P-385-63 Range Safety Pamphlet Download

(h) Employ risk management in order to identify administrative controls to be implemented by the units. (i) Identify PPE requirements. (j) Identify communications requirements. (k) Review the installation SOP to be aware of local emergency response procedures and laser injury response protocol. (3) Range laser safety inspection. The unit conducts laser safety inspections of the range and its operations prior to use and confirm the following areas are covered: (a) Laser warning signs are posted. (b) Range configuration is acceptable (targets/backstop, range boundaries, laser firing area/line/points). (c) LSDZ is clear of specular reflectors (this can be conducted via range sweep in accordance with local SOPs). (d) Laser range or training area is clear of non-participating personnel and equipment (this can be conducted via range sweep in accordance with local SOPs). (e) Participating personnel in the area are aware of lasing activities and using appropriate PPE. (f) Laser systems are authorized per the training plan. (g) Training filters/modes are used, as applicable. (h) Communication and terminology are agreed upon with range operations (Army), range control (Marine Corps). (i) Correct any discrepancies prior to training. (4) Safety brief/pre-mission brief. The range OIC or laser RSO provides safety briefs/pre-mission briefs to laser range users and observers prior to laser operations. At a minimum, the brief should include as appropriate — (a) Laser systems to be used and their purpose (for example, range finding, target acquisition/pointing, designating, or sensor disruption). (b) Control measures specific to the lasers employed and the range upon which they are used. (c) Authorized tactics, laser firing positions (ground and air), laser-to-target orientation, weapons release points, and weapon performance. (d) Drawings, photographs, descriptions or grid points of authorized targets. (e) Communication procedures that include specific frequencies (or channels), controlling authorities, and standard- ized terminology. (f) Acquisition, identification, and tracking procedures for targets. (g) Missile/ordnance mode of operation. (h) Requirements for beam termination and means to accomplish it. (i) Control measures to minimize the risk of unauthorized personnel, vehicles, or aircraft entering the range area. (j) Run-in headings and flight profiles to be used for airborne laser operations or permissible LSDZ for ground- based laser operations. (k) Review of mission profiles to prevent misdirection of laser guided weapons. (l) Type of eye protection to be worn and description of proper use. (m) Potential hazards posed by the laser system (for example, backscatter, ignition of flammables, sensor disruption, or misdirection of laser guided weapons) and any other associated non-laser hazards. (n) Risk considerations for location of personnel within the SDZ/WDZ for observing/lasing the target area to weapons impact. (o) A review of applicable range SOP information. (5) Guidance prior to laser operations. The OIC and laser RSO also perform the following functions in advance of laser operations: (a) Review and approve laser systems and targets. (b) Use only approved lasers on the range. (c) Laser systems are used only at the approved operating position or firing points and always pointed toward the target; verify laser firing area/line/points and laser-to-target orientation. (d) Laser systems engage only authorized targets. (e) Target is positively identified in accordance with appropriate safety procedures before operation of a laser system. (f) Ensure all non-participating personnel in the immediate area of the laser firing position are outside the LSDZ. (g) Target area is clear of all non-participating personnel. (h) Supervise pre-fire checks. Pre-fire checks that require operation of the laser system may be made in a controlled area with the laser beam terminated by an approved backstop. Pre-fire checks that do not require operation of the laser, but require use of the optics, may be safely made in any area. To use the optics without firing the laser, follow SOP to ensure power to the laser is turned off. (6) General guidance during laser operations includes the following: (a) Communications are maintained between the laser system operators, the range operations firing desk (Army), range control (Marine Corps), and all affected range personnel. 206 DA PAM 385–63 • 16 April 2014