CHAPTER 4
EXPLOSIVES HANDLING PERSONNEL
QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
BACKGROUND
Improper handling, loading, processing, disposal,
demilitarization or testing of explosive devices has
The Explosives Handling Personnel Qualification
resulted in many mishaps with injuries, loss of life,
and Certification Program was established by the
damage amounting to millions of dollars, and reduced
Chief of Naval Operations as a result of the
operational effectiveness. The purpose of this program
catastrophic MK-24 parachute flare accident on the
is to eliminate these mishaps through proper
USS ORISKANY in 1966 that led to significant loss of
qualification and certification of personnel.
life and major ship damage. The flag board of inquiry
concluded the accident was attributed to a lack of
ORDNANCE CERTIFICATION
training, direct supervision, and a method to
OVERVIEW
determine personnel qualifications prior to being
NOTE: The Explosives Handling Personnel
authorized to handle explosives. Qual/Cert, with
Qualification and Certification (Qual/Cert)
proper oversight and management, can prevent similar
Program is governed by the OPNAVINST
accidents.
8020 instruction, which directs type com-
Although Qual/Cert has been in effect for over 30
manders (TYCOMs) to issue a Qual/Cert
years, improper handling, loading, processing, or
instruction for their cognizant commands.
testing of explosive devices continues to result in death,
This chapter was referenced using the
injury, and extensive high-dollar damage to equipment.
OPNAVINST 8020.14 joint instruction
Research has shown personnel error due to inadequate
for COMNAVAIRPAC, COMNAVAIRLANT,
training, lack of adequate supervision, lack of or
COMNAVRESFOR, and CNATRA.
inadequate SOP, or just plain failure to follow the
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the pur-
governing technical directives causes the majority
pose and terminology of the Explosives
of explosive mishaps. Qual/Cert is intended to be
H a n d l i n g P e r s o n n e l Q u a l i fi c a t i o n a n d
the cornerstone for a ZERO DEFECT SAFETY
Certification Program, OPNAVINST 8020.14.
PROGRAM.
The intent of the Qualification/Certification
DEFINITIONS
(Qual/Cert) Program is to ensure that before an
i n d iv i d u a l p e r f o r m s a ny t a s k i nvo l v i n g
NOTE: All explosives, ammunition, weapons,
explosives/explosive devices, they are qualified and
and devices using conventional ex- plosives,
formally certified by the command to which they are
pyrotechnics, or incendiary material for their
assigned. Each person must satisfactorily demonstrate
operation are included in the general term
the qualifications to properly and safely perform all
explosive devices.
required functions and tasks involving the
Before you read about ordnance certification, you
explosives/explosive device. Accident-free explosive
need to know the terminology that will be used in this
operations require command attention that includes
discussion. The following definitions will help when
certified workers, direct supervision, use of standard
working with the Qual/Cert program and completing
operating procedures (SOP), technical manuals and
the ordnance certification format (fig. 4-1).
checklists for the task at hand, and a total quality
assurance (QA) process where required. When
Storage/Stowage. P h y s i c a l a c t o f s t ow i n g
properly managed and used, this program assures
explosives/explosive devices in designated and
qualification of all personnel who work with
approved magazines and ready service lockers.
explosives/explosive devices. This section will describe
D e m o n s t r a t e d k n ow l e d g e o f a f l o a t / a s h o r e
the background of the ordnance program and
s t o r a g e / s t ow a g e r e q u i r e m e n t s p e r a p p l i c a b l e
definitions of program terminology.
instructions/directives.
4-1
