“The earlier rules had 28 requirements for a bomb disposal squad.

This has now been simplified and broken into five

parts, making it much simpler for airport operators to maintain bomb disposal squads,” the official said.

Bomb disposal is the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe. Bomb
disposal is term to describe the safely disposal/diffusion of bomb and interrelated functions in the
military fields of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and improvised explosive device
disposal (IEDD). And even describing roles of public safety bomb disposal (PSBD) and
the bomb squad.
"Bomb disposal" does not encompass the remediation of soils polluted with explosive materials.

History[edit]
The first professional civilian bomb squad was established by Sir Vivian Dering Majendie As
a Major in the Royal Artillery of UK .Majendie investigated an explosion on 2 October 1874 in
the Regent's Canal, when the barge 'Tilbury', carrying six barrels of petroleum and five tons of
gunpowder, blew up, killing the crew and destroying Maccles field Bridge and cages at
nearby London Zoo.
In 1875, he framed The Explosives Act, the first modern legislation for explosives control. He also
pioneered many bomb disposal techniques, including remote methods for the handling and
dismantling of explosives. His advice during the Fenian dynamite campaign of 1881–85] was
officially recognised as having contributed to the saving of lives. After Victoria Station was bombed
on 26 February 1884 he defused a bomb with a clockwork mechanism which might have gone off at
any moment.]
The New York City Police Department established its first bomb squad in 1903. Known as the
"Italian Squad", its primary mission was to deal with dynamite bombs used by the Mafia to intimidate
immigrant Italian merchants and residents. It would later be known as the "Anarchist Squad" and the
"Radical Squad"]

WWI: Military bomb disposal units[edit]

S
A British NCO prepares to dispose of an unexploded bomb, during the First World War.

Bomb Disposal became a formalized practice in the First World War. The swift mass production of
munitions led to many manufacturing defects, and a large proportion of shells fired by both sides
were found to be "duds".[7] These were hazardous to attacker and defender alike. In response, the
British dedicated a section of Ordnance Examiners from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps to handle
the growing problem.
In 1918, the Germans developed delayed-action fuzes that would later develop into more
sophisticated versions during the 1930s, as Nazi Germany began its secret course of arms
development. These tests led to the development of UXBs (unexploded bombs), pioneered by
Herbert Ruehlemann of Rheinmetall, and first employed during the Spanish Civil War of 1936–37.
Such delayed-action bombs provoked terror in the civilian population because of the uncertainty of
time, and also complicated the task of disarming them. The Germans saw that unexploded bombs
caused far more chaos and disruption than bombs that exploded immediately. This caused them to
increase their usage of delayed-action bombs in World War II.
Initially there were no specialized tools, training, or core knowledge available, and as Ammunition
Technicians learned how to safely neutralize one variant of munition, the enemy would add or
change parts to make neutralization efforts more hazardous. This trend of cat-and-mouse extends
even to the present day, and the various techniques used to disarm munitions are not publicized.

WWII: Modern techniques[edit]

A bomb disposal team in 1940.

Modern EOD Technicians across the world can trace their heritage to the Blitz, when the United
Kingdom's cities were subjected to extensive bombing raids by Nazi Germany. In addition to
conventional air raids, unexploded bombs (UXBs) took their toll on population and morale,
paralyzing vital services and communications. Bombs fitted with delayed-action fuzes provoked fear
and uncertainty in the civilian population.
The first UXBs were encountered in the autumn of 1939 before the Blitz and were for the most part
easily dealt with, mostly by Royal Air Force or Air Raid Precautions personnel. In the spring of 1940,
when the Phony War ended, the British realized that they were going to need professionals in
numbers to deal with the coming problem. 25 sections were authorized for the Royal Engineers in
May 1940, another 109 in June, and 220 by August. Organization was needed, and as the Blitz
began, 25 "Bomb Disposal Companies" were created between August 1940 and January 1941.
Each company had ten sections, each section having a bomb disposal officer and 14 other ranks to
assist. Six companies were deployed in London by January 1941.
The problem of UXBs was further complicated when Royal Engineer bomb disposal personnel
began to encounter munitions fitted with anti-handling devices e.g. the Luftwaffe's ZUS40 anti-
removal bomb fuze of 1940. Bomb fuzes incorporating anti-handling devices were specifically
designed to kill bomb disposal personnel. Scientists and technical staff responded by devising
methods and equipment to render them safe, including the work of Eric Moxey.[8]
The United States War Department felt the British Bomb Disposal experience could be a valuable
asset, based on reports from U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps observers at RAF Melksham
in Wiltshire, England in 1940. The next year, the Office of Civilian Defense (OCD) and War
Department both sponsored a bomb disposal program. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the British
sent instructors to Aberdeen Proving Ground, where the U.S. Army would inaugurate a formal bomb
disposal school under the Ordnance Corps. Col. Thomas J. Kane became the U.S. Army Ordnance
Bomb Disposal School commandant, and later served as ETO Director of Bomb Disposal
under Dwight D. Eisenhower.[9] In May 1941, British colleagues helped establish the Naval Mine
Disposal School at the Naval Gun Factory, Washington, D.C. Not to be outdone, the U.S. Navy,
under the command of Lt. Draper L. Kauffman (who would go on to found the Underwater Demolition
Teams – better known as UDTs or the U.S. Navy Frogmen), created the Naval Bomb Disposal
School at University Campus, Washington, D.C..
The first US Army Bomb Disposal companies were deployed in North Africa and Sicily, but proved
cumbersome and were replaced with mobile seven-man squads in 1943. Wartime errors were
rectified in 1947 when Army personnel started attending a new school at Indian Head, Maryland,
under U.S. Navy direction. That same year, the forerunner of the EOD Technology Center, the USN
Bureau of Naval Weapons, charged with research, development, test, and evaluation of EOD tools,
tactics and procedures was born.

