A-1-1-31 Safety summary Flashcards
What should blasting caps be carried in?
Approved containers
Blasting caps should be kept out of the direct rays of the sun.
What should be done during an electrical storm when explosives are present?
All persons shall retire to a place of safety
Do not handle, use, or remain near explosives.
What condition should explosives or accessory equipment be in for safe use?
Not deteriorated or damaged
Deteriorated items may detonate prematurely or fail completely.
What should not be used for demolition purposes?
Unexploded dud ordnance items
They may be in an extremely sensitive and hazardous condition.
What is the minimum distance to maintain between an Mk 663 Mod 0 blasting cap container and other ammunition?
305 millimeters (12.00 inches)
This is to prevent hot gases from escaping in case of an internal detonation.
What temperature can venting gas reach during an internal detonation of blasting caps?
197 degrees Fahrenheit (91 degrees Celsius)
Refer to the 60-series manual on U.S. Tool, Container, Blasting Cap, MK 663 Mod 0 (A-2-2-2).
How should shaped charge munitions be destroyed?
In a manner which precludes the explosive jet from forming
This is essential for safe destruction.
What should you not do with a blasting cap or detonator?
Strike, tamper with, or attempt to remove or investigate the contents
Detonation may occur.
What should not be pulled on to avoid detonation?
The electrical lead wires of electric blasting caps
Doing so may lead to detonation.
What is the safest tool to use for cutting detonating cord?
A clean sharp knife or approved cap crimpers
This ensures the safest action.
How should explosive devices be handled to minimize injury?
Point the explosive end away from the body
This minimizes injury should the item explode.
What type of blasting caps should be used for demolition shots involving more than one cap?
Electric blasting caps of the same manufacturer
This ensures consistency and reliability in the detonation process.
What is the minimum distance to keep blasting caps from other explosives?
At least 7.62 meters (25.00 feet)
This distance is crucial for safety to prevent accidental detonation.
What should be used to position blasting caps above the ground?
Detonating cord
This avoids the risks associated with buried blasting caps, such as unobserved pressures.
Where should safety fuse test burns and crimping of nonelectric blasting caps be conducted?
At least 15.24 meters (50.00 feet) downwind from any explosives
This distance minimizes risk during the testing process.
How should nonelectric blasting caps be handled?
Only by their open ends except during attachment
This prevents accidental activation and ensures safe handling.
What should not be inserted into the open end of a blasting cap?
Anything but safety fuse, detonating cord, or shock tube
This is to prevent accidental detonation and ensure safe usage.
What should be done if a safety fuse does not enter a blasting cap easily?
Reject the cap and/or fuse
Forcing could lead to damage and unsafe conditions.
What is the correct tool for crimping blasting caps?
A cap crimper designed for the purpose
Using the correct tool ensures safety and effectiveness in priming.
What must be avoided with ignited safety fuse?
Coiling up and contacting itself
This could lead to premature detonation due to the fuse wrapping touching itself.
How should percussion detonators be handled?
With the same care as a blasting cap
Protection of the primer end from blows or shock is essential.
What should not be confused with safety fuse?
Detonating cord
Detonating cord is a specific type of explosive device used for detonation, while safety fuse is a different ignition device.
What is the minimum distance to test electric blasting caps for continuity?
15.24 meters (50.00 feet) downwind
This distance helps to ensure safety during testing.
What should be done with lead wires after testing electric blasting caps?
Short circuited by twisting the bare ends together
This prevents accidental detonation until ready to fire.
What type of battery should be used in the testing galvanometer?
Special silver-chloride dry cell battery
Other types may produce enough voltage to detonate blasting caps.
When can the blasting machine be connected to the firing wires?
After all prefiring tests have been completed
Ensures that everything is ready to fire safely.
How should the blasting cap be held when uncoiling the leads?
Approximately 152 millimeters (6.00 inches) from the cap
This minimizes injury in case of an explosion.
What should not be done to the lead wires when straightening them?
Thrown, waved, or snapped
This could cause accidental detonation.
When can the shunt be removed from the lead wires of blasting caps?
For testing for continuity or actual connection into the firing circuit
Proper grounding is necessary to prevent static discharge.
What should be done with both ends of the firing wires?
Kept shorted or twisted together
This prevents accidental detonation when not in use.
What must be ensured about the firing circuit and ground conductors?
All parts must be insulated
This includes bare wires, rails, pipes, or other paths of stray current.
What should never be done with detonating cord and a blasting cap?
Do not force detonating cord into a blasting cap
Such procedures may lead to premature detonation.
What is the warning associated with testing a blasting machine?
