U.S. Navy Explosives Safety Management Program Policy Manual

OPNAVINST 8020.
14B
18 Jul 2022
U.S. NAVY
EXPLOSIVES SAFETY
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
POLICY MANUAL
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
N4L
18 Jul 2022
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 8020.14B
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: U.S. NAVY EXPLOSIVES SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM POLICY

MANUAL
Ref: See Appendix A
1. Purpose. To provide policy and assign responsibilities for managing the U.S. Navy
Explosives Safety Management Program (ESMP), as required by references (a) through (d).
This instruction is a complete revision and should be reviewed in its entirety.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 8020.14A.
1. 3. Scope and Applicability. The ammunition and explosives (AE) manufacturing, testing,
handling, maintenance, developing, demilitarization, munitions response, disposal,
transportation, storage and use of conventional ordnance ashore and afloat is inherently
hazardous. Therefore, it is imperative that a safety program designed to minimize the potential
explosives hazards be aggressively pursued at all levels. The policies and processes contained in
this instruction are applicable to:
a. All U.S. Navy commands. This manual implements and amplifies the mandatory AE
safety standards of references (a) through (d) as established by the Secretary of Defense
(SECDEF), the SECNAV, DoD Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) and the applicable
environmental requirements of reference (e).
b. Tenant commands of other military services, Government agencies and contractor

operations located on Navy commands and installations.
c. Navy units who are tenants on other military service or foreign host nation installations.
Navy commands that are tenants aboard another military service or foreign host nation
installation must adhere to the Service’s or host nation installation’s explosives safety criteria
when the explosives safety criteria are more restrictive.
d. Navy commands operating on foreign soil must follow host-nation, applicable

multinational or U.S. explosives safety standards, whichever are more protective, unless
standards applicability is mandated by international agreement established by the combatant
commander. In the event no explosives safety process has been established, Navy commands
must adhere to this instruction and other applicable Navy explosives safety related instructions
and manuals.
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
4. Definitions. See Appendix C.
5. Records Management.
a. Records created as a result of this instruction, regardless of format or media, must be

maintained and dispositioned per the records disposition schedules located on the Department of
the Navy (DON) Assistant for Administration, Directives and Records Management Division
portal page at https://portal.secnav.navy.mil/orgs/DUSNM/DONAA/DRM/Records-and-
Information-Management/Approved%20Record%20Schedules/Forms/AllItems.aspx.
b. For questions concerning the management of records related to this instruction or the
records disposition schedules, please contact the local records manager or the OPNAV Records
Management Program (DNS-16).
6. Review and Effective Date. Per OPNAVINST 5215.17A, OPNAV N4L will review this
instruction annually around the anniversary of its issuance date to ensure applicability, currency
and consistency with Federal, Department of Defense (DoD), Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV)
and Navy policy and statutory authority using OPNAV5215/40 Review of Instruction. This
instruction will be in effect for 10 years, unless revised or cancelled in the interim and will be
reissued by the 10-year anniversary date if it is still required, unless it meets one of the
exceptions in OPNAVINST 5215.17A, paragraph 9. Otherwise, if the instruction is no longer
required, it will be processed for cancellation as soon as the need for cancellation is known
following the guidance in OPNAV Manual 5215.1 of May 2016.
7. Forms and Information Management Control. Forms and information collection

requirements are provided in reference (a) which may be obtained from
https://www.secnav.navy.mil/doni/default.aspx.
R. L. WILLIAMSON
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
(Fleet Readiness and Logistics)
Releasability and distribution:

This instruction is cleared for public release and is available electronically only via DON
Issuances website, https://www.secnav.navy.mil/doni/default.aspx.
2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM POLICY AND

OVERSIGHT
1. Purpose 1-1
2. Scope and Applicability 1-1
3. Background 1-2
4. Policy 1-2
5. Responsibilities 1-4
CHAPTER 2 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EXPLOSIVES SAFETY BOARD

1. Purpose 2-1
2. Background 2-1
3. Policy 2-1
CHAPTER 3 WEAPON SYSTEM EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REVIEW BOARD

1. Purpose 3-1
2. Background 3-1
3. Policy 3-1
4. Joint Service Weapons Safety Review 3-2
CHAPTER 4 REGIONAL EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REVIEW BOARD

1. Purpose 4-1
2. Background 4-1
3. Policy 4-1
CHAPTER 5 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

1. Purpose 5-1
2. Background 5-1
3. Policy 5-1
CHAPTER 6 ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROGRAMS ASSOCIATED WITH

ORDNANCE, AMMUNION AND EXPLOSIVES OPERATIONS
1. Purpose 6-1
2. Background 6-1
3. Policy 6-1
CHAPTER 7 ORDNANCE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

1. Purpose 7-1
2. Background 7-1
3. Policy 7-1
i
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 8 PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION

1. Purpose 8-1
2. Background 8-1
3. Policy 8-1
CHAPTER 9 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY SITE APPROVALS

1. Purpose 9-1
2. Background 9-1
3. Policy 9-1
CHAPTER 10 DEVIATIONS FROM EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

1. Purpose 10-1
2. Background 10-1
3. Policy 10-1
CHAPTER 11 BERTHING OF EXPLOSIVES LADEN SHIPS AT U.S. NAVY

CONTROLLED ACTIVITIES
1. Purpose 11-1
2. Background 11-1
3. Policy 11-1
CHAPTER 12 HANDLING AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES IN PORT

1. Purpose 12-1
2. Background 12-1
3. Policy 12-1
CHAPTER 13 MANAGEMENT OF MATERIAL POTENTIALLY PRESENTING AN

EXPLOSIVE HAZARD
1. Purpose 13-1
2. Background 13-1
3. Policy 13-1
CHAPTER 14 INERT, PRACTICE AND SERVICE AMMUNITION

1. Purpose 14-1
2. Background 14-1
3. Policy 14-1
CHAPTER 15 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY ON NAVY OPERATIONAL RANGES

1. Purpose 15-1
2. Background 15-1
3. Policy 15-1
ii
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 16 AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES STANDARD OPERATING

PROCEDURES
1. Purpose 16-1
2. Background 16-1
3. Policy 16-1
CHAPTER 17 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REVIEW, OVERSIGHT AND

VERIFICATION OF MUNITIONS RESPONSES
1. Purpose 17-1
2. Background 17-1
3. Policy 17-1
CHAPTER 18 INCIDENT AND MISHAP REPORTING

1. Purpose 18-1
2. Background 18-1
3. Policy 18-1
CHAPTER 19 NAVY CONTRACTOR AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

OPERATIONS
1. Purpose 19-1
2. Background 19-1
3. Policy 19-1
CHAPTER 20 NAVY EXPLOSIVES SAFETY SPECIALIST TRAINING

REQUIREMENTS
1. Purpose 20-1
2. Background 20-1
3. Scope and applicability 20-1
4. Explosives Safety Training 20-1
5. Continous Training 20-2
CHAPTER 21 AFLOAT MAGAZINE SAFETY AND CERTIFICATION

1. Purpose 21-1
2. Background 21-1
3. Policy 21-1
APPENDICES
A References A-1
B Acronyms B-1
C Definitions C-1
iii
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 1
EXPLOSIVES SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM POLICY AND OVERSIGHT
2. Purpose. To establish Navy ESMP policy and assign management oversight responsibilities
as required by references (a) through (d).
3. Scope and Applicability. The policies and processes contained in this instruction are
applicable to:
a. All U.S. Navy commands. This manual implements and amplifies the mandatory AE
safety standards of references (a) through (d) as established by the Secretary of Defense
(SECDEF), the SECNAV, DoD Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) and the applicable
environmental requirements of reference (e).
b. Tenant commands of other military services, Government agencies and contractor

operations located on Navy commands and installations.
c. Navy units who are tenants on other military service or foreign host nation installations.
Navy commands that are tenants aboard another military service or foreign host nation
installation must adhere to the Service’s or host nation installation’s explosives safety criteria
when the explosives safety criteria are more restrictive.
d. Navy commands operating on foreign soil must follow host-nation, applicable

multinational or U.S. explosives safety standards, whichever are more protective, unless
standards applicability is mandated by international agreement established by the combatant
commander. In the event no explosives safety process has been established, Navy commands
must adhere to this instruction and other applicable Navy explosives safety related instructions
and manuals.
e. Contracts for AE.
(1) Operations on Navy installations and other Navy-controlled property. These

contracts must require compliance with references (b) and (f). Chapter 19 provides additional
guidance on Navy contractor AE operations.
(2) Navy contracts and agreements including AE support for Navy government-owned,
contractor-operated (GOCO) facilities awarded, amended or modified one year or more after this
instruction is issued must require compliance with references (b) and (g) through (j) at a
minimum. Navy explosives safety regulations outlined by reference (f), specific to site planning
and deviations must be adhered to; additional Navy explosives safety regulations and associated
local requirements will apply if included in contract requirements.
f. Conventional components of nuclear weapons systems and warheads, such as rocket

motors, separation charges and igniters as they affect or are affected by storage (e.g., lightning
1-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
protection, hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance (HERO), hazard compatibility and