Techniques[edit]
Generally, EOD render safe procedures (RSP) are a type of tradecraft protected from public
dissemination in order to limit access and knowledge, depriving the enemy of specific technical
procedures used to render safe ordnance or an improvised device. Another reason for keeping
tradecraft secret is to hinder the development of new anti-handling devices by their opponents: if the
enemy has thorough knowledge of specific EOD techniques, they can develop fuze designs which
are more resistant to existing render-safe procedures.
Many techniques exist for the making safe of a bomb or munition. Selection of a technique depends
on several variables. The greatest variable is the proximity of the munition or device to people or
critical facilities. Explosives in remote localities are handled very differently from those in densely
populated areas. Contrary to the image portrayed in modern-day movies, the role of the modern
Bomb Disposal Operator is to accomplish their task as remotely as possible. Actually laying hands
on a bomb is only done in an extremely life-threatening situation, where the hazards to people and
critical structures cannot be reduced.

Wheelbarrow remotely controlled bomb disposal tool

Ammunition Technicians have many tools for remote operations, one of which is the RCV, or
remotely controlled vehicle, also known as the "Wheelbarrow". Outfitted with cameras, microphones,
and sensors for chemical, biological, or nuclear agents, the Wheelbarrow can help the Technician
get an excellent idea of what the munition or device is. Many of these robots even have hand-like
manipulators in case a door needs to be opened, or a munition or bomb requires handling or
moving. The first ever Wheelbarrow was conceived by Major Robert John Wilson 'Pat' Patterson
RAOC and his team at the Bomb Disposal School, CAD Kineton in 1972 and used by Ammunition
Technicians in the battle against Provisional Irish Republican Army bombs.

Placing a disruption charge while wearing a protective suit

Also of great use are items that allow Ammunition technicians to remotely diagnose the innards of a
munition or bomb. These include devices similar to the X-ray used by medical personnel, and high-
performance sensors that can detect and help interpret sounds, odors, or even images from within
the munition or bomb. Once the technicians determine what the munition or device is, and what state
it is in, they will formulate a procedure to disarm it. This may include things as simple as replacing
safety features, or as difficult as using high-powered explosive-actuated devices to shear, jam, bind,
or remove parts of the item's firing train. Preferably, this will be accomplished remotely, but there are
still circumstances when a robot won't do, and a technician must put themself at risk by personally
going near the bomb. The Technician will don a specialized protective suit, using flame and
fragmentation-resistant material similar to bulletproof vests. Some suits have advanced features
such as internal cooling, amplified hearing, and communications back to the control area. This suit is
designed to increase the odds of survival for the Technician should the munition or bomb function
while they are near it.
Rarely, the specifics of a munition or bomb will allow the Technician to first remove it from the area.
In these cases, a containment vessel is used. Some are shaped like small water tanks, others like
large spheres. Using remote methods, the Technician places the item in the container and retires to
an uninhabited area to complete the neutralization. Because of the instability and complexity of
modern bombs, this is rarely done. After the munition or bomb has been rendered safe, the
Technicians will assist in the removal of the remaining parts so the area can be returned to normal.
All of this, called a Render Safe Procedure, can take a great deal of time. Because of the
construction of devices, a waiting period must be taken to ensure that whatever render-safe method
was used worked as intended.
Another technique is Trepanation, in which a bore is cut into the sidewall of a bomb and the
explosive contents are extracted through a combination of steam and acid bath liquification of bomb
contents.[16]
Although professional EOD personnel have expert knowledge, skills and equipment, they are not
immune to misfortune because of the inherent dangers: in June 2010, construction workers
in Göttingen discovered an Allied 500 kilogram bomb dating from World War II buried approximately
7 metres below the ground. German EOD experts were notified and attended the scene. Whilst
residents living nearby were being evacuated and the EOD personnel were preparing to disarm the
bomb, it detonated, killing three of them and injuring 6 others. The dead and injured each had over
20 years of hands-on experience, and had previously rendered safe between 600 and 700
unexploded bombs. The bomb which killed and injured the EOD personnel was of a particularly
dangerous type because it was fitted with a delayed-action chemical fuze, which had become highly
unstable after over 65 years under ground.[17][18][19][20]

EOD equipment[edit]
Portable X-ray systems[edit]
 EOD training and material testing. A 105 mm shell is radiographied with battery powered portable X-ray
generator and flat panel detector.

Portable X-ray systems are used to radiograph the bomb before intervention. The purpose is for
example to determine if a chemical charge is present or to check the status of the detonator. High
steel thickness require high energy and high power sources.

