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 IC 9241 
 
 BUREAU OF MINES 
 INFORMATION CIRCULAR/1990 
 
 3HO 
 
 Procedures for Obtaining 
 Department of Transportation 
 Explosive Classification 
 Recommendations Through 
 the Bureau of Mines 
 
 By Donald A. Voigt and Richard J. Mainiero 
 
 vK t NT O/c- I 
 
 <?* w \ 
 
 Q m. M M B r" 
 
 80 
 
 CO 
 
 BUREAU OF MINES 
 1910-1990 
 
 o o years ^ THE MINERALS SOURCE 
 
 *e*u of +* 
 
Mission: As the Nation's principal conservation 
 agency, the Department of the Interior has respon- 
 sibility for most of our nationally-owned public 
 lands and natural and cultural resources. This 
 includes fostering wise use of our land and water 
 resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, pre- 
 serving the environmental and cultural values of 
 our national parks and historical places, and pro- 
 viding for the enjoyment of life through outdoor 
 recreation. The Department assesses our energy 
 and mineral resources and works to assure that 
 their development is in the best interests of all 
 our people. The Department also promotes the 
 goals of the Take Pride in America campaign by 
 encouraging stewardship and citizen responsibil- 
 ityforthe public landsand promoting citizen par- 
 ticipation in their care. The Department also has 
 a major responsibility for American Indian reser- 
 vation communities and for people who live in 
 Island Territories under U.S. Administration. 
 
Information Circular .9241 
 
 Procedures for Obtaining 
 Department of Transportation 
 Explosive Classification 
 Recommendations Through 
 the Bureau of Mines 
 
 By Donald A. Voigt and Richard J. Mainiero 
 
 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
 Manuel Lujan, Jr., Secretary 
 
 BUREAU OF MINES 
 T S Ary, Director 
 
^ ul 
 
 Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data: 
 
 Voigt, Donald A. 
 
 Procedures for obtaining Department of Transportation explosive classification 
 recommendations through the Bureau of Mines / by Donald A. Voigt and 
 Richard J. Mainiero. 
 
 p. cm. - (Information circular; 9241) 
 
 Supt. of Docs, no.: I 28.23:9241. 
 
 1. Explosives-Transportation-1-awand legislation-United States. 2. Unites States. 
 Dept. of Transportation. I. Mainiero, Richard J. II. Title. III. Series: Information 
 circular (Unites States. Bureau of Mines); 9241. 
 
 TN295.U4 [KF3953] 622 s-dc20[343.7309'3 [622 s] [347.30393] 
 
 89-600368 CIP 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 Page 
 
 Abstract 1 
 
 Introduction 2 
 
 Section l.-Excerpts from 49 CFR 2 
 
 Section 2.-General procedures 3 
 
 Section 3.-Recommendation for classification of a new explosive device by examination 4 
 
 Section 4 -Recommendation for classification of a new explosive device by analogy 4 
 
 Section 5.— Recommendation for classification of a new explosive device containing an explosive compound 
 
 or mixture that has not been previously approved 5 
 
 Section 6.— Recommendation for classification of a new explosive compound or mixture 5 
 
 Section 7.-Recommendation for classification of a new explosive compound or mixture by analogy 5 
 
 Section 8.-Obtaining a final DOT classification and EX number 6 
 
 Section 9.-Obtaining a Competent Authority Letter (U.N. classification) 6 
 
 Section 10-Reimbursement for costs 7 
 
 Appendix A.-Samples of a Memorandum of Agreement and an Extension of a Memorandum of Agreement . 8 
 
 Appendix B.-Samples of typical reports 13 
 
 Appendix C.-Explosive testing capabilities of the Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh Research Center 19 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 A-l. Memorandum of Agreement 8 
 
 A-2. Extension of Memorandum of Agreement 12 
 
 B-l. Recommendation for Classification 13 
 
 B-2. Recommendation for Classification by Analogy 14 
 
 B-3. Test Report for Explosive 15 
 
 B-4. Test Report for Blasting Agent 17 
 
PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 
 EXPLOSIVE CLASSIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS THROUGH 
 
 THE BUREAU OF MINES 
 
 By Donald A. Voigt 1 and Richard J. Mainiero' 
 
 ABSTRACT 
 
 This publication is intended as a guide for persons responsible for obtaining classifications and 
 approvals for explosive compounds, mixtures, or devices from the U.S. Department of Transportation 
 (DOT). It deals with the procedures for obtaining a recommendation for classification of an explosive 
 compound, mixture, or device through the Bureau of Mines. Completion of the procedures detailed in 
 this guide is necessary to obtain a final classification of an explosive compound, mixture, or device and 
 assignment of an "EX" number by DOT, which will allow the producer to offer the explosive for 
 shipment within the United States. This guide also gives procedures for obtaining United Nations 
 (U.N.) classification for shipping outside the United States. 
 
