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1.1 This practice covers the evaluation, selection, and application of techniques to establish examination schemes for use by forensic explosives examiners to identify intact (unexploded) low and high explosives. A foundation for a consistent approach to the analysis of intact explosives is provided. Methods for the development of identifying information that follows an efficient order of testing are described.

1.2 This practice establishes requirements for the use of visual, physical, analytical, and instrumental techniques that provide structural and chemical information for an identification of a high or low explosive material.

1.3 Techniques used in the examination of explosives include visual and microscopical inspection, physical characterization, ignition susceptibility testing, chemical and spot testing, and instrumental methods.

1.4 The minimum requirements for identification of commonly encountered explosives and explosive materials are listed.

1.5 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework (refer to the T/SWGFEX Suggested Guide for Explosives Analysis Training).

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 This practice is designed to assist the forensic explosives examiner in selecting and organizing an analytical scheme for identifying intact explosives. The amount and condition of the sample, as well as the availability of applicable instrumental techniques, will determine the selected analytical scheme.

5.2 The forensic explosives examiner considers relevant issues about the case investigation and submitted items, such as sample size, complexity and condition, environmental effects, and collection methods used. Considerations include test methods, sample preparation schemes, test sequences, and acceptable degrees of sample alteration and consumption that will be different for each case submission.

5.3 This practice provides the minimum criteria for identifying explosive material. The examiner determines an analytical scheme that uses techniques to correctly identify the material, which could include oxidizers, fuels, binders, and detection agents.

5.4 This practice is used in conjunction with the referenced documents.

5.5 This practice does not attempt to address all the issues regarding sample analyses. There could be additional tests or analyses performed to provide further discrimination and characterization of samples.