SPECIFICATIONS

           The specifications laid down in this Schedule are for general guidance only. Approval of the Chief Controller should be obtained separately for each case.

 SPECIFICATION 1

Specification for a road van for carriage of explosives only.

PART 1

1. Air space between body and cab.—A clear space of at least fifteen centimetres shall be left between the Body and Cab.
2. Driver’s cab.—The cab shall be fitted and covered externally with .914 mm. Aluminium sheeting. The wood if used shall be treated as to render it uninflammable.
3. Cab-Doors shall be fitted having windows of non-splinter type glass.
4. Wind Screen.—A substantially framed win-screen shall be fitted with the portion in front of the driver’s seat pivoted on strong brass quadrants for opening.
5. Fuel Tank.—The fuel tank (petrol) shall be in front of the fire screen described under item (11) below. It should be so located as to minimise the possibility of its being damaged should the vehicle be involved in an accident Stone guards should be provided if required by approving authority.
6. Fuel cut-off. – A quick acting cut off (for petrol lines) shall be fitted on the feed pipe in an easily accessible position and shall be capable of being operated without the necessity of lifting the bonnet and shall be so located as not to be involved in a fire in the engine.
7. Exhaust pipe and Spark Arrestor.—The whole of the Spark Arrestor and exhaust piping shall be in the front of the fire-screen described in item 11.
8. Fire Extinguisher.—Two chemical fire extinguishers of minimum 2 Kgs. shall be provided. The fire extinguisher should be capable of dealing with petroleum fire.
9. Self Starter.—A self starter shall be provided.
10. Lighting.—Electric head, side and tail lamps shall be provided and shall be operated from the dash board. All electric wirings and battery cables shall be fully enclosed and maintained in good operating condition.
11. Fire Screen.—Shall consist of only ply asbestos and 18 gauge steel sheets fitted to the whole of the driver’s cab and extending to within 300 mm. Of the ground. The part extending from bottom of the cab to within 390 mm. Of the ground shall be carried on an iron angel frame of light construction.
12. Body—A body conforming to the second part of this specification shall be fitted.
13. Spare Wheel.—One spare wheel inclusive of outer cover and inner tube shall be carried for each size of wheel on the chassis.
14. Painting and Marking.—Body and Cab shall be painted and marked and lined with a colour approved by the licensing authority. The van should be painted with aluminium or white paint. The letter ‘E’ should be written permanently on the sides and rear of the van. The name and address of the licensee and the licence number should be written in small letters on one side. Vehicles holding inter-state/national permits shall be painted as per directions or Road Transport Authority. However, another circle of 60 cms. diameter in red colour should be painted on one of the flaps of rear door of van with letter ‘E’ inscribed in the circle.
15. Total maximum load - The total maximum load for a vehicle shall be equal to or exceed gross vehicle weight rating.
16. Inspection - The whole of the work shall be to the satisfaction of the licensing authority who shall have free access at any time to the workshop fabricating the body and who may reject any material or workmanship which does not comply with this specification.

PART II

1. The body framing is to be constructed of best selected, teak thoroughly seasoned and free from all defects. All joints are to be morticed and tenoned or half checked, depending upon their position in the structure, and securely fixed with screws. The joints are to be coated with white lead before assembly. All parts of the framing which will be in contract with the outer metal panelling ar ealso to be thoroughly coated with which lead before panelling is fixed thereto. Iron plates, knees, etc, may be used for stiffening the framing where they are considered necessary, but no such fr0om work must be exposed in the interior of the completed van body.
   
2. Flooring- This is to be constructed of teak boarding tongued and grooved 22.2 mm, thick and about 152.4 mm or 177.8 mm. In width. It is to be recessed into the soleplate of the van body and below it is to be fixed a sheet of .914 mm. (20 S.W.D.) aluminium sheet. The flooring is to be supported by bearers about 28.6 mm. Thick by 50.8 mm. Wide, fitted between the soleplate and screwed on the top of the crosmembers of the chasis frame.
   
   The sill of the doorway has to have a fall outwards o f6.4 mm and it should be covered with a brass plate full width of the doorway, 63.5 mm. Wide inside, and having its outer edge turned downwards, and secured in position with brass screws.

