Institute of Makers of Explosives Safety Analysis for Risk (IMESAFR) is a software tool used to assess risk from commercial explosive activities. This tool is a supplement to the longstanding American Table of Distances (ATD) and other Quantity-Distance (QD) systems.

What Does It Do?

This software uses a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) approach to figure out a level of risk for an explosives activity. IMESAFR calculates the probability of fatality to an individual person per year, as well as the probability of fatality to a group of individuals per year. In these calculations, the tool considers the probability of an explosive event happening based on the activity, the consequence if that event occurs, and the exposure those individuals have to the explosives.

Why Do I Need It?

Historically, the commercial explosives industry has relied on QD criteria. However, IMESAFR can provide a more comprehensive assessment of the risk, catered to an individual set of conditions. During its development, IMESAFR incorporated accident information on a variety of activity types conducted in the commercial explosives industry – activities beyond what is covered by QD.

IMESAFR considers explosives weights and types, distances to exposed sites, and barricading; but it also uses more information such as magazine and building construction, magazine orientation, and numbers of people in exposed sites. Using the QD method only yields a pass or fail answer. This black and white method doesn’t provide information about what is driving the risk. Quantifying the risk and showing where the hazard lies, rather than determining an acceptable distance, allows for better risk mitigation. Not all explosives scenarios have the same risk, but QD treats them the same if exposures are inside or outside the line. The figure below shows that QRA acknowledges the differences beyond quantity and distance while QD treats them the same.

Why Can I Trust It?

IMESAFR is an offspring of a Department of Defense (DoD) software, called SAFER, used for the same purpose except for DoD explosive activities. The Institute of Makers of Explosives worked with A-P-T Research, Inc., in collaboration with industry, regulators, and subject matter experts, to modify SAFER to fit the commercial sector.

This strong backing has led to IMESAFR use in 34 countries by industry and government. For example, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) recognizes IMESAFR as a valid method for evaluating risk to the public within inhabited buildings and in vehicles on highways.

Unlike many theoretical-based blast effect models, IMESAFR uses physics-based algorithms, rooted by full-scale, real-world tests, to determine overpressure and debris scatter predictions. Tests performed, like the one on the left below, feed the models that are used in IMESAFR today. On the right is an example of IMESAFR’s visual representation of a debris density scatter contour.

How Do I Get It?

To purchase the software or sign-up for training, please visit IMESAFR » A-P-T Research, Inc. or contact imesafrtraining@apt-research.com.

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IMESAFR – What is it?

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Explosives Site Planning – What is it?

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Explosives site planning is a process used to manage the potential risks associated with Ammunition & Explosives (AE) to preserve mission or operational capability. When applied correctly, it aims to identify the acceptable level of risk to surrounding exposures. It is important to understand that site planning does not constitute risk-free protection from AE sources.

Explosives Site Plans (ESP) often come in a variety of formats and may be referred to by different terms or acronyms. Some of the most common are Explosives Safety Site Plans (ESSP), Quantity Distance Safety Submissions (QDSS), Chemical Safety Submissions (CSS), Risk-Based Site Plans (RBSP), and Hybrid Site Plans (HSP). Across the explosives safety community, these terms are often adapted to align with a certain organization or service, so the specific naming conventions may change but the intent remains the same.

What Does It Consist Of?

The Explosives Site Planning process involves conducting a comprehensive risk assessment of existing and/or future Potential Explosion Sites (PES) and Exposed Sites (ES) within a specific area. There are numerous factors related to either a PES or an ES.

Some variables that impact PESs include Net Explosive Weight (NEW), Hazard Division (HD), type of explosives operation required, and type of structure. ESs are also impacted by various factors such as occupancy, type of structure, criticality of the exposure, relationship to the PES, and even NEW. Remarkably, PESs are often ESs themselves and require a specific set of criteria inside the assessment.

Why Do I Need It?

Explosives site planning is critical to proper planning regardless of the environment. Within the Department of Defense (DoD), it is policy to provide protection to people and property from the damaging effects of AE. This same policy directly translates to the contractor explosives community as well. In the commercial sector, explosives site planning may be referred to as licensing or permitting, but the overarching goal remains consistent.

In general terms, explosives site planning applies within and beyond an explosives clear zone and should take into consideration the preservation of assets, protection of critical stores, and personnel protection. Similarly, many of these considerations are present when assessing other areas of an installation or an entire site. Protecting personnel, the public, and other resources such as schools, roads, vital buildings, aircraft, or other strategic assets is paramount. Explosives are inherently dangerous, and providing the right level of protection between resources and explosives is key in mission and operational sustainment.

Whether you operate under the umbrella of the DoD, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and handle or store explosives, chances are you require some version of explosives safety siting. Each service, as well as contractors, publishes its own unique set of standards. Within the commercial sector, ATF defines its standards as required by public law. There are situations where multiple sets of standards may apply, and the more restrictive requirements must be met to satisfy the organizational requirement. Knowing these requirements and when to apply the correct criteria can create complex scenarios.

What Are Some Important Factors to Consider?

The most important factor to consider is that explosives site planning does not mean you are operating in a risk-free environment. The criteria that are approved for accidental detonations are based on the acceptable level of risk for the applicable explosives storage and operations. Consideration must be given to vulnerable facilities that are outside but near explosives clear zones as well. Vulnerable facilities include schools, hospitals, daycare centers, and family housing areas. The Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) recommends site plans be submitted for these areas prior to construction. This same practice is recommended for similar facilities that reside outside an installation or site boundary since absolute safety is not provided just because a facility is located beyond an explosives clear zone.

There are numerous other considerations involved in the explosives site planning process, such as the presence of glass, installation and serviceability of Lightning Protection Systems (LPS), the electromagnetic environment certain explosives may be exposed to, and others. Ensuring the appropriate levels of protection are applied to specific sites during an assessment is critical, but explosives site planning should be considered a holistic process and account for all hazards associated with the storage and handling of AE.

While this discussion focuses on accidental detonations, it is important to note that there are additional criteria applied to intentional burning, intentional detonations, energetic liquids, and underground storage.

How Do I Get Assistance with Site Planning?

A-P-T Research, Inc. is staffed and equipped with the expertise and software to complete these comprehensive assessments for you. Contact us today at es@apt-research.com for all your explosives site planning needs.

Our team of explosives safety personnel typically use software tools designed to aid in automated site planning. Normally, Explosives Safety Siting (ESS) or the Automated Site Planning Tool (ASPT) are the tools used for traditional site plans. We may be able to import your existing GIS data or create a site layout from scratch. Our team will conduct the assessment and prepare an ESP package designed to meet the requirements of your organization’s structure or an independent site package tailored to your specific needs.

A-P-T Research also provides the unique capability to perform Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRA) using either SAFER or IMESAFR software. These assessments calculate risk to personnel from explosives facilities and are traditionally utilized when Quantity Distance (QD) requirements cannot be met.

Follow us for updates and more information at apt-research.com/capabilities/explosives-safety/.