Last Revised: 6/1/2008
Ames Health and Safety Manual
Procedural Requirements
COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY
Appendix A: Explosives Facility License
Appendix B: ARC Explosives Inventory Worksheet
Appendix C: ARC Explosives Check-in/Check-out Sheet
Appendix D: ARC Monthly Explosive Safety Checklist
Appendix E: Explosive Material Receipt At Gate/N255 Form
Appendix F: Explosive Material Disposal Form
The most important regulations covering the use, storage, classification, and shipping of explosives are as follows:
Certification: A designation given to an individual to show that he/she is qualified to perform a job. Certification indicates that the individuals has a specific knowledge skill, or abilities to work safely with or around explosives in th view of a certified official.
Complatiblity: Chemical property of materials to coexist without adverse reaction for an acceptable period of time. Compatibility in storage exist when storing materials together does not increase the probability of an accident or, for a given quantity, the magnitude of the effects of such an accident. Storage compatibility groups are assigned to provide for segregated storage.
Deflagration: A rapid chemical reaction in which the output heat is sufficient to enable the reaction to proceed and be accelerated without the input of heat from another source. Deflagration is a surface phenomenon with the reaction proceeding towards the un-reacted material along the surface in subsonic velocity. The effect of a true deflagration under confinement is an explosion. Confinement of the reaction increases pressure, rate of reaction, and temperature, and may cause transition into a detonation.
Detonation: A violent chemical reaction within a chemical compound or mechanical mixture evolving heat and pressure. A detonation is a reaction that proceeds from the reacted to the un-reacted materials at supersonic velocity. When the detonation is located on or near the surface of the ground, it is normally characterized by a crater.
Explosive: The term ÒexplosiveÓ or ÒexplosivesÓ includes any chemical compound or mechanical mixture which, subjected to heat, impact, friction, detonation or other suitable initiation, undergoes a very rapid chemical change with the evolution of large volumes of highly heated gases which exert pressure in the surrounding medium. The term applies to detonating, deflagrating, and pyrotechnic materials.
Explosive Classification: The classification are based on the type of hazard presented by each class/divisionof explosive material and are used for activities such as labeling, storage, transportation, facility sitting, and weight limits.
(NOTE: DOT definition of explosives Ð For the purpose of DOT, an ÒexplosiveÓ means any substance or article, including a device, which is designed to function by explosion (i.e., an extremely rapid release of gas and heat) or which, by chemical reaction within itself, is able to function in a similar manner even if not designed to function by explosion, unless the substance or article is otherwise classed under the provision of the subchapter)
Explosive Train: An explosive train consists of elements arranged according to decreasing sensitivity and increasing potency. The explosive train starts with an initiator usually made with a primary explosive or propellant. This then fires into a detonator usually made with a primary or secondary explosive. The detonator fires into a booster containing secondary explosive. This then fires into the secondary explosive main charge.
Magazine/Bunker: A structure designed or specifically designated for the storage of explosives.
Powder Room/Charge Preparation Room: Any area authorized for the short-term storage of explosives (Service Magazine). A facility for weighing, assembling, and preparing explosive devices (e.g., weighing smokeless powder charges for guns on a ballistic range) [Operating Line].
Propellant Solid: Explosive compositions used for propelling projectilies and rockets and to generate gases for powering auxiliary devices.
Pyrotechnics Liquid: Substances in fluid form (including cryogenics) used for propulsion or operating power for missiles, rockets or other related devices.
Pyrotechnic Mateial: Explosive or chemical ingredients, including powdered metals , used in the manufacture of pyrotechnics. Manufactured for use in signals, illuminants, and like items.
Explosive Handler: An individual who has satisfactorily completed the Explosive Handler class (NSTC 009) or an equivalent training class for that specific task or explosive operation as approved by the Explosive Safety Officer (ESO) and completed the certification process. He/she has a basic knowledge of safe practices for handling small explosive devices and is trained to handle explosives, through packing, shipping, handling, storage and his/her work involves physically handling, shipping, transporting and storing explosive material.
Explosives shall be handled by or under the direct supervision of a certified person who understands the hazards. Task-specific training, qualification, and certification are the responsibility of the user's supervisor. Supervisors are required to ensure that all employees are adequately trained to conduct their work assignments safely. Safety training may include formal classes, written tests, reading assignments, one-on-one discussions, on-the-job training, and skill demonstrations. Supervisors should identify and document the safety training requirements for each employee or task for which they are responsible. Generalized explosives training is arranged periodically through the Safety, Health, and Medical Services Division or through the NASA Safety Training Center (NSTC).
