(a) Dynamite is sensitive to heat and shock. It should be stored in fireproof magazines.
Spark resistant tools should be used in opening cases. Empty containers that have
been used for dynamite will be destroyed by burning. Oily stains of nitroglycerin will be
scrubbed up with a mixture of the following solutions: Solution A, Sodium sulfide...9
Parts by weight and water-30 parts by weight. Solution B, Denatured ethyl alcohol...70
parts by weight and acetone-20 parts by weight.
Immediately before decontaminating the nitroglycerin, combine the above solutions. If
the solutions are mixed and then stored, the potency diminishes in storage. The use of
this mixture should be limited to very small quantities such as the oily film that adheres
to surfaces after the nitroglycerin has been removed with sponges or absorbed in wood
pulp or sawdust. Operators using this solution should wear rubber gloves.
(b) Store cases of commercial dynamite initially right side up, so cartridges will lie flat.
However, in order to eliminate the possibility of exudation of nitroglycerin from the
cartridges of straight dynamite 60 percent or over in strength, it will be necessary to turn
the cases, based on average storage temperature, in accordance with the following:
Average storage temperature
Interval between turnings
Below 30 F.
Do not turn
30 to 60 F
Every 4 months
60 to 75 F
Every 3 months
Over 75 F.
Every 6 weeks
(c) The first turning will result in the cases being bottom side up, with the cartridges still in a
horizontal position. Frozen dynamite will not be turned. With the exception of straight
dynamite, 60 percent and over in nitroglycerin strength, other types of dynamite
ammonia, ammonia-gelatin, and gelatin need not be turned in storage. However, yearly,
at the conclusion of the year's warmest season, a representative sample will be selected
and the containers examined for evidence of nitroglycerin on the exterior of the cartridge
and/or packing materials.
(2) Military dynamite. Dynamite, M1, is for general use as medium velocity blasting explosive to
replace 60 percent commercial dynamites in military construction, quarrying, and demolition
work. Dynamite, M1, is packaged in paraffin-coated cylindrical paper cartridges having a
nominal diameter of 1-1/4 inches and nominal length of 8 inches. Dynamite, Ml, unlike
commercial dynamite, contains no nitroglycerin and will not freeze in cold nor exude in hot
weather. The composition does not absorb or retain moisture. Shipping containers do not
require turning in storage. Safety in transportation, storage, and handling is better than that
of 60 percent commercial dynamite.
e. Bulk Solid Propellant and Separate-Loading Propelling Charges.
(1) Propellant should be stored in magazines which are well ventilated and dry. Bulk solid
propellant is packed in steel or metal-lined boxes, or in fiber drums, which are stored in
accordance with approved ammunition storage drawings.
(2) The method of storing propelling charges and bulk propellant in boxes is shown on
approved ammunition drawings. When containers of large caliber charges are stored on
their sides, provision must be made to prevent the weight of the upper layers crushing the
containers in the lower.
MM0151
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