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Army bomb disposal team deals with chemical at Tralee IT

A small quantity of picric acid, which can become unstable over time, is found during a routine audit of chemicals.

THE ARMY BOMB Disposal Team has been called to Tralee Institute of Technology to make safe a small quantity of an unstable acid.

The team was deployed to Tralee following a routine audit of chemicals in a science laboratory, where the quantity of picric acid was discovered earlier today.

The chemical was removed to a waste ground where a controlled explosion was carried out in order to neutralise the substance.

Picric Acid is a chemical re-agent and is routinely used in laboratories, but can crystallise and become unstable over time.

The call-out is the 143rd for the Army Bomb Disposal Teams this year.

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5 Comments
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    Mute Derek Ibrahim Mc Cabe
    Favourite Derek Ibrahim Mc Cabe
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    Jul 8th 2011, 3:38 PM

    Blown out of all proportion. A small amount that can do no damage was found, maybe army just need to go walkabouts.

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    Mute EMacA
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    Jul 8th 2011, 3:54 PM

    In fairness, the Army just do what’s asked of them.

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    Mute Dvonne
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    Jul 8th 2011, 6:30 PM

    Who blew what out of proportion? The army were called out and dealt with it and went off again.

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    Mute Alan Smyth
    Favourite Alan Smyth
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    Jul 9th 2011, 12:44 AM

    Gobshite. Do you think soldiers like going to deal with explosives no matter what amount there is. These men risk there lives and get little or nothing in return.

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    Mute Imogene Blignaut
    Favourite Imogene Blignaut
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    Jul 9th 2011, 9:27 AM

    Picric acid is a highly nitrated phenol compound, much like TNT, which makes it explosive.
    You may not think much of a “small quantity” being found, but it was found in a lab. Surrounded by other chemicals. Flammable, toxic chemicals. And solvents. Flammable ones.
    Trust me, you don’t want a small quantity of unstable picric acid in any lab!

    8
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