 Supervisory physical science technician. 
 Supervisory physical scientist. 
 Pittsburgh Research Center, Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) clas- 
 sifies and approves the shipping of explosive compounds, 
 mixtures, and devices. These classifications and approvals 
 are based on recommendations provided by the Bureau of 
 Mines or the Bureau of Explosives. The Bureau of Mines 
 or Bureau of Explosives recommendations are based on 
 explosives specifications tests and test criteria detailed in 
 the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49 (49 CFR), Parts 
 100 to 177, as well as on expert opinion resulting from 
 extensive experience in the evaluation of explosive prop- 
 erties. (Agencies other than DOT may examine, classify, 
 and approve explosive compounds, mixtures, and devices, 
 but the procedures for dealing with those agencies are 
 beyond the scope of this guide.) 
 
 DOT classification is necessary for shipping within the 
 United States. If a shipper intends to ship explosive com- 
 pounds, mixtures, or devices outside the United States, a 
 Competent Authority Letter to convert the DOT classifi- 
 cation into a United Nations (U.N.) classification must 
 be obtained. The Competent Authority for the United 
 States is the Director of DOT's Office of Hazardous Ma- 
 terials Transportation (OHMT). Recently, many domestic 
 air carriers and express mail carriers have adopted a pol- 
 icy of requiring U.N. classification in addition to DOT 
 classification. 
 
 This guide describes the procedures necessary to obtain 
 a recommendation from the Bureau of Mines; procedures 
 for obtaining a classification recommendation through the 
 Bureau of Explosives may differ somewhat. The Bureau 
 of Mines treats all information submitted by a shipper 
 when requesting a classification recommendation as pro- 
 prietary. A detailed statement of Bureau policy may be 
 found in part 6 of the sample Memorandum of Agreement 
 in appendix A. 
 
 This guide has been divided into sections, as follows: 
 
 Section 1: Excepts from 49 CFR that enable the user 
 to easily determine whether the material to be offered for 
 transportation has to be considered an explosive for pur- 
 poses of transportation. 
 
 Section 2: General procedures for obtaining classifi- 
 cation recommendations. 
 
 Sections 3-7: Specific procedures for requesting a rec- 
 ommendation for classification from the Bureau of Mines. 
 
 Sections 8-9: Procedures for obtaining DOT and U.N. 
 classifications. 
 
 Section 10: Procedures for reimbursement of costs to 
 the Bureau. 
 
 The Bureau recommends that a copy of 49 CFR, Parts 
 100 to 177 and Parts 178 to 199, be purchased by any 
 person involved in obtaining DOT classifications. Parts 
 100 to 177 prescribe the DOT requirements governing the 
 transportation of hazardous materials. Parts 178 to 199 
 prescribe the manufacturing and testing specifications for 
 packaging and containers used for the transportation of 
 hazardous materials. Copies of 49 CFR may be obtained 
 by contacting 
 
 Superintendent of Documents 
 U.S. Government Printing Office 
 Washington, DC 20402 
 
 (Telephone: 202-783-3238) 
 
 SECTION 1. -EXCERPTS FROM 49 CFR 
 
 This section contains excerpts from 49 CFR, Parts 100 
 to 177 (revised as of October 1, 1987). These excerpts 
 establish the requirement for classification, to whom the 
 regulations apply, and the authority granted to the Bureau 
 of Mines by DOT to examine explosive compounds, mix- 
 tures, and devices and to issue recommendations for 
 classification. 
 
 properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, 
 and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by 
 this subchapter. 
 
 PART 172-HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 
 
 TABLES AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 
 
 COMMUNICATION REGULATIONS 
 
 SUBCHAPTER C-HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 
 REGULATIONS 
 
 PART 171-GENERAL INFORMATION, 
 REGULATIONS AND DEFINITIONS 
 
 171.2 General requirements. 
 
 (a) No person may offer or accept a hazardous material 
 for transportation in commerce unless that material is 
 
 172.1 Purpose and scope. 
 
 This part lists and classifies those materials which the 
 DOT has designated as hazardous materials for purposes 
 of transportation and prescribes the requirements for 
 shipping papers, package marking, labeling, and transport 
 vehicle placarding applicable to the shipment and trans- 
 portation of those hazardous materials. 
 
1723 Applicability. 
 
 (a) This part applies to-(l) each person who offers a 
 hazardous material for transportation, and (2) each carrier 
 by air, highway, rail or water who transports a hazardous 
 material. 
 
 Subpart D-Marking 
 
 172300 Applicability. 
 
 (a) Each person who offers a hazardous material for 
 transportation shall mark each package, freight container, 
 and transport vehicle containing the hazardous material in 
 the manner required by this subpart. 
 
 Subpart E-Labeling 
 
 172.400 General labeling requirements. 
 
 (a) Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, 
 each person who offers a package, overpack, or freight 
 container containing a hazardous material for transpor- 
 tation shall label it, when required, with labels prescribed 
 for the materials as specified in 172.101 or 172.102 (when 
 authorized) and in accordance with this subpart. 
 
 PART 173-SHIPPERS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 
 FOR SHIPMENTS AND PACKAGING 
 
 mixture, or device, the primary purpose of which is to 
 function by explosion, i.e., with substantially instantaneous 
 release of gas and heat, unless such compound, mixture, 
 or device is otherwise specifically classified in parts 170 to 
 189 of this subchapter. 
 
