The Impact of Explosive Safety on Readiness: The Price of Safety

Two contrasting viewpoints regarding explosive safety are discussed. First, safety as a stumbling block to readiness, and second, safety as an enhancer of readiness are described. Safety is expensive. First there is the cost of the safety personnel themselves. Second, are the facility and equipment costs. When dealing with explosives and the other hazardous materials that are involved in the production of ammunition we have costly electrical equipment approved for use in hazardous locations. Operations are often conducted remotely decreasing the production rate and increasing the cost of equipment required. Barricades and portions of buildings are constructed of specially design steel reinforced concrete, and the buildings are separated from each other by distances that greatly increase transit time and costs, not to mention utility runs and energy costs. Safety reviews of project designs, hazard analysis of proposed or onging operations significantly delay the start of projects and frequently result in additional costs. This article is from 'Minutes of the Explosives Safety Seminar (22nd) Held in Anaheim, California on 26-28 August 1986. Volume 1,' AD-A181 274, p799-803.