3. Body panelling and Lining.—The roof, floor, sides, ends and doors of the van are to be covered extrenally with .014 mm. (20 S.W.G.) aluminium sheeting and inner lining may be of asbestos or wood so treated as to be rendered uninflammabel or with such other material as may be approved in writing by the licensign authority. This must have a smooth surface, free from distortion or any dents, and it is to be fitted to the framing in sections of convenient size. The roof beading is of aluminium 19 mm. X 4 mm. Whilst a and ends to a distance of 25.4 mm. The end turnover, being relieved at intervals of 152.4 mm. To allow the sheetings to lie flat on the framing. At all places where sheeting is fixed to the bvody framework, it has to be covered by a beading. The roof beadign is of aluminium 19 mm. X 4 mm . shilst a wooden weather beading is run round the sides and ends where the joint with roof sheetings takes place. At other places aluminium leading 19 mm. X 4 m. has to be used, excepting only the bottom joint of the sides which is covered by a wooden rail 25.4 mm. Wide 38.1 mm. wide.
   
   The interior of the van body has to be lined with 20 S.W.G. aluminium sheeting throughout, sides end, roof and doors, the lining has to be fitted in as few sections, as possible and in all cases brass screws must be used for securing same.

4. Doors.—Double doors are to be fitted at the rear ends of the body and they are to be a close fit all round the framing, panelling and lining of same being similar in all respects to the body works. They are to be bevelled along the bottom to make a watertight joing with the brass covered still of the doorway, and the central joint of doors must also bevelled and covered with stapping as previously mentioned. The doors are to be hung on strong mild steel crook and bank hinges. The band section being 29.7 x 8 mm. And these inbturn are to be securely fixed to ginge and angel plates of section 44.4 x8.0 mm on the rear frame posts of the van body. The hings are to be so constructed and set that the doors will swing right round against the van body side, and facilities are to be provided for fixing the doors in this position.

A slot is cut inteh clip and for the reception of a bras H. & T.V. padlock on the left hand side of the doors.
There shall be no opening in the body of the vehicle except through the doors at the back. No holes shall be drilled in the chasis, unless allowed by the maker for the purpose of securing the van body.

Body dimensions.—The inside dimensions of the body shall be suitable for the quantity of explosives proposed to be carried. The body shall be of such dimensions and fitted in such a manner as to keep the vehicle stabel during trasnport of explosives.

SPECIFICATON 2

Specification for a motor truck for carriage of explosives together with compressor unit.

1. A clear air space of at least fifteen centimetres shall be left between the body and the cab.
2. The deriver’s cab sahll be fitted and covered externally with .914 m (20 S.W.G.) aluminium sheeting.
3. The cab doors shall be fitted having windows of non-splinter type glass.
4. A substantially framed wind screen shall be fitted with the portion in front of deiver’s seat pivoted on strong brass quadrants for opening.
5. The fuel tank shall be below the floor level and at least 0.5 M from the boxes carrying explosives. It should be so located as to minimise the possibility of its being damaged should the vehicle be involved in an accident.
6. A quick acting cut off (for petrol lines) shall be fitted on the feed pipe in an easily accessible position and shall be capable of being operated without the necessity of lifting the bonnet and shall be so located as not to be involved in a fire in the engine.
7. The Spark arrestor and exhaust piping shall be below the cab and shall not be below the body.
8. A chemical fire extinguisher of minimum 2 kgs. shall be provided. The fire extinguisher should be capable of dealing with petroleum fires.
9. A self starter shall be provided for the engine.
10. Electric head, side and tail lamps shal be provided and shall be operated from the dash board. Electric troches (dry cell tyep) may be carried for ue for lighting during emergency.
11. One spare wheel inclusive fo outer cover and inner tube shall be carried for each size of wheel on the chassis.
12. No holes shall be drilled in the chassis unless allowed by the maker for the purpose of securing body.
13. The flooring is to be constructed of teack boarding tounged and grooved at least 21 mm thick and about 150 mm or 175 mm in width.
14. Base of the compressor should be minimum 150 mm high from the floor or the truck body.
15. A mild steel tray shall be provided underneath the compressor and shall be of such size and placed in such a way that all the oil dripping from the compressor shall fall in the tray.
16. The exhaust pipe of the compressor shall face away from the boxes carrying explosives and shall be fitted with an efficient spark arrestor.
17. Only approved type of boxes will be used for carrying explosives and such boxes shall be firmly fixed to the body in such a way that there is no movement of the boxes when the truck is in motion. The empty space in the detonator box shall be filled with thermocole pad, foam pad or other similar suitable material to protect movement of detonators during transport.
18. Not more than two boxes for carrying explosives shall be fitted to any truck. One of the boxes shall be used for carrying high explosives and the other for detonators. The boxes shall be fixed in such a way that their doors do not open face to face.
19. The distance between the explosives boxes shall be minimum 1000 mm. The distance between the compressor and the explosives boxes shall be minimum 1500 mm.
20. A suitable fire screen shall be provided between the cab and the boxes carrying explosives.
21. A suitable asbestors or G.I. sheet screen shall be provided between the explosives boxes and the compressor leaving adeauate space for movement of operator for removing explosives from boxes.
22. The space between the fire screen under clause 20 and the asbestos screen under clause 21 above shall be suitably covered so as to protect from weather.
23. Not moe than 25 kgs. of high explosives, 200 numbers of detonators and 200 metres of safety fuse shall be carried in the truck.
24. The detonator box shall be fixed away from the battery side and the battery shall be carried in the cab below deiver’s seat.