 173.86 New explosives definitions; approval and 
 notification. 
 
 (a) As used in this section, "New Explosive" means an 
 explosive compound, mixture or device produced by a 
 person who: 
 
 (1) Has not previously produced that explosive com- 
 pound, mixture or device; or 
 
 (2) Has previously produced that explosive compound, 
 mixture or device, but has made a change in the formu- 
 lation, design, process or production equipment. An ex- 
 plosive compound, mixture or device will not be consid- 
 ered a "new explosive" if an agency listed in paragraph (b) 
 of this section has determined and confirmed in writing to 
 the Director, OHMT, that there are no significant differ- 
 ences in hazard characteristics from the explosive com- 
 pound, mixture or device previously approved. 
 
 (b) No person may offer a new explosive for transpor- 
 tation unless it has been examined and assigned a 
 recommended shipping description and hazard class by the 
 Bureau of Explosives or the Bureau of Mines, U.S. De- 
 partment of the Interior, and classed and approved by the 
 Director, OHMT. 
 
 173.50 An explosive. 
 
 (a) For the purpose of parts 170 to 189 of this sub- 
 chapter an explosive is defined as any chemical compound, 
 
 SECTION 2.-GENERAL PROCEDURES 
 
 When a shipper of explosive compounds, mixtures, or 
 devices wishes to obtain a recommendation for DOT clas- 
 sification from the Bureau of Mines, a letter containing 
 the information listed in the most appropriate section of 
 this guide should be submitted to 
 
 Research Supervisor, Explosives 
 Pittsburgh Research Center 
 Bureau of Mines 
 P.O. Box 18070 
 Pittsburgh, PA 15236 
 
 The Bureau will perform any required tests and/or haz- 
 ard assessment of the explosive compound, mixture, or 
 device. Upon completion of the tests and/or hazard 
 assessment, the Bureau will return to the requestor its 
 
 recommendation for classification in the form of a writ- 
 ten report, along with the information submitted by the 
 requestor that the Bureau feels must accompany the rec- 
 ommendation to DOT. The requestor must then forward 
 this material to DOT at 
 
 Approvals Branch, DHM 32 
 Office of Hazardous Materials 
 U.S. Department of Transportation 
 Washington, DC 20509 
 
 for final classification and assignment of an EX number. 
 Reimbursement for costs incurred by the requestor for 
 tests and/or hazard assessment are explained in detail in 
 section 10. 
 
SECTION 3.-RECOMMENDATION FOR CLASSIFICATION 
 OF A NEW EXPLOSIVE DEVICE BY EXAMINATION 
 
 This section lists the information required by the 
 Bureau of Mines when a shipper submits a letter re- 
 questing classification of a device by examination. Actual 
 physical examination of the device is required only if it 
 contains an explosive compound or mixture that has not 
 been previously approved. 
 
 1. Nomenclature and complete part number(s) of the 
 device(s). 
 
 2. A complete set of legible drawings. 
 
 3. A brief sequential description of the way in which 
 the device functions. 
 
 4. A brief description of how the device will be used 
 or the system in which the device will be used, e.g., air- 
 craft emergency egress, aircraft hatch removal, automotive 
 passive restraint, wing deployment, etc. 
 
 5. Identification of all explosive components, including 
 their part numbers. 
 
 6. Weights of all explosive components. 
 
 7. Documentation confirming that all explosive com- 
 ponents have been examined and assigned a shipping de- 
 scription and hazard class by the Bureau of Explosives or 
 the Bureau of Mines (see sections 6-7) and have been 
 approved by the Director, OHMT, or examined, classed, 
 and approved by an agency listed in CFR 49, 173.86 (b)(1) 
 or (2). 
 
 8. In lieu of the information requested in paragraph 7 
 above, documentation confirming that all explosive com- 
 ponents have been used in a previously classified device. 
 
 9. Answer to the question: "Is the device for commer- 
 cial or military use?". 
 
 SECTION 4.-RECOMMENDATION FOR CLASSIFICATION 
 OF A NEW EXPLOSIVE DEVICE BY ANALOGY 
 
 This section lists the information required by the 
 Bureau of Mines when a shipper submits a letter 
 requesting a recommendation for classification of a device 
 by analogy. 
 
 Note: A recommendation for classification by analogy 
 cannot be made if 
 
 1. The analogous device was examined by an agency 
 other than the Bureau of Mines. 
 
 2. The new device contains an explosive that is not 
 contained in the device to which analogy is alleged. 
 
 3. The new device contains any one explosive in an 
 amount greater than that contained in the device to which 
 analogy is alleged. 
 
 4. The new device contains the same explosives but in 
 a total amount greater than that contained in the device to 
 which analogy is alleged. 
 
 5. The new device cannot be assigned the same hazard 
 class and shipping description as the device to which anal- 
 ogy is alleged; e.g., an Explosive power device, Class C, 
 cannot be classified by analogy to an Explosive cable cut- 
 ter, even though the explosives and total explosive weight 
 are the same. 
 
 6. The analogous device was classified by analogy. 
 
 If any of the six conditions listed above apply, a request for 
 a classification recommendation using section 3 should be 
 made; otherwise, the following are required: 
 
 1. Nomenclature and complete part numbcr(s) of the 
 new device(s) for which a recommendation for classifi- 
 cation is requested and for the device to which analogy is 
 alleged. 
 