All employees who work with or around explosive devices or explosive material shall take NSTC 009, Explosives HandlerÕs Class or equivalent training class for that specific task or explosive operation as approved by the ESO. The employee is provided with the basic knowledge of safe practices for handling explosives. This course covers Characteristics, effects, and hazards of explosives, basic safety principles, hazard classification systems, packing, shipping, handling, transportation, and storage of explosive material. The objective of this training course is to promote safety awareness, develop a safe working environment, and increase technical knowledge and operational efficiency.
Contractors or Operators shall be trained in the operation of the Powder-Actuated Tool before using the tool. The contractor or operator shall possess a certificate of qualification issued by an authorized person. A copy of the certificate shall be shown to the ESO or Construction Safety Specialist upon request prior to commencement of work. For general safety guidelines and requirements pertaining to the use of Powder-Actuated Tools on Ames refer to Chapter 27 Construction Safety Management.
The ESO will review the qualifications of personnel involved in explosives operations to verify that it is commensurate with the operation being performed.
After completing the required training, employees shall be certified to perform the specific explosive operation in their organization. To become certified in handling explosives in an explosive operation the user shall demonstrate proficiency through on-the-job training. The supervisor determines when the employee has developed an adequate working knowledge and has gained sufficient experience through on-the-job training to provide the necessary skills to perform in a safe and effective manner during explosive and pyrotechnic operations. The employeeÕs supervisor administers the certification with the ESOÕs concurrence. Re-certification is given when the employee receives refresher training or the operating procedure is modified substantially. The certification shall be documented and a record shall be retained and filed in the training files of the ESOÕs office.
The supervisor shall be responsible for determining the training required, verifies the user is trained to work with explosives safely, and updates the training as needed.
No employee shall perform work with explosives without task-specific training, qualification, and certification.
Basic safety rules are noted below. These rules are intended as a minimum and shall be followed explicitly.
This section establishes the requirements for preparing and controlling all procedures involving explosives operations under NASA control. Before starting any operation involving the use of explosives, an operational procedure shall be developed and approved. The supervisor shall be responsible for enforcing provisions of all procedures used in their organizations.
Procedures shall be prepared by the responsible personnel with knowledge of the operations involved. All items presented in the procedure and operational steps specified shall be checked for compliance by the ESO. The specific types of equipment and building or area in which the operation is to be conducted should be designated in the procedure, when applicable. Supplemental procedures or sections shall be written when similar operations in the same area involve differences in equipment or process.
The supervisor of each explosive operation shall conduct an annual review of all their operational procedures with the concurrence of the ESO. These reviews include the evaluation of adequacy, availability, and currency of the procedures. The review should also include an evaluation of all the usersÕ knowledge and compliance with their operational procedures.
The contents of the operating procedure for each facility or operating contractor can define the organizationÕs own system for preparing safety procedures. Distribution of procedures shall be controlled to ensure that each operating area has the most current revision. Superseded or inactive procedures shall be removed from operating areas. No operation shall be performed with a superseded, inactive, or unapproved procedure. All new, revised, and inactive operating procedures shall be reviewed and approved prior to use. The reviewing personnel consist of division chief or branch chief, the operations manager or supervisor, and explosive safety committee with the ESOÕs approval. Inactive, new, or revised procedures shall have a dry run prior to submission for approval. A dry run is used to ensure procedures are valid.
Introduction to the operating procedures should consist of a statement of the scope, purpose, description, and summary of the procedure, defining what facilities and equipment are covered.
The safety section of the procedure should include the following information: General safety rules to be observed and techniques to be applied that will ensure safety of operations, prevent injury or illness to personnel, and prevent damage to equipment. It should describe the personnel control features of the facility that protect personnel from exposure to hazardous operations, toxic materials, or tests. The personnel number and explosive weight limits should be listed. Any additional or specific emergency controls not addressed by the (BEAP) Building Emergency Action Plan. Also, a description of the range of work authorized by the procedure and any safety rules that are specific to the operation. List and describe the type of protective equipment that must be used and worn during the operation. Emergency controls applicable to the operation that are not considered in the general operating procedures.
The operations section should consist of sequential directions written or pictured in clear, concise steps that describe how to perform a particular operation. If a particular operation requires that no other operation be performed simultaneously in the same work area, this requirement shall be clearly stated in the procedure. Special importance should be placed on safety interlocks, controls, and the proper use of these systems.
