hazards. Identify the uses of the emission control (EMCON) bill. The functional characteristics of electrically initiated ordnance cause hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance (HERO). Ordnance that presents a HERO problem includes cartridges, cartridge -actuated devices, and 20-mm ammunition. The ordnance electroexplosive devices (EEDs) may be accidentally initiated or their performance degraded by exposure to radio frequency (RF) environments. Ordnance is more susceptible to RF environments during assembly, disassembly, handling, loading, and unloading operations. The  term  RADHAZ  (radiation  hazards)  applies  to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields of sufficient intensity to   produce  harmful  biological  effects  in  humans, and/or   cause spark ignition of volatile combustibles or actuate electroexplosive devices. Although  the  effects  of  RADHAZ  are  important,  this chapter limits discussion to HERO hazards. HERO ORDNANCE CLASSIFICATIONS A  testing  program  sponsored  by  the  Naval  Sea Systems  Command  (NAVSEASYSCOM)  determines the  susceptibility  of  ordnance  to  RF  environments. Tests are conducted in the maximum RF environment the ammunition or ordnance systems may be subjected to in its stockpile-to-launch sequence. This data is the basis  for  the  three  HERO  classifications  assigned  to ordnance—HERO-safe   ordnance,   HERO-susceptible ordnance, and HERO-unsafe ordnance. HERO-Safe Ordnance An ordnance item is classified as HERO safe if it meets the following criteria:   Percussion initiated.   Sufficiently    shield    protected    so    all    EEDs contained  by  the  item  are  immune  to  adverse effects  (safe  and/or  reliable)  when  the  item  is used in its expected RF environments.   General HERO requirements are observed. HERO-Susceptible Ordnance An ordnance item is classified as HERO susceptible   if   proved   (by   tests)   to   contain   EEDs. HERO-susceptible ordnance can be adversely affected by   RF   energy.   The   safety   and/or   reliability   of   the system  is  in  jeopardy  when  the  system  is  used  in  its expected RF environments. HERO-Unsafe Ordnance An ordnance item is classified as HERO unsafe if it meets the following criteria:   Its internal wiring is physically exposed.   Tests are being conducted on the item that result in additional electrical connections to the item.   EEDs that have exposed wire leads are handled or loaded.   The item is being assembled or disassembled.   It is disassembled. REVIEW NUMBER 4 ANSWERS A1. The weapons staging area on the flight deck located between the island and the starboard catwalks is known as the bomb farm. A2. A pier-side weapons movement of ammunition loaded onto an aircraft carrier is authorized   in   emergency   situations   when authorized by NAVSEASYSCOM or to conform to the ship's sailing schedule. A3. Conventional  replenishment  (CONREP)  and vertical  replenishment  (VERTREP)  are  used to transfer ammunition at sea. A4. When  VERTREP  is  being  used  to  transfer ammunition between ships, helicopters using slings or cargo nets accomplish transfer. HERO EMISSION CONTROL (EMCON) BILL Ordnance  items  classified  as  HERO  unsafe  are protected  from  electromagnetic  radiation  by  putting them in a completely enclosed all-metal container. NOTE:   Ordnance   in   a   wooden   or   plastic container or on a metal pallet is as exposed as if the container or pallet were not there. 11-25