(a)
When possible, conduct all operations in cool weather or during the cool part of the
day. Wear gloves when working with WP munitions.
(b)
Place all leaking munitions in water-filled, 55-gallon drums. If only a few "leakers" are
found, individual munitions can be placed in propellant charge canisters or any similar
container that can be filled with water and sealed. Keep the munitions under water
during transport to the disposal area. Lifting the drums aboard truck will be easier if
you have four holes around the top of each drum for sling tools.
NOTE: WP Munitions known to be in good condition can be transported dry; however, WP
munitions should not be mixed with other munitions either in stacks or during
transport.
(c)
Test an apparently burned out WP munition by putting a welding rod or similar probe
into the open end of the munition. If this produces smoke, WP is present.
(7) Vehicle Preparation and Loading
(a)
Cover the bed of a cargo truck with sandbags and protect the cab with sand-filled 55-
gallon drums. Sandbags may be used as dunnage to support the munitions and
prevent movement during transport.
(b)
Carry a 55-gallon, water-filled drum on any truck that is transporting WP munitions so
any leaking rounds discovered in transit can be submerged.
c. Disposal Procedures
(1) Either of two disposal methods can be used: sea dumps (when authorized) or detonation.
The method used depends on the facilities available and the condition of the ordnance.
Ordnance in relatively good condition can be dumped at sea (when authorized). This
method can be used for photoflash and illuminating munitions which present a special
problem in demolition. Ordnance in a hazardous condition, such as items with the
explosives partially burned or melted, should be detonated. Rocket pods and similar items
should not be dumped at sea since they may float.
(2) When large quantities of munitions are being destroyed, add bombs and large projectiles to
the bulk explosives. Refer to NAVORD OP 5 Volume 1, TM 9-1300-206, or TM 60A-1-42
for general information on destruction of ammunition and explosives.
(3) Small sensitive items. Wear a flak vest and eye protection, such as safety glasses or a
face shield, when working with small sensitive items. Scrape the area with an armor-plated
bulldozer following disposal of small items.
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