explosives safety quantity distance (ESQD) criteria).
3. Background. The SECDEF established basic explosives safety standards and minimum
ESQD criteria to be observed by DoD components in the performance of operations involving
AE. These standards and criteria apply to U.S. military, civilian and contractor personnel
involved in management and operations involving the manufacturing, assembly, testing,
ordnance assessment, siting, handling, transportation and storage of DoD AE. The policy also
applies to the handling, storage and use of non-DoD, commercial and foreign AE when in
custody of a Navy activity or occurs on Navy property.
4. Policy.
a. Per reference (d), the Navy must establish and maintain an effective ESMP that will:
(1) Provide the maximum possible protection to people, property and operations from
potential damaging effects of a mishap involving DoD military munitions.
(2) Minimize exposures consistent with safe and efficient operations by exposing the
minimum number of essential or non-essential personnel for the minimum amount of time to the
minimum amount of explosives.
b. Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity (NOSSA), as the DON technical authority
for explosives safety, will establish and implement guidance, processes and procedures to
manage and execute the Navy ESMP.
c. Reference (k) amplifies this DON policy and provides mandatory technical direction and
procedures, including ship design requirements and standards, for the safe handling, stowage and
use of all AE afloat.
d. Each activity entrusted with the use or responsibility to develop, test, manufacture,
maintain, store and stow, handle, transport, dispose or demilitarize of AE must establish and
maintain a viable ESMP.
e. Every installation responsible for developing, testing, manufacturing, maintaining,

storing and stowing, handling, transporting, disposing or demilitarizing of AE must appoint an
explosives safety officer (ESO) per reference (f). The ESO must serve as the primary point of
contact for all aspects of the Navy ESMP on the installation. ESO responsibilities are identified
in reference (f).
(1) When tenant command ESOs are present at locations where there is an installation
ESO, the installation ESO must oversee compliance of the tenant command’s ESMP.
1-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(2) The installation ESO must have direct access to installation and tenant leadership
necessary to implement and enforce the installation’s ESMP. The installation commanding
officer (CO) should provide the ESO the authority to halt unsafe operations and direct root cause
analysis as part of corrective action. If the ESO designated for the installation is employed by a
tenant or other Navy organization, the ESO must maintain direct access to the installation CO.
(3) Navy installation and command ESOs must not be assigned collateral duties that may
interfere with performing their ESO duties. The duty of an ESO is recognized as an inherently
governmental position.
(4) The ESO must not serve in a subordinate capacity to the installation or command
ordnance and weapons department officer in order to preserve independent explosives safety
oversight.
(5) Reference (f) provides specific responsibilities and duties of region, installation and
command ESOs. The installation CO may delegate ESO responsibilities to tenant commands;
however, the installation CO must acknowledge the risk of delegation in formal documentation
such as inter-service support agreements, memorandum of agreement, memorandum of
understanding or an instruction, per references (f) and (l) and retain ultimate responsibility for
the overall safety of the installation.
f. An installation CO, is responsible for establishing formal documentation of explosives

safety roles and responsibilities as defined in reference (f) for tenants that manage AE.
g. Installation tenant commands with an arms, ammunition and explosives (AA&E)

requirement will assign a command explosives safety representative, who will coordinate and
collaborate with the installation ESO on explosives safety requirements and ensure compliance
with reference (f) and this instruction.
h. Navy tenants operating on other DoD component installations that are expected to adhere
to installation regulations must do so under formal agreement such as inter-service support
agreement, memorandum of agreement or memorandum of understanding. Conflicts between
installation and Navy regulations must be addressed and if necessary, will be resolved at Deputy
Chief of Naval Operations, Fleet Readiness and Logistics, Director, Logistics (OPNAV N4L)
and Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Energy, Installations and Environment (ASN EI&E) for
final resolution. Service component explosives safety offices will be involved in the resolution
process.
i. Navy-owned contractor-operated properties where AE is managed must have a Navy

ESO designated by the Navy program office responsible for oversight. The assigned ESO must
complete all required training per reference (f) and develop and oversee a formal ESMP per this
instruction.
1-3
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
5. Responsibilities. An effective ESMP is dependent upon command implementation at all

levels. The responsibilities identified herein are major aspects of an effective ESMP, but are not
to be considered as all-inclusive.
a. ASN EI&E. Per reference (a), ASN EI&E has the responsibility to ensure that the DON
has an ESMP in place. ASN EI&E will:
(1) Issue secretarial exemptions or certifications when operational necessity requires

deviations from the requirements of reference (b).
(2) Delegate authority to OPNAV N4L to accept risks for Navy activities that need to
deviate from explosives safety criteria for a requirement that meets the threshold of being a
strategic or compelling operational necessity.
b. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). OPNAV N4L acts as the Navy executive board
member to the DDESB. OPNAV N4L, through the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations,
Ordnance Supply Chain Operations Branch (OPNAV N4L11) must, per references (a) and (m):
(1) Nominate two qualified individuals to serve as the Navy’s members (one primary and
one alternate) and liaison with the DDESB on all matters affecting the Navy contained in
references (b) through (d).
(2) Issue policy and procedures and monitor implementation of the Navy ESMP and the
AA&E physical security program.
(3) Communicate with the DDESB and other military services, to include the U.S. Coast
Guard, when under operational control of the Navy, on matters relevant to the Navy ESMP.
(4) Provide Navy representation to the DDESB, joint staff and other joint forums where
explosives safety policy is discussed.
(5) Approve, deny or endorse requests for deviations to explosives safety and AA&E
physical security criteria contained in references (f), (k) and (n) or deviations of such criteria or
standards established under the authority of ASN or OPNAV.
(6) Approve or deny requests for storage and handling of non-DoD, commercial and
foreign AE afloat.
(7) Assign NOSSA, via Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command

(COMNAVSEASYSCOM), to serve as the Navy technical authority for explosives safety and
function as the principal authority on all matters related to U.S. Navy ordnance handling, storage
and transportation safety policy worldwide.
1-4
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(8) Provide an observer to the Weapon System Explosives Safety Review Board
(WSESRB), other joint service weapons safety working groups and Regional Explosives Safety
Review Board (RESRB) as required.
(9) Designate an explosives safety career program manager per reference (a).
c. COMNAVSEASYSCOM must:
(1) Manage and administer the technical authority functions of the Navy ESMP and
support OPNAV N4L11 in management of the Navy ESMP.
(2) Per reference (o), assign NOSSA to serve as the Navy technical authority for
explosives safety and function as the principal authority on all matters related to U.S. Navy
ordnance storage, handling and transportation safety policy worldwide.
(3) Publish appropriate documents necessary to provide direction and procedures for
amplifying Navy policy on explosives safety.
d. Commander, Naval Safety Command (COMNAVSAFECOM) must:
(1) Develop, formulate and issue Navy safety and risk-related policies and directives
guidance for Navy safety programs per reference (l).
(2) Collect explosives and ordnance mishap reports and analyze data with emphasis on
cause and statistical trends.
(3) Collect, store and disseminate safety information.
(4) Provide membership to the WSESRB.
(5) Submit explosive mishap report analysis and resolution reports to OPNAV N4L11
and NOSSA annually by 31 December for the previous fiscal year. Copies will be provided to
echelon 2 commands.
e. Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) must:
(1) Manage and administer installation explosives safety programs at established regions
and installations.
(2) Guide and assist Navy region commands and installation commanders with
implementing the policies and procedures contained in this instruction.
(3) Support the installation and facility planning, construction of, sustainment and repair
for new or existing AE related facilities including operations in proximity to existing ESQD arcs.
1-5
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
f. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFACENGSYSCOM) must:
(1) Develop criteria, standards and regulations for facilities, structures and ranges
designed for AE operations.
(2) Coordinate with and submit to NOSSA, site approval requests for installation and
facility planning for AE and related facilities or operations in proximity to existing ESQD arcs.
Ensure compliance of required explosives safety submissions (ESS) and explosives safety
deviations. This responsibility applies to all Navy owned property to include GOCO activities
that manage AE.
(3) Provide technical representation to RESRB.
g. NOSSA must:
(1) Serve as the DON technical authority and hold the DON technical warrant for
explosives safety in support of COMNAVSEASYSCOM’s responsibilities, per reference (o).
(2) Provide qualified individuals to serve as the Navy’s subject matter experts to the
DDESB.
(3) Communicate with the DDESB for the Navy with respect to explosives safety
technical advice, explosives safety related reports and investigations, explosives safety site plans,
munitions response ESS, ordnance environmental issues, AE hazard classification, AA&E
physical security and transportation, ordnance electrical safety, lightning protection and
grounding, insensitive munitions, explosives safety training, HERO, electromagnetic radiation
hazards (RADHAZ) ashore and electrostatic discharge (ESD).
(4) Provide technical expertise, criteria, interpretation and guidance to the office of the
Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) and Navy commands on matters involving explosives
safety, AA&E physical security, handling and transportation and storage of AE.
(5) Provide representation to joint service and multi-national working groups or teams, as
appropriate.
(6) Establish and manage DON programs for weapons system safety, explosives safety
training, hazard classification, lightning protection and grounding, ordnance electrical safety,
HERO, RADHAZ ashore, ESD and insensitive munitions.
(7) Establish and maintain the WSESRB to review all weapon platforms and weapon
system acquisition programs as the DON designated technical authority for weapons system
safety.
1-6
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(8) Provide safety guidance and independent comprehensive reviews on the ability of
new DON acquisition and afloat platform programs to safely handle and stow AE.
(9) Establish DON criteria for explosives safety ashore and afloat.
(10) Publish instructions, manuals and other publications that provide technical direction
and procedures to amplify DoD and navy policy on explosives safety.
(11) Establish and manage Navy programs as they pertain to AE for transportation and
shipboard weapons integration explosives safety.
(12) Establish, maintain and manage the RESRB to review all infrastructure related
explosives safety issues in support of the Navy’s ESMP as the DON designated technical
authority for explosives safety. Provide the board chairperson and technical representative(s) for
the Navy RESRB.
(13) Provide formal technical review and resolution of all Navy explosives safety site
plans worldwide, where explosives are stored, handled or maintained prior to approval or
endorsement to DDESB for approval.
(14) Provide explosives safety planning support to new or established Navy installations
or property to ensure that new facility construction meets explosives safety criteria.
(15) Serve as the Navy’s point of contact for technical explosives safety and ordnance
environmental matters involving other DoD components, Federal agencies, foreign services and
other public and private agencies.
(16) Review requests for deviations (waivers, exemptions and secretarial exemptions and
certifications) from established explosives safety and AA&E physical security criteria and
endorse or provide technical advice to OPNAV N4L11 on these requests.
(17) Approve or deny requests for storage and handling of non-DoD, commercial and
foreign AE ashore.
(18) Manage explosives safety and ordnance environmental aspects of the Navy
munitions response and material potentially presenting an explosive hazard (MPPEH) programs.
(19) Manage ordnance environmental program and provide ordnance environmental

