P-385-63 Range Safety Pamphlet Download

(4) Blasting circuit wires leading to charges in the detonation pits will be buried, preferably in conduit, or otherwise secured to prevent personnel from becoming entangled in or tripping over the wires. (5) Only one charge will be emplaced in a pit at a time. (6) Pits will be inspected and cleared of objects prior to emplacing charges to remove potential hazardous missiles. (7) Charges may only be detonated when crawling personnel are 3 m or more from the center of the pit and erect personnel are 25 m or more from the pit. (8) Detonation pits will be constructed in the following manner: (a) Pits will be excavated in the shape of a cone at least 1.5 m in diameter by 0.6 m deep. Excavated pits will be backfilled 0.3 m with clean, clay-free sand that has passed through a #10 screen. Any object larger than sand grain size is considered a pebble. Pits will be free draining so that the sand filled area will quickly drain clear of water. Soil conditions may require that drains be constructed. (b) A ring of sandbags or other suitable barrier material (for example, treated timbers) 0.6 m high with an inside diameter of 2 m will be constructed around each pit. Construct a barrier at least 1 m outside of the sandbag rings that does not project above the top of the sandbags. These detonation pit barriers will be physically different from any other barrier which personnel are expected to negotiate and will be sufficient to keep personnel 1 m away from the detonation pits. (c) Dimensions given above for detonation pits and sandbag rings with barriers are minimum requirements and will not survive extensive use without frequent maintenance. Larger diameters and depths, as well as double-walled sandbag rings, are recommended for detonation pits used more than once a week. (d) A dual electrical disconnect system will be used when charges are being placed in the pits. The main source of power will be turned off by the individual placing the charge in the pit. Once the power is turned off, a lockout device will be used. f. Demolitions effects simulators (DES) charges are explosives which use detonating cord, blasting caps, a modern demolition initiator, cardboard, and sand or chalk to simulate other explosives. Extreme care must be exercised when using DES. DES is an explosive and all safety guidance contained in this pamphlet and FM 3–34.214 must be followed. All procedures and MSDs for the charge that is simulated must be followed. For example, a DES bangalore torpedo would require the same MSDs and procedures for an actual bangalore torpedo. All demolitions effects simulators must be marked as DES. g. Improvised explosive device (IED) simulators provide visual and audible effects with minimal risk to participants. These devices can be remote-detonated or hard-wired for direct firing. (1) The use of non-pyrotechnic IED simulators with pyrotechnics and/or explosives is not authorized. (2) The use of flour or starch-based products in place of the recommended smoke simulation powders is not authorized. Flour and starch-based products can be flammable and the resulting plume of flour or starch-based product could ignite should an ignition source be present. (3) Non-pyrotechnic IED simulators can produce extreme recoil reaction when initiated. Simulators must be secured using ground stakes and/or sandbags. (4) Never attempt to alter non-pyrotechnic IED simulators or operate them with any altered, broken, or missing parts. The misuse of this equipment may cause serious injury or death. (5) Remote initiators must be in the possession of the individual making the electrical or pneumatic connections. Initiators will not be connected to the non-pyrotechnic IED simulator until all safety requirements have been met. (6) Hazard areas for IED simulators are contained in equipment instruction manuals and must be enforced at all times. Personnel within the hazard area of a non-pyrotechnic IED simulator will wear the following PPE: eye protection, single-hearing protection, and helmet. (7) Do not place a non-pyrotechnic IED simulator in such a manner that it will be pointed at personnel when initiated. (8) Should a non-pyrotechnic IED simulator fail to function, a wait time of 10 minutes is to be observed prior to approaching the simulator. Simulators are to be disarmed (disconnect the device from the initiator) and approached from the base end. Ensure discharge end is pointed down range and that the device is secured to prevent movement. (9) All setup, training, and disassembly involving live (armed) non-pyrotechnic IED simulators will be conducted outdoors. (10) Non-pyrotechnic IED simulators will not be stored, carried, or transported live. They are not to be assembled until they are on site and being readied for immediate use. (11) OICs, RSOs, and personnel using non-pyrotechnic IED simulators will receive training prior to receiving equipment and the use of it in training exercises. Only those personnel who complete the required training will be authorized to draw the equipment from issue sites. (12) Strict accountability must be maintained of non-pyrotechnic IED simulators as they are functional and realistic in appearance. (13) The compressed CO2 gas used to activate the cuing devices can cause serious injury or death if improperly 197 DA PAM 385–63 • 16 April 2014