environments, such as the flight deck, hangar deck, or
weather decks. A degree of relief from HERO RF
restrictions is obtained by following the command
HERO EMCON bill.
The HERO EMCON bill depends upon two
factors—(1) the amount and type of ordnance that is
involved, and (2) a knowledge of the RF environment
at locations where presence, handling, and loading
occur.
The HERO EMCON bill contains a list of all
HERO-susceptible and HERO-unsafe ordnance items
on board and their allowable RF environmental levels.
It also includes a list of all transmitter-antenna
combinations on board and their output power. By
reducing or securing certain transmitter-antenna
combinations, allowable RF environmental levels can
be maintained
Normally, to ensure that proper conditions are met
in a given ordnance-handling situation, two actions are
taken;
1. All onboard transmitters are listed.
2. The action each operator is to take when a given
HERO EMCON condition is set.
For example, in HERO condition 1, a transmitter
operator may switch the transmitter to STANDBY. In
HERO condition 2, the same operator may restrict
transmission to 100 watts, or perhaps there is no
transmission restriction at all.
The AO is the most important factor in avoiding a
HERO-unsafe situation. You determine if an ordnance
item is HERO safe, HERO susceptible, or HERO
unsafe. Before moving a HERO-unsafe item from an
RF-free environment, you must request, through strike
operations or ordnance control, the proper HERO
condition. You make sure that the ordnance item
remains in an RF-free environment until the word has
been passed that the proper HERO condition has been
set.
For detailed information concerning all aspects of
electromagnetic radiation hazards, refer to
Electromagnetic Radiation Hazards, NAVSEA OP
3565/NAVAIR 16-1-529, volumes I and II.
REVIEW NUMBER 5
Q1. List the three HERO ordnance classifications.
Q2. Ordnance is HERO safe if it meets what criteria?
Q3. Name the environment to which HERO-
susceptible and HERO-unsafe ordnance should
not be exposed.
Q4. What is the HERO EMCON bill?
Q5. What information can you find in the local
HERO EMCON bill?
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the
importance of safety precautions when working
with ordnance.
Accidents caused by explosives are prevented by
preplanning, ordnance training, and carefully handling
ordnance. The phrase “The life you save may be your
own” is a good one, especially when you handle
ordnance. It is your responsibility to make sure that
safe, approved practices and procedures are used when
you handle ordnance.
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