Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO)
Context:
A recent explosion inside a police station in Jammu & Kashmir, involving seized explosives.
This has brought attention to safety protocols.
Agencies often coordinate with the Controller of Explosives at PESO for the safe disposal of seized explosive materials.
About PESO:
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) formerly Department of Explosives, with its Head Office at Nagpur had completed its hundred years on 9th September 1998.
It serves as the nodal agency for regulating the safety of hazardous substances (including explosives, compressed gases, and petroleum)
It operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
PESO’s major work is to administer the responsibilities delegated under the Explosives Act 1884 and Petroleum Act 1934 and the Rules made there under the motto “Safety First”.
PESO certification is important for a health facility that is using cylinders (carrying medical oxygen), cryogenic tanks, compressed gases storage vessels, PSA plants etc.
Chemical Hazards Associated with Explosive Materials
Certain reactive chemicals—such as sodium and phosphorus can ignite or react dangerously when exposed to air or moisture, making them critical hazards during forensic examination, transport, or storage.
Key Chemicals & Properties
Sodium (Na):
It is a highly reactive alkali metal.
While not an explosive itself, it ignites spontaneously if left exposed to open air.
It must be stored immersed in kerosene or mineral oil to prevent reaction with moisture and oxygen.
Reacts violently with water, producing heat and hydrogen gas.
Must be stored under oil or inert atmosphere to prevent accidental reaction.
Phosphorus (P):
White Phosphorus:
This is highly reactive and pyrophoric (ignites in air at ~30°C).
It is used in some hand grenades and smoke screens.
It must be kept under water to prevent ignition, as exposure to oxygen makes it ignite.
Red Phosphorus:
This is more stable and less reactive than white phosphorus.
It does not ignite spontaneously in air and is commonly used in safety matches.
Potassium (K):
This is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal that is even more reactive than sodium.
It reacts violently with water, generating hydrogen gas which often catches fire.
Just like sodium this also requires storage under oil (kerosene) or inert atmosphere to prevent reaction with air or humidity.
Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃):
A white crystalline solid, highly soluble in water and hygroscopic (absorbs moisture).
By itself, it is not an explosive but a Strong oxidizer.
However, when mixed with fuel oil, it becomes a powerful explosive.
Mixtures containing more than 45% Ammonium Nitrate are deemed explosives under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, regulated by PESO.
Chlorine (Cl₂):
A greenish-yellow gas with a pungent, suffocating odor.
It is denser than air and highly toxic.
It is used widely for water purification and in the chemical industry.
As a compressed gas, its storage in cylinders is regulated to prevent leaks, which can cause severe respiratory distress.