technical support to OPNAV N4L, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Fleet Readiness and
Logistics, Director, Installations (OPNAV N4I) and Navy commands.
(20) Provide Navy point of contact for and oversight of AE personnel qualification and
certification (QUAL/CERT) requirements.
1-7
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(21) Manage the Navy’s explosives safety compliance program.
(22) Provide OPNAV N4L11 an annual brief on the status of the Navy’s ESMP,
including analysis of any trends, by 31 December for the previous fiscal year.
(23) Provide a quarterly brief on the status of explosives safety site approvals to OPNAV
N4L11.
(24) Provide afloat magazine certification.
(25) Manage, develop and provide oversight of the Navy’s explosives safety specialist
community management plan and designate a career program manager on behalf of OPNAV
N4L per reference (a).
h. Commanders, COs and Officer in Charge (OIC):
(1) Must take action to fully implement the policies, guidance and procedures within this
instruction.
(2) Per references (f) and (l), the installation CO or OIC, as appropriate, is directly
responsible for explosives safety to include all tenant activities, personnel and risk to all
installation infrastructure and must analyze and characterize the explosives hazard risk
associated with site plans that do not violate explosives safety criteria (e.g. glass hazards, lack of
adequate lightning protection, storage of hazard class/division (HC/D) 1.4 materials as identified
in reference (f). For Navy properties not assigned a CO, the OIC or designated operator of the
Navy property is responsible for compliance with the explosives safety requirements outlined in
references (b) and (f) by all organizations and personnel on that property.
(3) Host COs must ensure awareness and compliance with the additional applicable
environmental requirements pertaining to AE by Federal, State and local governments per
references (e) and (l).
i. Navy Contracting or Procurement Officers and other Contracting Offices. Navy

contracting and procurement personnel that issue or manage contracts for Navy properties
involving AE management must include this instruction as a reference and requirement for
explosives safety management, in addition to references (b), (f), (i) and (j).
j. Navy Explosives Safety Council (ESC).
(1) The ESC will be comprised of senior subject matter experts from major commands
responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing various aspects of the Navy’s ESMP.
Principal voting members will include the representatives from the organizations mentioned in
subparagraphs 5j(1)(a) through 5j(1)(i) of this chapter.
1-8
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(a) OPNAV N4L11 (Chair).
(b) Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (COMFLTFORCOM) N41.
(c) Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMUSPACFLT) N4.
(d) CNIC N3.
(e) Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command (COMNAVSPECWARCOM).
(h) Director, Strategic Systems Programs (DIRSSP) SP-252.
(i) CO NOSSA N00.
(2) The Chair and full-time members are responsible for ensuring that ESC objectives are
achieved. The ESC will:
(a) Act as a forum to gather input for review and update to the Navy’s Explosives
Safety Policies and procedures which may affect the Navy’s ESMP.
(b) Oversee the adoption of appropriate risk management policies and procedures to
manage, to the extent possible, all facets of the Navy’s ESMP as it applies to current operations
and future operational environments.
(c) Develop guidelines for formulating explosives safety standards that can be used to
gage the posture of the Navy ESMP.
(d) Review explosives mishaps and incidents, explosives safety inspections (ESI) and
ongoing explosives safety initiatives to evaluate impact to existing policies, programs and
investments.
(e) Review proposed or enacted updates to DoD and joint service explosives safety
policy and provide requisite feedback to the initiating agency.
(f) Propose updates to DoD or joint service explosives safety policy and champion
proposal to the initiating agency.
(g) Review and provide recommendations on DDESB actions to the Navy DDESB
board member.
1-9
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 2
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EXPLOSIVES SAFETY BOARD
1. Purpose. To provide guidance and policy for supporting and communicating with the
DDESB.
2. Background. Per reference (c), the mission of the DDESB is to provide SECDEF and the
Service Secretaries objective advice on matters concerning explosives safety in an effort to
prevent hazardous conditions to life and property from the explosive mishaps and environmental
effects of DoD munitions. The DDESB explosives safety regulations, reference (b), is binding
upon the Navy and is subject to periodic review by the DDESB and Navy. The five primary
responsibilities of the DDESB related to this instruction are to:
a. Establish AE safety standards for all DoD components ashore by providing guidance for
AE manufacturing, testing, handling, maintenance, developing, demilitarization, munitions
response, disposal, transportation and storage.
b. Implement and monitor AE explosives safety standards outlined in reference (b) through
periodic on-site evaluations.
c. Review and site approve potential explosion site (PES) and exposed sites of facilities
used to manufacture, store, handle, maintain or dispose of AE material.
d. Review and analyze reports stemming from major mishaps.
e. Review and approve munitions response ESS for the execution of munitions responses
for munitions and explosives of concern potentially belonging to or used by DoD components on
all sites, whether on or off DoD property.
3. Policy.
a. Evaluation. The DDESB evaluates DoD components’ ESMP to ensure compliance with
reference (d). OPNAV N4L11 will liaison with the DDESB to determine which Navy
commands should be evaluated. When notified of a DDESB evaluation site visit, commanders
of Navy commands (or the senior Navy representative) must facilitate arrangements with
DDESB representatives and follow evaluation procedures as defined in reference (d).
b. Site Plan Review and Approval.
(1) All Navy projects requiring DDESB approval must be forwarded to the DDESB, via
NOSSA per procedures defined in references (f), (p) and chapter 9 of this instruction.
2-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(2) In cases where NOSSA determines that a hybrid site approval is required, a deviation
authorization from established explosives safety criteria is required prior to submission to
DDESB.
c. Communicating with the DDESB.
(1) All Navy official correspondence intended for the DDESB must be routed via the
appropriate chain of command (COC) and NOSSA to OPNAV N4L11. Direct correspondence
with the DDESB is not authorized unless directed or approved by OPNAV N4L11. Written
communication initiated by the DDESB and addressed to any Navy command, must be re-
addressed to OPNAV N4L11.
(2) Direct communication by telephone, facsimile or e-mail with DDESB staff members
is not authorized unless initiated by a DDESB staff member; or approved by the Navy member
or alternate member to the DDESB. No Navy presentation is to be made to the chairperson or
staff members of the DDESB without prior approval of the DDESB Navy member or alternate
member. All such presentations should be attended by one of these officials unless attendance is
specifically declined.
2-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 3
WEAPON SYSTEM EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REVIEW BOARD
1. Purpose. To define the responsibilities of the DON WSESRB with respect to the
introduction of new or modified conventional weapons, weapon systems, operational prototypes
and integrated weapon capabilities into service, per references (q) through (t), DoD Directive
5000.1 of 9 September 2020 and SECNAVINST 5000.2F.
2. Background. CNO established the WSESRB to ensure that required explosives safety
criteria are incorporated in the design of weapon systems or explosive systems.
3. Policy.
a. The WSESRB is the DON designated independent authority on weapon systems safety.
Its members are representatives of the systems commands. The chairperson and permanent
secretariat are from NOSSA. WSESRB members may seek assistance in technical
documentation review and may request attendance of technical experts at WSESRB meetings as
deemed appropriate. CNO may provide ex officio members as desired. Procedures for
conducting a WSESRB must be developed and issued by COMNAVSEASYSCOM.
b. WSESRB safety oversight includes the following weapons or weapon system

