CEMP-RA

Engineer Pamphlet

1110-1-17

Department of the Army

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Washington, DC 20314-1000

EP 1110-1-17

16 July 1999

Engineer and Design

ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY OPEN 

BURN AND OPEN DETONATION SITE FOR

CONVENTIONAL ORDNANCE AND 

 EXPLOSIVES PROJECTS

Distribution Restriction Statement

Approved for public release; distribution is 

unlimited.
 EP 1110-1-17

 16 July 1999

ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY OPEN BURN AND

OPEN DETONATION SITE FOR CONVENTIONAL

ORDNANCE AND EXPLOSIVES PROJECTS

ENGINEER PAMPHLET

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited
AVAILABILITY

Electronic copies of this and other U. S. Army Corps of Engineers publications are available

on the Internet at http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/usace-docs/. This site is the only

repository for all official USACE engineer regulations, circulars, manuals, and other

documents originating from HQUSACE. Publications are provided in portable document

format (PDF).
CEMP-R4 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

Washington, DC 203 14- 1000 

EP 11 lo-l-17 

Pamphlet 

No. 11 lo-l-17 

16 July 1999 

Engineering and Design 

ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY OPEN BURN AND OPEN DETONATION SITE FOR 

CONVENTIONAL ORDNANCE AND EXPLOSIVES PROJECTS 

1. Purpo~. This pamphlet provides U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) personnel and 

their contractors with general guidance for establishing and utilizing a temporary Open Burn 

(OB) and/or Open Detonation (OD) site for the destruction of small quantities of Ordnance and 

Explosives (OE) in support of OE project operations. The establishment of permanent, largescale OB or OD areas for the destruction of OE is not covered in this pamphlet. The guidance 

provided in this pamphlet has been compiled from many different Department of Defense (DOD) 

and Department of the Army (DA) sources and is to be used in the establishment and use of a 

temporary OB/OD site whenever site-specific conditions allow. 

2. &&&ability. This pamphlet applies to all Headquarters, USACE (HQUSACE) elements 

and all USACE commands having responsibility for conventional OE response activities. 

3. References. Required and related publications are listed in Appendix A. 

4. Distribution. Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited. 

5. . . tion of Abbreviations and Tern.. Abbreviations and special terms used in this 

pamphlet are explained in the glossary at Appendix B. 

FOR THE COMMANDER: 

4 Appendices 

(See Table of Contents) Major General, USA 

Chief of Staff 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY EP 1110-1-17

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

CEMP-RA Washington, DC 20314-1000

Pamphlet 16 July 1999

No. 1110-1-17

Engineering and Design

ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY OPEN BURN AND OPEN DETONATION SITE FOR

CONVENTIONAL ORDNANCE AND EXPLOSIVES PROJECTS

1. Purpose. This pamphlet provides U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) personnel and

their contractors with general guidance for establishing and utilizing a temporary Open Burn (OB)

and/or Open Detonation (OD) site for the destruction of small quantities of Ordnance and

Explosives (OE) in support of OE project operations. The establishment of permanent, largescale OB or OD areas for the destruction of OE is not covered in this pamphlet. The guidance

provided in this pamphlet has been compiled from many different Department of Defense (DOD)

and Department of the Army (DA) sources and is to be used in the establishment and use of a

temporary OB/OD site whenever site-specific conditions allow.

2. Applicability. This pamphlet applies to all Headquarters, USACE (HQUSACE) elements

and all USACE commands having responsibility for conventional OE response activities.

3. References. Required and related publications are listed in Appendix A.

4. Distribution. Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited.

5. Explanation of Abbreviations and Terms. Abbreviations and special terms used in this

pamphlet are explained in the glossary at Appendix B.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

4 Appendices RUSSELL L. FUHRMAN

(See Table of Contents) Major General, USA

Chief of Staff
i

 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY EP 1110-1-17

 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

CEMP-RA Washington, DC 20314-1000

Pamphlet 16 July 1999

No. 1110-1-17

Engineering and Design

ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY OPEN BURN AND OPEN DETONATION SITE FOR

CONVENTIONAL ORDNANCE AND EXPLOSIVES PROJECTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paragraph Page

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

Policy 1-1 1-1

Organization of Document 1-2 1-1

Responsibilities 1-3 1-1

CHAPTER 2 – ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

Policy 2-1 2-1

Operations 2-2 2-1

CHAPTER 3 – SITE SELECTION

General 3-1 3-1

Topography 3-2 3-1

Criteria For OB/OD Area Site Layout 3-3 3-2

Noise 3-4 3-6

OB Specific Requirements 3-5 3-6

Available Facilities 3-6 3-14

CHAPTER 4 – SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Safety Precautions 4-1 4-1

Physical Security 4-2 4-2

Personnel/Training Requirements 4-3 4-4

Material Awaiting Destruction 4-4 4-5

Emergency Equipment 4-5 4-5

Communications 4-6 4-6

Fire Prevention Planning 4-7 4-6

Airspace Clearance 4-8 4-8

Personnel Protection 4-9 4-8

Toxic Hazards of Certain Explosives and Munitions 4-10 4-10
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paragraph Page

CHAPTER 5 – SITE OPERATIONS

Plan Requirements 5-1 5-1

Maps 5-2 5-1

Separation Distance Requirements 5-3 5-3

Hours of Operation 5-4 5-4

Weather Restrictions 5-5 5-4

OB Specific Requirements 5-6 5-4

Maintenance of Grounds 5-7 5-4

Servicing/Close-out of Destruction Site 5-8 5-5

Documentation Requirements 5-9 5-6

Mishap Reporting and Investigation Requirements 5-10 5-6

APPENDIX A – REFERENCES A-1

APPENDIX B – GLOSSARY B-1

APPENDIX C – OB/OD CHECKLIST C-1

APPENDIX D – CONSOLIDATED SHOTS D-1

TABLES

Table 3-1. Default Personnel Separation Distances from Aboveground Detonations 3-2

Table 3-2.A. Required Blast Overpressure Distance for Personnel for Detonating

Ammunition for the Purpose of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (Metric) 3-7

Table 3-2.B. Required Blast Overpressure Distance for Personnel for Detonating

Ammunition for the Purpose of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (English) 3-8

Table 3-3. Minimum Safe Distances Between RF Transmitters and Electric

Blasting Operations 3-9

Table 3-4. Minimum Safe Distances Between TV and FM Broadcasting

Transmitters and Electric Blasting Operations 3-9

Table 3-5. Minimum Safe Distances Between Mobile RF Transmitters and

Electric Blasting Operations 3-10

Table 4-1. Danger Sign Dimensions 4-4
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paragraph Page

FIGURES

Figure 3-1. Temporary OD Area Distance Requirements 3-3

Figure 3-2. Cross-Section of Engineering Control (Tamped Earth) for Intentional

 Detonation 3-4

Figure 3-3. Side View – Sandbag Enclosure 3-5

Figure 3-4. Temporary OB Area Distance Requirements 3-11

Figure 3-5. Example of OE Burning Trench 3-12

Figure 3-6. Typical Surface Burning Area 3-13

Figure 4-1. Example Warning Sign 4-3

Figure 5-1. Sample of a Q-D Map for a Project Site 5-2

Figure 5-2. Sample of a Q-D Map for a Project Site with Encroaching PSD 5-3

Figure D-1. Placement of Munitions for Consolidated Shots D-3
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1-1

1-1. Policy.

a. General. The policy of the USACE is to produce products and services that fully meet

the customer’s expectations of quality, timeliness and cost effectiveness, within the bounds of

legal responsibility. An acceptable level of quality does not imply perfection; however, there

should be no compromise of functional, health, or safety requirements. Adherence to the

principles outlined in ER 1110-1-12, Quality Management, will contribute to achieving this goal.

Procedures must be formulated to ensure harmony with the USACE Strategic Vision and shall be

executed in concert with activities presented in other USACE guidance.

b. Prohibition from Burial. Destruction of OE will be accomplished by burning or

detonation only. Burying of OE or dumping it into waste places, pits, wells, marshes, shallow

streams, deep sea, or inland waterways is absolutely prohibited. This policy does not include

burial to control fragments during authorized destruction operations by detonation when in

compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.

1-2. Organization of Document. This document is organized into specific topic areas likely to

be encountered during the establishment and use of a temporary OB or OD site. As the

predominant method of destruction of OE items is open detonation, this method of destruction

will be given primacy in this document. Within those topic areas, where there are significant

differences between OB and OD operations, the OB-specific details will be covered in a separate

sub-section after the OD discussion. Appendix C contains a checklist that can be used in setting

up an OB/OD site.

1-3. Responsibilities.

a. General. It is the responsibility of all USACE personnel involved with the OE program

to safely execute OE projects in accordance with (IAW) ER 385-1-92. All USACE organizations

will ensure that all personnel involved with on-site activities at OE sites are familiar with and have

access to the approved Work Plan and Site Safety and Health Plan (SSHP) that have been

prepared for the site activities to be conducted. In addition, each organization will ensure that all

personnel have received appropriate training, medical surveillance, and personal protection

equipment (PPE) required by the SSHP, contract specifications, Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) Standards, and DA and USACE regulations.

b. USACE Commands. Responsibilities of USACE elements for executing OE projects

are delineated in ER 1110-1-8153.

c. Contractors. Contractors will be responsible for setting up, operating, dismantling, and

documenting OB/OD areas IAW the guidelines set forth in this pamphlet.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

CHAPTER 2

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

2-1

2-1. Policy.

a. Environmental laws and regulations implemented by Federal, state, and local

governments should be considered prior to conducting OB/OD operations. Vigilance should be

constantly exercised to ensure that any applicable changes in Federal, state, or local regulations

are incorporated.

b. A temporary facility established to perform OB/OD operations is exempt from the

permitting requirements established in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) if

the action is being conducted as a CERCLA response action on-site. There could be substantive

requirements that must be considered. Office of Counsel should be consulted to determine the

applicable laws and regulations on a site-specific basis.

c. Storage and disposition of wastes generated from OB/OD operations will be in

compliance with RCRA and associated Federal, state, and local regulations.