Projected water disruptors[edit]

Boot Banger water charge disrupts simulated bomb

Bottler Lite against a small suspect device

Projected water disruptors use a water-projectile shaped charge to destroy bombs, blasting the
device apart and severing any detonating connections faster than any fuse or anti-tampering device
on the bomb can react. One example is the BootBanger, deployed under the rear compartment of
cars suspected to be carrying bombs.[21] Projected water disruptors can be directional, such as the
BootBanger; or omni-directional, an example being the Bottler.

What does a bomb disposal technician do?

Bomb disposal is also known as explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). As a bomb disposal technician
you would usually begin your career in one of the armed forces. You could work in a warzone or a
civilian setting. On a job, you would identify, make safe or dispose of different kinds of dangerous
explosive devices. These could include:

 unexploded military ammunition, like grenades, shells or depth charges in water

 landmines
 improvised explosive devices, makeshift explosives like pipe or car bombs
 Your job could vary depending on which of the armed forces you work in. You would typically:

 work with the police to make sure dangerous areas have been evacuated
 find and identify explosive devices using remote control robots or metal detectors
 operate remote control vehicles to defuse and destroy explosive devices
 communicate with other members of your team using a radio
 use explosives to destroy explosive devices
 defuse explosive devices by hand or using robots
 keep a look out in dangerous areas to make sure your colleagues are safe

Disposal of explosive devices might only be part of your job. You could also work in ammunitions
storage facilities. Here, you would look after and maintain munitions and weapons or load missiles
on to fighter aircraft. You may also be responsible for the maintenance of bomb disposal technology
like the large ‘wheelbarrow’ and smaller ‘dragon runner’ remote controlled robots used for EOD.

Your job title would depend on which branch of the armed forces you join. In the British army you
could be known as an ammunition technician or an ammunition technical officer. In the Royal Air
Force you would be a weapons technician, and in the Royal Navy you could be either a mine
warfare specialist or a mine clearance diver.

What do I need to do to become a bomb disposal technician?

There are several ways to become a bomb disposal technician. Most technicians start their careers
in the British army, but you can also train to do this job in the Royal Air Force or the Royal Navy.
Some routes differ slightly, depending on whether you're an officer or not.

Whichever branch of the armed forces you apply to, you'll need to meet their eligibility criteria to join.
This can vary from one branch to another.

