Fire Hazard and Fire-Fighting Indoctrination

with ammunition must have a full awareness of their responsibility. Immediately report all fires starting near ammunition or explosives. Begin fighting the fire with all available means and without awaiting specific instructions. If the fire involves explosive material or if it is supplying heat to explosives, evacuate personnel in the area and seek safety. Also evacuate personnel if a fire is so large that you cannot extinguish it with the equipment available. Personnel engaged in fighting fires involving explosives and ammunition should seek available cover. Do not expose yourself unnecessarily to intense heat, flying fragments, or possible explosions. Fire Hazard and Fire-Fighting Indoctrination Make sure all personnel, supervisory or otherwise, receive indoctrination about, and become thoroughly familiar with, fire hazards and fire-fighting equipment. They must be familiar with the safety practices of the operations for which they are responsible. They must be familiar with the fire bill provisions, both general and local, that apply to their operation. They must know the actions to take if a fire emergency develops. Fire Watch Responsibilities You must make sure that a qualified fire watch, adequately prepared and equipped, is standing by during the following evolutions: Maintenance and repair work involving open flames or heat-producing devices near or within an area where personnel store, process, or handle explosives Disposal operations Fire Hazard Inspections Fire hazard inspections conducted periodically are an important part of fire prevention. You should regularly inspect, preferably monthly, all areas and buildings of an ammunition activity. Common causes of fire and fire violations include, but are not limited to the following: Excessive amounts of combustible, explosive, or otherwise dangerous materials Hazardous conditions arising from defective or improperly installed equipment and machinery used for processing or handling ammunition or explosives Dangerous accumulations of rubbish, waste paper, boxes, and shavings Improper storage of materials Obstructions interfering with the use of fire exits, fire doors, or fire-fighting equipment Insufficient, inoperative, or poorly maintained fire-fighting equipment Uncontrolled vegetation growing around buildings and magazines Evidence of violations of smoking regulations or the use or possession of matches, cigarette lighters, or other prohibited articles Missing or improperly posted fire bills Unauthorized use of heat- or flame-producing devices or equipment in restricted areas Smoking Regulations Personnel must not smoke in areas containing ammunition, explosives, or any other hazardous materials. You should conspicuously display NO SMOKING signs where smoking is prohibited. The commanding officer may appoint certain smoking areas within restricted areas. Housekeeping An essential element of any fire prevention effort is good housekeeping. Accumulations of explosive dust, combustible scrap, and flammable residue are primary sources of destructive fires. Keep areas clean and orderly to reduce fire hazards. Do not allow rubbish and trash to gather. Stack combustible material in an orderly manner to prevent toppling or collapsing of stacks. EXPLOSIVES HANDLING PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM The intent of the Explosives Handling Personnel Qualification and Certification Program is to make sure you qualify and certify personnel before they perform any task involving explosive devices. This program concerns everyone involved in the handling, prepara- tion, inspection, or adjustment of live ammunition. 9-7