Potassium nitrate

Explosiveness

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

explosive properties of explosives

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

2004

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: The EC tube test is well described and is normally used for testing the detonation resistance of fertilisers.

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

other: EC tube test (An III.4 of regulation EC 2003/2003 no 1083

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The EC tube test is normally used for testing the detonation resistance of fertilisers and is the most severe detonation test of the standardised tests which are available.

GLP compliance:

no

Key result

Parameter:

sensitiveness to friction: friction load (N)

Remarks on result:

negative (not further specified)

The potassium nitrate sample did not show detonative properties under the given test conditions.

Interpretation of results:

other: No detonative properties

Conclusions:

Based on the EC tube test for testing the detonation resistance of fertilisers it was concluded that potassium nitrate has no detonative properties.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

explosive properties of explosives

Type of information:

other: RTDG

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

data from handbook or collection of data

Remarks:

UN numbers are assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. They are published as part of their Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, also known as the Orange Book. These recommendations are adopted by the regulatory organization responsible for the different modes of transport and considerd as a trusted source..

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Guideline:

other: not mentioned

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Based on transport classification and experience in handling.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Test series:

test data derived by a competent authority

Remarks on result:

no ignition, explosion, self-heating or visible decomposition

Transported substances should be tested for explosiveness (UN test) and classified accordingly. For transport, potassium nitrate is not classified for explosivity and therefore it was concluded that this substance has no explosive properties. Transport data can be used for REACH as well. Experience in handling also do not demonstrate explosive properties for potassium nitrate

Interpretation of results:

other: No explosive properties based on the transport classification and experience in handling.

Conclusions:

Based on the transport classification and experience in handling, potassium nitrate has no explosive properties.

Description of key information

In the EC tube study for fertilizers (An III.4 EC 2003/2003 no 1083), no detonation was observed. Furthermore, the substance is not classified for explosivity for transport. Therefore potassium nitrate is considered not explosive.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Explosiveness:

non explosive

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the available data, the substance does not need to be classified for the hazard 'Explosives'according to CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.

Based on structural features, relevant study results and on experience in handling, potassium nitrate does not have to be classified as a self-reactive substance.