Determine and recommend the classification of explosive substances and/or articles
Overview
This standard exists with an explosives safety management role and covers the competences you need to determine and recommend the classification of explosive substances and/or articles in accordance with approved procedures and practices.
Classification is the technical process that identifies and considers the hazards posed by explosive, substances and articles (ESA). You will use your knowledge to recommend the classification of ESA before they can be transported within the UK. The process involves assessing ESA to determine the danger of fire or explosion that would jeopardise safe transport, such as; the response to heat and flame, the response to impact and friction, the response to dropping ESA whether unpackaged or packaged.
You will recommend if the ESA can be classified in accordance with Class 1 of the UN classification scheme.You will be required to demonstrate that you can identify the nature and scale of the hazards posed by the explosive substance or article, ensuring that the classification is consistent with the information provided in accordance with approved procedures and practices.
This activity is likely to be undertaken by someone whose work role involves Ordnance, Munitions or Explosives (OME) work activities. This includes individuals working as explosives safety managers, advisers and regulators.
This NOS replaces COGESA2.02 and COGESA2.03
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 work safely at all times, complying with health and safety, environmental and other relevant regulations, legislation and guidelines
P2 identify and gather available information, relevant to the explosive substance or article and its packaging, to be classified
P3 evaluate the accuracy, completeness and validity of the information
P4 identify the nature and scale of the hazards posed by the explosive substance or article
P5 ensure that the classification is consistent with the information provided
P6 specify unambiguously caveats that are proportionate to the hazards
P7 obtain confirmation of the correctness of your classification
P8 inform applicants promptly of the classification decision and caveats
P9 maintain records appropriately
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the health, safety and environmental and other statutory legislation, regulations and safe working practices and procedures governing explosives and their implications for your area of work
K2 the relevance of personal protective equipment (PPE)
K3 the nature, characteristics, hazards and risks of the explosive substances and/or articles
K4 the actions to be taken in response to an unplanned event
K5 your organization’s classification application process
K6 the information needed in order to classify explosive substances and articles
K7 sources of information and relevant guidance
K8 how to evaluate and validate information
K9 the hazard assessment process
K10 packaging characteristics
K11 the different hazard divisions and compatibility groups, and their significance
K12 when and why caveats should be applied
K13 the role of peer review
K14 the documentation requirements
K15 the importance of documenting your actions and your rationale
Scope/range
Applications: with complete information; with incomplete information
Caveats: when caveats should be applied; when no caveats are needed