Introduction to Explosives

Types of Explosives
Low Explosives (Burns or Deflagrate) High Explosives (Detonates or Explodes)

During an Explosion
Heat Generated:Blast Pressure:4 to 5000 degree Celsius Upto 40,00,000 PSI

Velocity of Detonation:- Upto 31500 Km/Hr

Requirements of a Bomb
Explosive Material Detonator Wires Power Source (Batteries) Switch

Block Diagram of a Bomb

Detonator Wires

Explosive Material

Switch

Battery

Types of Explosive Devices

Time Control Light Control Speed Control Apply Pressure Release Pressure Anti Operate Anti Open Vibration Anti Tilt Anti Lift Anti Roll Remote

Explosives Commonly Used

Semtex Gun Powder Nitroglycerine Cortex Sulphur Gelatin Sticks RDX,C/3,C/4 PENT TNT Potassium Nitrate Lead Azide Combinations of various chemicals & acids. viz. Potassium Chlorate + Sugar + Sulphuric Acid

Types of Bomb Threats Specific

Building is identified Specific area/floor/department mentioned Exact date /time is stated

Non-Specific
If the above factors are not available or given then the threat can be classified as non specific. These threats cannot be neglected, & a search of the building is to be carried out as per procedure.

Bomb Threat Drill

Receipt of bomb threat message. Tele/Written Notification to Security manager/control room Assembly of bomb threat committee Evaluation of bomb call Call off all activities Questioning technique Background noise Completion of bomb threat check list Alert police/bomb squad Inform bomb threat committee Inform superiors Medical/ambulance Notify fire brigade Senior manager Explosive expert

Police Alert search team

Risk analysis Evaluate threat Specific/nonspecific Decide type of search Posting of guide Control evacuation Assembly area surveillance Complete evacuation Place sand bags Await bomb squad Decide RSP technique Collect evidence for investigation

Assess credibility of message

Search

Evacuation

Bomb not detected Investigation Charge-sheet Conviction

Bomb located

Disposal of bomb

Search & Evacuation Options

Evacuate all & search Evacuate partially & search Search without evacuation Search after evacuation Fully evacuate & do not search

Search & Evacuation depends on:

Number of hoax calls recently received Loss of man-hour & production Possible injury to people during evacuation Number of staff/customers to be evacuated Loss of goodwill & subsequent loss of business Number of exit route & doors Proximity & danger to neighboring buildings Liabilities in case explosion occurs

Search Procedures
Entire building is to be searched looking out for the following:Loose switchboards & paneling Unusual or out of place objects Loose electrical fittings Disturbed carpeting Scratch marks or fresh paint Dusty footprints New brick work or plastering Greasy paper packing Tin foils, Batteries, Safety fuses & dirty ropes Loose wires or insulation pieces Partially open windows & drawers Brick powder or saw dust

Room Search Levels

First Sweep Second Sweep Third Sweep Floor to Waist level Waist to Head level Head to Ceiling level

If the room has a false ceiling, an additional sweep is to be carried out searching all electrical wires, air-conditioning ducts & all such things between false ceiling & the roof. On completion of search, each room to be clearly marked with bright coloured chalks indicating search has been completed.

Additional Sweep

Dos & Don'ts During Evacuation

Walk out in a quiet manner to assembly point Open all doors & windows Switch off all power supply before leaving Carry all personal belongings with you Follow instruction of marshal during evacuation Wait in the assembly area till further instruction Help ladies/aged/handicapped while evacuation

Take head count & report shortfalls 2Dont run during evacuation 2Dont use lifts 2Dont ask any questions to the marshals 2Dont spread rumors & cause panic

Letter/Book Bomb (Definition)

A letter/book designed to explode when opened, causing serious injury or death to the person opening it & could be fatal for any target.

Purpose
To injure or kill an individual To terrorise or create panic in public

Dimensions
Letter
3 Cms 4X6 50 to 100 gms Thickness Length Weight

Book
3 - 4 12X8 300 to 400 gms

How to Detect a Letter Bomb

Extra postage stamp Misspelled name Senders address not on the cover Address with title only & no name Excessively secured Visual distraction Envelope with holes Discolouration / oil stains Smell of almond Uneven / lopsided envelope Hand written address Envelopes marked Secret or Confidential

Action on Locating Suspicious Object

Inform Control room & Security Manager Inform Bomb squad, Fire Brigade, Ambulance Evacuate to a safe distance (100 Meters) Open all doors & windows of that area Dont touch, open, move, tilt or roll the object Handle the object alone if you are duty bound Dont cut strings/wires or pass metallic objects Dont use Radio equipment or flashlight nearby Place sand bags around the suspected object Buttress Server/EDP & other sensitive rooms Questioning employees of the area/investigation Dont permit re-entry till area is declared safe Dont accept anything on the face value Dont be a DEAD HERO