components when they are used, handled, stored, tested on or transported by a naval unit,
regardless of item origin: energetic systems, weapons (including user aspects of non-lethal
weapons), directed-energy weapons (DEW), weapon devices and integrated capabilities
(software, firmware, hardware or procedures) that manage and control weapons.
c. All weapon system programs inclusive of all detect, control and engage elements
(integrated or remote), regardless of acquisition category (ACAT) status or source, must conduct
a WSESRB before proceeding to low rate initial production, deployment or fielding. WSESRB
approval is required for any shipboard testing of developmental weapons or weapon systems.
d. Systems commands must obtain a WSESRB recommendation for any changes,

alterations, product improvements, engineering change proposals, ordnance alterations or ship
change documents to previously approved weapon systems (including software or firmware) that
can affect the safety of the platform, AE, weapon, combat system or other related systems. This
requirement includes non-developmental and non-ACAT programs.
e. The milestone decision authority, program executive officer (PEO) and program manager
(PM) must obtain WSESRB recommendation and concurrence during system safety plan
development and implementation as one of the exit criteria for a program completing an
acquisition phase and advancing to the next acquisition phase or cycle.
3-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
f. PEO and PM must obtain WSESRB recommendation and concurrence for all non-
developmental or commercially available ordnance items, weapons or control systems, to include
foreign weapons. These items or systems must satisfy the same weapon system safety and
weapon-related environmental requirements as developmental items. This includes all interface
elements required to adapt the items for DON use.
4. Joint Service Weapons Safety Review (JSWSR).
a. The WSESRB is the DON designated independent authority on weapon systems safety.
As such, the WSESRB is responsible for supporting all joint Service weapons safety reviews.
The WSESRB Chair will Co-Chair JSWSR reviews along with the other Service weapon safety
authorities. WSESRB members for JSWSRs will be selected from the WSESRB Secretariat and
the Navy systems commands as appropriate. Procedures for obtaining and conducting a JSWSR
review can be found in references (q) and (r).
b. JSWSR safety oversight responsibility includes energetic systems, weapons to include

user aspects of non-lethal weapons, DEW, weapon devices and integrated capabilities (software,
firmware or hardware) that manage and control weapons used, handled, stored or tested on or by
a Service unit regardless of origin of the item.
c. All Joint Service weapon system programs inclusive of all detect, control and engage
elements (integrated or remote), regardless of ACAT status or source, must conduct a JSWSR
before proceeding to low rate initial production, deployment or fielding. As stated in paragraph
3c, specific WSESRB approval is required for any shipboard testing of Joint Service
developmental weapons or weapon systems.
d. Any weapon, weapon system or munition that obtains a JSWSR review and concurrence,
per references (q) and (r) must have met the requirements of obtaining a WSESRB review and
concurrence per reference (s), noting any restrictions imposed by the Navy as part of that review
and concurrence.
e. Criteria for determining whether a weapon, weapons system or munition should obtain a
JSWSR in lieu of a WSESRB review are provided in subparagraphs 4e(1) through 4e(3):
(1) All weapons, DEW and weapon systems development, acquisition and test and
evaluation programs when two or more DoD components will be using the weapon or laser
system.
(2) Weapons, DEW or weapon systems are inclusive of all detect, control and engage
elements (integrated or remote), regardless of ACAT status or source.
3-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(3) Those fielded legacy systems (weapon, laser or other appropriate system) that were
not originally joint Service systems, but which have become joint through multi-DoD component
use.
3-3
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 4
REGIONAL EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REVIEW BOARD
1. Purpose. Provide policy, procedural guidance and assignment of responsibilities for the
RESRB.
2. Background.
a. The Navy ESMP focuses on three core component areas to maintain a safe ordnance
environment: criteria development, assessments and compliance validation.
b. The RESRB functions as an advisory group within the core component areas of
assessment and compliance.
3. Policy.
a. The RESRB should consist of senior explosives safety professionals knowledgeable in

explosives safety, mission execution and planning with representatives from: NOSSA
(chairperson and technical representative(s), OPNAV N4L11, cognizant Navy component
commander (NCC), the region Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command
(COMNAVFACENGSYSCOM), region and installation command. The RESRB may be
augmented by personnel who are knowledgeable in ordnance environmental issues or other
personnel at the request of the chairperson.
b. All regions will be reviewed on a 2 year cycle. A special RESRB may be requested to
address new deviations or modifications to existing deviations, regardless of assigned schedule.
The special RESRB will be coordinated via the region and installation.
c. Commands having no significant explosives operations, explosives safety facility siting

issues or waivers or deviations may request exclusion from a scheduled RESRB review from the
chairperson.
d. Hybrid site approvals will be evaluated by the RESRB for compliance and continuation.
e. Region commanders will serve as the local coordinator for reviews and site visits, where
applicable. Typically, the regional explosives safety program manager is the coordinator for the
regional commander.
4. Responsibilities.
a. OPNAV N4L will issue an annual review scheduled for the current and following
calendar year. The schedule will be issued in January and address Navy geographic regions
rather than specific commands.
4-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
b. NOSSA will:
(1) Issue notifications to all commands in the geographic region 90 days prior to the
scheduled review, identifying those scheduled for on-site reviews and those required to provide
briefings at a central location based on the OPNAV N4L issued schedule.
(2) Issue a convening order 30 days prior to the review providing a final schedule and
requesting input on significant issues.
(3) Coordinate all RESRB reviews.
(4) Provide a chairperson and technical representative(s).
(5) Maintain NOSSAINST 8020.20A, on the policy and procedures for the RESRB
program.
c. The Chairperson will:
(1) Provide recommendations on all existing or proposed deviations to explosives safety

criteria and significant problem areas presented by the commands.
(2) Certify that the conditions of each secretarial certification are being met and that
continuation is required.
(3) Provide OPNAV N4L11 and major commands involved with a final summary report
following the completion of each review.
d. The RESRB will:
(1) Assist planning initiatives for emerging fleet requirements respective of current
explosives safety criteria.
(2) Support NCC risk decisions when required for deviations at enduring or contingency
locations in the preparation or validation of munitions risk management assessments (MRMA)
per reference (u).
(3) Provide guidance for the development of new deviations, modifications to existing
deviations and the cancellation of existing deviations.
(4) Provide support during the deployment of the automated site-planning tool to
installations and regions.
4-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(5) Evaluate protective construction requirements during construction of explosives

facility or facilities within inhabited building distance of explosives facilities.
(6) Support fleet or installation evaluation of the impact of new weapons systems and
platforms on existing Navy infrastructure during the weapons system acquisition process.
(7) Review explosives safety waivers, exemptions, secretarial certifications and problem
areas, to achieve balance between operational readiness and safety criteria.
(8) Evaluate status of deviation corrective actions.
(9) Assess the status of meeting the Navy’s mandate to site all AE facilities and ESs by
31 December 2021.
(10) Observe effectiveness of current explosives safety criteria, as it relates to explosives

and ammunition, through observation and discussion with installation personnel.
(11) Adjudicate findings and advise NCCs, Navy regions, installations and tenant
commands on issues identified during DDESB ESMP and Joint Staff Integrated Vulnerability
Assessment evaluations of the Navy;
(12) Provide visibility of explosives safety problems to senior leadership.
4-3
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 5
EXPLOSIVES SAFETY COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
1. Purpose. To define policy, assign responsibilities and provide guidance for maintaining
Navy explosives safety compliance through the utilization of technical assistance, inspections,
self-assessments and periodic reviews.
2. Background. Investigative reports from mishaps involving AE often provide possible

methods of interrupting the chain of events which led to the explosive incident. Most reports
identify that the root cause of the incident could have been avoided had the activity or
individuals involved been effectively trained, inspected, supervised or followed prescribed
procedures. Per reference (d), the Navy must implement DoD component-level explosives safety
standards consistent with references (b) and (c) to ensure effective explosives safety management
while meeting mission requirements. References (f), (k), (v) and (w) and this instruction serve as
a means to ensure that commands are aware of explosives safety criteria, apply lessons learned,
transfer information, communicate problem areas to higher authority and determine the root
causes leading up to any explosives-related incident or mishap. Having trained and experienced
ordnance personnel in pertinent key staff positions is critical to interrupting event chains which
could lead to explosive incidents.
3. Policy.
a. The Navy must establish and maintain an effective method to validate explosives safety
compliance per the requirements of references (b) through (d). This includes a means to inspect,
review and assess installations, naval vessels, commands and Navy contractors providing AE-
related products and services.
b. All Navy commands will be inspected periodically per reference (v) for shore commands
or reference (w) for afloat commands.
c. Navy shore and afloat commands must conduct annual self-assessments of their ESMPs
per references (t) and (u) to evaluate and ensure compliance with references (f) and (k) and
ensure site approval compensatory measures are enforced and documented in standard operating
procedures (SOP).
d. A shipboard explosives safety inspection (SESI) must be conducted at least once every
36 months and ESI 18 to 30 months or as directed by reference (k). SESIs and ESIs are
conducted to validate that an established and effective ESMP is in place and to provide an
objective third party review of compliance with references (f), (k), (v) and (w) and other
applicable explosives safety related criteria.
e. Base and facility closings or transfers:
5-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(1) Explosives storage facilities being transferred from Navy control must have a
closeout ESI. For facilities being removed from DoD control, a closeout ESI must be included
as part of the explosives safety site approval cancellation request submitted to the DDESB.
(2) The host (installation or region) ESO will inspect and request removal of ESQD arcs
for facilities where AE was once used and stored prior to that facility being used for a different
purpose.
(3) NOSSA is to be notified when a former AE facility is planned for demolition per
reference (x).
a. NOSSA is responsible for conducting:
(1) ESIs of Navy shore commands.
(a) Navy GOCOs and other Navy sites where AE is handled or stored may be subject
to an ESI in coordination with property managers; however, other means to inspect, review,
access and assess these unique facilities may be warranted and authorized in lieu of a standard
ESI.
(2) SESIs of all Navy ships identified in SECNAVINST 5030.8C.
b. COs and OICs must ensure self-assessments are conducted per references (v) and (w) as
applicable.
c. ESOs will oversee all management aspects of their ESMP.
5-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 6
ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROGRAMS ASSOCIATED WITH ORDNANCE AND
AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES OPERATIONS
1. Purpose. To provide policy and assign responsibilities for protecting AE from