 2. A complete set of legible drawings for the new 
 device(s) and for the device to which analogy is alleged. 
 
 3. A brief sequential description of the way in which 
 the device functions. 
 
 4. A brief description of how the device will be used or 
 the system in which the device will be used, e.g., aircraft 
 emergency egress, aircraft hatch removal, automotive pas- 
 sive restraint, wing deployment, etc. 
 
 5. Identification of all explosive components, including 
 their part numbers. 
 
 6. Weights of the explosive components of both 
 devices. 
 
 7. Documentation confirming that all explosive com- 
 ponents have been examined and assigned a shipping 
 description and hazard class by the Bureau of Explosives 
 or the Bureau of Mines (see sections 6-7) and have been 
 approved by the Director, OHMT, or examined by an 
 agency listed in 49 CFR, 173.86 (b)(1) or (2). 
 
 8. EX number assigned by DOT for the device to 
 which analogy is alleged. 
 
 9. Answer to the question: "Is the device for com- 
 mercial or military use?". 
 
SECTION 5.-RECOMMENDATION FOR CLASSIFICATION OF A NEW EXPLOSIVE 
 
 DEVICE CONTAINING AN EXPLOSIVE COMPOUND OR MIXTURE 
 
 THAT HAS NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY APPROVED 
 
 This section lists the information required by the 
 Bureau of Mines and the procedures to be followed by the 
 shipper when requesting a classification recommendation 
 for a device containing a "new" explosive compound or 
 mixture. The shipper should submit a letter to the Bureau 
 requesting a tentative hazard classification and shipping 
 description and subsequent classification recommendation. 
 This letter should contain: 
 
 1. A physical description of the explosive compound or 
 mixture. 
 
 2. The chemical composition of the explosive com- 
 pound or mixture. 
 
 3. Nomenclature and complete part numbcr(s) of the 
 device(s). 
 
 4. A complete set of legible drawings. 
 
 5. A brief sequential description of the way in which 
 the device functions. 
 
 6. Identification of all explosives components, including 
 their part numbers. 
 
 7. Weights of all explosive components. 
 
 8. Answer to the question: "Is the device for com- 
 mercial or military use?". 
 
 9. A description of the proposed packaging. 
 
 Based on an evaluation of the information submitted, 
 a tentative shipping description and hazard class will be 
 assigned by the Bureau. The Bureau will then send a 
 tentative approval letter (TA) to the requestor. This letter 
 will contain the tentative shipping description, hazard class, 
 packaging instructions, testing to be accomplished, and the 
 amount of sample required. The sample should be ship- 
 ped to the Bureau by a mode consistent with the tentative 
 shipping description and hazard class. A copy of the TA 
 must accompany the shipment. The Bureau is not autho- 
 rized by DOT to issue TA's for shipment to agencies other 
 than itself. 
 
 SECTION 6.-RECOMMENDATION FOR CLASSIFICATION 
 OF A NEW EXPLOSIVE COMPOUND OR MIXTURE 
 
 This section lists the information required by the 
 Bureau of Mines when a shipper requests a recommenda- 
 tion for classification of a new explosive compound or 
 mixture. The shipper should submit a letter to the Bureau 
 requesting a tentative hazard classification and shipping 
 description and subsequent classification recommendation. 
 This letter should contain: 
 
 1. A physical description of the material. 
 
 2. The chemical composition of the material. 
 
 3. Any other relevant information, such as sensitivity 
 test data. 
 
 4. A manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet 
 (MSDS). Note: Additional information to supplement 
 the MSDS from a chemical data base such as Chemical 
 
 Abstract Service (CAS) on-line may be requested by the 
 Bureau. 
 
 5. Proposed packaging information. 
 
 Based on an evaluation of the information submitted, a 
 tentative shipping description and hazard class will be 
 assigned. The Bureau will then send a tentative approval 
 letter (TA) to the requestor. This letter will contain the 
 tentative shipping description, hazard class, packaging 
 instructions, testing to be accomplished, and the amount of 
 sample required. The sample should be shipped to the 
 Bureau by a mode consistent with the tentative shipping 
 description and hazard class. A copy of the TA must 
 accompany the shipment. 
 
 SECTION 7.-RECOMMENDATION FOR CLASSIFICATION OF A 
 NEW EXPLOSIVE COMPOUND OR MIXTURE BY ANALOGY 
 
 This section lists the information required by the 
 Bureau of Mines when a shipper submits a letter 
 
 requesting a recommended classification of a new explo- 
 sive compound or mixture by analogy. 
 
Note: A recommendation for classification by analogy 
 cannot be made if 
 
 1. The analogous explosive compound or mixture was 
 examined by an agency other than the Bureau of Mines. 
 
 2. The new explosive compound or mixture contains a 
 component not in the compound or mixture to which 
 analogy is alleged. 
 
 3. The analogous explosive compound or mixture was 
 classified by analogy. 
 
 4. The explosive compound or mixture to which anal- 
 ogy is alleged is classified as a blasting agent. 
 
 If any of the four conditions listed above apply, a re- 
 quest for a classification recommendation using section 6 
 should be made; otherwise, the following are required: 
 
 1. The chemical composition and physical character- 
 istics of the explosive compound or mixture. 
 
 2. The chemical composition and physical character- 
 istics of the explosive compound or mixture to which anal- 
 ogy is alleged. 
 
