What risk is associated with burning ANFO and ammonium nitrate?

• A. They can produce toxic gases
• B. They may explode under heat
• C. They can cause injury through shrapnel
• D. They will ignite spontaneously

Answer: (B)

Burning ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) and ammonium nitrate involves specific risks primarily related to their potential for explosion. When subjected to heat, these materials can rapidly degrade and, if conditions are right, lead to a detonation. This is particularly important in the context of mining and explosives handling, where controlling the environment and conditions in which these substances are stored and used is critical for safety.

While it's true that ANFO can burn and produce gases, the most significant risk comes from its ability to transition from a burning state to a detonative state under the right temperatures and pressures. This transition can result in a significant explosion, which poses a serious threat to safety.

Other choices present risks but are lesser concerns in direct relevance to ANFO. For instance, while the substances can produce toxic gases, this is not typically the primary risk associated with combustion. Similarly, while injury from shrapnel is a concern with explosive materials, it is not specifically linked to merely burning ANFO or ammonium nitrate without initiating detonation. Spontaneous ignition is also not a characteristic feature of these materials under normal handling and storage conditions.

The critical takeaway is that the primary risk associated with burning ANFO and ammonium nitrate pertains to the potential