electromagnetic environmental effects.
2. Background. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from radio and radar transmitting equipment,
static electricity and lightning pose a significant threat to people, fuel and ordnance.
3. Policy.
a. Per reference (y) all electrical and electronic systems, subsystems and equipment,
including ordnance, ordnance systems, ordnance support equipment and material containing
electrically initiated devices (EID), must be compatible in their intended electromagnetic
environment) without causing or suffering unacceptable mission degradation. Furthermore,
reference (y) states hazards of electromagnetic radiation to personnel (HERP), hazards of
electromagnetic radiation to fuel (HERF) and HERO must be mitigated prior to conducting any
military exercises or operations. RADHAZ activities program, which includes HERF, HERP
and HERO, must include the characterization of the operational electromagnetic environment,
ordnance and munition system testing, the creation and implementation of a HERO emission
control (EMCON) bill and RADHAZ control measures and the retention of susceptibility data.
b. NOSSA will perform periodic HERO surveys per references (z) and (aa). All AE items
must be evaluated and certified for ESD per reference (ab) and any AE item containing an
electro explosive device or EID must be evaluated and certified for HERO prior to deployment
or release for service use.
c. Per reference (z), periodic HERO ship surveys and ashore RADHAZ surveys are required
to mitigate HERO RADHAZ.
d. Afloat commands must have a NOSSA certified HERO EMCON bill per references (k),
(z) and (aa).
e. Ashore commands must have a NOSSA certified HERO EMCON bill and if applicable,
supported by NOSSA certified RADHAZ Control Measures per references (l), (z) and (aa).
RADHAZ surveys must be coordinated with and conducted as an installation-wide effort.
f. Afloat and ashore commands must objectively address naturally occurring hazards such
as lightning and electrostatic accumulation and ensure all AE facilities and AE operations
comply with references (f) and (k).
6-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
a. COMNAVSEASYSCOM must:
(1) Through NOSSA, provide and manage comprehensive DON wide HERO, ordnance
electrical safety, lightning protection and ESD programs that provide policy, standards and
oversight for all naval ordnance commands and for naval ordnance and weapon system
acquisition programs as required by references (y), (z), (aa) and (ab).
(2) Provide HERO certification of all DON ordnance and materiel containing EIDs, ESD
certification for all DON AE and compile all DON HERO and ESD certification data.
(3) Provide engineering resources and expertise necessary to conduct periodic HERO
surveys for installations and commands ashore and forces afloat and develop and provide HERO
EMCON bills to mitigate risks affiliated with HERO during the conduct of operations.
(4) Provide engineering expertise regarding lightning protection and ordnance electrical
safety. Determine concurrence for lightning protection exceptions and deviations to policy per
reference (f).
b. All ashore and afloat Navy commands responsible for managing AE must:
(1) Provide resources and engineering services to establish and maintain systems and
procedures to address Lightning Protection, Ordnance Electrical Safety, electrostatic and EMR
controls for ordnance and ordnance facilities as a means to mitigate and minimize the impacts of
electromagnetic environmental effects as prescribed in reference (f).
(2) Establish and maintain an effective HERO safety program per references (z) and (aa).
(3) Ensure that personnel working with or near radars, antennae and transmitters that can
affect ordnance safety are trained on the effects of EMR.
(4) Notify NOSSA of any installation or removal of an electromagnetic radiating system

(i.e., radars, transmitters and antennae) fixed and mobile equipment. For shore activities, all new
transmitters and antenna installations will be submitted for HERO review per references (x) and
(y).
c. COs and OICs of installations must:
(1) Request NOSSA to conduct RADHAZ surveys of their respective installation or

activity per references (l), (z) and (aa). Ensure tenant commands are included as part of an
installation-wide RADHAZ survey to ensure that all electromagnetic radiating devices (radar,
6-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
communication systems and antennae) are accounted for when assessing areas used for AE
operations.
(2) Ensure all facilities used in AE operations are equipped with adequate lightning
warning systems, lightning protection, ordnance electrical safety, bonding, grounding and surge
suppression systems to divert electrical energy away from AE per reference (f).
(3) Request concurrence for exception to lightning protection requirements per reference
(f) through NOSSA.
6-3
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 7
ORDNANCE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
1. Purpose. To provide Navy AE transportation policy.
2. Background. The Navy AE transportation policies are established to comply with reference
(aa). Shippers and receivers of AE play a critical role within the transportation process to ensure
adequate controls are in place to manage the hazards and risks associated with AE transportation.
3. Policy.
a. All Conveyances.
(1) Navy activities will transport AE as required by Federal and State laws and
regulations and DoD policies.
(2) All Navy commands will ensure that AE offered for transportation is identified
properly, hazard classified, packaged, marked and labeled utilizing references (f), (k) and (ac)
through (ad).
(3) Military standards and weapons requirements, where appropriate, will be followed
when preparing, packing and shipping AE material.
(4) To ensure compliance with reference (ac), shippers will validate that AE being
transported is properly manifested and packaged for movement per reference (ad) and NAVSEA
SW020-AC-SAF-010, Rev. 19, 1 August 2016.
b. Motor Vehicle Transportation.
(1) All motor vehicle carriers transporting ammunition, explosives and related HAZMAT
in interstate commerce must comply with the regulations of the Department of Transportation.
Safety requirements governing interstate transportation may be imposed by the individual states
and by municipalities through which shipments must move. Navy vehicles transporting AE are
subject to Navy regulations and all safety regulations applicable to commercial carriers. Per
reference (ad), a copy of reference (ae) will be maintained in the vehicle and complied with
whenever AE is being transported.
(2) Motor vehicle conveyances must be inspected prior to AE being loaded, per reference
(b). Upon receipt, an inspection will be conducted to determine if AE was damaged during
transit.
(3) A Navy activity that authorized HAZMAT for transportation must provide an
emergency response telephone number, monitored at all times by a person who is either
7-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
knowledgeable of the HAZMAT being shipped or has immediate access to a person who
possesses such knowledge and information, as required by reference (ac), section 172.604.
c. Water Trans-Shipment. Navy activities transporting AE or related HAZMAT to a

waterside port for follow-on movement using either a naval or merchant vessel must adhere to
guidance contained in references (f), (k), (z), (ac), (ae) and DTR 4500-9R Part II, Cargo
Movement, May 2014.
d. Air Transportation. Navy activities shipping AE via aircraft will ensure that the
requirements described by 14 CFR, NAVSUP P-505, Preparing Hazardous Materials for Military
Air Shipments, 9 October 2020, International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods
Regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions for the Safe
Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, are followed.
e. Railroad Transportation. Navy activities must follow reference (af) and NAVFAC P-
301, Navy Railroad Program Management, August 2018 whenever a need exists to move AE by
rail.
7-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 8
PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION
1. Purpose. To establish a Navy qualification and certification program for personnel who
handle AE.
2. Background. Explosives mishap investigation reports show that causative factors typically
include improper handling, inadequate supervision, mechanical and design problems and acts of
nature. To minimize the probability of mishaps, the potential for personnel errors must be
controlled through training (qualification) coupled with a management process designed to
prevent inadequately trained personnel from performing AE jobs and tasks (certification).
3. Policy.
a. OPNAV N4L will establish and maintain a qualification and certification program for
personnel assigned to AE jobs and tasks. This program will incorporate the elements identified
in subparagraphs 3a(1) through 3a(4) of this chapter:
(1) Responsibility for implementing a qualification and certification program.
(2) Specific jobs and tasks requiring qualification and certification.
(3) Minimum standards of personnel competency in terms of training, proficiency, level

of supervision and safety assurance necessary for safe and successful performance of the job or
task.
(4) Methods of documenting personnel qualifications and certifications necessary to