2-2. Operations.

a. As an administrative requirement rather than a regulatory requirement, a closure plan

for the OB/OD area will be prepared as part of the Work Plan submittal. The closure plan will

document the type, number, and locations of the environmental samples that will be collected

from the OB/OD area.

b. Prior to constructing the OB/OD area, environmental samples of the proposed area

should be collected and analyzed at an off-site laboratory to determine if there is any pre-existing

environmental contamination (e.g., explosives, metals, etc.) at the site. Reference EM 200-1-3

for sampling methods. Upon completion of the OB/OD operations, the OB/OD site will be

dismantled and environmental samples should again be collected and analyzed to determine

whether the OB/OD operations have caused any contamination. The results of the pre- and postenvironmental sampling will be documented and submitted to the CO upon completion of the

project.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

CHAPTER 3

SITE SELECTION

3-1

3-1. General.

a. When selecting a site for a temporary OB/OD area, the district Office of Counsel

should be consulted to determine the applicable Federal and state environmental laws and

regulations. The OB/OD site must not be located in any sensitive environmental areas (e.g.,

wetlands, floodplains, or threatened endangered species habitats).

b. There are three distance aspects of a detonation that must be considered when siting an

OB/OD area. These include the distance that fragments will be thrown, the overpressure effects,

and the noise that is generated during an OE detonation. In general, the site selected for the

destruction of OE will be located at the maximum practicable distance from all explosives storage

areas, temporary holding magazines, inhabited buildings, public traffic routes, and operating

buildings, unless engineering controls, pits, or similar aids are used to limit the range of fragments

and debris. Where possible, natural barricades will be used between the OB/OD site and public

areas, roads, and other field operations.

c. OB/OD sites must also be sited in relation to the direction of prevailing winds so that

any sparks that are generated from the OB/OD operations will not be blown to an area where

explosives are stored or where fires are likely to start. Disposal by open burning will not be

undertaken when wind velocity exceeds 15 mph. Dry grass, leaves, and other extraneous

combustible material in amounts sufficient to spread fire will be removed from a 61-meter (200-

foot) radius from the point of destruction. The grounds shall be of well-packed earth and will be

free from loose stones and deep cracks in which explosives might lodge. Explosive materials will

not be burned or detonated on concrete mats. When destroying explosives by burning, the

possibility that the mass of explosives may detonate must be recognized (see paragraph 2-7 for

additional special siting considerations to be used in siting an OB area).

d. The design and construction of the temporary OB/OD site will take into consideration

the live and dead loads that will be experienced in the area, the local soil and hydrostatic

pressures, and any rain or snow loads that may be encountered. The temporary OB/OD site will

not be located directly on rock strata.

e. OB/OD areas will be located in areas that provide adequate lighting and visibility.

f. OB/OD areas will not be sited near overhead power lines or near any underground

utilities.

3-2. Topography. When determining potential locations for a temporary OB/OD area, maps of

the local area will be reviewed prior to the site visit to locate areas that have topography

preferential for locating an OB/OD area (e.g., sites remote from public areas, hillsides located

between potential OB/OD area and public areas, etc.). After the map reconnaissance has been

performed and potential sites have been selected, a site walk over will be conducted to determine

the best potential area.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-2

3-3. Criteria for OB/OD Area Site Layout. The following discussion introduces the general

distance criteria to consider for siting a temporary OB/OD area. These distance criteria have been

developed to ensure that OB/OD operations can be safely conducted.

a. Personnel Separation Distance (PSD) Criteria.

(1) The minimum separation distances required between OB/OD operations and

personnel have been established in order to provide a degree of safety when establishing a

temporary OB/OD area. The safe separation distance for all personnel will be the greater of the

overpressure distance or the appropriate fragment range as determined by the maximum fragment

range or mitigated fragment range, but never less than 61 meters (200 feet). Table 3-1 presents

the default separation distances, as detailed in Chapter 5, Paragraph 5-7.c of DA Pam 385-64.

TABLE 3-1

Default Personnel Separation Distances From Aboveground Detonations1

Blast Overpressure Distance Meters

(Feet)

Fragment/

Debris Distance

Meters (Feet)

Non-fragmenting Explosive

Material

D = 130Q1/3 , where Q in kg.2

(D = 328W1/3 , where W in lb.)3 381 (1,250)

Bombs and Projectiles of

Diameter Less Than 127 mm

(5 Inches)

 D = 130Q1/3 , where Q in kg.

(D = 328W1/3 , where W in lb.)

762 (2,500)

Bombs and Projectiles With

a Diameter of 127 mm (5

Inches) or More

 D = 130Q1/3 , where Q in kg.

(D = 328W1/3 , where W in lb.) 1219 (4,000)

All Other Ammunition D = 130Q1/3

 , where Q in kg.

(D = 328W1/3 , where W in lb.) 762 (2,500)

1

From DA Pam 385-64, Table 5-7

2

 Q is the Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ)

3

 W is the Net Explosive Weight (NEW)

(2) If known, maximum debris throw ranges with a applicable safety factor may be used

to replace the default personnel separation distances. Contact the OE Mandatory Center of

Expertise (MCX) for calculation of the maximum fragmentation distance. The personnel

separation distance is the maximum of this fragmentation distance, the blast overpressure distance

from Table 3-1, or 61-meters (200-feet).

(3) Multiple rounds may be demolished by a single detonation (consolidated shot) using

the procedures detailed in Appendix D. The personnel separation distance for a consolidated shot

is calculated as shown in Appendix D.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-3

b. Figure 3-1 provides a general layout and distance guidelines for a temporary OD area

using the default personnel separation distance guidelines. The guidelines portrayed in this figure

are covered in greater detail in the following paragraphs.

NOTES:

1. Net explosives weight and type of UXO being destroyed will also impact distances.

2. See DoD 6055.9-STD for siting criteria of explosives storage sites.

3. Guards must be posted when performing operation or signs posted at radius warning against entering area

 (see paragraph 3.3.h).

4. All radii (including PSD) will be measured from outermost limits of demolition area/pit(s).

5. See Table 3-1.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-4

c. The center of the OB/OD site typically consists of a central detonation area or pit, or in

the case of an OB operation, a central burning tray or burning pit. For an OD site, all combustible

materials and loose stones must be cleared within a 61-meter (200-foot) radius of the center of the

site.

d. Engineering controls and/or protective structures for personnel or other measures to

suppress the blast and/or fragment effects may be used to reduce the required separation distance.

Engineering controls will be determined on a site-specific, munition-specific basis. The designs

for engineering controls must be included in the Explosives Safety Submission (ESS) and

submitted to the OE MCX for review and approval. Figures 3-2 and 3-3 provide general examples

of engineering controls that can be constructed where the minimum safe fragmentation distance

requirement cannot be met. Tables 3-2.A and 3-2.B may be used to determine the required

personnel separation distances due to overpressure when using burial as an engineering control.

FIGURE 3-2: CROSS-SECTION OF ENGINEERING CONTROL (TAMPED EARTH) FOR

INTENTIONAL DETONATION
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-5

FIGURE 3-3: SIDE VIEW – SANDBAG ENCLOSURE

e. Distance Criteria for Personnel Protective Shelters. Generally, personnel protective

shelters are not used at temporary OB/OD sites; however, if personnel protective shelters are

built, they will be located as far from the OD area as possible. All plans for proposed personnel

protective shelters will be designed IAW DOD 6055.9-STD and Army TM 5-1300, and reviewed

and approved by the OE MCX.

f. Distance Criteria for an Explosives Storage Area or Donor Explosives. The explosives

storage area or donor explosives will be located outside the PSD with a separation distance IAW

DOD 6055.9-STD. The actual distance to the explosives storage area will be determined by the

quantity of materials being held in the explosives storage area, the amount of material being

destroyed in the OD area during a single destruction event, and the type of munitions being

destroyed.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-6

g. When a temporary OB/OD site is established near radar or radio transmission facilities

or near electrical energy sources where testing has shown that radio frequency (RF) energy or

stray electrical current may present a hazard to electrical blasting, an approved non-electrical

initiation system will be employed. The distances prescribed in Table 3-3, Table 3-4, and Table 3-

5 will be used as a guide in the selection of an OB/OD site when using electric detonation in the

vicinity of radar and other microwave transmissions.

h. Roadblocks must be established at the fragmentation zone perimeter of the OB/OD

site. In addition, an adequate number of guards must be posted at the fragmentation zone

perimeter to ensure that unauthorized personnel do not accidentally enter the PSD. A means of

communication will be maintained between all site personnel conducting the OB/OD operations.

Prior to the start of operations, the PSD will be searched for unauthorized personnel. Guards will

then be posted to prevent entry into the OB/OD area. The guards will be posted at a distance to

afford them protection from the explosive effects of the OB/OD operations.

3-4. Noise. The noise criteria that must be followed during OB/OD operations are presented

in Tables 5.10 and Table 5.11 of DA PAM 385-64. Local regulators should be contacted during

the planning process to determine whether there are any noise ordinances that could impact the

proposed OB/OD operation.

