive safety, conventional ammunition can be stored safely, effectively and efficiently under field or temporary conditions. There are, however, disadvantages to field and temporary storage in that the service life of ammunition is very likely to be significantly reduced. A larger safety area will also often be necessary, to ensure explosive safety for neighbouring civilian populations. There will also be security issues to be addressed as the ground area is necessarily larger than that used for permanent ammunition storage facilities.

23. Mixing Rules Table – Field Storage
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES – MIXING RULES: (4 slides, 16 minutes)
SLIDE 4 of 4: The Mixing Rules table for Field Storage (3 minutes)
This table is subtlety different from the ‘standard’ mixing rules. Some combinations prohibited in the standard rules are permitted here, while some which are ‘given’ without constraint have caveats for safe field storage.
There are however fewer notes applicable to this table (four, in all).
The principle is the same. It is however important to use the correct table, depending on the situation.

24. Questions? Are there any questions? (allow 5 minutes for questions)
If there are few or no questions, take the opportunity to test their attention and understanding by asking about the difference between high and low explosives, effect of containing an explosive, the explosive train and parts thereof, the shockwave and impulse.
C4 Slide 24