Discharge of explosive substances
An explosive substance or agent is a chemical compound or mixture that can explode under the effect of heat, flame, electrical discharge, static electricity, shock, impact, friction or a combination of these.
Risks and causes
Causes
What can you do?
BEFORE
- Check out our general advice to follow in an emergency.
DURING
- Are you indoors?
- Are objects falling to the ground? Take shelter under a table, desk or other solid piece of furniture.
- Is it safe to leave your current location?
- Head for an open area.
- Crouch down if there is fire or smoke.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or other tissue.
- Are you outside?
- Go to a safe place. Call 112.
AFTER
- An explosion may have various consequences, especially when chemical substances are involved. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
Impact and probability
The figures relating to probability and impact describe an extreme explosion of explosive substances. The BNRA theoretically describes such a scenario as follows:
- An intense fire or explosion spreads rapidly over a short period of time.
- There is serious explosive force.
How should you interpret these results?
Within the BNRA, experts assessed three scenarios for each risk: considerable, major or extreme. On each page, you will find the results of the scenario with the highest score based on the combination of likelihood and impact. This does not mean that this scenario will occur or is the most likely. Read more here about how to correctly interpret the results.
Probability
Weak
Human impact
Moderate
Societal impact
Moderate
Environmental impact
Very weak
Financial impact
Moderate
What do the authorities do?
A CBRNe centre of expertise was set up within the National Crisis Center in 2018. It helps partners to make CBRNe emergency plans operational, offers support in crisis management, and participates in training for intervention services.
A CBRNe incident always requires multidisciplinary management and/or coordination at national level. Depending on the nature of the incident, different emergency plans can be triggered in the event of a CBRNe risk, for example the nuclear and radiological emergency plan or the CBRNe terrorism emergency plan.
An explosion may have various causes. Depending on the cause, preventive measures are taken. Find out more on this topic:
- Fire or explosion in an urban or residential area.
- Incident at a CBRNe installation
- Incident at a Seveso installation
- Incident during transport of CBRNe substances
- Attack on a government or international institution
- Attack on a VIP
- Attack on a group of people or a community