perform the job or task.
b. CO, NOSSA will:
(1) Serve as the conduit for formal communications regarding official program policy,
guidance and execution across the Navy in support of OPNAV N4L11 objectives.
(2) Staff and assign a qualification and certification program manager.
c. Qualification and certification program manager, NOSSA will:
(1) Serve as the Navy’s subject matter expert and technical program manager, providing
support to commands with effective policy and implementation of the Navy’s qualification and
certification program and the implementation of the Navy’s electronic Advanced Skills
Management (ASM) Program, focusing efforts on continued product improvement, which reflect
the needs of Navy.
8-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(2) Maintain Navy qualification and certification management policy documents,

focusing efforts on efficiency and policy improvement objectives.
(3) Advise and assist Navy COs and senior site managers in developing and maintaining
effective qualification and certification training programs.
(4) Provide guidance and assistance to Navy inspectors and auditors, ensuring
qualification and certification compliance in conjunction with investigations, shore station ESIs
and SESIs.
(5) Provide OPNAV N4L11 with Navy-wide resource requirements and annual reports.
(6) Evaluate the Navy AE qualification and certification posture and develop cost
effective improvements as needed.
(7) Maintain and analyze statistical data on Navy AE qualification and certification
matters and monitor AE qualification and certification program objectives to ensure compliance
with regulatory policies.
d. Qualification and certification programs for Navy personnel are delineated in reference
(ag). Compliance and consistency must be strictly monitored and enforced to assure minimum
risk for Navy personnel.
(1) Compliance will be validated during periodic inspections (ESI and SESI), external
command audits and explosives safety self-assessments.
(2) Amplification through local instructions beyond standardized training plan

development is not authorized. Unique requirements for a special or separate qualification or
certification instructions must be approved by OPNAV N4L11.
(3) The use of applicable OPNAV qualification and certification forms is required by all
commands establishing a Navy qualification and certification program.
(4) ASM has been approved for use as the electronic management information system for
the qualification and certification program. If ASM cannot be used due to operational
considerations or network limitations, other electronic information management systems may be
used if the system meets all of the requirements of reference (ag). Prior to use of an electronic
information system other than ASM, OPNAV N4L11 must be notified via letter through the
appropriate COC and NOSSA. The notification letter must include a declarative statement that
the alternative system meets all the requirements of this instruction. Contractors are not subject
to this requirement. Contractor records may be maintained either manually or electronically.
8-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 9
EXPLOSIVES SAFETY SITE APPROVALS
1. Purpose. To provide policy, guidance and assign responsibilities for the management of real
property as it pertains to explosives safety.
2. Background. Per reference (b), the Military Services are required to submit explosives safety
site approval requests to the DDESB for review and approval. Reference (b) also requires
installations to maintain current installation maps showing approved ESQD arcs or risk-based
evaluation distances and site approvals that are reconciled with the installation’s master plan.
References (f), (p) and NAVFACINST 11010.45A provides Navy guidance and information
regarding the automated site planning tool.
3. Policy.
a. The installation CO is responsible for obtaining an explosives safety site approval:
(1) Prior to starting new construction for facilities within ESQD arcs or otherwise
covered by explosives safety criteria.
(2) Prior to modification of existing facilities within ESQD arcs or otherwise covered by
explosive safety criteria.
(3) Prior to starting new explosives operations not previously sited.
(4) Prior to change of mission or modifying existing explosive operations where there
will be an increased risk, such as increasing the sited explosive limits or changing the HC/D.
(5) When NOSSA indicates a new site approval needs to be requested due to discovery of
explosives safety violations or changes to explosives safety criteria.
b. Limited exceptions to these requirements for explosive safety site approval are provided
in reference (b) and (f).
c. Explosives safety site approval documentation must be maintained in permanent records

by the Navy activity owning the property where the facility or operation was sited.
d. NOSSA must review and approve the siting rationale for a proposed facility before
contracts are awarded for design and construction of new or modified facilities that require:
(1) Protective construction or administrative controls resulting from noncompliance with

ESQD criteria,
9-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(2) An explosives safety deviation or
(3) A barricaded intraline (K9) relationship.
e. Risk acceptance for explosives hazards that do not require a deviation as allowed by
DDESB TP-26 (e.g., glass hazards, lack of adequate lightning protection and storage of HC/D
1.4 within intermagazine distance from PESs) must be documented and submitted by the
installation CO to CO NOSSA as supporting information for site approval requests.
f. In addition to DDESB, NOSSA is authorized to grant explosives safety site approvals and
impose limitations and restrictions on the use of a facility when the conditions annotated in
subparagraphs 3f(1) through 3f(4) of this chapter exist.
(1) Storage of and operations involving limited quantities of HC/D 1.2.2, HC/D 1.3 and
HC/D 1.4 material for reasons of operational necessity. Limited quantities are not to exceed 40
pounds net explosives weight (NEW) for HC/D 1.2.2, 1000 pounds NEW for HC/D 1.3 and 3000
pounds NEW of HC/D 1.4.
(2) Handling of HC/D 1.3 and HC/D 1.4 material (≤ 300 lbs. NEW) necessary for ships
security and safety of life at sea.
(3) No additional risk is imposed to personnel or existing facilities.
(4) Where reference (b) authorizes service-level approval of the explosives site approval
request.
g. NOSSA is responsible for issuing guidance on technical and documentation requirements

for the explosives safety site approval processes and incorporating compensatory measures as
required.
h. NOSSA must be provided the opportunity to review and recommend restrictions on

proposed leasing of Navy property within 110 percent of inhabited building distance from a PES
or increases the number of vehicles or pedestrians passing through existing ESQD arcs. For
competitive leasing actions, the explosives safety review of the proposed lease should be
conducted prior to public advertising so that appropriate restrictions can be incorporated into the
description of suitable use for the parcel or facility.
i. Navy installations must maintain current installation maps and master planning
documents that show approved ESQD arcs and explosives safety land-use restrictions. The
installation CO is responsible for ensuring that these documents are kept current and available to
tenant commands.
9-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 10
DEVIATIONS FROM EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
1. Purpose. To provide policies and assign responsibilities and guidance for requesting,
reviewing, approving and cancelling explosives safety deviations within the Navy.
2. Background. There are several kinds of waivers and exemptions: those used in the weapons
system process acquisition and those used in AE facility lifecycle with regard to explosives
safety ashore. The acquisition process for acceptance or mitigation of risk, during the life-cycle
management of a weapon, weapon system or component is codified in reference (t). For
explosives safety ashore, SECDEF has authorized the Service Secretaries to grant deviations to
governing explosives safety requirements to maintain the readiness of U.S. military forces in
situations where full compliance with the DoD AE safety policies cannot be observed. Such
deviations are to be granted only for strategic or other compelling reasons.
3. Policy.
a. The Navy must establish and maintain a system for developing, reviewing, approving,
monitoring and renewing or cancelling explosives safety deviations per references (b) and (c).
b. SECNAV has delegated the authorities annotated within subparagraphs 3b(1) through
3b(3) of this chapter.
(1) ASN EI&E retains the approval authority for SECNAV explosives safety
certifications and special case exemptions (e.g., the Navy’s combatant ship exemption).
(2) Authority for approving navy explosives safety waivers and exemptions has been
delegated through references (a) and (m) to OPNAV N4L.
(3) OPNAV N4L, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (COMUSFLTFORCOM)

