Addressing Health, Safety, and Environmental Issues Associated with the Accumulation of Nitrocellulose

Nitrocellulose on Firing Ranges

The introduction of frangible rounds projected by nitrocellulose propellants for weapons training addressed several of the existing health and safety risks detected on firing ranges, including the accumulation of lead in the environment from traditional, lead-compound bullets. While the environmental residual nitrocellulose does not pose inhalation, contact, or absorption risks on firing ranges, it does present an environmental safety fire hazard. Specifically, it is easily ignitable from sparks derived from firing weapons, and upon combustion emits large quantities of heat and toxic substances.

Environmentally then, the spent nitrocellulose is a hazardous waste due to it being explosive and flammable. Because nitrocellulose is considered a listed hazardous waste that accumulates over time, its level must be actively managed and a plan for its disposal must be implemented. ASG has used its long history of building nitrocellulose management solutions for militaries around the world to produce a white paper providing:

• A short history and explanation of nitrocellulose propellant use
• An outline of the fire/explosion risks of residual nitrocellulose, including those from sparks, friction, and autocatylization
• Protocols for measuring, predicting, and managing the accumulation over time of residual nitrocellulose on firing ranges
• Protocols for cleaning sites
• Best practices and awareness training solutions

To learn more about the most overlooked elements of CBRN training and how to implement the most effective preparedness-training solutions, request a free copy of our technical report, Nitrocellulose on Firing Ranges: Addressing Health, Safety, and Environmental Issues Associated with the Accumulation of Nitrocellulose.