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(a) ammonium nitrate is an oxidizing material that, at elevated temperatures, will support the combustion of materials such as wood, paper, fuel oil and sulphur; but self-sustaining burning reactions are not usually obtained unless more than one per cent of combustible material is present;
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(c) it is important that ammonium nitrate be adequately separated from combustible materials and that the risk of fire be kept at as low a level as practicable;
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(d) mixed fertilizers containing not more than 60 per cent ammonium nitrate as the only oxidizing material, with the balance as inert material, are not usually considered to be either a fire or an explosion hazard in storage; but certain additives or diluents may render even mixed fertilizers as hazardous or more hazardous than pure ammonium nitrate; for this reason, the exemption of a mixed fertilizer from compliance with the requirements of the Commission will depend on the nature and quantities of the ingredients in the mixture;
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(e) it has been demonstrated in laboratory experiments that when the decomposition gases are sufficiently confined, they will accelerate or otherwise promote the decomposition reaction; this confinement may be obtained by accident, such as by the collapse of a building;
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(f) two of the decomposition gases, nitrous oxide and ammonia, when mixed with certain other gases such as carbon monoxide, are capable of exploding; such explosions may be of sufficient power to detonate the ammonium nitrate;
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(h) small quantities of iron oxide, chromic oxide and some of the inorganic salts of chromium, copper and manganese are known to enhance or activate the decomposition of ammonium nitrate; it has also been determined that some of the powdered metals such as zinc, magnesium, tin and copper will react with ammonium nitrate to form compounds which are sensitive to impact;
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(k) as an ammonium nitrate fire progresses, large quantities of very toxic gases are evolved which make it impossible for fire fighters to remain in the vicinity of the fire, unless they are equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus;