3-5. OB Site Specific Requirements. In addition to paragraphs 3-1 through 3-6 above, the

following present requirements that must be adhered to during OB operations.

a. The OB site will consist of a completely cleared square area or pad, measuring a

minimum of 92 meters by 92 meters (300 feet by 300 feet). The pad will be completely cleared so

that a flat bed of only sand or dirt remains. The area around the OB area will be free of all

combustible material (brush, grass, debris, and leaves) for a distance of 15 meters (50 feet)

beyond the square pad in all directions. Figure 3-4 presents the general distance guidelines for an

OB area. In the event that these minimum distances cannot be met, engineering controls, pits, or

other similar aids may be used to decrease these distance requirements.

b. Pit or trench burning is normally used when the material to be burned may detonate or

become propulsive. Figure 3-5 illustrates a typical burning trench. Figure 3-5 is an example of an

OE burning trench that can be used at an OB area where the minimum safe distance requirements

for surface burning cannot be met.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-7

TABLE 3-2.A

Required Blast Overpressure Protection Distance for Personnel for Detonating Ammunition for

the Purpose of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (Metric)

NEQ

(kg.) Burial Depth in Meters

0 0.30 0.61 0.91 1.22 1.52 3.05 4.57

Distance Required in Meters

0.45 100 24.1 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9

2.27 171 79.6 31.7 12.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5

4.54 215 121 58.2 28.0 13.4 10.7 10.7 10.7

9.07 271 141 99.4 55.5 31.1 17.4 13.7 13.7

13.6 311 173 112 79.2 47.9 28.7 15.5 15.5

18.1 342 198 134 100 63.4 39.9 17.1 17.1

22.7 368 220 153 106 77.7 50.3 18.3 18.3

45.4 464 300 225 169 126 99.4 23.2 23.2

68.0 531 357 278 216 168 130 32.0 26.5

90.7 585 403 321 255 203 161 46.0 29.3

113 630 442 357 289 234 189 60.4 31.4

136 669 476 390 319 262 214 74.1 33.5

159 705 507 419 347 287 237 87.8 35.4

181 737 535 446 372 310 259 101 36.9

204 766 561 471 395 332 279 114 40.8

227 793 585 494 417 353 298 127 46.9

454 1000 767 671 586 513 449 230 110

680 1145 895 796 708 630 561 312 169

907 1260 998 897 807 725 652 383 225

1134 1357 1084 983 890 807 731 447 272

1361 1442 1161 1058 964 879 801 504 317

1814 1587 1291 1187 1091 1002 921 604 397

2268 1710 1401 1296 1198 1108 1025 693 468

2722 1817 1498 1392 1293 1201 1116 772 534

3175 1912 1585 1477 1378 1284 1198 844 595

3629 2000 1663 1556 1455 1361 1273 911 652

4082 2080 1736 1628 1526 1431 1342 973 705

4536 2154 1803 1695 1593 1497 1406 1031 756

NOTES FOR TABLE 3-2.A:

1. This table is derived from DA PAM 385-64.

2. This table provides distances for protection from blast overpressure only.

3. The 0 meter column distances are for above ground or open pit detonations and are based on the formula D = 130Q1/3 (D

in meters, Q in kg.). The columns 0.30 meter through 4.57 meter are for buried detonations and are generated from the

program EARTHEX. These distances assume the use of alluvium soil, a silty material which is the lightest soil type. They

also assume “base weather conditions,” meaning low winds and high clouds. In lieu of this table, EARTHEX is

recommended for soil types other than alluvium (heavier soils may allow smaller distances), for atmospheric conditions

such as low stable clouds (which may increase distances), and for interpolation between table values. EARTHEX, an IBM

compatible program, is available from the U.S. Army Technical Center for Explosives Safety, ATTN: SMCAC-ES,

Savanna, IL 61074-9639.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-8

TABLE 3-2.B

Required Blast Overpressure Protection Distance for Personnel for Detonating Ammunition for

the Purpose of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (English)

NEW

(lbs) Burial Depth in Feet

0 1 2 3 4 5 10 15

Distance Required in Feet

1 328 79 16 16 16 16 16 16

5 561 261 104 41 28 28 28 28

10 707 398 191 92 44 35 35 35

20 890 464 326 182 102 57 45 45

30 1019 566 368 260 157 94 51 51

40 1122 650 439 329 208 131 56 56

50 1208 721 501 349 255 165 60 60

100 1522 984 737 553 414 326 76 76

150 1743 1171 911 708 550 428 105 87

200 1918 1322 1052 837 665 529 151 96

250 2066 1450 1172 948 767 620 198 103

300 2196 1562 1279 1047 858 702 243 110

350 2312 1663 1375 1137 941 778 288 116

400 2417 1755 1463 1220 1018 849 332 121

450 2514 1839 1545 1297 1089 915 375 134

500 2603 1918 1620 1369 1157 977 417 154

1000 3280 2515 2200 1924 1683 1472 754 360

1500 3755 2936 2612 2324 2067 1839 1025 556

2000 4133 3273 2943 2646 2380 2140 1258 739

2500 4452 3558 3224 2921 2647 2398 1465 894

3000 4731 3808 3471 3163 2883 2627 1652 1039

4000 5207 4236 3893 3578 3289 3023 1983 1301

5000 5609 4598 4251 3931 3635 3362 2273 1537

6000 5960 4915 4566 4241 3940 3660 2533 1752

7000 6274 5199 4847 4520 4214 3929 2769 1952

8000 6560 5457 5104 4773 4464 4175 2988 2138

9000 6823 5695 5340 5007 4695 4402 3191 2313

10000 7067 5916 5560 5225 4910 4614 3382 2479

NOTES FOR TABLE 3-2.B:

1. This table is derived from DA PAM 385-64.

2. This table provides distances for protection from blast overpressure only.

3. The 0 foot column distances are for above ground or open pit detonations and are based on the formula D = 328W1/3 (D

in feet, W in lbs.). The columns 1 foot through 15 feet are for buried detonations and are generated from the program

EARTHEX. These distances assume the use of alluvium soil, a silty material which is the lightest soil type. They also

assume “base weather conditions,” meaning low winds and high clouds. In lieu of this table, EARTHEX is recommended

for soil types other than alluvium (heavier soils may allow smaller distances), for atmospheric conditions such as low stable

clouds (which may increase distances), and for interpolation between table values. EARTHEX, an IBM compatible

program, is available from the U.S. Army Technical Center for Explosives Safety, ATTN: SMCAC-ES, Savanna, IL 61074-

9639.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-9

TABLE 3-3

Minimum Safe Distances Between RF Transmitters and Electric Blasting Operations1

Minimum Safe Distance in Meters (Feet)

Transmitter Power

(watts)

Commercial AM Broadcast

Transmitters

HF Transmitters Other

 Than AM Broadcast

100 228.6 (750) 228.6 (750)

500 228.6 (750) 518.2 (1,700)

1,000 228.6 (750) 731.5 (2,400)

4,000 228.6 (750) 1,463.0 (4,800)

5,000 259.1 (850) 1,676.4 (5,500)

10,000 396.2 (1,300) 2,316.5 (7,600)

25,000 609.6 (2,000) 3,657.6 (12,000)

50,0002853.4 (2,800) 5,181.6 (17,000)

100,000 1,188.7 (3,900) 7,315.2 (24,000)

500,00032,682.2 (8,800) 16,764.0 (55,000)

1

From TM 9-1300-214.

2

Present maximum power of US broadcast transmitters in Commercial AM Broadcast

Frequency Range (0.535 to 1.605 MHz).

3

Present maximum for international broadcast.

TABLE 3-4

Minimum Safe Distances Between TV and FM Broadcasting

Transmitters And Electric Blasting Operations1

Minimum Safe Distances in Meters (Feet)

Effective

Radiative Power

(watts)

Channels 2 to 6 and FM Channels 7 to 13 UHF

Up to 1,000 304.8 (1,000) 228.6 (750) 182.9 (600)

10,000 548.6 (1,800) 396.2 (1,300) 182.9 (600)

100,0002

975.4 (3,200) 701.0 (2,300) 335.3 (1,100)

316,0003

1,310.6 (4,300) 914.4 (3,000) 442.0 (1,450)

1,000,000 1,767.8 (5,800) 1,219.2 (4,000) 610.0 (2,000)

5,000,0004

2,743.2 (9,000) 1,889.8 (6,200) 914.4 (3,000)

10,000,000 3,109.0 (10,200) 2,255.5 (7,400) 1,066.8 (3,500)

100,000,000 1,828.8 (6,000)

1

From TM 9-1300-214.

2

Present maximum power, channels 2 to 6 and FM.

3

Present maximum power, channels 7 to 13.

4 Present maximum power, channels 14 to 83.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-10

TABLE 3-5

Minimum Safe Distances Between Mobile RF Transmitters

and Electric Blasting Operations1

Minimum Safe Distance in Meters (Feet)

Transmitter

Power Watts

MF

1.6 - 3.4 MHz Industrial

HF

28-29.7 MHz

Amateur

VHF

35 - 36 MHz Pub. Use

42 - 44 MHz Pub. Use

50 - 54 MHz Amateur

VHF

144 - 148 MHz Amateur,

150.8 - 161.5 MHz

Public Use

UHF

450 - 460 MHz

Public Use

5

2

10 12.2 (40) 30.5 (100) 12.2 (40) 4.6 (15) 3.0 (10)

50 27.4 (90) 67.0 (220) 27.4 (90) 10.7 (35) 6.1 (20)

100 38.1 (125) 94.5 (310) 39.6 (130) 15.2 (50) 9.1 (30)

1803

19.8 (65) 12.2 (40)

250 61.0 (200) 149.4 (490) 62.5 (205) 22.9 (75) 13.7 (45)

5004

88.4 (290)

6005

91.4 (300) 231.6 (760) 96.0 (315) 35.0 (115) 21.3 (70)

1,0006

122.0 (400) 298.7 (980) 125.0 (410) 45.7 (150) 27.4 (90)

10,0007

381.0 (1,250) 396.2 (1,3000)

1

From TM 9-1300-214.

