ESR II.1.(h) addresses the “suitability of the explosive for use in hazardous environments”. The conditions and the type of hazards of “hazardous environments” depend on the field in which an explosive is to be used and are different in different countries. Since there is no universal approach to address safety under such a broad range of conditions, it is not possible to address this ESR by a verification done only with the explosive. It is common practice that national or even local provisions address very specifically the hazards found in a specific mining environment.

ESR II.3.1.(c) addresses the toxicity of “fumes produced by blasting explosives intended for underground use”. The health of workers can only be protected by providing strong ventilation and avoiding any contact of people with fumes produced by explosives. The conditions and efficiency of ventilation, and the applicable threshold levels are unknown during the phase of testing or design of an explosive and therefore cannot be addressed by a verification applied to the explosive alone.