USAF EXPLOSIVES
FIRE AND CHEMICAL HAZARD SYMBOLS
HAZARD DIVISION 1.1
HAZARD DIVISION 1.2 HAZARD DIVISION 1.3
HAZARD DIVISION 1.4
MASS DETONATION
NON-MASS EXPLOSION, MASS FIRE, NO BLAST OR
MODERATE FIRE, NO
HAZARD
FRAGMENT PRODUCING FRAGMENT
BLAST OR FRAGMENT
-
Do not fight fire unless rescue attempt
- Sound alarm; attempt to extinguish fire - May be fought if explosives not directly
- Fight these fires.
is planned.
if in early stage. involved.
- Expect minor explosions and hot
-
If there is suitable separation to symbol
- Fight the fire if possible. If not possible, - If White Phosphorus (WP) munitions are
fragments.
1 materials and Senior Fire Officer
prevent spread of fire. involved, smoke is liberated.
approves, firefighting forces may
- Provide protection from fragmentation - WP munitions may explode.
attempt to extinguish the fire.
in case of detonation. - Immerse Phosphorus in water or spray
-
If personal safety is in doubt, take
with water continuously.
cover.
- For fires involving Hexachlorethane (HC) and
incendiaries use dry sand or dry powder in
early stage.
-
For fires involving pyrotechnics and
magnesium incendiaries:
-
Protect adjacent facilities and equipment.
-
Do not use carbon dioxide, Halon
extinguishers or water on or near
munitions.
-
Allow magnesium to cool unless upon
flammable material. In this case, use a 2-
inch layer of dry sand or powder on the
floor and rake the burning material onto
this layer and re-smother.
CHEMICAL HAZARD SYMBOLS
HIGHLY TOXIC CHEMICAL HAZARD
HARASSING AGENTS WHITE PHOSPHORUS (WP) MUNITIONS
SET 1
SET 2 SET 3
-
Withdraw upwind.
- Withdraw upwind. For WP:
-
If explosion does not occur, approach from upwind
- Approach from upwind and extinguish fire. - Post fire guard until leaking phosphorous has been
and extinguish fire.
- Decontamination may be required. removed.
-
Decontamination may be required.
- Set 2 consists of self-contained breathing - After removal of agents, post fire guard for 2 days for
-
Set 1 consists of self-contained breathing apparatus
apparatus, coveralls and protective gloves. possible re-ignition.
and chemical-protective clothing with flash protection
(Firefighting protective clothing and For Triethylaluminum (TEA), Platinum (PT) or Thorium (TH):
IAW applicable National Fire Protection Association
equipment may be used) - Do not use water.
Standards 1991, 1992 and 1994.
- Do not look at burning material.
FIREFIGHTING DIRECTION SYMBOLS
WEAR BREATHING APPARATUS
APPLY NO WATER
-
Approach from upwind and extinguish fire.
- Munitions burn with extremely high temperature and
-
Wear breathing apparatus: consists of a self contained
are difficult to extinguish.
breathing apparatus. (Firefighting protective clothing
- Water is NOT a suitable extinguishing agent as it may
and equipment may be used)
intensify the fire.
- Do not look directly at the burning material or eye
damage may result.
AFVA 91-216, 4 APRIL 2012, Certified Current on, 4 June 2020
Supersedes: AFVA 91-216, 1 November 1997
Releasability: There is no releasability restrictions on this publication
OPR: AFSEC/SEWC
Prescribing Publication: DESR 6055.09_AFMAN91-201, 28 May 2020