2 Citizens band radio (walkie-talkie) (26.96 to 27.23 MHz) - Minimum safe distance - five feet.

3 Maximum power for 2-way mobile units in VHF (150.8 to 161.6 MHz range) and for 2-way mobile and fixed station units in UHF (450 to

460 MHz range).

4 Maximum power for major VHF 2-way mobile and fixed station units in 35 to 44 MHz range.

5 Maximum power for 2-way fixed station units in VHF (150.8 to 161.6 MHz range).

6 Maximum power for amateur radio mobile units.

7 Maximum power for some base stations in 42 to 44 MHz band and 1.6 to 1.8 MHz band.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-11
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-12

c. Burning pans/pads will be constructed IAW DA PAM 385-64 and other applicable

explosives safety regulations. All burning pans/pads will have at least a four-inch bed of sand

over a burning pan for the burning of items other than propellants. Upon removal from the pan,

the sand must be tested to determine if it is listed or characteristic of a hazardous waste, and then

handled, packaged and treated or disposed of accordingly.

d. All burning sites will have a means of collecting and evaluating whether or not the

remnants are hazardous waste. Proper disposal will then be arranged accordingly.

e. When using more than one burn area, parallel beds of explosives prepared for burning

will be separated by not less than 46 meters (150 feet). In repeated burning operations, care must

be taken to guard against material being ignited from smoldering residue or from heat retained in

the ground. Burnings will not be repeated on previously burned-over plots for 24 hours unless

the burning area has been thoroughly soaked with water and an inspection of the plot by

competent personnel has been made to assure the safety of personnel during a subsequent burning

operation. Figure 3-6 presents a diagram of the distances required between multiple burning pad

areas.

f. Burning sites will be selected to ensure that the items to be burned are unconfined, and

spread evenly over the burning site, so that the depth of the material being burned will not exceed

three inches. In addition, OB sites will be constructed so that the distance between each active

burning site will be sufficient to prevent a burning ember from landing on an adjoining site.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-13
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

3-14

3-6. Available Facilities. If an OB/OD area has already been established at a site, the Standing

Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for the use of that site will be reviewed and incorporated

into the new Work Plan, SSHP, and ESS.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

CHAPTER 4

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

4-1

4-1. Safety Precautions.

a. OB/OD operations will be conducted IAW ER 385-1-92, all other applicable DA and

USACE safety regulations, and applicable Federal, state, and local safety laws and regulations.

b. OE operations will not be conducted until a complete Work Plan and SSHP for the

operation involved is prepared and approved by the OE Design Center. The health and safety

plans will be based upon limiting the exposure to a minimum number of personnel, for a minimum

time, to the minimum amount of OE, consistent with safe and efficient operations.

c. Plan for, provide, and know the measures to be taken in the event of an accident.

Emergency procedures that are to be used in the event of an accident should be thoroughly

covered in the project SSHP.

d. Only qualified UXO personnel will be involved in conducting OB/OD operations.

Non-UXO trained personnel may be used to perform OB/OD support activities (e.g., soil

sampling, trenching, etc.) when supervised by an UXO-qualified individual. All personnel

engaged in OE disposal operations will be thoroughly trained in explosive safety and be capable of

recognizing hazardous explosive situations.

e. OD operations always produce dangerous overpressures and various types of

fragments, depending on the type of explosives being detonated. Consider OE which have been

exposed to fire and detonation as extremely hazardous. Chemical and physical changes may have

occurred to the contents that render OE much more sensitive than it was in its original state.

f. Open air burning or detonation of munitions, explosives and pyrotechnics for the

purpose of destruction is prohibited between sunset and dawn.

g. Medical and First Aid Requirements. Prior to the start of work, arrangements will be

made for medical facilities and personnel to provide prompt attention to the injured and for

consultation on occupational safety and health matters.

(1) Communication and transportation to effectively care for injured workers will be

provided.

(2) The telephone numbers of physicians, hospitals, or ambulances will be conspicuously

posted (at the minimum, these numbers will be posted at the on-site project office telephones).

(3) When any part of the body may be exposed to toxic or corrosive materials, drenching

and/or flushing facilities will be provided in the work area for immediate use.

(4) A first aid kit will be present during all OB/OD operations. The contents of the first

aid kit will, at a minimum, include those items required to handle burns and puncture wounds.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

4-2

h. Lightning Suppression. All explosive storage areas will be equipped with a lightning

suppression system that meets the guidelines of Chapter 7 of DOD 6055.9-STD.

i. OB Specific Requirements.

(1) When destroying explosives by burning, the possibility that the mass may detonate

must be recognized and appropriate protective barriers or distance separation should be used for

the protection of personnel and property.

(2) Personnel engaged in OB operations will be provided with flame resistant clothing.

(3) Disposal by open burning will not be undertaken when wind velocity exceeds 15 mph.

4-2. Physical Security.

a. Physical security requirements for OB/OD operations are governed by applicable

Federal, state, and local regulations. The physical security requirements will, at a minimum, meet

the requirements specified in ATFP 5400.7.

b. A physical security survey will be conducted by the contractor prior to construction of

an explosives storage area. This survey will determine the fencing and lighting requirements that

will be necessary for the explosives storage area.

c. The number of entrances and exits to the OB/OD area will be limited to the fewest

number practicable to limit access to the area. Unauthorized persons will not be permitted to

enter the OB/OD area during operations. Authorized persons must enter and leave the OB/OD

area at the designated points. The OB/OD area will be separated from administrative, residential,

and other public areas by as much distance as possible.

d. All personnel entering the OB/OD area must be briefed by the Site Safety and Health

Officer on the hazards present at the site and the safety protocols in force at the site. The same

protocols will be used for entry of personnel into the project exclusion zone. Prior to the start of

operations, the exclusion zone will be searched for unauthorized personnel. An adequate number

of guards will then be posted to prevent unauthorized entry into the disposal area. The guards

will be posted at a distance to afford protection from blast and fragments. A means of

communication will be maintained between all site personnel during the conduct of the operations

to ensure that unauthorized personnel do not stray into the area. All entrances to the OB/OD area

will also be guarded during the conduct of the operation to ensure unauthorized personnel do not

enter the area. The exclusion zone will again be checked for any unauthorized personnel at the

end of each day’s operation. The topography of the OB/OD area will be used to the maximum

extent practicable to ensure the safety and security of the OB/OD operation.

e. A warning sign will be posted at each entrance to the OB/OD area to warn the public

to stay out of the site. The warning signs will be designed and maintained IAW the following

specifications:
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

4-3

(1) The design of warning signs must consider the wording, size, and color. The wording

of the sign must be concise, legible, easily understood, and positive. In those cases where the

OB/OD site is sited in an area with a bilingual population, the sign wording must also be bilingual

with the common second language of the local population. The size of the sign is determined by

its purpose, location, quantity of wording, and distance from which it should be legible. The color

of the sign is dependent on the sign’s function.

(2) Signs must be kept in good condition, clean, well illuminated and legible. Signs shall

be made of metal, plastic, or durable weather resistant materials.

(3) Danger signs will be used on an OB/OD site. The danger sign will have a white

background with a black rectangle in the top portion. Inside the black rectangle will be a red oval

containing the word “DANGER” in white letters. The size of this part of the sign will vary

proportionally with the overall dimensions of the sign. Figure 4-1 is an example of a danger

placard. Table 4-1 presents danger sign dimensions. The sign wording will be located in the

remaining portion of the sign. The wording will be in black letters on the white background. The

wording must convey all necessary information, but be kept as brief as possible. Phosphorescent

or retroreflective paint will be used in locations where night visibility is required.

TABLE 4-1

DANGER

BLASTIN

G

WHIT

E

BLAC

K

RED

FIGURE 4-1: Example Warning Sign
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

4-4

Danger Sign Dimensions (inches)

1

Sign Size Black Rectangular Panel Red Oval Word “Danger” Maximum Message Space

Horizontal Pattern

 7 x 10 3 1/4 x 9 3/8 2 7/8 x 8 1/2 1 7/16 1 3/4 x 9 3/8

10 x 14 4 3/8 x 13 3/8 4 1/8 x 11 7/8 2 1/6 4 1/4 x 13 3/8

14 x 20 6 1/2 x 19 3/8 5 3/4 x 17 1 7/8 6 1/4 x 19 3/8

20 x 28 9 1/4 x 27 3/8 8 1/4 x 23 7/8 4 1/8 9 1/8 x 27 3/8

Upright Pattern

10 x 7 2 3/8 x 6 3/8 2 1/8 x 5 7/8 1 1/18 6 3/8 x 6 3/8

14 x 10 3 1/4 x 9 3/8 2 7/8 x 8 1/2 1 7/18 9 1/2 x 9 3/8

20 x 14 4 5/8 x 13 3/8 4 1/8 x 11 7/8 2 1/16 14 x 13 3/8

28 x 20 6 1/2 x 19 3/8 5 3/4 x 17 1 7/8 10 1/4 x 19 3/8

1

 From AR 385-30.

4-3. Personnel/Training Requirements.

a. Only UXO-qualified personnel will conduct OB/OD operations.

b. Personnel employed at the OB/OD area will be thoroughly trained regarding the nature

of the materials handled, the hazards involved, and the precautions necessary. The danger of

using unapproved, improvised methods and other deviations must be thoroughly instilled in the

minds of the employees. It is essential that thorough training and vigilant supervision be provided

during all OB/OD operations.

c. All personnel performing on-site work activities, wherein they may be exposed to

hazards resulting from OB/OD operations, will have completed applicable training in compliance

with 29 CFR 1910, 29 CFR 1926, ER 385-1-92, and EM385-1-1. Although OSHA regulations at

29 CFR 1910.120 and 29 CFR 1926.65 permit varying levels of training based on employee

responsibility and exposure potential, it is the policy of USACE to require that all personnel

engaged in OB/OD operations obtain training IAW ER 385-1-92.

d. First Aid and CPR Training.

