Preventing Accidents By The Proper Use Of Permissible Explosives

The Army's peacetime explosives accident experience suggests that soldiers are disregarding safe practices. Users of explosives are not following established procedures; they are even bypassing control mechanisms designed to ensure safety. This casual approach to dangerous systems can only result in disaster. Any unit using pyrotechnic simulators or employing demolitions is subject to explosives accidents. The information in this packet, based on Army wide accident experience during FYs 86 and 87, focuses on Army explosives accidents by military users. It does not include explosives accidents that occurred in the development or storage of explosives devices or munitions or accidents involving individual or crew-served weapons or weapons systems. Injured soldiers were hospitalized for 1,428 days, lost an additional 2,280 workdays, and could only perform in a restricted capacity for an additional 4,097 days. This lost manpower is all the more critical with the continuing personnel cutbacks. Sound, proven safety procedures exist for the storing, handling, and employment of all explosives. Any deviations from these established procedures can be catastrophic. Supervisors at all levels must be aware of all safety procedures involved for each munition or device, and they must ensure strict compliance. The following accident recaps are intended to help commanders and other unit leaders gain additional insight into preventing these kinds of accidents in the future.