PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-601
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 601
DECEMBER 2002
o
Except for 2.75-in rockets, never store white
phosphorous munitions lying on their sides.
o
Park all vehicles and trailers loaded with
explosives at least 250 feet from other vehi-
cles and trailers transporting flammable liq-
uids or cargo vehicles loaded with packaged
gasoline, diesel fuel or similar flammables.
Make sure any fuel in the area is located
downhill from ammunition.
o
Separate serviceable ammunition from any
unserviceable, foreign or captured ammuni-
tion.
o
Earthen barricades should be used in unit
ammunition storage areas to prevent or lessen
the spread of potential explosions. The barri-
cades can also be used to protect uploaded air-
craft and key administrative/ operational facil-
ities from low-angle fragments produced in
explosions.
Barricades must be higher than the stacks
of ammunition they separate and must be at
least 3 feet wide at the top to be effective.
Numerous construction aides (sand grid
systems, Hesco Bastion, etc.) are available
through the Defense Supply Center,
Philadelphia.
Outdoor Storage
Do not store ammunition directly on the ground for any length of time. Wood
boxes absorb too much water during rainy conditions, causing the wood to rot. Use
dunnage or pallets to maintain a minimum three-inch space beneath and around
stacks of ammunition to allow air circulation.
Wet, muddy ground may cause ammunition stacks to shift and fall. Keep stacks
straight and dunnage in good condition. If available, consider using Air Force
landing mats for outdoor storage to provide a firm base on all types of soil.
Ammunition stacks kept outdoors should be covered with tarpaulins as protec-
tion against the elements. Camouflage netting is a good idea for shade during the
summer months. Keep a minimum of 18 inches of space between the stacked
ammunition and the overhead tarp or net so that air can circulate. Locally fabri-
cated risers placed on top of ammunition stacks will help.
PS 601
DEC 02
28
PS 601
The
best
place for
outdoor storage of
ammunition is
on high, hard ground
with good drainage.
If you
can’t
find that
sort of site, you may have
to dig drainage ditches
around the stacks to
protect them.
Surround ammo with
earthen barricades
Fasten the camou-
flage netting or tarps
securely, but allow for
quick lowering in the
event of high winds.
Never nail a tarp or net
to ammunition boxes
or pallets.
Pyrotechnic material, propelling charges, fuzes,
rockets, white phosphorous ammunition and guided
missiles have the highest priority for covered storage.
Stack palletized or boxed
ammunition on a solid, level
base, with at least three inches of
dunnage. Stack heights may be
changed to meet local conditions
such as pallet height and avail-
able equipment, but a good rule
of thumb is to stack ammunition
boxes only as high as your head.
Allow room between the ammu-
nition stacks to remove debris.
Shade ammo stacks with tarps
or camouflage netting
Risers provide air space
above ammo stacks
hey! why
no cover
for me?
sorry, bub!
I get
first
priority!
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