(1) When a medical facility or physician is not accessible within five minutes of the work

site, at least two employees on each shift will be qualified to administer first aid and CPR.

(2) Employees designated as responsible for rendering first aid or medical assistance will

be:

(a) included in their employer’s blood-borne pathogen program IAW 29 CFR 1910.1030;

(b) instructed in the sources, hazards, and avoidance of blood-borne pathogens; and
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

4-5

(c) provided, use, and maintain personal protective equipment when appropriate for

rendering first aid or other medical assistance to prevent contact with blood or other potentially

infectious materials.

4-4. Material Awaiting Destruction. Material awaiting destruction will be stored in an

explosives storage magazine that meets the criteria of ATFP 5400.7 and sited in accordance with

DoD 6055.9-STD.

4-5. Emergency Equipment.

a. Before the start of OB/OD operations an Emergency Response Plan, which complies

with 29 CFR 1910.120(l), 29 CFR 1926.65(l) will be developed and implemented. The

Emergency Response Plan will address, at a minimum, the following areas:

(1) pre-emergency planning and procedures for reporting incidents to appropriate

government agencies for potential chemical exposures, personal injuries, fires/explosions,

environmental spills and releases, and discovery of radioactive materials;

(2) personnel roles, lines of authority, and communications;

(3) posted instructions and list of emergency contacts, including the following:

physician/nearby medical facility, fire and police departments, ambulance service,

Federal/state/local environmental agencies, CO, or approving authority for in-house activities;

(4) emergency recognition and prevention;

(5) site topography, layout, and prevailing weather conditions;

(6) criteria and procedures for site evacuation (emergency alerting procedures/employee

alarm system, emergency personal protective equipment (PPE), safe distances, place of refuge,

evacuation routes, site security, and control);

(7) specific procedures for decontamination and medical treatment of injured personnel;

(8) route maps to nearest pre-notified medical facility;

(9) criteria for initiating community alert program, contacts, and responsibilities; and

(10) critique of emergency responses and follow-up.

b. Local fire/police/rescue authorities having jurisdiction and nearby medical facilities that

will be utilized for emergency treatment of injured personnel will be contacted before the start of

OB/OD operations in order to notify them of upcoming site activities and potential emergency

situations, to ascertain their response capabilities, and to obtain a response commitment.

c. The following items, as appropriate, will be immediately available for on-site use during

the conduct of OB/OD operations:
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

4-6

(1) first aid equipment and supplies approved by the consulting physician;

(2) fire extinguishers; and

(3) emergency eyewashes/showers (as necessary).

d. First Aid Kits. Unless otherwise specified, first aid kits will be 16-unit first aid kits.

First aid kits will comply with 29 CFR 1910.151 and 1926.50, be constructed of weatherproof

containers, and be easily accessible to all workers with each item maintained in a sterile condition.

The contents of the first aid kits will be checked by the employer prior to their use and at least

weekly when work is in progress to ensure that expended items are replaced.

e. During OB/OD operations, a designated emergency vehicle will be provided in the area

in case of an accident or other emergency.

4-6. Communications.

a. The OB/OD area will be serviced with telephones or two-way radio communications.

If available, a permanent structure serviced with electricity and hard-wire communications will be

used.

b. The use of electro-explosive devices (EED) susceptible to electromagnetic radiation

(EMR) devices in the radio frequency (RF) range, that is, radio, radar, and television transmitters,

has become almost universal. Some ordnance is particularly susceptible to EMR/RF emission. A

knowledge of ordnance that is normally unsafe in the presence of EMR/RF is important so that

preventive steps can be taken if the ordnance item is encountered in a suspected EMR/RF

environment. The presence of antennas, communication, and RADAR devices should be noted

during the initial site visit or during the preliminary assessment. When potential EMR hazards

exist, the site will be electronically surveyed for EMR/RF emissions and the appropriate actions

taken. Minimum safe distances from EMR/RF sources are listed in Tables 3-2, 3-3, and 3-4 of

this EP.

4-7. Fire Prevention Planning.

a. Fire Prevention Plan. A fire prevention plan will be prepared as part of the SSHP.

This plan will, at a minimum, include the following items.

(1) The fire prevention plan will specifically cover the explosives storage area and any

temporary storage magazine used on site and will be coordinated with the local fire department.

Placarding of the explosives storage area and any temporary magazines will be IAW Federal,

state, and local regulations.

(2) The fire prevention plan will show the fire lanes providing access to all critical areas.

These fire lanes will be maintained free of obstruction.

(3) The fire prevention plan will state that all vehicles, equipment, materials, and supplies

will not be placed so that access to fire hydrants or other fire fighting equipment is obstructed.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

4-7

(4) The fire prevention plan will be coordinated with the local fire department during the

plan preparation phase of a project. During this coordination the capabilities of the local fire

department must be determined, particularly the local fire department’s capabilities to battle

ordnance-related fires.

(5) The fire prevention plan will discuss how fire-fighting capabilities will be readily

available to extinguish brush or grass fires.

(6) The fire prevention plan will designate the location of smoking areas at the site.

Smoking may take place only in the specifically designated and posted “Smoking Locations”.

Smoking will be prohibited in all areas where flammable, combustible, or oxidizing materials are

stored. “NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAME” signs will be posted in all prohibited areas.

(7) The fire prevention plan will designate that all sources of ignition will be prohibited

within 15 meters (50 feet) of operations with a potential fire hazard. The potential fire hazard

area will be conspicuously and legibly posted with a sign stating “NO SMOKING OR OPEN

FLAME”.

b. Ensure that the fire prevention plan is read and understood by all personnel working on

the site. Also ensure that each person knows what to do in case of fire within the work area. The

person in charge should instruct all personnel on the existing fire plan to aid fire fighting crews

and to prevent the loss of life and property in case of an accident.

c. Only OE-trained fire fighters will assist in fires involving ammunition and explosives. If

the practical need for their doing so can be anticipated, the local fire fighters will receive advance

instruction in ammunition and explosives fire fighting procedures.

d. OB Specific Requirements.

(1) OB areas will be established in coordination with the local authorities and with the

agency responsible for monitoring fire potential at the location of the proposed OB area.

(2) OB operations will be conducted in compliance with all applicable Federal, state, and

local regulations and guidelines.

(3) A sufficient force necessary to patrol and control the burning operations will be

maintained until the last embers have been extinguished.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

4-8

4-8. Airspace Clearance. The proposed site for the OB/OD operation must not conflict with

any existing or proposed airways. Written clearance for the proposed OB/OD site will be

obtained from the appropriate local Federal Aviation Administration administrator.

4-9. Personnel Protection.

a. Hazard Assessment. When setting up an OB/OD area, a hazard assessment will be

performed to determine the hazards that will be associated with performing OB/OD operations in

the area. Based on this assessment, engineering design criteria for the OB/OD area will be

developed for use in the selection of appropriate equipment, shielding, engineering controls, and

protective clothing for personnel. The hazard assessment will include the following factors, as

appropriate:

(1) initiation sensitivity;

(2) quantity of materials to be destroyed;

(3) heat output;

(4) rate of burning;

(5) potential ignition and initiation sources;

(6) protection capabilities of shields, the types of clothing to be worn, protection systems;

and

(7) the physiological effects of hot vapors and combustion products on exposed

personnel.

b. Personal Protective Equipment.

(1) PPE Plan. A PPE Plan will be developed as part of the SSHP. The PPE Plan will

address:

(a) PPE selection based on site-specific hazards;

(b) the use and limitations of PPE;

(c) OB/OD activity duration;

(d) the maintenance and storage of PPE;

(e) the decontamination and disposal of PPE;

(f) PPE training and fitting;

(g) equipment donning and doffing procedures;
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

4-9

(h) procedures for inspecting equipment before, during, and after use;

(i) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the PPE program; and

(j) medical considerations, including work limitations due to temperature extremes.

(2) PPE selected to be used on a site will be based on the performance characteristics of

the equipment relative to:

(a) the requirements and limitations of the site;

(b) the task specific conditions and duration of the operation; and

(c) the hazards and potential hazards identified at the site.

c. Personnel working in an OB/OD area will have ample time to exit the exclusion zone

prior to detonation.

d. OB/OD operations will be discontinued and personnel moved to a safe area during the

approach or progress of a thunderstorm or dust storm. Controls will be established to prevent the

accidental discharge of electric blasting caps from extraneous electricity.

e. Personnel working with OE will only wear outer and undergarments made of 100

percent cotton material in order to minimize the static that can be generated by other fabrics.

