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supervision and management of the Naval Explosives
Safety Program.
All commands having custody of explosive
materials must make sure only qualified personnel
handle those materials. Commands must submit reports
of explosives mishaps. We discuss both the certification
program and explosives mishap reporting later in the
chapter.
ORDNANCE MISHAP PREVENTION
Improper processing, handling, loading, and testing
of explosive devices have, in the past, caused mishaps.
These mishaps resulted in injury, loss of life, or damage
to property. They also reduced the working effectiveness
of both fleet and shore activities.
Personnel error is the major cause of mishaps with
explosive devices. Analysis of mishaps caused by
personnel error shows that the most common reasons for
their occurrence are as follows:
Lack of training
Improper procedures
Improper handling
Lack of proper supervision
Inattention
Complacency
THE SAFETY SUPERVISOR’S ORDNANCE
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
As an ordnance safety supervisor, you must be
familiar with current directives in ordnance safety, such
as Ammunition and Explosives Ashore, NAVSEA OP 5,
and Ammunition Afloat, NAVSEA OP 4. You also
should know the type and classification of ordnance
within your command or activity. In addition, you
should know the specific hazards the various types of
ordnance pose. Personnel supervising the use, care,
inspection, handling, preparation, or routine disposal
(excluding explosive ordnance disposal operations) of
ammunition and explosives must adhere to the
following guidelines:
1. Be qualified and certified as required by
OPNAVINST 8023.2C and supplemental
regulations.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Make sure personnel obey all regulations and
instructions; remain vigilant throughout the
operation; and strictly prohibit horseplay.
Carefully instruct and frequently warn person-
nel under them of the need for care and constant
vigilance.
Brief working parties on related safety instruc-
tions before they begin an operation. Know the
hazards of fire, explosion, and other catastro-
phes that the safety regulations should prevent.
Be alert to detect any hazardous procedures or
practices. Know the symptoms of a deterio-
rating mental attitude of certified personnel,
and take immediate corrective action upon
detecting such symptoms.
Make sure subordinates are qualified and
certified to perform the job assigned to them.
Make sure their certification is current. Report
those personnel who are not qualified for their
assigned work to their immediate superior.
Enforce orders about the maximum number of
personnel pemitted in the hazard area.
Permit the use of only authorized tools and
handling equipment for the operations. Make
sure personnel use them in the manner
specified by standard operating procedures,
Keep the area clean; prevent the blocking of
safety exits, aisles, and accesses to fire-fighting
equipment.
Enforce compliance with safety regulations
that concern protective clothing and equip-
ment. That includes inspecting; maintaining; or
replacing, if necessary, goggles, gloves, respi-
rators, aprons, and other personal protective
equipment. Instruct personnel on the purpose
and use of protective equipment before they
engage in an operation requiring its use.
Before leaving at the end of a work day, make
sure all conditions in the work area are safe.
Inform the immediate supervisor of any area
needing lights, guards, safety appliances, or
repairs.
Report in writing to the commanding officer
any requests, suggestions, or comments about
safety standards.
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