 3. The EX number assigned by DOT for the explosive 
 compound or mixture to which analogy is alleged. 
 
 4. Information on proposed packaging for the new 
 explosive compound or mixture. 
 
 SECTION 8.-OBTAINING A FINAL DOT CLASSIFICATION AND EX NUMBER 
 
 This section details the procedures to be followed by a 
 shipper for obtaining a DOT classification and EX number 
 after receipt of the Bureau of Mines recommendation. 
 
 The Bureau of Mines will perform the tests and/or 
 hazard assessment of the explosive compound, mixture, or 
 device submitted. Upon completion of the tests and/or 
 
 hazard assessment, the information submitted, along with 
 the Bureau's recommendation for classification in the form 
 of a written report, will be returned to the requestor. 
 Samples of typical reports may be seen in appendix B. 
 The requestor must then forward this material to DOT 
 for final classification and an EX number. 
 
 SECTION 9.-OBTAINING A COMPETENT AUTHORITY 
 LETTER (U.N. CLASSIFICATION) 
 
 This section details the procedures for obtaining a 
 Competent Authority Letter, which will help a shipper to 
 ship an explosive compound, mixture, or device outside the 
 United States. A Competent Authority Letter may be ob- 
 tained by one of two methods. 
 
 Method 1 : 
 
 Requesting a Competent Authority Letter directly from 
 the OHMT for an explosive compound, mixture, or device 
 that has been assigned an EX number. When a shipper 
 requests a Competent Authority Letter directly from the 
 OHMT, the following information should be provided: 
 name of the product, DOT approved classification and EX 
 number, and a suggested U.N. number, if possible. The 
 request should be sent to 
 
 Director, Office of Hazardous Materials Transportation 
 U.S. Department of Transportation 
 Washington, DC 20590 
 
 Method 2 : 
 
 First obtaining a recommendation for DOT classifica- 
 tion for a new explosive compound, mixture, or device 
 
 through the Bureau of Mines or the Bureau of Explosives; 
 submitting the Bureau of Mines or Bureau of Explosives 
 recommendation to DOT for final classification and as- 
 signment of an EX number; and then requesting a Com- 
 petent Authority Letter from the OHMT. 
 
 When a shipper wishes to obtain a Competent Author- 
 ity Letter for a new explosive compound, mixture, or de- 
 vice, the most appropriate method for requesting a rec- 
 ommendation for DOT classification from the Bureau of 
 Mines contained in sections 3 through 7 should be fol- 
 lowed. In addition to including the information requested 
 in the chosen section, the request should clearly state that 
 a Competent Authority Letter is desired. The Bureau of 
 Mines will review the information submitted and deter- 
 mine if testing or additional information is required and so 
 advise the requestor. The Bureau will conduct all required 
 testing and/or hazard assessment and, along with the 
 information submitted, return to the requestor in the form 
 of a written report a recommendation for DOT classifica- 
 tion and the results of any U.N. testing conducted. The 
 requestor must then forward the report to DOT for as- 
 signment of a final DOT classification and EX number. 
 Upon receipt of final classification and EX number, the 
 requestor may obtain a Competent Authority Letter by 
 completing the procedure described in method 1. 
 
The Bureau of Mines recommends that copies of the 
 "United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of 
 Dangerous Goods," fourth revised edition, and "Tests and 
 Criteria," first edition, be obtained. U.N. publications may 
 be obtained from 
 
 Labelmaster 
 
 5724 N. Pulaski Road 
 
 Chicago, IL 60646 
 
 or 
 
 United Nations 
 Sales Section 
 Room DC 2-853 
 New York, NY 10017 
 
 (Telephone: 212-963-1234) 
 
 SECTION 10.-REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS 
 
 This section details the procedures adopted by the 
 Bureau of Mines for payment of costs incurred by the 
 requestor for classification and/or testing actions. 
 
 Prior to any recommendations for classification, a 
 Memorandum of Agreement between the Bureau of Mines 
 and the requestor must be fully executed. A payment in 
 an amount sufficient to cover the cost of expected classi- 
 fication, testing, and processing must be submitted to 
 the Bureau upon completion of the Memorandum of 
 
 Agreement. This payment will be charged against for 
 work conducted under the agreement. Any unused portion 
 of the payment will be refunded upon request, or it may be 
 left "on account" for future classification and testing ac- 
 tions. Upon depletion of the initial payment, the requestor 
 will be notified of the depletion and, if desired by the re- 
 questor, an Extension to the Memorandum of Agreement 
 will be executed. 
 
