AMMO-45 Intro to Ammunition

Expose the minimum number of people, for the minimum amount of time, to the minimum amount of explosives consistent with safe and efficient operations.

Bombs are not fired from a weapon; they are dropped from aircraft.

Cartridges for shotguns and all cartridges .50 caliber and smaller.

Wood, metal, or steel.

A hole drilled in the cartridge case, used for practicing loading and simulating firing.

To identify the hazard type and the use of the ammunition item.

The ammunition contains high explosives and is a service (live) round.

The ammunition is used for training or practice purposes.

To create and maintain the safest work environment possible by reducing injuries, preventing damage, and saving lives.

Markings always identify the ammunition type.

Banding holds the contents of the pallets in place so they do not fall or become loose during handling and transport.

To provide another layer of protection for the ammunition item inside the outer container.

Whether a container has been opened or compromised.

No markings present, items not packed correctly, and items not secured correctly.

Which end of the container should be pointed in the direction of least hazard.

Hazardous signs and symbols placed on vehicles and storage facilities to communicate the type and level of hazard.

Mass explosion hazard — the entire quantity of explosives detonates virtually instantaneously.

Projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard — items that fragment or project when they function.

Predominantly a fire hazard with minor blast or projection hazard, or both, but not a mass explosion hazard (e.g., propellants and flares).

Moderate fire hazard — no significant blast or projection hazard. Effects are largely confined to the package.

Very insensitive explosives with a mass explosion hazard. These are substances that have such low probability of initiation that there is very little chance of transition from burning to detonation under normal transport conditions.

Extremely insensitive articles with no mass explosion hazard. Articles that contain only extremely insensitive detonating substances and demonstrate negligible probability of accidental initiation or propagation.

A diamond-shaped placard with '1.4' displayed on it, using the orange background with a '4' fire division symbol.

The severity of the explosive hazard, designated in decreasing order from Fire Division 1 (most severe) to Fire Division 4 (least severe).

The personal protective equipment (PPE) that must be worn by emergency responders.

To identify which ammunition and explosive items can be safely stored and transported together.

Primary explosive substances (detonators, blasting caps) — items extremely sensitive to heat, shock, or friction.

Articles containing a primary explosive substance and having fewer than two effective protective features (e.g., certain detonators and similar initiating devices).

Secondary detonating explosive substances or black powder, or articles containing a secondary detonating explosive substance without its own means of initiation (e.g., TNT, dynamite, composition explosives).

Substances or articles so packed or designed that any hazardous effects from accidental functioning are confined to the package. Items in Group S can be stored with any other compatibility group.

DOD Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards, including quantity-distance (QD) requirements, storage standards, and safety criteria for all DOD ammunition and explosives operations.

The minimum distance required between an explosives location and an exposed site, based on the quantity and type of explosives present, to provide a defined level of protection.

The total weight of all explosive substances contained in an item, used to determine quantity-distance requirements for storage and transportation.

The item contains a rocket motor, propellant, or illuminating composition.

The item contains a chemical agent (toxic, smoke, or incendiary).

The item contains an incendiary filler.

The item contains a smoke-producing agent.

To trace the ammunition back to the manufacturer, production date, and specific production batch for quality control and recall purposes.

The FSC is a four-digit code used to categorize ammunition and explosives by type for supply management purposes (e.g., 1305 for ammunition through 30mm, 1310 for ammunition over 30mm).

A four-character alphanumeric code assigned to each specific ammunition item to uniquely identify it for supply and logistics purposes.

Body color (overall use/type), marking color (identifies specific characteristics), banding (identifies additional hazards), and lettering/stenciling (nomenclature and lot data).

Department of Defense Ammunition Code — used to identify specific ammunition items in the supply system.

Do not handle damaged ammunition unless specifically trained and authorized. Report it immediately, evacuate the area, and establish a safety cordon.

A minimum of two qualified persons must be present during any explosives operation, ensuring one can provide emergency assistance or summon help.

Toxic chemical ammunition.

To evaluate and determine the reliability, safety, and performance of ammunition through its lifecycle, from manufacture through storage and use.