sizes of ammunition with a minimum loss of space. The
stanchions are fitted with slots or have other means for
receiving battens. The battens (which run horizontally)
provide the walls that form the bin.
No matter which stowage method is used, arrange
the stowage area so access to as much ammunition and
as many containers as possible is provided, and provide
adequate space for ventilation and handling operations.
Stow ammunition and explosives on dunnage to
provide an airspace so all parts of the magazine receive
maximum ventilation and exposure to the sprinkler
system. Mk 3 or Mk 12 metal pallets are used as
dunnage aboard aircraft carriers. These have the correct
space between the deck and stowed material. They also
provide adequate grounding. Additionally, make sure
that there is an air space of not less than 2 inches
between any ammunition stowage stack and the surface
of adjacent plating or sheathing. Stow the stacks of
ammunition so sprinkler systems, circuit F sensors, or
air escape lines aren't obstructed. When different lots
and/or types of ammunition are stored in the same
magazine, segregate the ammunition by lot, size, and
type. Record this information on magazine cards and
post them in the magazine.
Ships at sea move randomly; therefore, securely
fasten all hazardous munitions and explosives in place,
except when they are actually being handled. In some
cases,
stanchions
and
battens
provide
adequate
security. Other types of ammunition stows, such as
palletized bombs or missile containers, are secured by
tie-down chains especially designed for this purpose.
Connect the tie-down chains to the load and the deck
tie-down points so even the slightest movement of the
ammunition is prevented.
MAGAZINE INSPECTION AND VISUAL
SURVEILLANCE OF AMMUNITION
The
terms
magazine inspection
and
visual
surveillance of ammunition mean the same thing. They
apply to the inspection of magazines and their contents.
Aboard
ship,
these
inspections
are
mandatory
according to The Ships' Maintenance and Material
Management (3-M) Manual, OPNAVINST 4790.4,
other
Navy
regulations,
and
NAVSEASYSCOM
instructions. Magazine inspections are part of the ship's
Preventive Maintenance System (PMS), and qualified
personnel should only conduct them. These personnel
use a check sheet (maintenance requirements card) to
ensure that a hazard or abnormal condition is not
overlooked.
DAILY VISUAL INSPECTION
Generally, the daily visual inspection of magazines
consists of checking for the following:
Improperly secured stowage
Unsatisfactory protective packaging
Unusual fumes or odors
Magazine cleanliness
Other abnormal conditions
Abnormal conditions in a ship's magazine or
ammunition
stowage
space
include
evidence
of
tampering to gain access, evidence of theft, evidence of
temperature or humidity fluctuations, and the presence
of unauthorized materials. Abnormal conditions also
include
evidence
of
localized
overheating
from
adjacent compartments on decks, bulkheads, and
overheads; indications of leaks from sprinkler or flood
pipes, nozzles, or control valves and regulators; and
inoperable or damaged reach-rods, linkages, automatic
fire alarm devices, and other similar equipment in the
specific hazard stowages. Record the results of all
magazine
inspections
on
the
appropriate
PMS
schedule.
An important requirement of the daily magazine
inspection is observing, recording, and reporting
maximum and minimum temperature conditions in
each stowage space. Magazines shall be fitted with
thermometers and temperature record cards and
holders, or temperature sensing devices. They must be
capable
of
recording
minimum
and
maximum
temperatures.
Where
no
functional
automated
temperature
indication system is present, at least one bimetallic
thermometer shall be placed in each designated
ammunition magazine or locker. The thermometer shall
be located in a readily accessible area where maximum
variations of temperature will normally occur. Where
installation of the thermometer and bracket interferes
with stowed material or equipment, the thermometer
shall be mounted in a boss on the outside with the stem
projecting inside the stowage space.
These
thermometers
shall
be
direct-reading,
bimetallic thermometers with maximum and minimum
index pointers and reset knob. They shall meet the
specifications of MIL-I-17244. Thermometers shall
have a temperature range of 40 to 180ºF, a 3-inch,
back-connected
dial,
and
a
4-inch
stem.
For
applications, which do not require recording of
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