United States Navy Reviews Ammunition Safety Rules

We have all had the experience of writing out a checklist, perhaps before we go on a long trip, or before we have to give a presentation, or, heaven forbid, we might write out evacuation instructions in anticipation of an emergency, like a hurricane, tornado, or flood. The United States Navy has to prepare itself for war. It takes elaborate precautions to prepare for battle.

The USN reports that is has updated its safety precautions in preparation for battle.

Weapons safety on a ship involves long checklists. Even an unarmed cruise ship is difficult to operate. Imagine storing large amounts of ammunition on such a ship.

The United States Navy has published a list of safety measures to be taken in regards to weaponry.

For example, magazines with temperatures over 100 degrees must be listed in red lettering and reported to higher command. Ordinance safety publications must be up to date. Sailors must be trained in emergency procedures. Personnel must be certified and qualified to handle ammunition. Nonskid surfaces should be in place in all magazines. Electrical cabling and piping should not be routed through magazines, but if it must go through such areas no splicing is allowed. Doors and hatches must be capable of being secured in the open position. Safety lines or chains must be installed around open hatches. Self-contained breathing mechanisms must be made available in the area of dangerous fuels. Are properly installed sprinkler systems in all magazines? Have those sprinkler systems been tested? Are high temperature alarms properly installed? Certain equipment should not be painted, for example, sensitive valves.

The list goes on and on. Ammunition magazines must be tested to make sure that seawater has not entered them. Water supply in the case of a fire must be nearby. Heat sensing devices must be installed in magazines. However, they must not be installed too close to the bulkhead, or to a beam. Similarly, heat sensing devices should not be installed too close to any ventilation units. The ventilation unit might draw heat off and away from the heat sensing devices.

Alarm circuits should be connected to the bridge. If an alarm sounds, instructions should be posted nearby to instruct personnel what to do.

Ammunition passing scuttles should be in good condition. All lighting should be in good condition, including battle lanterns.

This is just part of the long list of precautions and preparations that our Navy has on its checklist.

So the next time that you are writing your checklist, remember that your loved one overseas may be doing something similar, but he or she is doing so to protect the ship and its sailors from danger.

Weapons, USN