Report on the suitability of Class 6, U.S. government security repositories for the storage of small quantities of high explosives

The Explosives Review Committee initiated a study into the safety aspects of the common practice of storing small amounts (< 10 grams per drawer) of high explosives in safes. Although storage of HE in older asbestos lined safes was permitted, the newer style Class 6 Security safes are an unacceptable repository for even very small amounts of HE without the use of a blast mitigating insert. The authors have developed a drawer liner in the form of a laminated Lexan, foam, plywood box that will withstand the blast and contain the fragments from up to 10 grams of high explosives. This liner will fit into the drawer of any existing safe. The liner will provide blast and fragment protection, and the safe will provide security protection. This report describes the testing of modern safes and the performance of the liner insert