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  2. 2Governing rule
  3. 3Resolve conflicts
  4. 4Verify equipment

Step 1: Find your Feature of Work. Search or browse the scope you're designing — e.g. Propellant Mixing — to open its compliance profile.

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Explosives Safety

Quantity-Distance Calculator

D = K × W^(1/3), with minimum distances. Values are illustrative — verify against the current DESR 6055.09 tables and the DDESB-approved site plan.

Inputs

Mass explosion hazard affecting almost the entire load instantaneously. QD basis: K-factor × NEW^(1/3), with minimum fragment distances.

Required separation

ExposureKFeetMetersReference
Inhabited Building Distance (IBD)
Minimum distance governs
K401,250381DESR 6055.09 V3 Table V3.E3.T1
Minimum fragment distance applies for most NEW; illustrative.
Public Traffic Route (PTR)
Minimum distance governs
K24750229DESR 6055.09 V3 Table V3.E3.T1
Typically 60% of IBD; illustrative.
Intraline Distance (ILD), unbarricadedK18388118DESR 6055.09 V3 Table V3.E3.T6
Illustrative.
Intraline Distance (ILD), barricadedK919459DESR 6055.09 V3 Table V3.E3.T6
Illustrative.
Intermagazine Distance (IMD), earth-covered side-to-sideK1.25278DESR 6055.09 V3 Table V3.E3.T5
Illustrative.
Intermagazine Distance (IMD), aboveground unbarricadedK1123772DESR 6055.09 V3 Table V3.E3.T5
Illustrative.

Compatibility groups

A Primary explosive substance — Lead azide, lead styphnate
B Article containing primary explosive without two independent safety features — Detonators, primers
C Propellant or deflagrating explosive — Single/double-base propellant, rocket motors
D Secondary detonating explosive or black powder, or article without means of initiation — TNT, RDX, bulk HMX
E Article with secondary explosive, no means of initiation, with propelling charge — Artillery rounds without fuze
F Article with secondary explosive with its own means of initiation — Fuzed grenades
G Pyrotechnic substance or article — Flares, illuminating rounds
H Article containing explosive and white phosphorus — WP smoke rounds
J Article containing explosive and flammable liquid or gel — Fuel-air munitions
K Article containing explosive and toxic chemical agent — Chemical munitions
L Substance or article with special risk requiring isolation — Water-activated devices
N Articles containing only extremely insensitive substances — HD 1.6 articles
S Packaged so hazardous effects are confined — Small arms ammunition, cartridges