(N41), Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (USCOMPACFLT) (N4); Commander, U.S. Naval
Forces, Central Command (N41) and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe/Commander, U.S.
Naval Force Africa (COMUSNAVEUR-NAVAF) (N45) are permitted to approve explosives
safety event waivers for a period not to exceed 1 year and must not be issued for the same
operation at the same location on a recurring basis without the scenario being evaluated for
application of a site approval or a longer term deviation.
c. The Navy delegated approving officials for acquisition associated waivers and
exemptions at contractor-owned, contractor-operated facilities are the applicable OPNAV
warfare sponsors for the Navy. All deviations involving acceptance of risk will be accepted and
administered by the component acquisition executive for high risks, PEO for serious risks and
PM for low risks. Reviews must be conducted as required by reference (t).
10-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
d. Navy delegated approving commands must take responsibility for and assume all risks
from a potential explosive mishap.
e. A Navy command must initiate a request for explosives safety deviations via the
appropriate operational COC whenever a Navy explosives safety standard cannot be met per
references (f) and (k).
f. All explosive safety deviation requests will be forwarded to OPNAV N4L11 via NOSSA
for review, monitoring and retention for CONUS locations and to the appropriate combatant
commander for OCONUS locations.
h. Explosives safety deviation submissions must be submitted per references (f), (k) and (p).
If the request involves an operation that was evaluated using an operational risk management
assessment, per reference (ah), it must be included in the request.
i. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command regional activity must ensure that
accurate facility documentation and maps are prepared using enterprise data and are submitted as
part of the request package. NOSSA will perform a technical review of the request before
submitting for final review and approval to the risk decision authority.
j. When a request for a deviation is made, the host Navy command must obtain an
operational necessity endorsement from submitting activity’s flag officer certifying the need for
the deviation based upon strategic or compelling reasons.
k. Tenant commands will notify and inform the host command or base operating support –
integrator (BOS-I) if the circumstances surrounding the need for the deviation and assist in the
preparation of the deviation request submission. The host command or BOS-I will submit
deviation request to include a statement of concurrence. If the host or BOS-I are not in the
chain-of-command for the submission, the deviation submission will include a statement of
concurrence from the affected command.
l. The regional commands must provide the area concurrence endorsement for the deviation
generated by an installation.
m. The submitting activity, with concurrence of the host command, must identify the
resources necessary to eliminate or mitigate the risk identified for the deviation.
n. The submitting activity must have a corrective action plan for deviations, when
applicable (explore every option available to include new construction or alternate location).
The submitting activity must clearly state the reason why an alternative for the deviation is not
feasible, how continuing the exemption is in the best interest of the Navy or where significant
impairment of the U.S. defense posture would result if the exemption was disapproved or
discontinued.
10-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
o. The conditions or activity that are under waiver or exemption will be strictly controlled
and regulated by the installation CO to preclude additional operations or conditions which might
compromise the basis of the originally approved deviation.
p. Waivers and exemptions will be cancelled on their expiration date. When a waiver or
exemption is no longer needed, the activity must request cancellation via the same submission
process used to obtain the deviation, per reference (f).
q. An ASN EI&E explosives safety Secretarial exemptions and certification do not have an
expiration date. However, the RESRB must review each ASN EI&E exemption and certification
for continued necessity during its scheduled reviews of an activity. The host Navy installation
must endorse the request from the submitted activity to cancel of the secretarial exemption or
certification per reference (f).
r. Event waivers submitted per references (f) and (k) are approved deviations on a case-by-
case basis for particular evolutions. They are issued for a limited period not to exceed 1 year to
meet a specific readiness or operational requirement which cannot otherwise be satisfied. The
request and a statement regarding acceptance of risk must be submitted by DoD naval message.
s. Requests for waivers of hot work restrictions and cold iron requirements for ships will be
submitted to the fleet commander via the COC for approval per reference (f). In port, requests
must include the concurrence of the regional commander and installation CO or designated
representative.
t. Waivers for hot work or cold iron authorizations are canceled upon completion of the
evolution for which they were issued or at the end of the specified time and date of the waiver.
u. Review and recommendation for continuation or cancellation of an explosives safety

deviation will be accomplished as part of the RSERB review. RESRB chairperson may
recommend continuation of the deviation if still required in the RESRB report to OPNAV N4L.
v. Deviation requirements at GOCO locations. Any need to deviate from DoD and DON
explosives safety policies or procedures must be approved at the level of authority outlined in
references (b), (f) and (i).
w. Deviations required at overseas locations. Functional combatant commanders and

Service component commanders delegated risk acceptance decision authority by a geographic
combatant commander, under the scope of reference (u) can approve operations that do not meet
the criteria of references (b) and (f). In these cases, Navy commands acting as the executive
agent or BOS-I will prepare deviation requests per reference (f), Appendix I, satisfying the
requirements of reference (u), unless operations occur at contingency locations or enduring
locations that do not have established explosives safety programs.
10-3
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(1) Risk acceptance for operations at enduring locations with established explosives
safety programs. Requests will be submitted to the component commander, via NOSSA, for
approval following the procedures defined in reference (f). The need to continue these
operations should be evaluated per reference (u).
(2) Operations at contingency locations and enduring locations that do not have
established explosives safety programs. Navy Commands acting as the BOS-I or executive
agent, will request support in developing a MRMA from NOSSA. The composition of an
assessment team should be established by NOSSA and the resulting MRMA should be submitted
to NOSSA through the operational COC for validation of operational requirements and
evaluation, prior to submission to the component commander for approval. Operations that
exceed 24 months must be re-evaluated to determine if conditions have changed to the extent
that the MRMA need to be re-issued or when there is a change in executive agent or BOS-I
Commander.
10-4
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 11
BERTHING OF EXPLOSIVES LADEN SHIPS AT U.S. NAVY CONTROLLED ACTIVITIES
1. Purpose. To establish explosives safety standards for berthing ships and vessels containing
AE at U.S. Navy activities.
2. Background. ESQD and risk assessment standards issued by the DDESB and published in
reference (f) require that AE being handled, stored or maintained must be kept under the
supervision of the Military Services and meet minimum distances from inhabited buildings,
passenger railroads, public highways, ships and other facilities and property.
3. Policy.
a. The requirements of this chapter apply to all U.S. Navy port facilities and berthed ships
and vessels, regardless of registry, containing AE. When outside the United States, comply with
host-nation, multinational or U.S. explosives safety standards, whichever are more stringent
unless standards applicability is mandated in an international agreement established by the
combatant commander.
b. The Navy must apply the DoD ESQD standards published in reference (f). Additional
restrictions may be imposed by OPNAV N4L or NOSSA for continental United States locations
and the NCC of outside the continental United States locations to help control and protect
personnel, equipment and in selecting locations for required facilities along the waterfront.
Commercial ports with explosive limits published in reference (ai) are not valid explosive
locations for cargo ammunition ships and may not be used without a valid explosives safety site
approval.
c. AE stored in shipboard magazines, launchers or ready service lockers, which are to be

used solely in support of the ship’s mission by installed shipboard weapons systems or by
embarked aircraft and forces, are exempt from the application of ESQD requirements except
when it is being handled or is in the process of being stowed per ASN (EI&E) memo of 19 Oct
2005, Secretarial Acceptance of Risk Associated with Ammunition Stored in Combatant Ship’s
Magazines. This is known as the Combatant Ship Exemption. The exceptions annotated in
subparagraphs 3c(1) and 3c(2) apply.
(1) If a hatch on a fleet ballistic missile submarine is opened for any operation related
directly to the missile (i.e., loading or maintenance), the total NEW of all missiles aboard must
be applied to the pier or wharf NEW limit.
(2) AE stowed outside of designated ship's magazines, launchers or ready service lockers
should be considered cargo ammunition. In such cases, the total NEW of all exposed AE aboard
the ship should be used to calculate berthing requirements as specified in this chapter.
11-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
d. Amphibious warfare ships carrying landing force operational reserve material, mission
load allowances and standard training package AE in appropriately designated storage spaces in
support of the ships’ mission are exempt from ESQD criteria except during handling evolutions,
provided the AE is stored under the conditions delineated in reference (k).
e. Berthing of auxiliary ships (i.e., modular cargo delivery system ships, lighter aboard
ships, barges, maritime prepositioning force ships and point-to-point AE shipments carried in
Military Sealift Command or commercial vessels) with cargo AE onboard is governed by ESQD
requirements of references (b) and (f). These ships must only be berthed or moored at site-
approved areas with adequate ESQD arcs. AE aboard to support the ship’s organic weapons
systems is not counted toward the cargo load and is exempt from ESQD arcs under the
combatant ship exemption. Per Deputy ASN EI&E memo of 18 Dec 2013, Secretarial
Acceptance of Risk Associated with Ammunition and Explosives Stored Aboard Military Sealift
Command Cargo Ammunition Ships, dry cargo and ammunition ship (T-AKE), fast combat
support ship (T-AOE) and submarine tender (AS) class ships storing limited amounts of HC/D
1.2.2, 1.3 and 1.4 material do not create ESQD arcs provided the restrictions annotated within
subparagraphs 3e(1) through 3e(3) are met.
(1) NEW does not exceed 400 pounds HC/D 1.2.2 material, 2,500 pounds of HC/ D 1.3
material and mission essential quantities of HC/D 1.4 material.
(2) HC/D 1.2.2 material is stored in the ship’s main cargo holds.
(3) HC/D 1.2.2 and HC/D 1.3 material are stored in different cargo holds.
f. With the exception of hospital ships, berthed Navy or foreign combatant ships will not be
considered exposed sites, from waterfront explosives handling operations. ASN EI&E accepts
the associated risk as part of the combatant ship exemption.
g. Commanders and COs ashore must maintain the senior officer present afloat instructions
for ports providing berthing for AE-laden ships and barges. The instructions must contain a
detailed plan of actions to be taken when confronted with an emergency situation that can
involve or affect the ship or barge. The instructions must include specific details for
coordination between the ship and support commands. Additionally, senior officer present afloat
instructions will contain guidance on the handling of AE at civilian shipyards in their area.
h. All ships carrying AE into a naval shipyard, other than safety of life at sea, small arms
security ammunition and concussion grenades stored per references (f) and (k), must have the
shipyard commander’s authorization to enter the shipyard. When a commercial shipyard is
involved, authorization must be granted by the cognizant supervisor of shipbuilding.
i. Specific regulations that support navy policies are provided in references (f) and (k).
11-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
j. Additional berthing requirements listed in reference (f) apply when a waiver is issued to
permit deviation from ESQD requirements for ships and vessels carrying cargo ammunition.
k. Foreign registered vessels.
(1) General guidance regarding procedures for foreign registered vessels entering a U.S.
controlled port is contained in OPNAVINST 3128.10G.
(2) All foreign registered vessels carrying AE should be directed to use a Navy port if
available.
(3) In the event a Navy port is not available, the port master should make every provision
possible to provide berthing for an AE laden ship that must provide adequate security and the
necessary safe separation distance from other vessels, HAZMAT sites or PES.
(4) All foreign naval vessels moving or handling AE while in port should be moored at
an explosives site approved berth, wharf or anchorage capable for the amount of exposed AE.
(5) Any foreign vessel carrying AE not in direct support of the ship, embarked force or
assigned aircraft is considered to be a cargo ammunition ship. These ships must be moored at an
explosives site approved pier, wharf or anchorage capable of supporting the total NEW of both
the ship's embarked AE and any exposed AE.
11-3
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 12
HANDLING AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES IN PORT
1. Purpose. To establish the explosives safety standards which govern the handling of AE in
port. Specific regulations supporting these policies are provided in references (f) and (k).
2. Background. Ammunition handling operations in port create unique circumstances by virtue

