23 votes

'Intentional' explosion at Harvard medical campus under investigation

5 comments

  1. [5]
    AnxiousCucumber
    Link
    Explosion like "Halloween stupid fireworks prank", or explosion like "domestic terrorism"? The article isn't clear.

    Explosion like "Halloween stupid fireworks prank", or explosion like "domestic terrorism"? The article isn't clear.

    7 votes
    1. [4]
      cfabbro
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      If I had to guess (and this is total speculation), it was probably an attempt to get access to a drug storage locker, so I don't imagine it was a very big explosion or terrorism related....

      If I had to guess (and this is total speculation), it was probably an attempt to get access to a drug storage locker, so I don't imagine it was a very big explosion or terrorism related. Apparently the Goldenson Building, where this took place, is home to Harvard's Biomedical Research and Neuroscience labs, so make of that what you will.

      8 votes
      1. [3]
        ShroudedScribe
        Link Parent
        Are the locks on those explosion grade? And wouldn't that risk damaging the contents? With the prevalence of lock picking knowledge online that seems a bit unlikely to me.

        Are the locks on those explosion grade? And wouldn't that risk damaging the contents? With the prevalence of lock picking knowledge online that seems a bit unlikely to me.

        5 votes
        1. [2]
          nukeman
          Link Parent
          If it’s for controlled substances, the DEA standard is apparently TL-30, meaning it must withstand 30 minutes of being attacked by tools. Explosives are a separate rating (TXTL), and I suspect a...

          If it’s for controlled substances, the DEA standard is apparently TL-30, meaning it must withstand 30 minutes of being attacked by tools. Explosives are a separate rating (TXTL), and I suspect a relatively small amount of explosives could get you in.

          10 votes
          1. l_one
            Link Parent
            Notably, the selection of tools (specifically power tools) is both a bit limited and somewhat vague. They DO mention abrasive cutting wheels, though they don't specifically say battery or plug-in...

            TL-30, meaning it must withstand 30 minutes of being attacked by tools

            Notably, the selection of tools (specifically power tools) is both a bit limited and somewhat vague. They DO mention abrasive cutting wheels, though they don't specifically say battery or plug-in powered grinders (or otherwise specify the type and power of tool using a cutting disk) so I would be curious to know what their limits are to pass the TL-30 test.

            Example: an older Ni-Cad battery powered grinder is materially different than a modern Lion or Lipo powered grinder. More torque, higher max RPM, etc... Then there are modern corded grinders, and then things like gasoline powered concrete saws...

            So, yeah, I'd be curious about the specifics of what they use to test for that 30 minute rating and just how aggressive they get.

            6 votes