2. INTRODUCTION TO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS The purpose of this section is to provide

an introduction to explosive materials. Section 2.1 discusses the nature of explosive materials;
sec. 2.2 discusses the characteristics of explosive materials; and sec. 2.3 provides the
classification of explosive materials. Appendix H contains the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and
Firearms (ATF)3 2006 published list of explosive materials. 2.1 Nature of Explosives Explosives
are substances that undergo rapid burning (deflagration) or detonation (instantaneous explosion)
resulting in the formation of large volumes of gases, liberation of heat and light, and sudden
pressure effect (shock and blast waves). 2.1.1 Uses of Explosives Explosives are used both
commercially and for military applications. Commercial uses of explosives include blasting
(construction and road building), demolition, fireworks, and metal forming, to name a few.
Military uses of explosives may include propellants (rockets and missiles), bursting charges
(projectiles and bombs), and military demolition and construction. 2.1.2 Categories of
Explosives Generally, there are three categories of explosives, i.e., chemical, mechanical, and
nuclear explosives. Chemical explosives, the most commonly used explosives, are compounds or
mixtures of compounds that react to produce large volumes of rapidly expanding gases as well as
energy, heat, light, and shock waves that exert sudden pressures on the surroundings. Mechanical
explosives are those substances that tend to undergo a physical change such as overloading a
container with compressed air or steam. Nuclear explosives, the most powerful explosives,
produce sustained nuclear reactions while releasing a tremendous amount of heat and energy. 2.2
Characteristics of Chemical Explosives The characteristics of chemical explosives influence the
type of explosives that are used for a specific application. Such characteristics include, but are
not limited to: sensitivity, stability, rate of detonation, and brisance. • Sensitivity refers to the
ease at which an explosive is ignited or detonated; it reveals the amount and intensity of shock,
friction, and heat that is required to initiate detonation. • Stability indicates the ability of an
explosive to be stored without deterioration. Deteriorating explosives may be more sensitive and
more dangerous to handle. For example, dynamite stored for a long time will allow nitroglycerin
(NG) to seep out and will become very unstable. 3 See section 841(d) of title 18, United States
Code and 27 CFR 55.23 for the 2006 list of explosive materials. 2–2 • Detonation rate refers to
the speed at which a detonation wave travels through an explosive and determines whether an
explosive will exert a heaving effect or a shattering effect. • Brisance describes the shattering
effect and is much greater when the rate of detonation is high. Brisance is important in
determining the effectiveness of an explosive in fragmenting the likes of shells, bomb casings,
and grenades. 2.3 Classification of Chemical Explosives Chemical explosives are classified as
either high or low explosives according to their rates of decomposition. Figure 2–1 is a
classification chart of explosives with representative examples. Figure 2–1. Classification of
explosives *It is important to note that there are other improvised explosives, i.e., mixtures of
flammable liquid/solid/and peroxides (oxidizers); however, these improvised explosives are not
included in the graphic because of the unpredictability of their performance. 2.3.1 Explosives
Train An explosive train is a series of explosive materials arranged according to decreasing
sensitivity and increasing explosive potency. An explosive train is relatively safer to use since
the small amount of sensitive material may be carefully packaged for controlled initiation and the
large quantity of potent explosive will not accidentally detonate. In the simplest form, this would
Low Explosives High Explosives Primary High Explosives Secondary High Explosives
Explosives Boosters Main Charge Black Powder Smokeless Powder Flash Powder Nitrocellulose
Commercial Lead Azide Lead Styphnate Mercury Fulminate DDNP Tetrazene PETN RDX
Dynamite Nitroglycerin Binary Explosives Water Gels Emulsions TNT ANFO DNT HMX
Improvised* HMTD TATP 2–3 require one primary and one secondary explosive. In practical
applications, there are often up to four elements: the primer, the detonator, a booster and the
working charge. In its simplest form, an explosive train can also involve low explosives such as
black powder with a simple fuse detonator, as in the construction of pipe bombs. Figure 2–2
shows an explosive train. Figure 2–2. Explosive train 2.3.2 Low Explosives Low explosives are
compounds or mixtures that experience deflagration. Deflagration is a process by which
explosive material decomposes and releases energy through rapid reaction. These types of
explosives have propagation speeds less than 1000 m/s (3280 ft/s). Most low explosives are
mechanical mixtures or a mechanical blending of the individual ingredients that comprise the
low explosives. They are used primarily as propellants because they tend to exert a rapid pushing
effect rather than a shattering effect as do high explosives. Low explosives are frequently used as
fillers for homemade bombs, such as pipe bombs, where the heated gas causes the failure of the
container. Commonly used low explosives are black powder, smokeless powder, and flash
powder. Nitrocellulose is a major constituent of smokeless gunpowder. Flash powder is a
mixture of materials and in this respect is similar to black powder, but it is regulated as a high
explosive by the ATF (see section 2.3.3). Figure 2–3 presents the low explosives with
representative examples. Figure 2–3. Low explosives The following section describes several
low explosives along with a brief description and picture of each. [Link] Black Powder Black
powder is one of the most difficult low explosives to handle because of its sensitivity to heat,
friction, and spark. It is readily acquired in the community and has become a favorite Low
Explosives Black Powder Smokeless Powder Flash Powder Nitrocellulose 2–4 homemade
explosive in the U.S. Black powder consists of the granular ingredients sulfur (S), charcoal
(provides carbon to the reaction), and saltpeter [potassium nitrate (KNO3), which provides
oxygen to the reaction]. Figure 2–4 is an example of black powder. Figure 2–4. Black powder
[Link] Smokeless Powder Smokeless powder is an extremely flammable low explosive that
burns rapidly and vigorously. When ignited, it produces large volumes of gas and releases
energy, which is derived from nitrocellulose and NG. Smokeless powder is similar to black
powder but differs in form and color. Smokeless powder is the world-standard propelling powder
for small arms, cannons, and in a different form, some military warheads. It is frequently used in
the production of pipe bombs. Figure 2–5 is an example of smokeless powder. Figure 2–5.
Smokeless powder [Link] Nitrocellulose Nitrocellulose, or guncotton, is a highly flammable low