Materials of 100 percent polyester, nylon, silk, or wool are highly static-producing and are

therefore prohibited when performing OB/OD operations. Any person handling a UXO suspected

of containing EEDs will ground himself/herself prior to touching the UXO. See DA PAM 385-

64, Paragraph 6-10.a.(4) for additional information on non-static producing attire.

f. When working with munitions, personnel are required to observe the following

precautions:

(1) do not carry fire or spark-producing devices into ammunition or explosives work

areas unless authorized in writing;

(2) do not smoke, except in authorized area. After smoking, ensure that burning tobacco

is completely extinguished;

(3) do not have fires for heating or cooking, except in authorized areas;

(4) do not allow accumulation of litter, packing material, dunnage, dry leaves, grass, etc.

within fire-break areas;

(5) pick up any debris within storage area;

(6) do not accumulate oily rags or other material subject to spontaneous ignition, except

in a covered metal box. Have such material collected daily and removed from the area;
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

4-10

(7) do not conduct OB/OD operations without the OE Design Center approved Work

Plan and SSHP in place and under proper supervision;

(8) use only permissible lighting in the temporary magazines and explosive storage areas;

(9) do not become careless by reason of familiarity with ammunition; and

(10) personnel will never work alone during OB/OD operations. Warning signs or

roadblocks will restrict entry to the area. One person, available in an emergency, should observe

from a safe distance while another person performs the operation.

g. Personnel will wear clothing suitable for the weather and work conditions: the

minimum for field work will be short sleeved shirt, long trousers, and leather or other protective

work shoes or boots.

h. For all activities in which USACE or contractor personnel or official visitors are

potentially exposed to foot hazards, the applicable position/activity hazard analysis, accident

prevention plan, or project SSHP will include an analysis of and prescribe specific protective

measures to be taken for reducing foot hazards.

i. Personnel will be provided with eye and face protection equipment when operations

present potential eye or face injury from physical, chemical, or radiation agents.

j. OB Specific Requirements. Personnel engaged in OB activities will be provided with

fire resistant clothing. Until authorized flame-resistant clothing is available, clothing may be

flame-proofed by immersion in an approved flame-proofing solution. Effective flame-proofing

solutions are: (1) a 15 percent aqueous solution of diammonium phosphate or ammonium

sulfamate or (2) a solution of 2 pounds of ammonium sulfate, 4 pounds of ammonium chloride

and 3 gallons of water. These are minimum effective percentages; stronger solutions may be used

without effect on wearing life of the clothing. During operations, the number of people in the

area exposed to the hazard should be kept to a minimum, but no fewer than two.

4-10. Toxic Hazards of Certain Explosives and Munitions. Many explosives, because of their

chemical structures, are somewhat toxic. When munitions are destroyed, careful attention must

be paid to the toxic nature of some of the munitions as the toxic effects of munition destruction

can vary from mild dermatitis or a headache to serious damage to internal organs. All personnel

should remain outside the PSD until all smoke and fumes dissipate.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

CHAPTER 5

SITE OPERATIONS

5-1

5-1. Plan Requirements.

a. OB/OD operations will not take place without an approved Work Plan, ESS, and

SSHP. The plans prepared for these operations will be reviewed for compliance with Federal,

state, and local laws and regulations involving destruction of OE. Plans that are not in continuous

use and have not been used within the previous six months will be reviewed prior to the start of

any OB/OD operations.

b. All personnel working within the personnel separation distance will comply with the

requirements of the Work Plan, SSHP, and ESS.

5-2. Maps. Furnish the following maps.

a. Site map. Furnish an overall map of the site showing the following:

(1) The OE areas.

(2) The location of any magazines to be used for the storage of demolition explosives

and/or recovered OE.

(3) The location of any planned or established demolition areas to be used to destroy

recovered OE.

 b. Quantity-Distance (Q-D) Maps. The Q-D map and the site map may be shown on the

same map. Scaled maps, 1-inch equals not more than 400 feet are preferred. A smaller scale is

acceptable if distances can be accurately shown. Provide Q-D map(s) for the following areas (it is

possible that more than one map will be needed to show everything in sufficient detail).

(1) Each OE area to be cleared.

(2) The location of magazines for the storage of demolition explosives and/or recovered

OE.

(3) Areas planned or established for the intentional detonation or burning of OE will have

a PSD associated with them. Show each area and the PSD around it (an example is shown in

figure 5-1). Identify every inhabited building, occupied area, and public (those not supporting the

clearance operation) exposure inside the PSD. Describe measures to be taken to

eliminate/mitigate risk for exposures within the PSD/PWD (example: evacuation of inhabited

buildings, blocking off public highways).

c. Encroaching Q-D’s. Some project sites are too small to locate the OB/OD areas so

that their PSDs do not encroach on other OE areas (work area, other OB area, or other OD

area/pit). Figure 5-2 shows an example of such a case. As shown, the PSD for the OB area
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

5-2

encroaches on the work area. Before OB work can begin, work must stop in this part of the work

area and any personnel not directly involved with the OB work must be evacuated from the PSD

for the OB area. Similarly, the PSD for the OB area encroaches on the OD area/pit and the PSD

for the OD area encroaches on the OB area. In this case, work may not be done in the OB area

and the OD area/pit simultaneously. When a PSD encroaches on another OE area, the Work Plan

and the ESS must include standard operating procedures for protecting personnel while the work

is accomplished in the area with the encroaching PSD.

FIGURE 5-1: SAMPLE OF A Q-D MAP FOR A PROJECT SITE
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

5-3

FIGURE 5-2: SAMPLE OF A Q-D MAP FOR A PROJECT SITE WITH ENCROACHING

PSD

5-3. Separation Distance Requirements.

a. While ordnance is being prepared for OB/OD operations, only personnel necessary for

the OB/OD operation will be allowed within the PSD area. Prior to burning or detonation, all

personnel will withdraw from the PSD area. When non-essential personnel must enter the PSD

area, all OB/OD operations will cease.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

5-4

b. When non-essential personnel must enter the PSD area, the following must be

accomplished:

(1) The individual must receive a safety briefing before entering the OB/OD PSD area.

(2) All OB/OD operations must cease.

(3) The individual(s) must be escorted by a UXO-qualified individual at all times while in

the OB/OD PSD area.

5-4. Hours of Operation. OB/OD operations are prohibited between sunset and dawn.

5-5. Weather Restrictions. OB/OD operations will not be conducted in inclement weather.

Weather conditions affect both the location and timing of OB/OD operations. The optimum wind

speed for an OB/OD operation is 4 to 15 mph, because winds at these speeds tend not to change

direction and, as a result, dissipate smoke relatively rapidly. OB/OD operations are never

conducted during sand, snow, or electrical storms strong enough to produce static electricity,

which might cause premature detonation.

5-6. OB Specific Requirements.

a. Open burning of explosives and smokeless powder or chemical decomposition of

explosives will not be accomplished without prior approval of the CO.

b. Anticipate a high order detonation when burning pyrotechnics or incendiary-loaded

UXO. Safety measures for personnel and property must be based upon this possibility.

c. Disposal by open burning will not be undertaken when wind velocity exceeds 15 mph.

5-7. Maintenance of Grounds.

a. For OD operations, all dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials within a radius

of 61 meters (200 feet) from the point of destruction will be removed.

b. The OB/OD area will be kept clean and orderly at all times.

c. Explosive items, hazardous materials, inert OE scrap, and wood, paper, and

combustible packaging materials will not be mixed. Each of these categories will be carefully

controlled and placed in separate, approved, and properly marked containers. The containers will

be placed outside of the OB/OD area, except for containers required at the work location during

operations. Working location containers will be emptied as needed but at least once during each

8-hour shift.

d. The above listed items will be removed to proper disposal areas at frequent intervals

and prior to leaving at the end of the duty day or shift. When isolated collection points are used,

time and quantity limits, which comply with environmental regulations, will be set up to ensure
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

5-5

timely movement of the material to the disposal area. Materials should not be “stored” in the

disposal area, but disposed of as soon as possible after arrival.

e. Hazardous wastes, if any, will be disposed of in authorized facilities. Disposal

operations of hazardous wastes generated during OB/OD operations will be covered in the Work

Plan and SSHP.

f. OB Specific Requirements. For OB areas all dry grass, leaves, and other flammable

material will be removed for a distance of 15 meters (50 feet) from the OB area. Burning will not

be repeated on previously burned-over plots for 24 hours unless the burning area has been soaked

thoroughly with water and an inspection by competent personnel has been made to ensure the

safety of personnel during subsequent burning operations. The use of concrete mats for burning

or detonation is not permitted.

5-8. Servicing/Close-out of Destruction Site.

a. Prior to beginning OB/OD operations, coordination with local environmental regulators

should be made in order to establish the nature and extent of any OB/OD area sampling and

decontamination requirements. These requirements will be documented in a closure plan

developed specifically for the OB/OD area prior to the start of OB/OD operations.

b. Trucks transporting explosive material to burning or demolition grounds will meet the

requirements of Chapter 6 of TM 9-1300-206. No more than two persons will ride in the cab.

c. When materials being processed at destruction sites are to be handled by gasoline or

diesel powered forklift truck, the requirements of Appendix C of TM 9-1300-206 will be

observed.

d. Containers for explosive material will have covers, preferably self-closing. Explosive

material includes scrap powder, initiating or sensitive explosives, sweepings from open explosives

areas, and rags contaminated with these explosives.

(1) Receptacles should have enough liquid, normally water or oil, to cover the scraps or

rags if this does not add to the hazard.

(2) Number 10 mineral oil is useful for covering white phosphorous, pyrotechnic, tracer,

flare, and similar mixtures. If water is used to cover such materials, scrap should be put in so it is

immediately immersed to reduce the production of dangerous gases.

e. During closure of the OB/OD area, the contractor must remove and decontaminate all

waste residues, contaminated containment areas, contaminated subsoils, and all contaminated

structures and equipment, and manage them as hazardous waste IAW the requirements of the

closure plan.
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5-6

f. After dismantling the OB/OD area, confirmation samples will be collected from the area

IAW the requirements of the Closure Plan prepared for the site. Any residual contamination will

be addressed under a follow-on Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) investigation.

5-9. Documentation Requirements. Records shall be kept of all OB/OD operations. These

records shall include at a minimum the types and numbers of all ordnance destroyed, the method

of destruction (i.e. burning or detonation), and the disposition of the scrap.

