SAFETY AT DEMILITARIZATION/DISPOSAL AREAS

TM 9-1300-277

prior to detonation. The signal for detonation shall be

(2) Danger signs with the legend EXPLOSIVE

given by the supervisor after all personnel are protected

DISPOSAL RANGE-KEEP OUT imprinted on them, will

by cover or have reached a safe distance. Safe

be posted at the entrances and at 152 meters (500-foot

distances will be observed by all personnel.

intervals) around the perimeter of the range. The signs

will be multilingual when necessary and of sufficient size

to incorporate the legend in 5 centimeters (two-inch) red

(6) If a hazardous situation is encountered, all

letters on the white background.

operations in the immediate vicinity will be shut down,

and personnel evacuated to a safe location. Operations

(3) Guards, safety signal, and warning signals

will not be resumed until the hazard has been

will be used as required to keep unauthorized personnel

eliminated. Prompt action will be taken to control any

from danger areas during destruction operations.

hazard.

(7) The demilitarization/ disposal of munitions

c. In areas where demilitarization/disposal ranges

by burning or detonation involves the release of toxic

are not under constant control of U.S. Armed Forces,

fumes. A covered pit may limit the range of fragments

the following safety requirements will be strictly adhered

but the control of fumes is dependent upon a number of

to:

factors, each of which must be carefully assessed for

(1) Prior to starting demilitarization/disposal

the particular material being destroyed at the time and

operations, the disposal range will be searched for

place the operation is conducted.

unauthorized personnel.

(8) No demilitarization/ disposal operation will

(2) Guards will be posted to prevent entry into

be conducted during an electrical storm or when such a

the area prior to and throughout the demilitarization/

storm is approaching within 5 kilometers (3 miles).

disposal operation. Guards will be afforded adequate

Additionally, disposal by detonation using an electrical

protection from fragments.

firing system will not be conducted during sand, dust, or

snow storms.

d. A first aid kit, NSN 6545-00-116-1410, or

(9) Demilitarization/disposal by open burning

suitable substitute, will be available during disposal

will not be conducted when wind velocity exceeds 15

operations. An ambulance or first aid vehicle, manned

miles per hour.

by personnel trained to handle casualties that may occur

2-3.

SAFETY AT DEMILITARIZATION/DISPOSAL

during demilitarization/ disposal of specific munitions,

AREAS

will be on hand. Type of equipment for specific

a. TM 9-1300-206 provides information concerning

munitions being demilitarized/disposed of will be

hazards to personnel and damage to facilities that may

coordinated with the Base Medical Facility.

be expected at given distances. These distances do not

e. A means of communication with both base

provide protection to personnel in the open from

facilities and demilitarization/ disposal personnel will be

fragments and debris.

established. Communication may be by the most

b. The minimum required signs or warning devices

convenient method (radio, telephone, walkie-talkie,

at the entrances and around the perimeter of the

etc.), but the equipment used will be in good working

demilitarization/disposal are as follows:

order prior to commencing any operation.

The

(1) Red range flag to be flown or a rotating

applicable safety distances for electromagnetic devices

red beacon light be in operation during demilitarization/

in TM 9-1300-206 will be followed.

disposal operations and removed only after the range

f. A pit should be used to limit fragments when

has been declared safe. The flag will be a minimum of

demilitarizing by detonation.

0.9 2-2 meters (three feet) wide by 1.5 meters (five feet)

long.

2-2