explosive that produces a flash of orange flame. It is made by treating ordinary cotton with
concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids. Nitrocellulose is a major constituent of smokeless
gunpowder. Figure 2–6 shows both the packaged and the raw form of nitrocellulose. Figure 2–6.
Nitrocellulose [Link] Flash Powder Flash powder is a mixture of oxidizer and metallic fuel that
reacts extremely quickly and, if confined, will produce a loud explosion. It is widely used in
fireworks and theatrical 2–5 pyrotechnics. Potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder
compose the most common variety of flash powder, which sometimes includes sulfur in the
mixture to increase the sensitivity. Chemically, it is highly unstable and is a heat, static, friction,
and impact sensitive explosive. Flash powders are regulated as a high explosive by the ATF.
Figure 2–7 is an example of flash powder. Figure 2–7. Flash powder 2.3.3 High Explosives High
explosives are compounds or mixtures that undergo instantaneous detonation to produce a
blasting effect. Detonation is the explosion effect that is caused by the transmission of highspeed
shockwaves when the explosive compound or mixture decomposes and liberates energy. These
types of explosives have detonation speeds greater than 1000 m/s (3280 ft/s). High explosives
are normally employed in both commercial applications (e.g., demolition and mining) and
military applications (e.g., propellants and bursting charges in warheads). High explosives are
further subdivided into primary explosives and secondary explosives based upon their
susceptibility to initiation. The primary high explosives can be further divided into commercial
explosives and improvised explosives, which include mixtures of flammable liquid/solid/and
peroxides (oxidizers), but are so variable that they are not discussed in section 2.3.3. Figure 2–8
is a classification tree of the high explosives with representative examples. Figure 2–8. High
explosives High Explosives Primary High Explosives Secondary High Explosives Boosters Main
Charge Commercial Lead Azide Lead Styphnate Mercury Fulminate DDNP Tetrazene PETN
RDX Dynamite Nitroglycerin Binary Explosives Water Gels Emulsions TNT ANFO DNT HMX
Improvised HMTD TATP 2–6 [Link] Primary High Explosives Primary explosives are among
the most powerful and most sensitive of all chemical explosives. This combination of power and
sensitivity makes this type of explosives hazardous and difficult to handle. These types of
explosives, because of their sensitivity, are easily detonated by applying heat, spark, shock, or
any combination of these conditions. Examples of primary high explosives are lead azide, lead
styphnate, mercury fulminate, diazodinitrophenol (DDNP), tetrazene, and hexamethylene
tirperoxide (HMTD) and triacetone triperoxide (TATP), both of which have no commercial uses.
HMTD and TATP are included with improvised explosives in section 2.3.4. [Link].1 Lead
Azide (Pb(N3)2) Lead azide (Pb(N3)2) is a highly sensitive and toxic explosive material that is
usually handled and stored under water in rubber containers. It is a white to buff powder or
colorless crystalline compound. Lead azide will explode after a fall of around 150 mm (5.9 in) or
in the presence of a static discharge of 7 mJ. Figure 2–9 shows a precision detonator utilizing
lead azide or lead styphnate. Figure 2–9. Lead azide [Link].2 Lead Styphnate Lead styphnate
(lead 2,4,6-trinitroresorcinate, C6HN3O8Pb) is a toxic explosive used as a component in primer
and detonator mixtures for less sensitive explosives, such as NG. Lead styphnate is a poor
initiator but is easily ignited by fire or by a static charge. Its structure is reddish brown crystals.
Figure 2–10 shows crystals of lead styphnate. Figure 2–10. Lead styphnate [Link].3 Mercury
Fulminate 2–7 Mercury fulminate (Hg(ONC)2) is highly sensitive to friction and shock and is
mainly used in older blasting caps. Mercury fulminate, as a primary explosive, has been replaced
by other primary explosives that are less toxic and more stable. Figure 2–11 is an example of
purified mercury fulminate salt. Figure 2–11. Mercury fulminate salt [Link].4
Diazodinitrophenol (DDNP) DDNP is a yellowish brown powder that is used as an initiating
high explosive in propellant primer devices. The sensitivity of DDNP to friction is about the
same as lead azide but less than mercury fulminate. DDNP is used with other materials to form
priming mixtures where a high sensitivity to flame or heat is desired. Figure 2–12 is an example
of DDNP. Figure 2–12. Diazodinitrophenol (DDNP) [Link].5 Tetrazene Tetrazene [1(5-
tetrazolyl)-4-guanyl tetrazene hydrate] is a colorless to yellowish solid that is used for sensitizing
priming compositions. It is slightly more impact-sensitive than mercury fulminate. In contact
with fire it readily explodes, producing large amounts of black smoke. However, its sensitivity
can be destroyed by compressing it, and it decomposes in boiling water. It is made by reacting
sodium nitrite with an aminoguanidine salt dissolved in acetic acid. Figure 2–13 is shows the
chemical formula of tetrazene. Figure 2–13. Tetrazene 2–8 [Link] Secondary High Explosives
Secondary high explosives are relatively insensitive to heat, flame, and shock and usually require
a primary explosive to initiate detonation. Secondary high explosives include boosters and main
charges. [Link].1 Boosters Boosters include pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) and
cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX). PETN is one of the strongest known high explosives, i.e.,
more sensitive to shock and friction than trinitrotoluene (TNT). It is primarily used in booster
and bursting charges of small caliber ammunition and in detonators of some land mines and
shells. PETN does not occur naturally, and the production and use of this kind of compound can
lead to contamination of the environment. PETN is white in color. Figure 2–14 is an example of
PETN. Figure 2–14. Pentaerythrite tetranitrate (PETN) Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, also
known as RDX, cyclonite, hexogen, and T4 is second in strength to NG among common
explosive substances and is used in mixtures with other explosives. It has a high degree of
stability and brisance and is considered the most powerful of the military explosives. As a
military explosive, it is used as a base charge in detonators or mixed with other explosives such
as TNT to produce a bursting charge for various munitions. In addition to military applications,
RDX also has commercial applications. Typically, RDX is dyed pink. Figure 2–15 shows the
pink RDX. Figure 2–15. Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) [Link].2 Main Charges Main
charges include dynamite (based on EGDN and NG), binary explosives, water gels, emulsions,
TNT, and ANFO. 2–9 Ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) is an explosive ingredient in dynamite.
EGDN is a colorless to yellow, oily, odorless liquid that is included in dynamite to lower the
freezing point. It is more volatile than NG and has a higher vapor concentration over dynamite.
Figure 2–16 shows sticks of dynamite (EGDN). Figure 2–16. Dynamite (EGDN) NG is the most