APPENDIX A.-SAMPLES OF A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT 
 AND AN EXTENSION OF A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT 
 
 MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT 
 
 BETWEEN 
 
 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
 
 AND 
 
 This Memorandum of Agreement, made and entered into this 
 
 day of , 198 , between the United States of America, acting 
 
 through the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines (hereinafter referred 
 
 to as the Bureau) and (hereinafter referred 
 
 to as the Cooperator): 
 
 WI_TN_E_SSE_TH_ 
 
 WHEREAS, the Cooperator represents that it produces 
 
 and needs certain data relative to 
 
 the safety of these which it is not able to 
 
 generate, and 
 
 WHEREAS, the Bureau represents that it has the capability to 
 generate the data in question, and the interest in compilation of data for 
 these , and 
 
 WHEREAS, the Bureau has been authorized and requested by the 
 U.S. Department of Transportation to generate such data in support of the 
 
 determination of transportation hazard classification for such 
 
 , and 
 
 WHEREAS, the parties wish to cooperate in the establishment of such 
 data, 
 
 NOW, THEREFORE, the parties wish to cooperate as follows: 
 
 1. Cooperation. The Bureau and Cooperator agree to cooperate on a research 
 project to establish certain safety-related data relative to certain 
 
 produced by the Cooperator. 
 
 2. Description of the Work. The objective of this project is to generate the 
 desired data through performance of tests and/or comparative hazard assessment 
 including those described in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 
 
 173 on the to be provided by the 
 
 Cooperator. 
 
 3. Bureau's Contribution. The Bureau will conduct all tests and/or compar- 
 ative hazard assessment of 
 
 using its manpower, resources, and technical expertise, and will, on the basis 
 of its assessment, recommend appropriate hazard classification according to 
 criteria established by the Department of Transportation in the above-cited 
 Federal Regulations. 
 
 4. Cooperator 's Contribution. The Cooperator shall provide these 
 
 , composition and physical 
 
 characteristics of and/or 
 
 dimensional drawings, and, in addition, shall reimburse the Bureau in the 
 
 amount of $ ( DOLLARS) to cover the direct and indirect 
 
 cost of testing. The Cooperator shall also provide samples of explosive 
 materials as and when requested. 
 
 Figure A-1. -Memorandum of Agreement. 
 
5. Title to Property . Any and all property and equipment of whatever nature 
 or kind furnished by either party in connection with the work under this 
 agreement is and shall remain the property of the party furnishing such 
 property and equipment. At the completion or termination of testing, the 
 Cooperator shall arrange at its own expense the shipment of any unused 
 sample(s) from the Bureau. 
 
 6. Ownership of Data and Records. All original notebooks, data sheets, 
 record charts, graphs, films, video tapes or other records maintained by the 
 Bureau, which are kept during, or arise out of, the work done pursuant to this 
 agreement, shall be the property of the Bureau. Copies of such materials may 
 be released outside the Bureau upon approval. 
 
 The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its amendments have resulted in an 
 increasing number of requests from outside the government for copies of 
 information and data submitted to Federal agencies. If information and data 
 provided by the Cooperator to the Bureau under this agreement contain infor- 
 mation that the Cooperator believes should be withheld from such requestors, 
 under the FOIA, on the grounds that it is "trade secrets and commercial or 
 confidential" [(b)(4) of the FOIA], the Cooperator should identify all such 
 information so that if the information and data are ever the subject of an 
 FOIA request, the decision by the responsible Federal official to disclose or 
 withhold can be made promptly. If the Cooperator considers parts of the 
 information and data withholdable under the FOIA, put the following notice on 
 the title page: 
 
 Some parts of this document, as identified on individual pages, are 
 considered by the submitter to be privileged or confidential trade 
 secrets or commercial or financial information not subject to mandatory 
 disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Material considered 
 privileged or confidential on such grounds is contained on pages (specify 
 page numbers). 
 
 Mark each individual item considered privileged or confidential under the FOIA 
 with the following notice: 
 
 This data or information is considered confidential or privileged, and 
 not subject to mandatory disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. 
 
 All information and data which are not so designated may be subject to 
 automatic public disclosure if it is requested under the FOIA. It must be 
 emphasized that under the FOIA no information i_s automatical ly exempt from 
 publ ic disclosure. However, no disclosures under FOIA will be made without a 
 careful and exacting evaluation by the Bureau giving due regard to the need 
 for safeguarding material considered by the submitter to be privileged or 
 confidential. The Bureau's policy is to withhold whenever possible material 
 that is genuinely privileged or confidential. 
 
 Figure A-1. -Memorandum of Agreement-Continued. 
 
10 
 
 7. Publ ication. It is understood that a major purpose of the work performed 
 by the Bureau is to obtain information that may be made available by the 
 Bureau to industry and the public through publications or otherwise. The 
 Cooperator shall not announce, publish or otherwise disclose information or 
 conclusions resulting from the work performed or observed by the Bureau or by 
 the Cooperator under this agreement, until after review, for technical 
 accuracy, by the Bureau. Such review will not be unreasonably delayed. Any 
 announcement or publication of work under this agreement by either party shall 
 recognize and give credit in the text and on the title page to the cooperation 
 of the other party, unless requested otherwise. 
 
 8. Officials not to Benefit. No Member of or Delegate to Congress shall be 
 admitted to any share or part of this agreement or to any benefit that may 
 arise therefrom. 
 
