PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-600
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 600
NOVEMBER 2002
PS 600
29
PS 600
NOV 02
28
When in doubt as to the condition and proper care of ammunition, refer to DA
Pam 385-64,
Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards,
and FM 4-30.13,
Ammunition Handbook: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Munitions
Handlers.
Or, get in touch with a Quality Assurance Specialist (Ammunition
Surveillance), or “QASAS”. A QASAS may be contacted through your ASP, range
safety, or EOD personnel. You can also check with personnel from your ammuni-
tion supply organization or logistics staff element.
Loading and Unloading
Loading and unloading ammunition requires special care. Before loading, be cer-
tain all pallets, boxes and containers are in good shape, sealed tight and secured.
Maintain a tight pack using approved packing material. Brace or restrain the load
as firmly as possible to prevent pallets and boxes from shifting in transit, and to pro-
tect them from bumps along the way.
Load vehicles in accordance with AMC 19-48 series drawings using wooden dun-
nage or web straps. The QASAS will be able to get these drawings, or you can check
them out on-line at:
Never rely on the tarp alone to restrain ammunition in an open vehicle and never
use boxes of ammunition as dunnage to block and brace your load. Remember, the
ammunition load will need to be restrained both fore and aft as well as side-
to-side.
A good rule of thumb when using web straps to restrain the load is to put two
straps over each pallet or bundled group of boxes and one over each end of the load.
Unless you’re involved in an actual battle scenario, do not load high explosive
and white phosphorous or other chemical ammunition on the same vehicle. Check
with your QASAS for approved transportation compatibility.
Know your vehicle’s load
limit and never exceed it. The
weight of the ammunition
will usually be listed on the
side of the containers.
During loading or unload-
ing, set the brake, turn off the
engine and chock the wheels.
Properly distribute the weight
and secure the load to prevent
movement during transport.
When loading unpalletized ammunition, do not allow more than one-third of the
height of any box to extend above the vehicle sidewalls.
When
handling
palletized
ammunition, a forklift is the best
equipment to lift and move ammu-
nition short distances. Do not strike
the ammunition with the forks.
When using larger forklifts, do not
stick the forks all the way through
the pallet or you may puncture or
topple neighboring pallets.
After you have moved the pallet away from those nearby, slide the forks forward
until the pallet is seated against the mast. When you’re ready to move the load, keep
the forks no higher than a foot off the ground to keep the pallet stable.
that’s it.
s-l-o-w
and easy
does it.
…and one
over each
end
Put two straps
over each pallet…
Chock wheels
while loading
and unloading
Be careful with forks
while handling ammo
600. 28-29 (C)
9/23/02
11:46 AM
Page 1
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