SPECIFICATON 3

Specification of metal cases for conveyance of explosives

        General :

          The body to be of wrought iron, mild steel, hard rolled brass, Muntz metal, or zinc, revetted or welded, fitted at both ends with a substantial flange of same materials or of gunmetal for the attchment of lid and bottom; if of iron or steel to be thoroughly galvanised after makign up or to be effectively painted. Thickness not less than 1.257 mm (18 BG - .0495 inches) or, if of zinc, not less than 9.5 mm.

        The bottom to be of same materials as body or of gunmetal; if of iron or steel,to be thoroughly galvanised, securely riveted to flange of body or forming part of such flange. Thickness not less than 3.2 mm or of zinc not less than 9.5 mm.

       Alternatively the bottom may be made of mild steel of 4.8 mm thick, thoroughly galviaised and dished so that fits tightly over the body made of mild steel as above but without a bottom flange. The body to project at least 25.4 mm into the dished bottom and the edges of the dished end and of the body tobe welded continuously to the body and to the bottom of the dished end respectively.

      The lid to be of same materials as body or of gunmetal; if of iron or steel, to be thogoughly galvanised. Thickness not less than 1.6 mm at centre, and not less than 3.2 at rim, or if of zinc, not less than 9.5 mm throughout.

     The lid to be secured by not less than four good screws, bolts or swing bolts, with or without a substantial hinge, which may take the place of one of the four screws, bolts, or swing bolts.

    A washer of leather, India rubber or other suitable material to be between the lid and the flange, unless the lid is fitted with a projecting ring into a depressionint he flange.

    All rivet heads to be well finished, and the inside of the package to be free from rough edges or burrs.

    The whole to be of good material and workmanship and to be maintained in a efficient condition.

SPECIFICATION 4

Specification of metal cases for conveyance of explosives

Duralumin Containers :

        Dimensions of container inside to be 902 mm. Deep by 308 mm. Wide by 267 broad.

       The body of container to be of 1.626 mm (No.16 S.W.G.) sheet in one piece rivetted with 8.00 mm (5/6ths inch) diameter rivets 25.4 mm pitch at seam. 50.8 m. pitch at other three corners, having 31.8 m. by 31.8 by 4.8 mm. Angel rivetted on top and round bottom with 8 mm.diameter rivets 25.4 pitch.

       Bottom of containers to be of 3.25 mm. ( No. 10 S.W.G.) sheet fitted with 31.8 mm. By 31.8 mm. By 4.8 angle all round and rivetted with 8 mm. Diameter rivets. Corner pieces 2.642 mm. (No. 12 S.W.G.) sheet to be rivetted to angel and to bottom plate with 8 mm. Diameter rivets.

      Cover of container to be of 2.032 m. (No. 14 S.W.G.) sheet fitted with 37.6 mm by 25.4 mm. By 4.8 mm angle all round and rivetted with 8.0 mm. Diameter rivets. Corner pieces 2.042 mm (No. 12S.W.G.) sheet to be rivetted to angel and cover plate with 8.00 mm diameter rivets.

      Cover to be fastened to container by four 12.7 mm with worth set pins with washer.

      Rubber joint 31.8 mm by 3.2 mm thick to be riveted to underside of cover plate by twelve 6.3 mm diameter rivets, 15.9 mm diameter holes to be bored in cover and joint to suit 12.7 mm set pins.

