Equipment Markings
Equipment Testing
MHE that is used for handling ammunition and
Periodic testing and frequent inspections of MHE
explosives is painted solid yellow, with the exception
is essential if equipment reliability and safety are to be
of explosion-proof trucks and tractors. These are
maintained. Frequency of tests for shore activities
painted yellow with 6-inch blue diagonal stripes at 45
must not exceed 500 operational hours of use or 12
degrees across each side and on the rear. Also, the
months, whichever occurs first. These tests must also
designation (EE, DS, etc.) is painted in 4-inch black
be performed before placing the equipment into
block letters on both sides and at the rear of all
service or whenever components are changed or
equipment. The safe working load (SW), the weight
repaired. A log must be maintained by the testing
test date, and the vehicle weight of the equipment must
activity for each piece of equipment tested, indicating
be clearly printed on an appropriate space that is in
date, place, by whom, and disposition of each
view of the operator.
deficiency. This log must remain with the equipment if
i t i s a s s i g n e d t o a n o t h e r a c t iv i t y. Fo r f u r t h e r
Operator Safety
information on testing of MHE, refer to NAVSEA
SW023-AH-WHM-010.
Personnel who operate MHE must observe the
following safety precautions:
Explosives Drivers
Check the condition of the MHE before starting
Personnel, involved in transporting hazardous
periodically during use and after securing for the
materials, must meet certain qualifications to be
day.
certified as an explosives driver. These qualifications
Only qualified personnel who are properly
are as follows:
trained and licensed are to operate MHE.
The driver must be at least 18 years of age for
When the engine is shut off, set the brake, and
on-station movement and 21 years of age for
lower the forks to the deck when leaving the
off-station movement.
equipment unattended.
The driver must have a valid state driver's
Do not allow anyone to stand or walk under any
license. It need not necessarily have been issued
elevated portion of the equipment.
by the state where the activity is located.
Keep arms and legs inside the running lines of
The driver must have a physical every 2 years
the equipment.
and have a medical examiner's certificate.
Do not put arms or legs between the uprights of
The driver must have an explosives driver
the mast.
identification card (Standard Form 46), which
Do not use MHE for opening or closing doors.
must be noted with Explosives Driver .
Do not remove overhead guards without
All explosives drivers must receive at least 12
permission of the safety officer.
hours of instruction and training in driving
Always ensure that the load is balanced and
trucks and tractors, handling and transporting
secured and does not exceed the capacity of the
hazardous materials, regulations and procedures
pertaining to transporting hazardous materials,
p r o p e r l y u s i n g fi r e ex t i n g u i s h e r s , a n d
NOTE
completing and filing required reports.
This is not a complete listing of safety regulations.
ORDNANCE-HANDLING EQUIPMENT
Ensure that you are familiar with the contents of
volume 1 of NAVSEA OP 5, and Handling
The handling of ammunition, explosives, and other
Ammunition, and Explosives with Industrial
hazardous materials should be kept to a minimum.
Materials Handling Equipment (MHE), NAVSEA
However, when handling is necessary, use properly
SW023-AH-WHM-010.
tested and tagged equipment designed for the task.
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