Ammunition Accidents -- Their Causes, Investigation and Prevention
Abstract
This presentation describes the role of the Directorate of Land Service Ammunition in the United Kingdom and its involvement in ammunition accidents. Several examples of the causes of ammunition accidents worldwide are provided, including Design Faults, Poor Storage Control, Movement of Ammunition, Equipment Failures, Production Faults, In-Service Deterioration, Handling, Tampering, Errors of Drill, and Negligent Discharge. Investigation techniques are described using as a case in point an accident that occurred in the UK that involved 81mm mortar ammunition and resulted in three fatalities. The presentation concludes with a description of the measures taken in the British Army to prevent the occurrence and re-occurrence of accidents. A video entitled "The Stupidity Factor" (14 minutes) illustrates the causes of typical ammunition accidents and is available from the Directorate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA526821
Entities
People
- A. J. Morley