IGUS : EPP working group

Topic	Comments
Accidents reports	This subject is a constant agenda item. The exchange of information on accidents is very valuable as it might help preventing a similar situation somewhere else.
Ammonium nitrate	Ammonium nitrate is a very versatile substance. It is used in the vast majority of explosives nowadays, it is widely used as fertiliser (a subject for the EOS Working Group), it tends to get a bad name because of terrorists bombings, the suppression of the explosive properties has links with processing and the current classification system is not always satisfactory anymore. IGUS provides a forum for all the experts on the subject (EOS and EPP) to discuss and exchange information and experience.
Ammonium nitrate based intermediates	At the moment there are no uniform rules for classification, tests and criteria of the matrices. The EPP Working Group could assist the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods in the creation of a entries for these substances.
Combined stimuli (e.g. sensitiveness at elevated temperature)	Perhaps a more fundamental point which can serve as information to better understand phenomena occurring during tests and/or accidents. However, it might also lead to new methods and criteria for certain modes of use.
Co-operation, exchange and round robin testing between laboratories	A very versatile subject. It can include formal co-operation between laboratories on a defined subject, joint projects and so on. More informal contacts, like comparing and/or validating test methods could be included in this subject.
Disposal	The problems associated with disposal of explosive material are known to the EPP members. The purpose of having this subject on the Work Programme is to exchange information and discuss developments.
Environmental, health and safety issues	This subject is discussed at a number of meetings. Although the problem exists since the use of explosives, the issue is recently getting more priority. In several countries, more and more attention is given to the reclamation of land contaminated with ammunition related activities and to the decommissioning of explosives and explosive articles. Both the products and the reaction products can give environmental and health problems. The increased use of indoor fireworks is a contributing factor, as is the underground use of explosives.
Fireworks	Within the group of explosives, fireworks (including theatrical and film effects, family fireworks and indoor fireworks) are about the only growing one. The problems, developments and research related to fireworks (like compositions and dimensions) can be dealt with and discussed in the EPP Working Group. Although IGUS is a global group, the possible European Directive for pyrotechnic articles / fireworks will be a subject to deal with. The European members because they will be heavily involved, for the non-European members it will be good opportunity to learn the Directive in an early stage, give comments etc. From comparison on the way things are regulated in different parts of the world, the group can learn and possibly give recommendations on improvement and/ or harmonisation.
GHS	At the UN level, the Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (SCEGHS) has published a document which can be seen as the start of the GHS. The GHS also deals with classification issues, and will therefore be interesting for EPP Working Group.
Process hazards	This subject concentrates on manufacturing, pumping and emulsifying of explosives is mainly for exchange of information, especially where safety aspects are involved.
Harmonized test methods	Ever since the work on the revision of the 6(c) was initiated by the EPP Working Group, the link with the UN test methods got more attention from the group. Other test methods may need improvement and can be identified for performing research and drafting proposals by the EPP Working Group. Examples of these test methods are the12 metre drop test, fallhammer test, 1.4S assessment in an unconfined functioning test and tests and criteria for the exclusion of articles from Class 1. Test Series 8…, spigot intrusion, …