Safety Aspects for Transportation of Explosives and Ammunition

It is therefore considered necessary to provide first-aid fire appliances to deal with the incipient fires which if allowed to grow unchecked, might pose hazard to personnel, plant and property. Adequate water supply is essential for fire fighting and the protection of explosives from attack by fire. 

Caution Think Never underestimate the potential of any fire and never overestimate the capacity of the available fire extinguishers to extinguish the fire. The sooner you attack the fire, the easier it is to put out Any delay means possible disaster to life and property. Also ensure that the higher authorities, other local laboratories and fire departments are immediately notified. 

Military explosives may be transported by road or by rail, however, rail transport is normally preferred as road transport has serious limitations. Sometimes use of duly approved freight containers for transport of explosives and ammunition both by rail and road is resorted to. Under special circumstances, explosives and ammunition are also transported by air in Service aircraft 

1) Special vehicles known as Explosive Vans are used to transport explosives. Private vehicles conforming to the requirements of Explosive Vans may also be used under exceptional circumstances with the approval of a competent authority. 

2) A petrol- or diesel-driven vehicle or a trailer towed by a petrol- or diesel-driven vehicle is used. It is better to use either battery-operated trucks or diesel engine vehicles in an enclosed explosive area. If a petrol engine vehicle is used, it must be parked outside the traverse of an explosive building or at least 5 m away from an untraversed building. 

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