M55 Rocket Fire/Explosion Concerns
Abstract
CDC convened a group of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) consisting of 4 members with the following experience: chemical and petrochemical process hazards and investigations, propellant and explosives manufacturing and testing, risk evaluation and incident investigation, mechanical processing and environmental issues to review the Army's investigation into recent fires involving the destruction of M55 chemical agent rockets. This group reviewed the Army's investigation approach including reviews such as the propellant analysis, structural evaluations of the containment area, risk evaluations and the contractor's modifications to equipment. Key findings of this review include: (1) While there seem to be unknowns surrounding the destruction of rockets (e.g. leaking or sensitive rockets) there are no immediate concerns for worker and public health that would preclude the continued processing of rockets; (2) The Explosion Containment Rooms where the fires are occurring have a sufficiently robust design such that there should be no increased risk to workers and the public; (3) The modifications made by the systems contractor appear sufficient to potentially minimize the frequency of fires, and contain or suppress the fires; and (4) The actual root causes of the fires have never been completely substantiated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA476287