5-10. Mishap Reporting and Investigation Requirements. The following information provides

general guidelines to be followed for reporting mishaps involving ammunition and explosives. See

AR 385-40, with USACE Supplement 1, and EM 385-1-1 for additional details on mishap

reporting requirements.

a. Reporting Criteria. All mishaps will be investigated by the contractor and reported to

the CO and Government Safety Officer or to the government authority cited in the statement of

work. See EM 385-1-1 for accident reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Any accident

will be reported on ENG FORM 3394, “Accident Investigation Report”.

b. Mishap Scene. In the event of a mishap, the contractor will implement emergency

procedures and secure the scene of the mishap to keep unauthorized persons away from the

mishap scene for their protection and to preserve the evidence for the mishap investigation.
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A-1

APPENDIX A

REFERENCES

Section I

Required Publications

Comprehensive Environmental Response,

Compensation, and Liability Act

(CERCLA) of 1980, Public Law (PL)

96-510, 94 Stat 2767, 42 USC 9601

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

(RCRA) of 1976,

PL 94-580, 90 Stat 2796, 42 USC 6901,

et seq., as amended

29 CFR 1910.120

OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and

Emergency Response

40 CFR Part 260, et al

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Military Munitions Rule

40 CFR Part 300

EPA National Oil and Hazardous Substance

Pollution Contingency Plan

DOD 6055.9-STD

Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards

AR 385-40, with USACE Supplement 1

Accident Reporting and Records

AR 385-64

U.S. Army Explosives Safety Program

DA Pam 385-64

Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards

TM 5-1300

Structures to Resist the Effects of Accidental

Explosions

TM 9-1300-206

Ammunition and Explosives Standards

TM 9-1300-214

Military Explosives

TM 9-1300-277

General Instructions for Demilitarization/

Disposal of Conventional Munitions

TM 9-1375-213-12

Operator’s and Organizational Maintenance

Manual; Demolition Materials

TM 60A-1-1-31

General Information on EOD Disposal

Procedures

ER 385-1-92

Safety and Occupational Health Requirements

for Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste

(HTRW) Activities

ER 1110-1-12

Quality Management

ER 1110-1-8153

Ordnance and Explosives Response

EM 200-1-3

Requirements for the Preparation of Sampling

and Analytical Plans

EM-385-1-1

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and

Health Requirements Manual

ATFP 5400.7

ATF - Explosives Law and Regulations

“TRAJ - A Two Dimensional Trajectory

Program for Personal Computers”, Minutes of

the Twenty-Fourth Explosives Safety Seminar,

August 1990, pp. 1853-1879, Montanaro,

P.E.
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16 Jul 99

A-2

EARTHEX Computer Program - U.S. Army

Technical Center for Explosives Safety

Section II

Related Publications

A related publication is merely a source of

additional information. The user does not

have to read it to understand this regulation.

AR 75-15

Responsibilities and Procedures for Explosive

Ordnance Disposal

DA PAM 75-5

List of Storage and Outloading Drawings for

Ammunition

DALO-SMA Memorandum

Interim Policy for DOD Implementation of the

EPA Military Munitions Rule

FM 9-15

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service and Unit

Operations

FM 21-16

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Procedures

TM 5-855-1

Fundamentals of Protective Design for

Conventional Weapons

TM 9-1300-250

Ammunition Maintenance

TB 5-890-1

Ordnance and Explosive Waste Engineering

NAVSEA OP5; Volume 1

Ammunition and Explosives Ashore; Safety

Regulations for Handling, Storing,

Production, Renovation, and Shipping

NAVSEA SWO 60-AA-MMA-010

Demolition Materials

EPA/625/R-93/013

Approaches for the Remediation of Federal

Facility Sites Contaminated with Explosive or

Radioactive Wastes
EP 1110-1-17

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B-1

APPENDIX B

GLOSSARY

Section I

Abbreviations

CFR

Code of Federal Regulations

CO

Contracting Officer

DA

Department of the Army

DOD

Department of Defense

DDESB

Department of Defense Explosives Safety

Board

EED

Electro-explosive Device

EMR

Electromagnetic Radiation

ES

Exposed Site

ESS

Explosives Safety Submission

FOA

Field Operating Activity

HQUSACE

Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

HTRW

Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste

MSC

Major Subordinate Command

NEW

Net Explosive Weight

NEQ

Net Explosive Quantity

OB

Open Burn

OD

Open Detonation

OE

Ordnance and Explosives

OE MCX

Ordnance and Explosives Mandatory Center

of Expertise

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health

Administration

PES

Potential Explosion Site

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment

PSD

Personnel Separation Distance

PWD

Public Withdrawal Distance

Q-D

Quantity-Distance

RCRA

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

RF

Radio Frequency

SOP

Standing Operating Procedure
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B-2

SSHP

Site Safety and Health Plan

USACE

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USAESCH

U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center,

Huntsville

UXO

Unexploded Ordnance

Section II

Terms

Aboveground Magazines

Any type of magazine above grade other than

standard or nonstandard earth-covered types

of magazines.

Ammunition and Explosives

Includes (but is not necessarily limited to) all

items of ammunition; propellants, liquid and

solid; high and low explosives; guided

missiles; warheads; devices; pyrotechnics;

chemical agents; and components and

substances associated therewith, presenting

real or potential hazards to life and property.

Blast Overpressure

The pressure, exceeding the ambient pressure,

manifested in the shock wave of an explosion.

Compatibility

Ammunition or explosives are considered

compatible if they may be stored or

transported together without increasing

significantly either the probability of an

accident or, for a given quantity, the

magnitude of the effects of such an accident.

Controlling Authority

The headquarters of the DOD Component

concerned.

Detonation

A violent chemical reaction within a chemical

compound or mechanical mixture evolving

heat and pressure. A detonation is a reaction

which proceeds through the reacted material

toward the unreacted material at a supersonic

velocity. The result of the chemical reaction is

exertion of extremely high pressure on the

surrounding medium forming a propagating

shock wave that originally is of supersonic

velocity. A detonation, when the material is

located on or near the surface of the ground, is

characterized normally by a crater.

Engineering Controls

Regulation of facility operations through the

use of prudent engineering principles, such as

facility design, operation sequencing,

equipment selection, and process limitations.

Explosion

A chemical reaction of any chemical

compound or mechanical mixture that, when

initiated, undergoes a very rapid combustion

or decomposition releasing large volumes of

highly heated gases that exert pressure on the

surrounding medium. Also, a mechanical

reaction in which failure of the container

causes the sudden release of pressure from

within a pressure vessel, for example, pressure

rupture of a steam boiler. Depending on the

rate of energy release, an explosion can be

categorized as a deflagration, a detonation, or

pressure rupture.
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B-3

Exposed Site (ES)

A location exposed to the potential hazardous

effects (blasts, fragments, debris, and heat

flux) from an explosion at a potential

explosion site (PES). The distance to a PES

and the level of protection required for an ES

determine the quantity of ammunition or

explosives permitted in a PES.

Fragmentation

The breaking up of the confining material of a

chemical compound or mechanical mixture

when an explosion takes place. Fragments

may be complete items, subassemblies, pieces

thereof, or pieces of equipment or buildings

containing the items.

Hazardous Fragment

A hazardous fragment is one having an impact

energy of 58 ft-lb or greater.

Hazardous Fragment Density

A density of hazardous fragments exceeding

one per 600 sq. ft.

Inhabited Buildings

Buildings or structures, other than operating

buildings occupied in whole or in part by

human beings, both within and outside DOD

establishments. They include but are not

limited to schools, churches, residences

(quarters), service clubs, aircraft passenger

terminals, stores, shops, factories, hospitals,

theaters, mess halls, post offices, and post

exchanges.

Magazine

Any building or structure, except an operating

building, used for the storage of ammunition

and explosives.

Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ)

Net explosive quantity expressed in kilograms.

Net Explosive Weight (NEW)

Net explosive weight expressed in pounds.

Non-DOD Components

Any entity (government, private, or corporate)

that is not a part of the Department of

Defense.

Ordnance and Explosives (OE)

OE consists of either: (1) Ammunition,

ammunition components, chemical warfare

material or explosives that have been

abandoned, lost, discarded, buried, fired, or

expelled from demolition pits or burning pads

(such ammunition, ammunition components

and explosives are no longer under

accountable record control of any DOD

organization or activity) or (2) Explosive

Soil: Explosive soil refers to mixtures of

explosives in soil, sand, clay, or other solid

media at concentrations such that the mixture

itself is explosive.

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Military munitions that have been primed,

fuzed, armed, or otherwise prepared for

action, and have been fired, dropped,

launched, projected or placed in such a

manner as to constitute a hazard to operation,

installation, personnel, or material and remain

unexploded either by malfunction, design, or

any other cause.

UXO Personnel

Contractor or government personnel who have

completed specialized military training in

Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD)

methods and have satisfactorily performed the

EOD function while serving in the military.

Various grades and contract positions are

established based on skills and experience.

Check with the OE MCX for current ratings.
EP 1110-1-17

16 Jul 99

APPENDIX C

OB/OD CHECKLIST

C-1

SITE SELECTION (OB/OD AREAS) PARAGRAPH

Determine the direction of the prevailing winds and ensure that they are not directed

toward the Explosive Storage Area or temporary holding magazine.

3-1.c

Dry grass, leaves, and other extraneous combustibles must be removed from a

61-meter (200-foot) radius of the OD site.

3-1.c

Ensure no public utility lines are located in or near the OB/OD area. If utilities

cannot be avoided, contact the owners of the utility to develop the necessary

protective measures.

3-1.f

Take advantage of the topography (e.g., slopes, hills, etc.) when locating OB/OD

area to ensure public areas are shielded from OB/OD operations, whenever possible.

3-2

If personnel protective structures will be built, all plans must be design reviewed and

approved by the OE MCX.

3-3.e

Ensure the temporary Explosives Storage Area or donor explosives will be located

outside the exclusion zone.

3-3.f

Ensure radio frequency energy or stray electrical current is not present in the area. 3-3.g

Establish roadblocks at all entrances and exits to the OB/OD area at the

fragmentation zone distance.

