Explosive and Shock Sensitive Chemicals

Shock sensitive refers to the susceptibility of a chemical to rapidly decompose or explode when struck, vibrated, or otherwise agitated. Explosive chemicals are those chemicals that have a higher propensity to explode under a given set of circumstances than other chemicals (extreme heat, pressure, mixture with an incompatible chemical, etc.). The label and MSDS will indicate if a chemical is shock sensitive or explosive. The chemicals listed below may be shock sensitive or explode under a given number of circumstances and are listed only as a guide to some shock sensitive or explosive chemicals.

1. General Guidelines
   2. List of Chemicals
2. General Guidelines

• Write the date received and date opened on all containers of shock sensitive chemicals. Some chemicals become increasingly shock sensitive with age.
• >Unless an inhibitor was added by the manufacturer, closed containers of shock sensitive materials should be discarded after 1 year.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling shock sensitive chemicals.

2. List of Chemicals