powerful high explosive in common use and a key explosive ingredient used to produce
dynamite, gunpowder, and rocket propellant. It is very unstable and extremely sensitive to shock
and to rapid heating, which makes this material highly dangerous to handle and transport. Figure
2–17 shows the chemical structure of nitroglycerin (NG). Figure 2–17. Nitroglycerin (NG)
Binary explosive systems use two chemical components, a solid and a liquid, that are mixed
prior to use. Before mixing, the components are nonexplosive, but once mixed, they become a
1.1.D* explosive with high shock energy. They are classified as a Class 3 flammable liquid when
transported. Figure 2–18 shows plastic bottles containing unidentified binary explosives. Figure
2–18. Binary explosives Water gels or slurries are aqueous solutions of oxidizers and/or fuels.
There are three types of slurries based on the method of sensitization: metallized slurries,
emulsions or occluded gas slurries; and slurries based on other explosives, such as TNT, ethylene
glycol di- and mononitrates, RDX, high melting point explosive (HMX), PETN, etc. Slurries are
safe and versatile. They will not explode unless sensitized. The consistency of slurries varies
from pourable to hard solid. Figure 2–19 is a water gel in a glass bubble sensitizer. 2–10 Figure
2–19. Water gels Emulsion explosives are mixtures of two liquids (oil-based and water-based)
that do not normally mix with one another. An emulsifying agent stabilizes the emulsion from
separating. The major component by weight is mixed into the minor component, resulting in a
finely dispersed, homogenous mixture, which makes the emulsion-type explosives water
resistant. Figure 2–20 shows tubes of emulsion explosives. Figure 2–20. Packaged emulsions
TNT is one of the most commonly used high explosives in military weapons and in civilian
mining and excavation activities. The yellow-colored solid is frequently used as a main charge in
artillery projectiles, mortar rounds, and aerial bombs. TNT is classified as a secondary high
explosive because it is less susceptible to ignition and requires a primary explosive to ignite it. It
has fairly high explosive power, good chemical and thermal stability, and is compatible with
other explosives. TNT is considered the standard measure of strength of explosives. Figure 2– 21
shows the yellow TNT solids. Figure 2–21. Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Ammonium nitrate and fuel
oil (ANFO), a common high explosive component of many explosives, is a mixture of
ammonium nitrate (found in fertilizer) and diesel fuel oil. Explosives that contain ammonium
nitrate include explosives, military and commercial (mining). ANFO is commonly used by
terrorists around the world because the components are readily available and unregulated. Other
explosive fuels are often added to mixtures like ANFO in order to make a more powerful
explosion. Figure 2–22 shows a bag of ammonium nitrate. 2–11 Figure 2–22. Ammonium nitrate
and fuel oil (ANFO) Dinitrotoluene (DNT) is a dinitro-aromatic mixed isomer used in the
production of flexible polyurethane foam intermediates. Physically, it is a solid at ambient
temperatures. DNT is a high explosive in the same class as TNT. Figure 2–23 shows the
chemical structure of DNT. Figure 2–23. Dinitrotoluene (DNT) HMX is the highest energy-solid
explosive produced in the U.S. HMX explodes violently at high temperatures. Because of its low
volatility, it is solely used for military purposes to implode nuclear devices, as a component of
rocket propellant, or as a high explosive bursting charge. Figure 2–24 shows the pellets of HMX.
Figure 2–24. High melting point explosive (HMX) 2.3.4 Improvised Explosives Improvised
explosives are chemical explosives that first responders could encounter. Many books and
websites describe how to make explosives, and first responders must be aware that they may
come across homemade explosives labs that contain extremely sensitive chemicals. The ATF4
added nitrate explosive materials, azide explosives, HMTD, TATP, and picrate explosive to its
list of regulated explosive materials in 2002 (see appendix H for a complete listing of the 2006
ATF explosive materials). Nitrate explosive materials encompass all forms of sodium,
potassium, barium, calcium, and strontium nitrates. Other improvised explosives include
mixtures of flammable liquids, solids and/or peroxides (oxidizers). 4 The Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, and Firearms name was officially changed to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives in 2006. Its official abbreviation is “ATF,” although it is frequently
referred to as “BATF’ or “BATFE.” 2–12 Both TATP and HMTD are extremely sensitive high
explosives that can be set off by heat, shock, and friction. Common operations, such as
unscrewing the lid of a container of the explosive, could cause them to explode since they can be
used as sensitizers and the main charge. Both explosives have been used by terrorists with
increasing frequency throughout the world. They are increasingly being made by experimenters
in the United States. Since they are improvised materials, they are not labeled and may look like
simple white powders. The first responder can recognize that improvised explosives may be
present primarily by recognizing the presence of precursor materials. TATP and HMTD are
discussed in the following sections. [Link] Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine (HMTD)
HMTD was initially used as a primary explosive but was soon superseded by more stable
compounds such as tetryl. It has become a popular homemade explosive because it is relatively
inexpensive and easy to synthesize and can be produced from common ingredients. HMTD
precursors include hydrogen peroxide, citric acid (sour salt), and hexamine (camp stove fuel
tablets). Although no longer used in any official application, HMTD remains a popular
homemade explosive and has been used recently by suicide bombers and may have been used in
the 2007 London bombings. It is sensitive to shock, friction, and heat and degrades in a matter of
weeks, so its commercial value is limited. Figure 2–25 shows the ingredients for making HMTD
(left) a solution of HMTD (right) prior to being desiccated into a white mass of crystals. Figure
2–25. Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) [Link] Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP)
TATP, a white crystalline solid material, is one of the most sensitive explosives known, being
extremely sensitive to impact, temperature change, and friction. TATP can be detonated simply
using friction or impact. If the material is made and then stored, the crystals are stored
underwater in a vessel without a screw cap. If the crystals sublime, a highly toxic gas is
produced. As a terrorist high explosive, TATP has recently appeared in the Middle East. TATP
can easily be prepared in a basement using commercially available chemicals. Its precursors
include acetone (pure or in products like nail polish remover); acids (typically sulfuric, but
hydrochloric 2–13 (muriatic) or nitric possible), and hydrogen peroxide sol