3-3.h

Ensure that a sufficient distance has been allowed between the OB/OD area and all

public places. Calculate the anticipated overpressure hazards using the equation

D=328W1/3, where W is the NEW in pounds of ordnance to be destroyed and D is

the distance in feet that must be maintained from the OB/OD area place to reduce

the overpressure hazards.

3-3.a

Ensure that personnel have protection from fragmentation hazards generated during

OB/OD operations.

3-3.a,

Table 3-1

Determine noise requirements for the OB/OD operation. 3-4

SITE SELECTION (OB - SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS) PARAGRAPH

Ensure an area of 92 meters by 92 meters (300 feet by 300 feet) is completely

cleared in each direction from the OB area.

3-5.a

Ensure that dry grass, brush, debris, and leaves are cleared for a distance of 153

meters (500 feet) in all directions.

3-5.a

Ensure that the distance between multiple burning sites will be sufficient to prevent a

burning ember landing on an adjacent site (a minimum of 46 meters (150 feet)

distance is required).

3-5.e
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OB/OD CHECKLIST

C-2

AVAILABLE FACILITIES PARAGRAPH

Ensure that SOP’s are incorporated into the work plan and health and safety plan. 3-6

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PARAGRAPH

Minimize the number of personnel engaged in OB/OD operations. In no case,

however, shall OB/OD operations be conducted by one individual. Plan for,

provide, and know the measures to be taken in the event of an accident.

4-1

Ensure that an approved SSHP has been read by all personnel and is available onsite. 4-1.b

Only UXO-qualified personnel shall be involved in conducting OB/OD operations. 4-1.d

Ensure that a first aid kit is available onsite and that arrangements have been made

with local medical facilities in the event personnel are injured.

4-1.g(4),

 4-5.d

Ensure that all Explosives Storage Areas and temporary holding magazines are

equipped with lightning suppression systems.

4-1.h

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - (OB SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS) PARAGRAPH

When conducting OB operations, ensure personnel are provided with flame resistant

clothing.

4-1.i(2),

4-9.j

PHYSICAL SECURITY PARAGRAPH

Ensure that all Explosives Storage Areas and temporary holding magazines meet the

physical security requirements.

4-2.a

Conduct a physical security survey of the area before setting up the Explosive

Storage Area to determine the physical security requirements.

4-2.b

PHYSICAL SECURITY (CONT’D) PARAGRAPH

The number of entrances and exits to the OB/OD area will be limited to the fewest

number practicable to limit access to the area.

4-2.c

The OB/OD area shall have guards posted around the fragmentation zone perimeter

and at all entrances and exits to the OB/OD area during the conduct of OB/OD

operations.

4-2.d

The OB/OD area will be placarded at each entrance to ensure that unauthorized

personnel do not enter the area.

4-2.e
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OB/OD CHECKLIST

C-3

PERSONNEL TRAINING PARAGRAPH

All personnel conducting OB/OD operations shall be UXO-certified and meet all

other USACE training requirements.

4-3.a &b

All personnel conducting OB/OD operations shall have completed the applicable

training IAW 29 CFR 1910, 29 CFR 1926, ER 385-1-92, EM 385-1-1, and OE

MCX specific requirements.

4-3.c

At least two employees within each shift shall be certified to administer first aid and

CPR if a medical facility or physician is not accessible within five minutes of a site.

4-3.d(1)

MATERIAL AWAITING DESTRUCTION PARAGRAPH

Ensure that all material to be destroyed is stored in an Explosives Storage Area that

has been constructed IAW ATFP 5400.7.

4-4

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT PARAGRAPH

Prepare an Emergency Response Plan as part of the Work Plan submittal. 4-5.a

Ensure local fire, police, medical, and rescue authorities have been notified of the

proposed OB/OD operation.

4-5.b

Ensure fire extinguishers are available onsite. 4-5.c

Ensure emergency eyewashes/showers are available, as necessary. 4-5.c

Ensure a first aid kit is available onsite. 4-5.d

COMMUNICATIONS PARAGRAPH

Ensure the OB/OD area is serviced by either telephone or two-way radio

communication.

4-6.a

FIRE PREVENTION PLANNING PARAGRAPH

A Fire Prevention Plan will be prepared as part of the SSHP. 4-7.a

AIRSPACE CLEARANCE PARAGRAPH

Contact the local FAA administrator to ensure that the proposed OB/OD area does

not interfere with any existing or proposed airways.

4-8
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OB/OD CHECKLIST

C-4

PERSONNEL PROTECTION PARAGRAPH

Conduct a hazard assessment prior to setting up the OB/OD area to determine the

hazards and personnel protection that will be necessary to conduct OB/OD

operations at a particular site.

4-9.a

Ensure that a Personal Protective Equipment Plan has been developed as a part of

the SSHP.

4-9.b

TOXIC HAZARDS OF CERTAIN EXPLOSIVES PARAGRAPH

Be aware of the toxic hazards of certain explosives and munitions and take safeguards to prevent personnel exposure during OB/OD operations.4-10

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE PARAGRAPH

A Closure Plan for the OB/OD area will be prepared as part of the Work Plan

submittal.

2-2.a

Environmental samples of the proposed OB/OD area must be obtained to determine

if there is any pre-existing environmental contamination at the site.

2-2.b

SITE OPERATIONS PARAGRAPH

Ensure all OB/OD operations are conducted IAW the USAESCH-approved Work

Plan, SSHP, and SOP’s developed for the site.

5-1.a

Minimize the number of personnel conducting OB/OD operations. 5-3

OB/OD operations will only be conducted during daylight hours. 5-4

Ensure weather conditions are favorable for the conduct of OB/OD operations. 5-5

MAINTENANCE OF GROUNDS PARAGRAPH

The OB/OD area will be kept clean and orderly at all times. 5-7.b

CLOSE-OUT OF OB/OD AREA PARAGRAPH

When dismantling the OB/OD area ensure that all environmental sampling and

cleanup requirements have been performed IAW the requirements of the Closure

Plan.

5-8.e

MISHAP REPORTING PARAGRAPH

Submit a telephonic or written report to the CO and Government Safety Officer on

all reportable accidents IAW EM 385-1-1 and USACE Supplement 1 to AR 385-40.

5-10
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APPENDIX D

CONSOLIDATED SHOTS

D-1
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CONSOLIDATED SHOTS

D-2
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CONSOLIDATED SHOTS

D-3

D1.0 Introduction

The U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville (USAESCH) includes the Ordnance

and Explosives Center of Expertise (OE-CX). Part of the OE-CX mission is development of

procedures for removal and destruction of munitions found on OE sites. Standard procedures are

to destroy the munitions by detonation on site. This includes both single round detonation inplace and multiple round detonation (or consolidated shots) at a pre-determined location. The

procedures for multiple round detonation are described in this paper.

There are two situations that may describe the consolidated shot process: 1) munitions may be

collected from anywhere on site and detonated at a designated, sited disposal area or 2) munitions

may be collected within a grid and detonated at a designated spot within the grid. In either

situation the same procedures, as described in the following paragraphs, must be followed.

D2.0 Placement of Munitions

Munitions shall be placed with their sides touching such that their axis is horizontal as shown in

Figure D-1. The munitions shall be placed so that the nose of each munition is pointing in the

same direction. Munitions shall be oriented so that lugs and/or strong-backs, and nose and/or tail

plate sections are facing away from personnel locations.

Figure D-1 – Placement of Munitions for Consolidated Shots
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CONSOLIDATED SHOTS

D-4

D3.0 Safe Personnel Separation Distance

D3.0.1 This document covers procedures for intentional detonations only.

D3.0.2 In accordance with DoD 6055.9-STD Chapter 5 paragraph E.4.a(2), the safe separation

distance for all personnel will be the greater of the overpressure distance or the appropriate

fragment range as determined by the maximum fragment range or the mitigated fragment range.

D3.1 Overpressure Distance

In accordance with DoD 6055.9-STD Chapter 5 paragraph E.4.a(2), the allowable overpressure

distance will be determined as the scaled distance, K328, based on the total net explosive weight

(NEW) of all munitions plus the initiating explosives.

D3.2 Fragment Criteria

D3.2.1 Maximum Fragment Range

The maximum fragmentation characteristics shall be computed in accordance with HNC-ED-CSS-98-1. The maximum fragment range shall be computed using these fragmentation

characteristics with a trajectory analysis such as the computer software TRAJ. The maximum

fragment range shall be the maximum fragmentation distance computed for the most probable

munition (MPM) for an OE area at a site, and this shall be the maximum fragment range for a

consolidated shot.

D3.2.2 Fragment Mitigation

Fragment mitigation may be provided by an appropriate Department of Defense Explosives Safety

Board (DDESB) approved engineering control. Typical engineering controls for intentional

detonation include tamping and sandbags. The design of such an engineering control shall be

based on the maximum fragmentation characteristics of the MPM. The NEW used for the design

of the engineering control shall be the total NEW of all munitions plus the initiating explosives.

Engineering controls not already approved by DDESB may be submitted (along with appropriate

technical data) as part of a site specific explosive safety submission for use at that site.

Engineering controls will not be put into use until approved by DDESB and specific applications

verified by the appropriate agency; for example, the OE-CX verifies applications for U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers.

D4.0 Initiation

The consolidated shot shall be initiated in such a manner that detonation of all munitions is

simultaneous.

D5.0 References
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CONSOLIDATED SHOTS

D-5

DoD 6055.9-STD, “Department of Defense Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards”,

August 1997.

HNC-ED-CS-S-98-1, Methods for Predicting Primary Fragmentation Characteristics of Cased

Explosives, January 1998.

Memorandum, DDESB, DDESB-KO, 27 January 1998, subject: Guidance for Clearance Plans.