Explosives and Ammunition Safety Program

Pyrotechnics, ammunition, and explosives will not be used in the cantonment area except when approved by the Garrison Safety Office - Fort Knox.

Pyrotechnics
The following policy will be adhered to when pyrotechnic simulators are used.

1. The issue, use, and handling of simulators are restricted to trained officers and NCOs. Training will, as a minimum, include the proper use, hazards associated with, and the training value of blanks and simulators. Each device will be demonstrated to show how it functions and how unsafe employment may cause injury. Trainees and other untrained personnel will not handle simulators.
2. All training officers and NCOs associated with an exercise in which simulators are used will receive a safety briefing beforehand on correct throwing procedures, potential hazards and precautions, and misfire and dud procedures. All other personnel participating in the exercise will receive the same briefing even though they are not using or handling simulators.
3. Follow instructions provided by Muldraugh Ammunition Storage Area (MASA) when using the M115A2 Simulator, Ground Burst Projectile, since certain restrictions and constraints apply.
4. The use of aerial pyrotechnics in Training Areas 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 is prohibited.
5. All pyrotechnic use in the training complex will be coordinated with DPTMS, Range Division.
6. All dud pyrotechnics will be reported to DPTMS, Range Division.
7. Within the U.S. Army Armor School (USAARMS), the following restrictions will apply:
   1. Tank Crew Instructors (TCI) will handle exploding type simulators.
   2. TCIs will control smoke grenades and flares, but Armor Officer Basic (AOB) students may ignite and throw.
   3. AOB students may handle blanks under direct supervision of the TCIs.

Blank Small Arms Ammunition
The following policy will be adhered to when firing blank small arms ammunition.

1. Bright red blank firing attachments will always be used.
2. The minimum safe distance for unprotected personnel from small caliber ammunition is 15 feet.
3. Approved single hearing protection will be worn.
4. During force-on-force training, approved eye protection will also be worn.

Smoke
The following precautions will be followed for all smoke training, including HC, HE, WP, PWP, fog, oil, RP, colored smoke, and diesel smoke.

1. Personnel participating in exercises, which include the use of smoke, will carry the protective mask.
2. Personnel will mask:
   1. Before exposure to any concentration of smoke produced by M8 white smoke grenades, smoke pots, or metallic powder obscurants.
   2. When passing through or operating in smoke such as smoke blankets and smoke curtains.
   3. When passing through or operating in a smoke haze and the duration of exposure will exceed 4 hours.
   4. When using smoke during Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training when operating in enclosed spaces. Care must be taken not to enter spaces where oxygen has been displaced because the protective mask is not effective in oxygen deficient atmospheres.
   5. When using smoke during Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training when operating in enclosed spaces. Care must be taken not to enter spaces where oxygen has been displaced because the protective mask is not effective in oxygen deficient atmospheres.
   6. Smoke generator personnel will mask.
3. The use of smoke within the cantonment area is prohibited.

Uniform Requirements for Crew during Live-Fire Training
Crew will wear the following attire during live-fire:

1. The standard CVC uniform consisting of Nomex coveralls, Nomex gloves, and the CVC helmet. If Nomex gloves are not issued, standard Army field gloves will be worn.
2. If Nomex coveralls and gloves are not available, the uniform will be BDUs with the shirtsleeves completely rolled down and buttoned. The top button of the BDU shirt will also be buttoned with collar turned up. Standard Army field gloves and the CVC helmet will also be worn with this uniform. While Nomex is clearly preferred, the BDU can be worn if the commander’s risk assessment supports this action.
3. The old type coveralls may also be worn if Nomex coveralls are not available.
4. Underwear must be 100% cotton and boots must be leather.

Fire Extinguishers
A minimum of two fire extinguishers (10 BC or more) will be on site where Hazard Class 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives/ammunition is stored. One fire extinguisher (10 BC or more) will be on site where Hazard Class 1.4 is stored.

Weapons Clearing Barrels
Clearing barrels will be placed at locations within the garrison where weapons are routinely cleared; clearing barrels are not required on ranges or in the training complex. Commanders and leaders will ensure all Soldiers are properly trained on how to clear a weapon. These procedures will be reinforced whenever weapons are issued.