Improvised explosive device (IED) attack—

advice for individuals
 Attacks involving IEDs may be unlikely but it is important to be prepared to respond to such an incident.
The advice below will help you plan a response.
If you are at the immediate site of an IED attack, your top priority is to get out of the area. This increases
your safety in case a secondary device is present in the area and minimizes your exposure to dust,
smoke, and any hazardous substances that may have been released as a result of the blast. This allows
emergency responders to find and assist the most critically injured victims.
If you are in a building
 Get under a sturdy table or desk if objects are falling around you.
 Exit as quickly as possible, without stopping to retrieve personal possessions or make phone calls.
 Help other victims to leave the area if possible.
 Use stairs instead of elevators.
 Be aware of weakened floors and stairways, and watch for falling debris as you exit the building.
Once you are out of the building
 Move away from windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas.
 Use caution to avoid debris that could be hot, sharp, or cause puncture wounds.
 Continue moving away from the blast site and look for emergency officials who will direct you to a safe location.
 Be aware that secondary explosions may occur at or near the original bombing site, especially as rescue personnel
arrive.
 Limit your use of phones and other communications devices as much as possible (communications systems may
become overloaded).
If you become trapped
 Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand to avoid inhaling dust or other hazardous materials.
Dense-weave cotton material can act as a good filter.
 Avoid unnecessary movement so you don't kick up dust.
 Signal your location to rescuers by using a flashlight, whistle, or by tapping on a pipe or wall.
 Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust and drain your energy.
If you are nearby, but not at the immediate site of an
attack
 Assess the environment around you before taking any action.
 Avoid being lured closer to see what is happening because the risks from secondary attacks or hazardous
materials could be extremely high.
 Listen for, and follow, instructions from local authorities and building personnel. If no information is immediately
available from local officials, stay away from windows and doors and move to an inner area of a building until
directed differently by authorities.
If you are in a train or on a bus
 In general, it is best to remain inside the train car unless you are in immediate danger.
 Listen to the communication system/staff to receive instructions.
 If you are in danger and must leave the train car, be aware of hazards on the tracks or in the tunnel and move with
caution to the nearest station or point where you can contact emergency personnel.
 Open windows or doors if possible and if it is safe to do so. It can reduce the severity and number of injuries from
a secondary explosion.
Caring for the injured
 First aid you provide may save lives. The most likely help you may need to provide is to control bleeding. Apply
direct pressure to the bleeding site.
 Nearby hospitals may be overwhelmed with victims. If you need to transport victims who are not severely injured,
go to a hospital that is further from the explosion site.
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
Attacks with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) kill thousands every year, inflict grievous
physical injuries, damage critical infrastructure, and spread fear and disruption across
affected communities. IED production takes place outside government controls. So a
traditional arms regulation approach — regulating governmental production, trade, and use
of this weapon through a multilateral agreement — may not yield [Link], the focus
should be on the capacity of governments to effectively bring together several policy strands
for comprehensive national action. From commercial mining, inner-city development, violent
extremism, and military stockpile management, to agriculture and aviation security. A whole-
of-government approach is essential for making progress in dealing with IED threats.

The international level shows a similar reality of fragmentation. Organizations across many
sectors have mandates and expertise that can contribute to a useful set of IED mitigation
measures. There is not one IED forum, nor should there be. Instead, it is essential to invest in
coordination and information exchange.

Robots go where humans fear to tread.

Of their many applications, bomb
disposal is one of the most hazardous,
where the risk of death lurks with every
move.

Bomb disposal robots have been used to

safely disable explosive ordnance for
over 40 years, where they have been
deployed hundreds, if not thousands, of
times. However, the term “bomb disposal
robot” is something of a misnomer, as
they are not technically robots.
 According to the Oxford English
Dictionary, a robot is “a machine capable
of carrying out a complex series of
actions automatically”. Bomb disposal
robots cannot perform contextual
decision-making or operate by
themselves. Instead, bomb disposal
robots are more accurately defined as
drones, much like unmanned vehicles, as
they are remotely controlled by a human
operator from afar.

INSTRUCTIONS TO CITIZENS. If you notice any suspected Item or person, immediately Inform the
Police Control Room - Tel no. 100, 26122880, 26126296 or nearest Police Stn.

Don't Touch or handle any suspected item or take it to Police Stn. & Don't take photograph of
suspected item

. Keep away with personal belongings (about minimum 100 Mtrs.) from suspected Item. Don't gather
with other people near suspected Item.

Leave the place or building peacefully to avoid any stampede.

If you notice suspected item in a building or office, open all doors & windows & cut off gas
connections.

If you notice suspected item in building or office, use staircase to evacuate the area.

Don’t use lift. While evacuating help children, women & senior citizens.

If you notice suspected item in building or office, remove vehicles from parking area to safe place or
safe distance

Don't spread & believe in rumours, confirm the fact from police personnel.
 If you notice suspected item, don't use or operate cell phones, radio, walky - talky, shooting / still
camera or any other electronic or electrical appliances.

If you notice any suspicious unknown person leaveing any suspected item, inform about suspected
person / his vehicle to Police Control Room or nearest Police Stn.

If you notice suspected item in public place, help traffic police/ police personnel / Bomb Detection
Disposal Squad persons and follow the instructions of police

The Explosive Disposal unit provides expertise in relation to the handling of explosives and the
investigation of post blast scenes.

