One special codes and enforcement issue pertinent to this incident was the requirement -- or lack of requirement -- for labeling the trailers/ magazines.
There are three classes of explosive material: high explosives (for example, dynamite); low explosives (for example, fuse lighters); and blasting agents (for example, ammonium nitrate/fuel oil mixture). The class of explosive dictates the type of magazine in which it is to be stored according to ATF guidelines. Types 1, 2, and 3 are magazines,for high explosives. Type 4 is for low explosives. These four types of magazines are normally of smaller, heavier construction and brightly colored.
Type 5 magazines are for blasting agents and were in use on this site and involved in the two explosions. B lasting agents are typical 1y stored in large quantities and are delivered in mobile Type 5 magazines which usually are owned by the manufacturers of the material (as in this incident) and have the appearance of a standard freight trailer. It may be a single or double axle trailer, depending on the load amount.
While the blasting-agent is en route from the manufacturer to the user site, it is subject to regulation by the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT regulations state that the vehicle must be placarded for identification purposes. This is the only time the explosive material is not directly under ATF jurisdiction. Once the Type 5 mobile magazine is parked, it is again under the jurisdiction of ATF. At this point the DOT placards usually are removed (or folded up), creating the problem of identification of contents.
The logic behind ATF's not requiring labeling of Type 5 magazines when parked is that they are less susceptible to theft and vandalism if they are not readily identified. By appearing as innocuous trailers, fewer people know what they contain. Unfortunately, as tragically illustrated here, this lack of knowledge also applies to firefighters.
One reason for this orientation toward confidentiality is that the ATF's regulations and the act that requires them were prompted primarily by the nationwide concern in the early 1970’s over domestic terrorism.
Thus, while not officially opposed to placarding on site, the ATF regulations do not require them and do not address the issue. Furthermore, the removal of placards from trailers/magazines upon arrival on site appears to be an accepted practice in the field.
The National Fire Protection Association standard for "Manufacture, Transportation, and Storage of Explosive Materials - 1985” (NFPA 495) requires in Section 6-4,6 that "the local fire department . . . be notified of the location of all magazines . .." The standard also requires in Section 6-85 that the property on which "Type 1 and outdoor Types 2, 4 and 5 are located be posted with signs reading 'Explosives - Keep Off'." The standard does not, however, require placarding or marking of the Type 5 magazines themselves or identification of the explosives.
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