      Two Duralumin drop down handles to be rivetted to body of container.

 SPECIFICATION 5

Specifications of metal cases for conveyance of explosives.

       The body to be of wronght iron or mild steel, thoroughly galvanised, thickness not less than 18 B.G. (0495 inch) fitted at the top with a flange 12.7 mm thick made of the Aluminium Alloy (12.5 percent to 14.5 percent zinc; 2.5 percent to 3 percent copper; remainder Aluminium).

      The bottom to be of the Aluminium Alloy, not less than 12.7 mm thick at the rim, and not less than 4.8 mm thick at the centre, and provided with a protection 25.4 mm high and at least 6.3 mm thick, so made as to be a a close fit inside the body, to which it shall be rivetted with rivets 6.3 mm diameter.

     The lid to be of the Aluminium alloy, not less than 12.7 mm thick at the rim and not less than 6.3 mm thick at the centre and secured by eight screwed studs to the flange.

     A washer of leather India rubber, or other suitable material to be between the lid and the flange unless the lid is fitted with a projecting ring fitting into a depres ion in the flage.

    All rivet heads to be well finished and the inside of the package to be free from rough edges or burens.

SPECIFICATION 6

Specifications of Magazines

1. General:
   

     The basic considerations in the construction of magazines are security to ensure that the contents are kept out of the hands of unauthorised persons; to maintain them in good conditions and to reduce the risk of accidental explosion. This calls for a construction, which will resist illegal entry as much as possible and is well ventilated. In choosing a site for a magazine, consideration should be given to any protection of life and property offered by natural features of the ground in the event of a fire and/or an explosion. The suitability of a site and the amount of explosives that may be stored are determined by its distance from public thoroughfares; residential or industrial areas, railways etc. as specified in the table of safety distance in Schedule VIII. Naturally a site obscured from public view either by natural or artificial means is preferred.

      Apart from the Rules and Regulations concerning the storage of explosives certain conditions should be observed from the point of view of care for the materials concerned e.g. improper storage may lead directly to misfires later on. In all cases, places of storage should be dry, well ventilated and protected from extremes of temperature as much as possible. Stocks should be drawn upon in strict rotation any surplus from the day’s work being returned to the magazine and kept separately for use on the following day.

      Safety Fuse and detonators should be kept in perfect condition for obtaining good results. Therefore, at all times during transport, handling and storage, they should be protected from moisture and contact with oil, grease, kerosene or other liquids. Detonators shall not be stored with other explosives.

2. Types of Magazine:
   

      Magazines may be of heavy construction, i.e. steel , reinforced concrete, brick, stone or preformed concrete blocks. Maximum security is attainable only with steel or reinforced concrete structures. The internal dimensions of the magazine shall be such that there is ready access to all explosives.

3. Construction of the Magazine:

      A magazine shall be well and substantially and shall be made and close so as to prevent unauthorised persons from having access thereto and to secure it from danger.

MODE ‘A’ MAGAZINE

     A Mode ‘A’ magazine shall be of a type approved by the Chief Controller and shall primarily –

1. have walls of reinforced concrete at least 225 mm thick or brick/stone at least 450 mm thick set in cement mortar. Concrete shall have a minimum compressive strength of 2500lb/sq. inch at 28 days (the required strength will be reached by a mixture consisting of 1 part cement, 1- ½ parts sand, 3 parts of aggregate by volume). Reinforcement should consist of square mesh, hard-drawn steel wire fabric, providing a cross-section area in each direction of not les than 0.21in 2 ft of wall. The reinforcement shall be covered by not less than 50 mm of concrete on either side. The bricks and concrete blocks shall conform to relevant Indian Standard Specifications. Commercial grade steel is satisfactory for use in construction. The cement mortar shall consist of not less than one part of cement and three parts of clean sand.
2. have interior, and the benches, shelves and fittings therein so constructed or so lined or covered as to prevent the exposure of any iron or steel and the detaching of grit, iron, steel or similar substances in such manner as to come into contact with explosives. Such interior benches shelves and fittings shall be kept free from grit and otherwise clean; and in the case of any explosive that is liable to the dangerously affected by water due precautions shall be taken to exclude it therefrom.
3. have roof reinforced concrete at least 150 mm thick.
4. have one ventilator at the top and bottom in each opposite side wall of the magazine where the weight of explosive stored is upto and including 500 kgs and minimum two in the top and bottom of each wall where the weight of explosive stored exceeds 500 kgs. Number of the ventilators may be increased as desired by the licensing authority. The ventilators shall be 22.5 cm x 11.25 cm. Z type fitted with frame of iron bars set firmly in the wall on the outer face, the bars to be of 2.35 cm² , (3/8" sq.) iron set anglewise with the frame. The inner opening to be protected with brass wire gauge of 3 mesh per centimeter.
5. have external doors –

