AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES HANDLING cont'd

TM 9-1300-277

d. General information relative to the properties

(13) Use only authorized vehicles equipped

with spark arrestors to transport munitions and

applicable to military explosives will be found in TM 9-

explosives.

1300-214, and may be used as a guide in the

formulation of safety standards.

f. Explosive

limits-Limits

for

ammunition,

e. Personnel responsibilities. Personnel working

explosives, and pyrotechnic materials shall be

with munitions are required to observe the following

determined by a careful analysis of all facts, including

precautions:

operation timing, transportation methods, size of the

items, and the chemical and physical characteristics of

(1) Do not carry fire or spark-producing

the material. Stricter limits will be used for the more

devices into ammunition and explosives work areas

sensitive or hazardous material.

unless authorized in writing.

(2) Do not smoke, except in authorized areas.

(1) Limits shall be established for each

After smoking, assure that burning tobacco is

operation, rather than on an overall basis, and included

completely extinguished.

in SOP's and applicable DMWR's so that each worker

(3) Do not have fires for heating or cooking,

will be charged with the responsibility of not exceeding

except in authorized areas.

the established limit. Limits may be expressed in units

(4) Do not allow accumulation of litter,

of weight, trays, boxes, pallets, or any other unit which

packing material, dunnage, dry leaves, grass or twigs,

may be more easily observed and controlled.

etc., within fire-break areas.

(2) Except for storage buildings, explosives

(5) Pick up any debris within storage area.

limits shall not be established on the basis of the

(6) Do not accumulate oily rags or other

maximum quantity of explosives permitted by

material subject to spontaneous ignition, except in

explosives safety separation when smaller quantities will

covered metal box. Have such material collected daily

suffice for the operation. The maximum amount of

and removed from area.

explosives (expressed by weight or units of ammunition

(7) Do not conduct operations without

items as applicable) permitted in each room, cubicle, or

approved Standing Operating Procedures (SOP's) and

building containing explosives will be conspicuously

proper supervision.

posted in each such area.

(8) Use

only

permissible

lighting

(3) Except for operational necessity, supplies

ammunition storage sites.

exceeding approximately a 4-hour work requirement

(9) Do not become careless by reason of

should be kept in a service storage building located at

familiarity with ammunition.

intraline distance from operating buildings.

(10) In case of fire, sound alarm immediately.

Be ready to show location of fire to firefighting personnel

g. Safety hand tools -

sent to scene.

(1) Safety hand tools are constructed of

(11) Assure that each man knows what to do in

wood, nonsparking or spark-resistant materials such as

case of fire within work area.

bronze, lead, beryllium alloys, and "K" Monel metal

(12) The person in charge should instruct all

which, under normal conditions of use, will not produce

personnel on the existing fire plan to aid firefighting

sparks. Properly maintained nonferrous hand tools shall

crews and to prevent loss of life and property in case of

be used for work in locations which contain exposed

an accident.

explosives or hazardous concentrations

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