Initiator devices contain small quantities of explosives and are therefore capable of causing harm to operators in the event of an accidental initiation. Little information exists on methods for assessing whether initiator devices can be safely subjected to the sorts of forces generated in manual handling. We have therefore undertaken research to quantify such forces and then to design the apparatus to replicate them. Typical forces are those generated in pulp pinch grips and in single finger presses. This paper presents information relating to the design and use of a pivoted beam unit and its use to investigate percussion caps, a conducting composition cap, stab detonators, flash sensitive detonators, electric detonators and stab igniters.