The Explosives Disposal Unit was established in 1974. The unit currently has 13 members and utilizes a
variety of equipment to accomplish their goals, including the 'Navco' explosives containment unit and
robots.

To become a member of the unit, candidates must pass a job specific physical fitness test and an
interview process. Once selected, candidates must attend the Canadian Police College where they
undergo rigorous training to become a bomb technician.

The Explosives Disposal Unit's mandate includes the examination and rendering
'safe' of suspicious packages and improvised explosive devices including the disposal of military
ordinance and ammunition. Team members also investigate criminal and accidental explosions. As part
of unit's mandate they are responsible for first response to CBRN-E (Chemical, Biological, Radiological,
Nuclear, Explosives) events and confined space entry.

Training is on a continuous basis, keeping the members current in relation to

various equipment and methods utilized by bomb technicians around the world.

The job of a bomb disposal officer is to disarm and disassemble

unexploded ordinance following battle or in order to increase the
safety of civilian areas. After conflict, unexploded bombs, shells and
mines may be left on a battlefield; bomb disposal officers are
 responsible for removing these and disassembling them in order to be
studied by forensics. This is to enable the armed forces to stay ahead
of enemies and terrorists by determining the makeup of the explosives
and the likely next steps in their bomb making processes.

Bomb disposal officers are amongst the most skilled specialists in the
army due to the requirement to be both academically able and
possess in depth military training. This means a bomb disposal officer
needs to:

 Communicate eloquently and efficiently within a team environment

 Have analytical skills
 Be quick thinking and able to make difficult decisions under pressure
 Have exceptional judgement and problem solving skills
 Be able to learn practical proficiencies for the job easily and quickly
and apply them in a real life situations
 Be calm and coherent at all times
 Have the capacity to learn new technologies and use them in the field
 Have mathematical precision and attention to detail
 Possess an excellent memory
 Be able to understand the explosive devices being dealt with and the
techniques to defuse these

WORKING CONDITIONS
Bomb disposal officers work in a variety of environments. The job can
be within a combat zone or in the presence of civilians as the unit is
responsible for defusing and dealing with explosive devices in all
walks of life. During times of battle, bomb disposal officers will work on
battle grounds and within combat towns, locating explosives and
defusing them, or responding to bomb scares. When not in warzones,
bomb disposal officers may work responding to civilian calls
concerning threats of explosive devices or can be in training to
improve their skills set.

Bomb disposal officers mostly work outside in a highly dangerous

environment. Their job is one of the highest risk jobs with a mortality
rate disproportionately higher than most other careers. As the most
highly specialised in their field, bomb disposal officers are armed with
the most exceptional level of skill but occasionally casualties and
fatalities occur in the line of work, as defusing explosives can be
difficult and unpredictable.

The equipment used in defusing bombs is highly technical and

requires bomb disposal officers to be technically minded. Bomb
disposal robots are sometimes used but in other cases officers will
disarm bombs and explosive ordinance themselves. Communication
technology and other high tech equipment is provided by the military
for officers to complete their job in the safest way possible.

The hours for bomb disposal officers not in war zones are usually
normal office hours, in regards to training and base camp activities.
Bomb scares can, however, occur at any time so officers are always
‘on call’ in case there is a threat that needs their attention. During
combat, officers will work in rotation but can be called to action at any
time. Uniform is supplied for all soldiers in the military, including bomb
disposal officers, and safety precaution clothing and equipment is
provided.

Finding an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or landmine in the Naxal

corridor, planting an instrument in a building held by insurgents and assisting
security forces in assessing the number of suspects would not be a risky
business in the future.
The Central Reserve Police Force is examining a multi-utility robot to assist its
troops in detecting, handling and defusing the bombs and landmines, which
have killed several of its men over the years particularly in the red zone in
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and other places.

Director General of CRPF, K Durga Prasad said that the capabilities of the
robot is being ascertained by them in consultation with the IIT Mumbai. "Using
the device, hidden bombs beneath the dirt tracks or 'pucca' roads could be
identified and safely defused, thereby saving a troop from being killed or
maimed by its explosive impact," he said.

Another officer in central paramilitary force said that the robot under test is a
four- wheeled machine which can be remotely operated by patrol teams
through infrared system to detect and safely defuse the bomb in a secure
environment. "With a camera mounted on it, it can also help forces in
assessing number of suspects holed up in a building during a high voltage
operation," said the officer.

Prasad said the robot is being tested and it will be put to field trials soon so
that the menace of IEDs can be thwarted. Explosions through IEDs and
hidden explosives has killed hundreds of CRPF and other security forces
personnel while as many have been severely maimed or have lost their limbs
About 40 jawans of CRPF have been killed in 2016 due to landmines used by
naxals.

Such robots were being so far used by Indian army for its operations. DRDO
had developed Daksh series robots which could detect the IEDs. Daksh, used
by army, is reportedly equipped with six axis telescopic manipulator arm with
high resolution cameras apart from its modular flipper-based design which
enables it to overcome obstacles and climb stairs.

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police’s bomb disposal squads are one of the most important units. But these aren’t among the
best trained or equipped. Now, there’s hope of improvement as the new police chief wants systemic changes for the
better on priority.

According to sources, the department has set out to procure globally-used bomb detection and disposal systems to
minimise risks involved in such operations. Further, the personnel would be trained to handle all kinds of explosives.
“Advance equi ..
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