Required Materials for Demolition.

TM 43-0002-31

b. Destruction by demolition requires careful plan-

ning and training to insure complete destruction of the

equipment. The way in which a demolition charge

(TM 9-1375-213-1 2) is placed can make the difference

between minor damage or complete destruction. Inex-

perienced operators using demolition materials impro-

perly can cause serious injuries or death to themselves

and/or nearby personnel. Personnel using demolition

materials must be thoroughly familiar with pertinent pro-

visions of AR 385-63, FM 5-25, and TM 9-1375-213-12.

Radiation hazard. Do not use mechani-

c. Demolition charges are used to destroy equip-

cal means, demolition, fire, gunfire, or

ment that cannot be damaged effectively by fire or

dumping in water to destroy radioactive

mechanical means. Demolition charges are most effec-

sources. Exposure to radiation from the

tive for destroying equipment when (1) there is time to

source may cause casualties or deaths.

place the charges in advance; (2) there are large stores

or heavy items of equipment to be destroyed; and (3)

Observe applicable surface danger zones

simultaneous destruction is planned.

specified in AR 385-63 for hazards from

d. Demolition is not effective for destroying small

incendiary grenades, flamethrowers, in-

items because they tend to scatter, possibly leaving

cendiary rockets, and demolitions or from

priority items undestroyed.

ricochets from gunfire.

e. Another disadvantage of this method is that it

requires units to carry explosives and demolition

Always drain wet cell batteries before

equipment. Further, personnel must be trained in the

using any method of destruction. Bat-

use of explosives in order to use them effectively and

teries contain corrosive electrolyte which

safely.

can cause severe burns.

2-10. Required Materials for Demolition. Mate-

Do not use dud ammunition for demolition

rials required for destruction of equipment by demolition

purposes.

include demolition charges (explosives such as TNT,

tetrytol, or composition C4), detonating cord, firing de-

Verify burning rate of each roll of time fuse

vices, time fuses, and demolition accessories, kits, and

before use. Burning rates vary with differ-

sets. Descriptions and data on these demolition mate-

ent fuses and moisture content. Allow

rials are provided in TM 9-1375-213-12. The type and

enough time on installed time fuse for per-

size of demolition charge used may vary according to

sonnel to take cover.

the time and demolitions available and size of equip-

ment to be destroyed. Most chemical weapons and

Do not chew or swallow composition C4

defense equipment (except lightweight items) can be

explosive. Do not use composition C4 as

a heat source or breathe its fumes. Com-

easily destroyed by using 1/4-pound, 1/2-pound, or

1-pound blocks of TNT demolition charges.

position C4 is poisonous and gives off

poisonous fumes when detonated or

2-11. Procedures for Using Demolition. Proce-

burned.

dures for using demolition materials to destroy chemical

weapons and defense equipment are provided below

Keep blasting caps, detonating cord, and

only as a guide for planning these operations. Do not

time fuse separated from explosive

deviate from the detailed operating procedures in

charges until ready for use.

TM 9-1375-213-12. Observe all warnings therein.

Before firing demolition charges, clear all

friendly personnel from the surface

danger zone to prevent injury from flying

DEATH or severe wounds or burns may

fragments. (The surface danger zone is at

result if personnel fail to observe safety

least 200 meters and up to 500 meters,

precautions.

depending upon the situation.)

2-3