Shooters’ powder
2
Shooters’ powder includes both black powder and smokeless powder.
3 The powder should be kept in containers with no more than 1 kg of powder
per container. The containers should be constructed in such a way that, in the
event of a fire they do not provide additional containment that will either increase
the explosive force of any deflagration or cause smokeless powder to detonate.
Normally plastic/polythene or paper/cloth containers should be used. Metal
containers with a screw cap or a push-in lid must not be used.
4 Although shooters’ powders are generally not very sensitive to ignition by
electrostatic discharge, homeloaders or others who decant the contents of plastic
containers should take care to reduce the risk of static electricity build-up. Advice
on precautions may be sought from the manufacturer.
5
The containers of powder should be kept in a box constructed of plywood
with a minimum thickness of 18 mm and a maximum thickness of 24 mm.
6 Where the box holds more than one container, each individual container
should be separated by a 6 mm wooden partition that is securely fixed to the outer
walls of the box. Each compartment should allow 30% additional height between
the top of the container and the inside of the lid.
7 There should be a good seal to prevent a flame path between the lid of the
box and the interior. An intumescent strip should be fitted around the edges of the
lid to give a good seal or alternatively, a stepped lid or internal second lid should be
fitted.
8 The box should be constructed so that there is no exposed metal on the
inside. Internal nuts should be covered by a glued wooden liner not less than
6 mm.
9 Figure 1 shows a box that would meet the requirements set out in the previous
paragraphs.