1. that opens outwards and when closed fit tightly;
2. to be constructed of steel plate at least 5mm, thick with or without internal lining of wood

               f.    have every internal door –

1. made of wood;
2. locks and fittings of non-ferrous metal

               g.   have external door locks of "dead lock" type.

               h.   have a separate room for storage of detonators or other explosives of Class 6 Division 3 if stored within the
                   magazine. Such room shall have independent entrance and a minimum air-gap of 1 meter from any other room in
                   the magazine and the thickness of the wall of the detonator storage room facing any other room in the magazine
                   shall be minimum 60 cm.

               i.   have wooden tressels or raised cement platform for storage of explosive packages.

               j. have a porch if necessary and any such porch shall

i.  be of the same construction as the remainder of the magazine; and
ii. be used only for keeping all tools or implements used in connection with the magazine or the
    changing of clothe and shoes.

              k. have 25 x 50 mm furring strips fastened to the wall, vertically on 300 mm centres starting 130 mm from floor and
                 continuous to the stacking line, around the usable portions of the walls to provide air circulation and to prevent
                 cases of explosives being stacked directly against the walls.

              l.   have a minimum 12 mm red line painted on the interior walls of the magazine at a height of 2.5 metres from the
                  floor level. This line indicates the maximum height to which explosives may be stacked. The licensing authority
                  may specify lower stacking height if deemed necessary;

              m. have an internal volume not less than 0.4 cubic meter for each 100 kgs of explosives. In addition sufficient space
                   shall be provided for passage between stocks of packages if required by licensing authority;

             n.  have sufficient number of windows for proper lighting inside the magazine. The windows shall open outside and
                  constructed of steel plate at least 5 mm g, floor or doors;

             o.  have an internal volume not less than 0.4 cubic metre for each 100 kgs of explosives. The maximum internal
                  volume shall not be more than 2 cubic metres.

             p.  be ventilated by means of vents which shall be adequately protected;

             q.  have external hinges of steel welded to the door and to the frame of the magazine;

              r.   have a lock of "dead lock" type for external door.

SPECIFICATION 7

SPECIFICATION OF A STOREHOUSE

           The basic consideration in construction of a storehouse are to ensure that the contents are kept out of the hands of unauthorised persons, to maintain them in good condition and to reduce risk of fire. This calls for a construction which will resist illegal entry as much as possible and is well ventilated. The place of a storage should be dry and it should be possible to draw stocks in strict rotation.

          The storehouse should have walls built of brick, stone or concrete. The bricks and concrete shall conform to relevant Indian Standard Specifications. The cement mortar shall consist of not less than one part of cement and three parts of clean sands. The interior of the storehouse shall be kept clean and all benches, shelves and fittings shall be so constructed or so lined or covered as to prevent the exposure of any iron or steel and the detachment of any grit, iron, steel or substances steel or substances in such manner as to come in contact with the materials stored and such interior, benches, shelves and fittings shall as far as is practicable be kept clean and free from gift. The storehouse shall have adequate number of ventilators as desired by the licensing authority. The ventilators shall be provided at the top and the bottom of the walls as suggested by the licensing authority. The ventilators shall be 22.5 cm x 11.25 cm fitted with suitable frames firmly set in the walls on the outer face. The bars to be of minimum 2.35 cm² set angle-wise with the frame. The inner opening to be protected with wire gauge of minimum 3 mesh per cm. the storehouse shall have a floor area of 3 M² per tonne of explosives and have a minimum 12 mm red line painted on the interior walls at a height 3 M from the floor level. This line indicates maximum height to which explosives may be stacked. The gang way space of minimum 30 Cm shall be provided around the usable portion of the walls to provide air circulation. In addition sufficient space shall be provided for passage between the stacks of packages if required by the licensing authority. The licensing authority may specify lower stacking height if deemed necessary.

           The storehouse shall have sufficient number of wooden windows for proper lighting inside. The windows shall open outwards. The storehouse shall have smooth, stone or cement flooring.