The flammability of an explosive is defined as the characteristic which deals with the ease of initiation from spark, fire or flame. Some explosive compounds will explode from just a spark while others can be burned and will not detonate. Flammability is important for the storage, transportation and use standpoint.
Some explosives, although very economical, have lost their marketability due to flammability. A good example is LOX, liquid oxygen and carbon, which was used in the 1950’s as a blasting agent. Its flammability and inherent safety problems caused its demise. Most explosive compounds used today are not anywhere near as flammable as LOX, however, accidents still occur due to flammability.
Over the past two decades, explosive products, in general, have become less flammable. Some manufacturers indicate that certain products can be burned without detonation in quantities as large as 40,000 lbs. The problem results because many blasters are given a false sense of security.
Some believe that all products today are relatively inflammable. This false sense of security has led to the death of people who have been careless with explosives and have assumed that flammability is not a problem. All explosive compounds should be treated as highly flammable. There should not be smoking during the loading process, and if the explosives are to be destroyed by burning, the guidelines produced by the IME should be followed regardless of the type of explosive involved.
