This website lists the standard/modified tests from the Department of Defense (DoD), United Nations (UN), and explosives industry that may be utilized to determine the hazard presented by explosive substances and articles In-Process.

Series 1 (friction, impact, electrostatic discharge, thermal, and shock sensitivity tests) determine the “basic nature” or fundamental responses of an explosive substance (in small quantities) to various stimuli to facilitate safe additional testing (if needed) and general understanding when assessing a specific situation.

Series 2 tests (shock, heating, and ignition under confinement) determine whether a pure substance or mixture exhibits explosive properties based on national and international definitions.

Selections from Series 3 and 4 tests for explosive substances and Series 5 tests for explosive articles may be appropriate, depending on the specific situation.  It is essential that the selected sub-scale testing reflects the Key Parameters identified in the Process Assessment.  Since the hazard severity of explosives is dependent on the quantity of explosives and size of the configuration, an assessment should be made regarding the adequacy of this sub-scale testing in determining the full-scale Situation-Specific Explosives Classification.