MM4624
Training
The most important safety consideration is to be sure ammunition demolition personnel are well
trained in the safety aspects of disposal operations. This way personnel doing the demolition work will
be following the necessary specific accepted safety measures.
Shelters
The next most important safety measure is to make use of protective shelters. These shelters may
be permanent structures or may be temporary shelters that can be moved into place. They must be
used by ammunition handlers when the detonation method is used to destroy munitions or explosives
and when ammunition being burned might detonate.
The planner must be sure shelters are at the appropriate inhabited building distance or public traffic
route distance from the site, according to the tables in Chapter 5, TM 9-1300-206. In no case, should
shelters be fewer than 300 feet from the demolition area.
Other Safety Considerations
In addition to personnel shelters, an important safety measure at the site is to include
communications (telephones, two-way radios, or emergency vehicles). Another important safety
measure is that as few soldiers as necessary should be used for demolition work. The final number of
soldiers needed is based on the ammunition senior NCO's judgment and experience. The minimum
acceptable number is two, and the two-person rule should apply. Finally, protective clothing should be
available, such as flameproof coveralls, safety shoes, gloves, and face shields.
There are still other safety factors discussed in the site selection, temporary storage, and methods
of disposal sections of this subcourse. These factors are also consolidated in the Table.
PLANNING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
After safety, environmental issues must be considered. There are many federal, state, and local
environmental regulations that govern all aspects of disposal operations. The ammunition NCO must
be familiar with them and must pay special attention to applicable hazardous waste regulations so
operations are conducted in accordance with all safety considerations. The most used guidelines are
found in the local State Environmental Protection Agency Office (see local telephone book) or the local
Post Safety Office. Two of the most used references are Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Material,
published by the National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA, and Dangerous Properties of
Industrial Materials, published by Reinhold Book Corporation, New York City.
PLANNING THE DISPOSAL SITE
Selecting the Site
The disposal site must be carefully selected. Using a map of the ASP, available from the
operations section, safety distances, prevailing winds, and terrain must be considered. The site must
be the maximum practical distance from all magazines, inhabited buildings, public traffic routes, and
operating buildings. More guidance is in TM 9-1300-206.
Sites must also be located upwind of the prevailing winds, so that sparks are not blown
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