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WARNING
The pyrotechnic pistol is cocked at all times
when the breech is closed; it has no positive
safety mechanism. Illumination signals must
NOT BE LOADED in the pistol until just
before use. Unfired signals must NOT be left in
the pistol.
The Mk 5 pistol must be kept in serviceable
condition at all times. Clean it thoroughly after each use
in accordance with the procedure prescribed on the
appropriate 3-M System maintenance requirement card
(MRC).
When loading or firing a pyrotechnic pistol,
NEVER point it in the direction of other personnel or
vessels.
NEVER use the Mk 5 pistol with ammunition other
than that authorized for use with it. Conversely,
illumination signals should never be fired from shotguns
or from projectors other than those authorized.
PYROTECHNIC SAFETY HANDLING AND
STORAGE
The following general information is taken directly
from Pyrotechnic, Screening, Marking, and
Countermeasure Devices, NAVSEA SW050-AB-
MMA-010, chapter 1.
Pyrotechnic Safety
“All pyrotechnic and screening devices, while
designed and tested to be safe under normal conditions,
can be subject to accidental ignition because of a wide
variety of circumstances. The general rule to follow is:
Be constantly aware that pyrotechnics contain chemical
components that are intended to burn with intense heat,
and act accordingly.”
Pyrotechnic Handling and Storage
All pyrotechnics and smoke-screening devices are
designed to withstand normal handling. They should,
however, be handled as little as possible to lessen the
chances of damage, which might cause accidental
ignition or leakage. Many devices contain materials of
a dangerous nature and are therefore designed with
safety features, which should be maintained in good
operating condition. Dents, deformations, or cracks in
the outer body may interfere with the proper functioning
of these safety features or might cause ignition during
handling or storage. It is therefore imperative that
extreme care be taken to prevent damage to containers
of pyrotechnics and screening devices, and to the
devices themselves.
Effect of Moisture on Pyrotechnics
The proper functioning of pyrotechnic, dye-
marking, and screening devices is frequently affected by
moisture. Some compositions may become more
sensitive and dangerous when exposed to moisture,
while others tend to become difficult to ignite and less
dependable in operation. Care should be exercised to
prevent damage that would interfere with seals because
some screening devices produce their smoke by reaction
of their chemical contents with moisture in the air. Also,
bear in mind that some marine location markers, such
as the Mk 58, are saltwater-activated, and should be
stored with that in mind. That fact should also be
considered in emergency situations where the markers
could be inadvertently exposed to fire-fighting water or
runoff.
Effect of Temperature on Pyrotechnics
Pyrotechnics and some screening devices may
become adversely affected by excessively high or
variable temperatures. These devices should never be
stored where direct rays of the sun could generate
excessively high temperature. Storage should be in dry,
well-ventilated places that provide the greatest possible
protection from such conditions. All Navy pyrotechnics
have been designed to withstand temperatures from
-65°F to 160°F and, therefore, will probably be safe
from deterioration or damage within that range.
However, it is recommended that every reasonable
effort be made to maintain storage temperature at not
more than 100°F. (Specific ammunition storage
temperature requirements are addressed in chapter 2 of
this manual.)
Toxic Hazards of Pyrotechnics
Many chemicals used in pyrotechnics, screening
equipment, and dye-marking devices are poisonous if
taken internally. This also applies to the residue of
burned pyrotechnics. From the inhalation standpoint,
the products of pyrotechnic devices and smoke
generators often present a serious problem. Many of the
smokes and fumes given off by pyrotechnics and
screening devices are considered non-toxic and only
mildly irritating to the eyes and nasal passages when
encountered in relatively light concentrations out of
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