What is a primary concern when dealing with high explosives during EOD operations?

When dealing with high explosives during EOD operations, the potential for detonation by shockwaves is a primary concern. High explosives are sensitive to a variety of stimuli, and shockwaves can easily initiate a detonation, especially in confined spaces or when explosives are disturbed improperly. This sensitivity poses a significant risk to EOD personnel, as well as to others nearby. Understanding the effects of shockwaves is crucial in ensuring safe handling, transportation, and disposal of these materials.

While other factors like detonation speed and environmental impact are important, they are secondary to the direct concern of unintentional detonation during EOD operations. Detonation speed relates more to the effectiveness of the explosive rather than immediate safety risks. Similarly, environmental impact and disposal costs are also considerations, but they do not trump the fundamental need for safety and risk management that revolves around the explosives' potential to detonate unexpectedly.