Comparison of Industrial Explosive Demolition, Military Destruction and Malicious Damage to Structures

Abstract

In the case of the demolition of buildings and structures, the explosive or explosive device used is irrelevant if the aim is to demolish, destroy or, in extreme cases, damage the designated object. Almost everyone can perfectly distinguish between the sequence of events of industrial demolition, military ruin and unlawful sabotage. However, few people realise that if we look at these activities from different perspectives, we can discover similarities. And when these similarities are compared, a ‘grey zone’ emerges whereby legislators are imposing requirements on employers in the explosives industry to ensure traceability of the various risk materials. We set out to examine industrial, military and terror-related blasting in a segment where all three subject areas are involved, yet the most relevant tasks are represented by civilian blasting activities.