 9. Liability . The Cooperator agrees to be responsible for its own acts and 
 the results thereof, and will assume all risk and liability to itself, its 
 agents or employees, for any injury to persons or property resulting in any 
 manner from the conduct of its own operations and the operations of its agents 
 or employees under this agreement, and for any loss, cost or damages or 
 expenses resulting at any time from any and all causes due to any act or acts, 
 negligence, or the failure to exercise proper caution, of or by itself, or its 
 agents or its employees while occupying or visiting the premises under and 
 pursuant to this agreement. Furthermore, the United States Government agrees 
 to be responsible as to and under this agreement to the extent of and by the 
 authority set forth in the Federal Tort Claims Act, as amended [28 U.S.C 2671- 
 80 (1976)], and will have no other liability. 
 
 10. Termination. This agreement shall expire on , but may be 
 
 extended for additional periods by written agreement between the parties 
 hereto, provided, however, that it may be terminated at any time by either 
 party giving written notice of termination to the other party at least 30 days 
 prior to the date fixed in such notice. 
 
 Where the operation of this agreement extends beyond the current fiscal year, 
 this agreement is expressly conditioned and contingent upon the Congress 
 making appropriation for necessary expenditure hereunder after such current 
 year shall have expired. In case such appropriation as may be necessary to 
 carry out this agreement is not made, the Cooperator hereby releases the 
 Bureau from all liability for failure to perform due to failure of Congress to 
 make such appropriation. 
 
 Figure A-1 .-Memorandum of Agreement-Continued. 
 
11 
 
 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have made and executed this agreement 
 as of the day and year first above written. 
 
 Approved: Date 
 
 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
 BUREAU OF MINES 
 
 Associate Director—Research 
 
 By 
 
 Research Director 
 Pittsburgh Research Center 
 
 COMPANY NAME 
 By 
 
 Title 
 
 Figure A-1. -Memorandum of Agreement-Continued. 
 
12 
 
 Agreement No. 
 Extension No. 
 
 EXTENSION OF 
 
 MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT 
 
 BETWEEN 
 
 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
 
 AND 
 
 This agreement between the United States of America, acting through the 
 
 Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, and 
 
 for the purpose of 
 
 is hereby extended to perform additional testing/comparative hazard assessment 
 upon the same terms and conditions except for the following: 
 
 To perform additional testing of 
 
 the Cooperator shall pay an additional amount of $_ 
 
 (. 
 
 testing. 
 Approved: Date 
 
 ) to cover the direct and indirect costs of additional 
 
 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
 BUREAU OF MINES 
 
 Associate Director—Research 
 
 By 
 
 Research Director 
 Pittsburgh Research Center 
 
 COMPANY NAME 
 By 
 
 Title 
 
 Figure A-2. Extension of Memorandum of Agreement. 
 
13 
 
 APPENDIX B.-SAMPLES OF TYPICAL REPORTS 
 
 Date: 
 
 Report No, 
 RECOMMENDATION FOR CLASSIFICATION 
 
 1. Manufacturer 
 
 2. Product Type 
 
 3. Designation of Item for which Classification is Requested 
 
 4. Descriptive Material 
 
 Components Quantity 
 
 Comments: 
 
 5. Recommended Classification 
 
 6. Recommended Shipping Description 
 
 7. Required packaging, marking and labeling for surface transportation 
 (rail and highway) may be found in the following Sections of 49 CFR: 
 
 a. Packaging - Section 
 
 b. Marking - Section 
 
 c. Labeling - Section 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 Figure B-1. Recommendation for Classification. 
 
14 
 
 Date: 
 
 RECOMMENDATION FOR CLASSIFICATION BY ANALOGY 
 
 1. Manufacturer 
 
 2. Product Type 
 
 3. Designation of Item for which Classification is Requested_ 
 
 4. Descriptive Material 
 
 5. Designation of Classified Item to which Analogy is Alleged 
 
 Reference No. 
 
 Components Classified Item New Item Difference Favorable 
 
 for Analogy 
 
 6. Recommended Classification 
 
 7» Recommended Shipping Description 
 
 8. Required packaging, marking and labeling for surface transportation 
 (rail and highway) may be found in the following Sections of 49 CFR: 
 
 a. Packaging - Section 
 
 b. Marking - Section 
 
 c. Labeling - Section 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 Figure B-2.-Recommendation for Classification by Analogy. 
 
15 
 
 Date: 
 
 Report No.: 
 
 TEST REPORT FOR EXPLOSIVE 
 This report covers the explosive 
 
 (Bureau of Mines Key No. 
 
 ) submitted for testing by 
 
 1. Composition of Sample 
 
 The composition of the sample provided by the company is given below. 
 Constituent Weight percent 
 
 2. Physical Description of the Sample 
 
 3. Results of Test 
 
 a. Thermal Stability Test at 
 75°C (167°F) for 48 hours 
 (one trial) 
 
 b. Impact Sensitivity Test 
 
 c. Blasting Cap Sensitivity 
 Test (three trials) 
 
 d. Small-Scale Fire Test 
 (one trial) 
 
 Stable 
 
 Ignition 
 
 Decomposition 
 
 Detonation 
 No Detonation 
 
 Detonation 
 No Detonation 
 
 Figure B-3.-Test Report for Explosive. 
 
