General Terminology

The location where the fire or explosion initiated and spread out from.

The process by which material from one scene can unintentionally be introduced to evidence from another source.

A manufactured product that is used in an industry that requires explosives, such as mining, road and tunnel construction, etc.

Any material capable of producing gas through a chemical reaction leading to an explosion that is capable of causing damage to the surrounding area. Defined in the Criminal Code of Canada as any thing intended to be used to make an explosive substance or any part used or intended to be used or adapted to cause an explosion.

Analytical instruments that have the ability to be taken into field to allow for in-situ analysis.

Explosives that contain oxygen and nitrogen, quickly produce high temperatures, and have a rapid release of gas. There are two main types:

• Primary Explosives:Explosives that are often referred to as initiating explosives as they are easy to ignite, often shock sensitive, and are used to initiate the explosive reaction in secondary explosives, for example, the primer in firearms.
• Secondary Explosives: Explosives that require initiation by a primary explosive in order to detonate.

An explosive sourced from easily accessible material with relative ease of construction.

The analysis or identification of suspected explosives or their key constituents prior to detonation.

Explosives that deflagrate, such as propellants, gunpowder in firearms, and pyrotechnics.

Demolition charges and common artillery in use by military forces.

Analysis of post-blast debris for explosive residues, by-products and device components.