Each step or part of the operating procedure should be analyzed using the Cardinal Principle of Explosive Safety. ÒExpose the minimum number of people to the minimum amount of explosives for the minimum amount of time, consistent with safe and efficient operations.Ó
The Explosive Safety Site Plan is intended to provide a planning document for the storage, use, and transportation of explosive, propellant, and pyrotechnic items at NASA Ames Research Center. This document is based on the requirements of NASA-STD 1740.12, DOD 6055.9-STD, DARCOM-R 385-100, and AFMAN 91-201. These documents govern the storage, use, and transportation of explosives within NASA, DOD, and other Federal Agencies. These documents form the basis for the development of this plan. The plan contains an Explosive Facility License for each location that meets the regulatory requirements above through a reduction of inventory, or a mitigating physical feature of the facility. The license documents those elements. A map of the entire ARC/Moffett Federal Air Field Complex shows explosive storage locations, including those facilities not requiring licenses, and transportation routes for the transportation of explosives on Ames. Each individual Explosive Facility License at Ames is reviewed and concurrence given by the organizations involved, ARC Explosive Safety Committee Chair, ARC Protective Services Office, ARC Fire Marshall, and Explosives Safety Program Manager. The Explosive Safety Officer gives approval.
The Explosive Storage Access Located at The NASA Explosive Ready Issue Magazine N-949.
The keys to N949 are under the control of the Ames Protective Services Office (JPS) located in Building 15. Access to N949 may only be gained by users identified in the letter entitled "Authorized Access to NASA Explosive Ready Issue Magazine N949." This letter identifies users authorized to check out keys to enter specific cells of N949. The user must first contact the NASA Ames ESO (604-3791) or Program Manager (604-0268) to arrange a meeting at Building 15 to check out the key for N949. The user will then call Dispatch (604-5416) to schedule a time to meet the Lieutenant on duty at Building 15 to receive their designated cell key. The ESO or Program Manager shall be present with the user and the Lieutenant on duty in Building 15 when checking out any of the keys to N949. The user and the ESO or Program Manager are both required to sign for the key. Upon completing the task at N949, they key shall be returned by the ESO during the same duty day/shift.
The following shall apply to ensure accurate accounting and enhance security of explosive materials stored at Ames:
12.10.1 Delivery of Explosives--Hazard Class 1.1, 1.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6.
12.10.1.1 Hazard Class 1.1, 1.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.3, 1.5, and 1.6 explosive shipments delivered to Ames shall be directed to the Ellis Gate Security.
12.10.1.2 The ESO shall be notified by Security, and will respond to the Ellis Gate to meet the vehicle
12.10.1.3 The ESO will inspect the manifest or shipping paper work to identify the user/recipient and resolve any issues related to the receipt of cargo.
12.10.1.4 The ESO will complete the "Explosive Material Receipt at Gate/N255 Form" for each shipment.
12.10.1.5 The ESO will then make arrangements with Security to have the shipment escorted using one of the approved explosive transportation routes to its predetermined destination identified on the "Explosive Material Receipt at Gate/N255 Form."
12.10.1.6 The ESO or Security Dispatch will contact the User and request him/her to meet the shipment at the designated storage area.
12.10.1.7 The ESO shall make sure the material is properly inventoried. The ESO and the user will check in the material together inside the users assigned storage location, using the check-in/check-out form created by the ESO.
12.10.1.8 The material shall be secured in its assigned storage location once the above procedure is performed.
12.10.1.9 Any military shipments of Hazard Class 1.1, 1.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.3, 1.5, and 1.6 explosive material shall be directed to the Ellis Gate and Security will notify the 129th Rescue Wing Security Force, (603-9111), to arrange for a military escort. The 129th rescue Wing will conduct their own inventory and proper storage following their policy and procedures.
12.10.2 Delivery of Explosives -- Hazard Class 1.4
12.10.2.1 Common Carrier vehicles containing Hazard Class 1.4 explosive shipments are not required to be placarded, unless the carrier is transporting 1,001 pounds or greater.
12.10.2.2 The shipments of Hazard Class 1.4 explosives delivered to Ames shall enter through Gate 17 and follow the designated blue line to building N255 receiving.
12.10.2.3 Receiving shall contact the ESO or Program Manager and request an inspection of the explosive shipment at Building N255.
12.10.2.4 Receiving shall store shipments of explosives in their secure "temporary explosive storage area."
12.10.2.5 The ESO or Program Manager shall inspect the manifest or shipping paperwork to identify the user/recipient and resolve any issues related to the shipment.
12.10.2.6 The ESO or Program Manager will complete the "Explosive Material Receipt at Gate/N255 Form" for each shipment.
12.10.2.7 The ESO or Program Manager shall contact the user/recipient to bring the Ames explosive transportation vehicle to N255 receiving to pickup their explosive materials.
12.10.2.8 The ESO or Program Manager and user shall transport the material together using one of the approved explosive transportation routes in the explosives vehicle to the users assigned storage area.