16 
 
 -2- 
 
 Report No.: 
 
 4. Recommended Classification 
 
 5. Recommended Shipping Description 
 
 6. Packaging, marking, and labeling requirements for surface transportation 
 (rail and highway) may be found in the following Sections of 49 CFR: 
 
 a. Packaging - Section 
 
 b. Marking - Section 
 
 c. Labeling - Section 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 Figure B-3.-Test Report for Explosive-Continued. 
 
17 
 
 Date: 
 
 Report No.: 
 
 TEST REPORT FOR BLASTING AGENT 
 This report covers the blasting agent 
 
 (Bureau of Mines Key No. 
 
 ) submitted for testing by 
 
 lo Composition of Sample 
 
 The composition of the sample provided by the company is given below. 
 Constituent Weight percent 
 
 2« Physical Description of the Sample 
 
 Results of Test 
 a. 
 
 b. 
 
 Thermal Stability Test at 
 75°C (167°F) for 48 hours 
 (one trial) 
 
 Blasting Cap Sensitivity 
 Test (three trials) 
 
 Co Impact Sensitivity Test 
 
 Differential Thermal Analysis 
 Test (three trials) 
 
 Electrostatic Sensitivity Test 
 (three trials) 
 
 Stable 
 
 Ignition 
 
 Decomposition 
 
 Detonation 
 No Detonation 
 
 Exothermic reaction 
 under 212°F (100°C) 
 No exothermic reaction 
 under 212°F (100°C) 
 
 Ignition 
 No Ignition 
 
 Figure B-4.-Test Report for Blasting Agent. 
 
18 
 
 -2- 
 
 Report No.: 
 
 f. Package Drop Test 
 (three trials) 
 
 g. Fire Test 
 
 (i) Proposed Packaging 
 
 (ii) Results of Test 
 
 (a) Package Burn Test Explosion 
 
 (one trial) No Explosion 
 
 (b) Large Scale Vented Bomb Explosion 
 
 Bonfire Test (two trials) No Explosion 
 
 4. Recommended Classification 
 
 5. Recommended Shipping Description 
 
 6. Packaging, marking and labeling requirements for surface transportation 
 (rail and highway) may be found in the following Sections of 49 CFRs 
 
 a. Packaging - Section 
 
 b. Marking - Section 
 
 c. Labeling - Section 
 
 Recommended by 
 
19 
 
 APPENDIX C.-EXPLOSIVE TESTING CAPABILITIES OF THE BUREAU 
 OF MINES, PITTSBURGH RESEARCH CENTER 
 
 Tests required for Department of Transportation classification: 
 
 Blasting cap sensitivity 
 
 Differential thermal analysis 
 
 Electrostatic sensitivity 
 
 Impact sensitivity (Bureau of Explosives apparatus) 
 
 Large-scale impact sensitivity 
 
 Large-scale vented-bomb bonfire 
 
 Package burn 
 
 Package detonation 
 
 Package squib 
 
 Rifle bullet impact sensitivity 
 
 Small-scale fire 
 
 Thermal stability 
 
 Tests required for Competent Authority Letter (U.N. classification): 
 
 Test Series 1: 
 
 l(a)(iii) Gap, for solids and liquids 
 
 l(b)(i) Koenen 
 
 l(b)(ii) Internal ignition 
 
 l(b)(iii) Small-scale cookoff bomb (SCB) 
 
 Test Series 2: 
 
 2(a)(iii) Gap, for solids and liquids 
 
 2(b)(i) Koenen 
 
 2(b)(ii) Internal ignition 
 
 2(b)(iv) Small-scale cookoff bomb (SCB) 
 
 Test Series 3: 
 
 3(a)(i) Bureau of Explosives impact machine 
 
 3(a)(v) Modified type 12 impact tool 
 
 3(b)(i) Bundesanstalt fur Material-priifung (BAM) friction apparatus 
 
 Test Series 4: 
 
 4(a) Thermal stability, for articles and packaged articles 
 
 4(b)(ii) 12-meter drop, for articles and solid substances 
 
 Test Series 5: 
 
 5(a) Cap sensitivity 
 
 5(b)(ii) Deflagration detonation transition (DDT) 
 
 5(c) External fire, for hazard division 1.5 
 
 5(d) Princess incendiary spark 
 
 Test Series 6: 
 
 6(a) Single package 
 
 6(b) Stack 
 
 6(c) External fire (bonfire) 
 
20 
 
 Tests required for approval of an explosive as permissible for use 
 in an underground coal mine: 
 
 Ballistic mortar 
 Chemical analysis 
 Detonation velocity 
 Explosion by influence 
 Gaseous products of detonation 
 Incendivity: 
 
 Gallery test 4 
 
 Gallery test 7 
 
 Gallery test 8 
 Pendulum friction 
 Physical examination 
 
 Miscellaneous tests: 
 
 Bureau of Mines impact apparatus 
 
 Cavitated gap 
 
 Detonator delay timing 
 
 Detonator electrostatic sensitivity 
 
 Detonator strength (sand bomb and underwater) 
 
 Extremely insensitive detonating substances (EIDS) gap 
 
 Modified Trauzl 
 
 Rapid heat 
 
 Underwater 
 
 U.S. pressure vessel 
 
 Wedge 
 
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