DEMILITARIZATION OF CHEMICAL MUNITIONS

TM 9-1300-277

disposed of in a single operation whenever possible. In

The pit will be a minimum of 1.2 meters (four feet) deep

disposal

operations

completed

detonation,

and the item to be destroyed covered with 0.6 meters

consideration should be given to utilizing items with a

(two feet) or more of earth. Pits are not required when

high explosive content to enhance efficiency and cost

disposal takes place on a bombing range. If pits or

effectiveness. Mixing of bulk explosives will not be

similar aids are not used to limit fragments, cautions will

permitted during burning operations.

be taken to protect personnel and equipment. The use

of a pit or barricade or other means of confinement is

m. Some munitions are comparatively difficult to

mandatory where ranges do not have 732 meters (2400

explode; therefore, a search of the area will be made

feet) of clearance.

after each detonation for any munition that has not been

detonated. Use caution when investigating post-firing

g. Where operations require the use of a personnel

results. Misfired charges may be present even though

shelter, the shelter will be located at the appropriate

the shot appeared to be normal.

inhabited building distance for the quantity/type of

materials being detonated, but in no case less than 91

n. Inert filled items will not be disposed of or

meters (300 feet) from the disposal site. The shelter

released for sale as scrap metal until internal fillers are

shall afford substantial fragment-proof overhead cover

exposed and unconfined. Heat generated during a

and frontal protection.

reclamation operation can cause the filler, moisture and

air to expand and burst sealed casings. Venting or

h. Tools and equipment to be used during disposal

exposure may be accomplished in any way necessary to

operations will be afforded protection to prevent

preclude rupture due to confined pressure.

damage. Safety equipment/clothing will be readily

available but must be protected from damage.

2-4. DEMILITARIZATION OF CHEMICAL MUNITIONS

i. Fire prevention is an integral part of any

a. Chemical munitions will be destroyed in an open

munitions disposal operation. At locations where a high

space (preferably on a hilltop) and there should be no

fire hazard exists, such factors as weather and local

woods or heavy brush that might trap the vapors or

environmental conditions become critical. When the fire

aerosols generated close to the operation, especially in

department is contacted, the local fire hazard potential

the downward direction.

will be evaluated and a determination made as to

b. Factors influencing Disposal of Chemical

additional protective measures necessary to ensure

Munitions:

The following factors will be carefully

effective fire prevention.

If adequate fire

considered when disposing of munitions containing

preventive/protective measures cannot be taken,

chemical agents. See table 2-1.

demilitarization/disposal operations will not be

(1) Temperature and pressure. Under normal

conducted.

temperature and pressure, chemical agents may exist

j. Firefighting equipment will be present at the

physically as solids, liquids, or gases. The physical

scene to combat grass, brush, or equipment fires. Type

state in which an agent normally exists determines to

of equipment and any additional protective measures

some extent its tactical use, its effective duration, its

necessary in high fire risk areas/periods will be

physiological action, the type of munition used for its

coordinated with the Base Fire Marshall.

dispersion and the disposal procedure for the chemical

k. All disposal operations will be conducted in

agent and the explosive components. The chemical

accordance with approved SOP's, DMWR's, and this

evaporates or becomes a gas more rapidly as the

manual.

temperature increases. If the temperature can be raised

high enough, thermal decomposition may result.

l. Disposal actions will be completed in the safest

most expeditious, and cost effective manner available at

a particular disposal site.

Items with compatible

characteristics and similar disposal methods should be

Change 1

2-3