Never test the blasting machine with a firing wire connected
Danger - High Voltage - Shock Hazard.
What should be kept clear of terminals and conductors while operating a blasting machine?
Body and hands
Contact with electrical conductors could cause serious injury or death.
What should be done with a wet blasting machine or wet hands before use?
Dry the blasting machine and hands
Do not operate a wet blasting machine.
What can fire electric detonators?
Batteries alone
Keep batteries away from the blasting circuits.
When should the blasting circuit be connected to the blasting machine?
Only when ready to fire the blast
Never connect until ready.
What should be done with the power end of the firing wire until ready to connect to the blasting machine?
Keep it shunted
This ensures safety before connection.
Who gives the signal for detonation?
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in charge
This is only after all personnel are in cover or at a safe distance.
What should be tested prior to making connections to the blasting machine?
The firing circuit for electrical continuity
This ensures the circuit is functioning properly.
What must the EOD technician ensure before ordering the firing wires to be connected?
Positive assurance that the area is clear of personnel, animals, and equipment
This includes aircraft.
What is the minimum current requirement for firing electric blasting caps?
Less than the minimum current required by the total circuit
Misfires can be expected if this occurs.
What should be done before approaching a misfired charge?
Disconnect the blasting machine or other power source; shunt the power ends of the firing wires
This is crucial for safety.
What should not be done with a buried misfired charge?
Do not strike or dig into it
Uncover only enough to position a fresh charge.
What may ordnance containing an insensitive high explosive (IHE) require?
Additional disposal explosive assets
More than conventional less sensitive explosives might require.
What should not be intermingled in the same disposal shot?
Non-IHE munitions and IHE
Mixing could cause unwanted kick outs.
How should safety fuse be laid out?
In a straight line with heavy objects on both ends
This prevents premature ignition or burn.
What should not be done to a shock tube?
Do not subject it to mechanical impact
This could initiate the energetic material within.
What should not be done when cutting detonating cord?
Do not cut with a sharp or blunt object or by sawing
This action could cause detonation.
What is the proper way to cut detonating cord?
Cut from the spool before attaching to charges
This minimizes destructive effects in case of accidental detonation.
How should blasting caps or electrically-initiated squibs be held?
Pointing away from the operator
This is to mitigate explosion effects in case of accidental initiation.
What should be done prior to removing shunted lead wires from an electric blasting cap?
Barricade the blasting cap
This is to mitigate explosion effects.
What should you wait before approaching a misfired electrically-initiated firing system?
30 minutes
This is to ensure safety from potential delayed-firing due to burning energetic materials.
What is the recommended wait time after the anticipated detonation for a misfired time/safety fuse and nonelectric blasting cap?
1 hour
This precaution is due to the possibility of burning energetic materials causing a delayed-firing system.
What should you wait before approaching a misfired shock tube-initiated firing system?
30 minutes
A malfunctioned shock tube lead or blasting cap may pose risks of delayed-firing.
What is the risk of incorrect usage of the M81 nonelectric igniter?
Instantaneous detonation of the nonelectric ignited booster and/or the main charge
This can result in personnel injury and/or loss of life.
What should you wait before approaching a misfired length of detonating cord?
30 minutes
This is necessary when the blasting cap failed to initiate the detonating cord.
What conditions can cause incendiary grenades to detonate upon initiation?
Frozen or accumulated moisture internally
Grenades should not be subjected to freezing conditions for optimal performance.
What is the ideal temperature for thawing frozen grenades?
Around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius)
Maintain this temperature for 2 to 5 days to dissipate accumulated moisture.
What should be avoided in detonating cord lines to prevent misfires?
Loops and kinks
Loops and kinks can cause cutoffs upon initiation.
What may cause misfires in detonating cord?
Damage to the covering or explosive core
Any damage may lead to a misfire.
What is the recommended layout for detonating cord?
As straight as possible, but not stretched taut
This helps prevent cutoffs and misfires.
Are the M12 and M13 Modernized Demolition Initiators authorized with military demolition explosives?
No
Using them can result in misfires as they are designed for other types of initiators.
Are the M11 and M16 Modernized Demolition Initiators authorized with military demolition explosives?
Yes
These initiators are specifically authorized for use with military explosives.
What should you use to cut shock tube for a proper square cut?
A sharp knife
Using pliers, crimpers, or scissors can narrow the hole and block the explosive path.
What manual contains descriptions of common military demolition materials?
60-series manual on demolition material, tools, and equipment
This manual provides important information for demolition procedures.
What can serviceable excess munitions be used for during disposal operations?
To augment demolition explosives
They can relieve the strain on explosive supplies during large operations.
