DOT Classification

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	DOT Classification

	Authorized to recommend a shipping description, division, and compatibility group for explosives and other hazardous materials.

DOT Authorized

UN/DOT Acceptance Procedure

Tests for Class 1 (Explosives)

Tests for Class 4 (Flammable Solids)

Tests for Class 5 (Oxidizing Materials)

Obtain A Shipping Classification

DOT Resources

DOT AUTHORIZED

Safety Management Services, Inc. (SMS) provides US Department of Transportation (DOT) Competent Authority approval services for a wide range of clients in the explosive industry.

Safety Management Services, Inc. is an approved and authorized Examining Agency to perform explosives and other hazardous materials examination services. These services are for determining the DOT transportation classification, including the proper shipping name, hazard class and division, and compatibility group for explosive substances and articles.

A. Garn Butcher and Kirt N. Sasser are authorized to witness the UN/DOT tests and recommend classifications to the DOT. Authorization by the DOT required a thorough examination of our explosive expertise, regulatory interpretation/application experience, and testing protocols.

DOT Testing is usually performed on a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) basis. Consulting, witnessing, and providing recommendations for DOT Classifications are performed according to the SMS rate schedule plus burdened expenses. A proposal for testing the material(s) is provided after discussing the intent and extent of required testing. The cost of testing varies depending on the tests required, the nature of the material(s), and the test location. SMS can test your materials at our facilities, or we can travel to your testing facility and witness testing.

We usually anticipate 1-2 weeks for the testing to be completed once the materials have arrived at the test facility. SMS will deliver a report approximately 1 week after the tests are completed.

SMS provides an outline to guide you on the process of obtaining a DOT classification or exemption.

DOT CLASSIFICATION TESTS

Tests for Class 1 (Explosives) Test Series 1: Is the substance a potential candidate for Class 1 (explosives)?

·		Gap Test (Zero Gap)
·		Koenen Test
·		Internal Ignition (10-g bag)
·		Time Pressure Test
Test Series 2: Can the substance be excluded from Class 1?

·		Gap Test (50-mm Gap)
·		Koenen Test
·		Internal Ignition (20-g bag)
·		Time Pressure Test
Test Series 3: Is the material a forbidden substance?

·		BOE Impact Test
·		ABL Friction Test
·		Thermal Stability Test
·		Small-scale Burn Test
Test Series 4: Is the article a forbidden article?

·		Thermal Stability Test
·		Twelve Meter Drop Test
Test Series 5: Is the substance a candidate for 1.5?

·		#8 Cap Test
·		Deflagration to Detonation Transition (DDT) Test
·		External Bonfire Test
·		Princess Incendiary Spark Test
Test Series 6: Is the substance or article a Class 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.4?

·		Single Package Test
·		Stack Test
·		External Fire Test
·		Princess Incendiary Spark Test

Tests for Class 4 (Flammable Solids) Class 4.1: Is the substance or article a Flammable Solid and Self-Reactive Substance?
·		Screening Test
·		Burning Rate Test
·		Tests for Self-Reactive Substances
Class 4.2: Is the substance or article a Spontaneously Combustible material?

·		Self-heating Substances Test
Class 4.3: Is the substance or article a Dangerous When Wet material?

·		Hazardous When Wet Test
Tests for Class 5 (Oxidizing Materials) Class 5.1: Is the substance or article an Oxidizing Solid or Liquid?

·		Tests for Oxidizing Solids & Liquids
Is the substance or article a 5.2 (Organic Peroxides)?

·		Tests for Organic Peroxides


	For more information regarding test pricing and availability, please contact: Kirt N. Sasser Director of Testing/ Classifications, SMS Safety Management Services, Inc. (SMS) has experience in testing a wide variety of explosives and other hazardous materials, such as:

	·		Agent, blasting
	·		Air bag inflators
	·		Air bag inflators, compressed gas
	·		Articles, explosive (fuzes, detonating and cartridges, power device)
	·		Boosters, without detonators
	·		Explosive, blasting, type A-E
	·		Flammable Solids
	·		Igniters
	·		Powder, smokeless
	·		Propellant, solid
	·		Rocket Motors
	·		Waste, Substances, explosive
	In addition to DOT shipping classification, SMS also has experience in providing testing and recommendations for In-Process Classification and Material Characterization.