Instructions for Handling and Using
MOWBRAY’S
TRI-NITRO-GLYCERIN.
1. Handle carefully, avoiding a sudden jar or concussion, and be very careful, if any is spilt outside the can, to avoid striking it against any hard substance.
2. When solid, thaw out by placing the cans in a tub of warm water, not hotter than the wrist can bear, first pouring warm water into the can, and always remove the can before adding more hot water to the tub.
3. To fill Cartridges, &c.—Hold the Cartridges to be filled over a tray, say 2 feet by 3 feet, the bottom of which should be covered with Plaster of Paris (which will not readily explode when saturated with Nitro-Glycerin.) The soiled Plaster of Paris should be frequently renewed.
4. If the Nitro-Glycerin in a liquid state is kept in store or magazine for some time, the cork should be loosely inserted, and a pint of cold water poured in each can, to be frequently poured off and replaced with fresh cold water in warm weather, taking care to retain the bladder under the cork. It is preferable, when ice can be procured, to congeal the Nitro-Glycerin.
5. Use Funnels (gutta-percha if they can be had) for filling water holes. Under no circumstances whatever attempt to tamp the drill holes; it is unnecessary, and may kill the man who attempts it.
6. Hot irons to warm the water, or soldering the cans, will be sure to cause explosions.
7. Never sledge or attempt drilling in a hole or seam where Nitro-Glycerin has been spilled; fire an exploder, which will effectually clear it up.
8. Never pour Nitro-Glycerin into a hole unless perfectly sure that it is a sound hole, or will hold water; if seamy always use cartridges.
9. To obtain the best results with Nitro-Glycerin, drill deep holes, 6 feet or more. Use powerful exploders and well insulated wires. It is cheaper to fire by electric battery with simultaneous explosion, than to fire several holes with tape fuse.
10. Look out after a blast for any unexploded cartridges lying around.
11. Never allow any but the most careful persons to handle or have charge of the Nitro-Glycerin, and insist upon the use of every precaution to prevent an accident or explosion.
12. Never allow empty Glycerin cans to be used for any other purpose, but destroy them by a fuse and exploder, or building a fire under them, first, however, removing them to a safe distance.
13. Examine your cans from time to time, and notice if, at the level of the Nitro-Glycerin, any pin-holes have eaten through; in such case procure a new can, or stone jar, and empty the contents out, not trusting your hold to the upper part of the can, lest it may give way.
14. When solid, or congealed, it is absolutely safe; if possible, therefore, any surplus should be stored surrounded with ice, since no explosion can take place when it is solid.
North Adams, Mass., June, 1872.