12.10.2.9 If the material is to be stored in N949, the ESO or Program Manager and user shall pickup the assigned cell key to N949 together, prior to transporting the material.
12.10.2.10 The ESO or Progaram Manager and user shall follow the procedures in 12.10.3 for checking in material to N949.
12.10.2.11 The ESO or Program Manager and user shall follow the procedures in 12.10.4 for checking in material in to the user's storage facility.
12.10.2.12 Any military shipments of Hazard Class 1.4 explosive material shall be directed to the Ellis Gate and Security will notify the 129th Rescue Wing Security Force, (603-9111), to arrange for a military escort. The 129th rescue Wing will conduct their own inventory and proper storage following their policy and procedures.
12.10.3 Receipt/Storage/Transfer of Explosives into or out of The NASA Explosive Ready Issue Magazine N949.
12.10.3.1 The user authorized to access N949, shall follow the procedures in section 12.9 of the Explosives Safety Chapter.
12.10.3.2 The Protective Service Office shall follow their Standard Operating Procedure, APSO 320.03.
12.10.3.3 The ESO shall assist the user when checking material in or out of any cell located at N949 to assure safety and accountability.
12.10.3.4 The check-in/check-out form that is provided by the ESO shall be used when checking-in or checking-out any explosive material is users assigned cell. The form shall be signed by the user and the ESO or Program Manager. After each entry on the form, the user shall e-mail the ESO with any new changes to the inventory.
12.10.3.5 The ESO shall verify the check-in/check-out forms against the physical inventory for that cell when conducting the monthly inspections.
12.10.4 User Explosive Storage Facilities
12.10.4.1 All explosive storage locations on the center shall be locked with a government issued key lock or cipher lock. The users of each facility are the only authorized individuals to have access via issued government key or given the combination to the explosive storage room
12.10.4.2 The ESO and user shall be present when checking explosives in to the user's explosive storage facility. They shall fill out the check-in/check-out form together.
12.10.4.3 Users from Code ASF have the authority to use their own automated Explosive Check-in/Check-out form at their facility Storage Rooms.
12.10.4.4 The agreement is to submit weekly inventory totals to the ESO. Depending upon the activity level the ESO has the authority to change this to either a bi-weekly or monthly submittal.
12.10.4.5 Two users from their storage facility shall be present when checking out explosives from the storage location.
12.10.4.6 The users shall fill out the check-in/check-out form, provided by the ESO with exceptions to Code ASF users, and notify the ESO via email of any changes to inventories.
12.10.4.7 The ESO shall verify the inventory by matching the amounts on the check-in/check-out form against the physical inventory for each location when conducting monthly inspections.
12.10.5 Transportation
12.10.5.1 Explosive handlers desiring to transport explosives material onto or off of the Center or between facilities at the Center shall use the designated explosive pick-up truck with appropriate placards. It is normally located at Building N238 for this specific purpose.
12.10.5.2 This above task shall be conducted with two users.
12.10.5.3 The ESO will provide all the users on the center with the approved explosive transportation routes, incorporated by the ESO, which shall be used when transporting explosive material on the center.
12.10.5.4 Users shall perform a pre-operational safety check and fill out the vehicle inspection form located inside the cab of the truck. The completed inspection form shall be delivered or mailed to the ESO by the end of the day.
12.10.5.5 Material shall be secured inside the bed of the truck to prevent movement.
12.10.5.6 Protective Services and the I.G. Special agents follow their own policies and procedures, and have the authority to transport their material via a government owned vehicle.
12.10.6 Disposing of Explosives
12.10.6.1 All users of explosives are responsible for frequently checking on the condition of stored material for any form of deterioration. The ESO also monitors conditions of the material during the inspections and inventories.
12.10.6.2 The ESO shall be notified of any explosives that have deteriorated, become damaged, or outlived their usefulness, either by expiration date or by discontinued programs.
12.10.6.3 The ESO shall make arrangements to properly dispose of the explosives through the local Explosive Ordinance (EOD) Unit and/or San Jose Police Department Bomb Squad.
12.10.6.4 The ESO shall complete the form "Explosive Material Disposal Form" and obtain the signature of the official receiving the material for disposal.
The original Explosive Safety Site Plan including a map showing the storage locations and transportation routes.
The signed license by management concurrence and the ESO approval signature for each license explosive storage location.
Copies of inventories of each licensed storage location. Additional copies shall be provided to the Explosives Safety Program Manager.
Record of training for each certified explosives handler.
Complete monthly safety inspection of each explosives storage location.
Minutes of meetings and status of action items.
Completed Explosive Material Receipt Forms and Explosive Material Disposal Forms.