of the increased risk imposed on personnel not directly involved with the AE handling evolution
and infrastructure. This risk must be thoroughly assessed, mitigated wherever possible and
strictly controlled to minimize hazards and to maximize safety.
3. Policy. AE handling must be permitted in those specific locations authorized by site

approvals or approved deviations.
a. AE logistics movements at Navy ports will be conducted per reference (f). Maintenance
movements and weapons systems operability tests as applied to the combatant ship exemption
are to be conducted internal and inside the skin of the vessel so as not to generate an ESQD arc.
When maintenance moves are required outside or external to the skin of the vessel they must be
conducted within the condition established by the senior officer present afloat instruction at an
authorized pier, wharf or berth approved for the HC/D and NEW of the explosives being handled
or moved. HERO EMCON will be instituted and the passage or access of non-essential
personnel onboard the ship prohibited.
b. The handling of AE in port will be permitted only in those specific locations authorized
by site approval or deviation and under the conditions and requirements established in order to
assure a proper explosives safety environment during such handling. Each site approval or
deviation must establish an explosive limit for each authorized handling pier, berth, wharf, point
or location, based on the HC/D of material being handled. Commercial ports with explosive
limits published in reference (ai) are not valid AE handling locations.
c. Hot work may not be performed at an ammunition terminal pier while any form of AE
handling evolution is underway at the same pier or wharf, unless specifically permitted by
reference (f).
d. Transportation routes must minimize exposure of personnel and property. Appropriate

security for each movement must be provided.
e. Per reference (e), intentionally dumping or disposing of munitions at sea is prohibited

except to safeguard life or safety of the ship.
12-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 13
MANAGEMENT OF MATERIAL POTENTIALLY PRESENTING AN EXPLOSIVE
HAZARD
1. Purpose. To provide policy and guidance for the management and disposition of MPPEH.
2. Background. The potential for MPPEH to present an explosive hazard is the single
characteristic that distinguishes it from other DoD material. MPPEH can be grouped into five
broad categories based on material type. These categories include military munitions and
munitions debris, range-related debris, other debris, munitions containers and packaging material
and munitions-related facilities and equipment. The explosives safety status of MPPEH must be
determined and documented by qualified and authorized personnel prior to release from Navy
control. MPPEH, after it is inspected, is either determined to be material documented as safe
(MDAS) or material documented as an explosive hazard (MDEH).
3. Policy.
a. Manage MPPEH in a manner that supports operational readiness and mission

requirements, per reference (aj); in compliance with supply chain material management policies,
per DoD Instruction 4140.01 of 6 March 2019; explosives safety standards, per DoD Instruction
4140.62 of 2 August 2015, references (b) and (ak); and environmental requirements, per DoD
Directive 4715.1E of 19 March 2005, DoD Instruction 4715.06 of 4 May 2015, 40 CFR 266.M
and DoD Instruction 4715.23 of 24 October 2016.
b. Ensure contracts or other legal agreements require compliance with the MPPEH
requirements contained in references (j) and (ak) by all non-DON entities that possess, manage,
process or disposition MPPEH, MDAS or MDEH for the Navy.
c. Ensure that MPPEH is not transferred within or released from Navy control unless its
explosives safety status has been determined and documented as either MDAS or MDEH.
d. Ensure that a chain of custody is established and maintained for MDAS and MDEH to
prevent misidentification or commingling with other materials. If the chain of custody is
compromised for MDAS or MDEH, the material must then be managed as MPPEH again.
e. Ensure that only designated qualified and authorized personnel who have completed the
training required by reference (f) determine and document the explosives safety status of
MPPEH as either MDAS or MDEH.
f. Comply with other requirements, such as trade security, demilitarization and

environmental requirements that may apply to MPPEH, MDAS or MDEH.
13-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
g. Require Navy shore installations and ships to include on-site contractor support that
managing MPPEH, MDAS and MDEH to develop written procedures per references (f) and (k),
respectively, at a minimum.
h. Require Navy GOCOs and non-DON entities that manage MPPEH, MDAS and MDEH
to develop and follow written procedures per references (j) and (ak), at a minimum.
13-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 14
INERT, PRACTICE AND SERVICE AMMUNITION
1. Purpose. To define policy for management of inert, practice and service ammunition under
navy control.
2. Background. Ammunition not properly identified and controlled as being inert can cause
mishaps, which may result in the loss of life, personal injury, property damage or false alarms.
Proper identification and control of ammunition is critical to maintaining an effective ESMP.
3. Policy.
a. Inert, practice and service ammunition must be identified, managed and controlled per
references (f), (k), (ag) and (al). Records must be maintained cradle to grave to document final
disposition.
b. Only inert ordnance items certified as being completely free of explosive material or
ordnance items manufactured inert, may be used for classroom training, training aids and
display. Both are controlled and managed per references (ag) and (al).
c. Inert ordnance items must not contain hazardous substances such as batteries, high
pressure vessels or other devices such as spring loaded high tension assemblies which may cause
injury unless a valid training requirement exists and controls are in place to minimize the
probability of mishap.
d. Ordnance items fired for demonstrations, ceremonies, public functions and patriotic
occasions must be of the service or practice type which presents the minimum safety risk.
e. All PMs, PEOs and their agents must ensure that sufficient inert ordnance items are
procured to support the Naval Education and Training Command and fleet training requirements.
f. Only inert ordnance items may be used while in port or at anchor during shipboard
weapon system loading or arming drills per reference (ag).
g. Classroom training and loading drills must be conducted with certified inert ordnance
items per reference (ag).
h. Per references (f) and (k), only authorized personnel will certify ordnance items as inert.
i. Inerting ordnance items while afloat is not authorized.
14-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
j. Commands, including naval museums, must maintain a record of all ordnance items
under their cognizance that have been certified inert or procured as inert per references (f) for
shore commands and (k) for afloat commands.
k. Service ammunition contains explosive material and is intended for combat use or
operational training. It must not be used in lieu of inert ammunition without formal approval, via
message or letter, from the applicable type commander (TYCOM) per reference (ag).
l. Ammunition that is manufactured specifically for display purposes, empty or with inert
material installed does not require inert certification. Examples are cut-aways, items
manufactured via digital printers, replicas or models that are not to scale. In addition,
ammunition that has been inerted by a manufacturing or maintenance facility designated by the
ammunition program manager does not require certification. All other ammunition that has had
explosive material removed and left empty or replaced with inert material will be certified inert
per reference (f).
m. Three-Dimension (3-D) Replicas.
(1) 3-D items are designed to replicate ordnance items and explosive devices for display,
training and testing purposes and should not be considered ammunition. 3-D printed items of
any material, designed to mimic the characteristics of individual parts or whole munition items
including explosives related devices or hazards, only simulate the presence of explosive hazards;
and should therefore be readily identifiable to prevent misidentification.
(2) 3-D printed items should be clearly marked and accounted for by the owner via
logbook or recorded by electronic means. The manufacturer or owner will maintain
accountability of the item via:
(a) Item description.
(b) Assigned local serial number.
(c) Manufacturer’s or owner’s official name.
(d) Item location.
(e) Final disposition.
(3) Data may be maintained electronically provided all requirements identified in

paragraphs 3m(2)(a) through 3m(2)(e) are met. Electronic signatures are authorized.
14-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 15
EXPLOSIVES SAFETY ON NAVY OPERATIONAL RANGES
1. Purpose. To define policy for explosives safety on Navy operational ranges where military
munitions are being or have been used per references (b), (am) and (an).
2. Background. The Navy has a responsibility to sustain the highest levels of readiness to meet
mission requirements while protecting the public and operating in an environmentally
responsible manner. The Navy must use and manage operational ranges in a manner that
minimizes safety hazards and risks and ensures long-term sustainability.
3. Policy. It is Navy policy to use and maintain operational ranges in a manner that supports
national security objectives while limiting to the extent practical the potential for explosives
mishaps and the damaging effects to personnel, operational capability, property and the
environment.
a. Navy Commanders, COs and OICs both ashore and afloat (as applicable), must:
(1) Ensure small arms ranges are located and constructed per UFC 4-179-02 of 05 March
2020 and have documented design certification and explosives safety sited areas as appropriate
per reference (f).
(2) Ensure operational range clearance requirements are established and implemented per
references (ao) and (ap).
(3) Restrict access to operational ranges, especially impact areas and other areas
suspected of containing unexploded ordnance (UXO) per reference (am) and (an).
(4) Take appropriate action to prevent unauthorized access to operational ranges. Such
actions include establishing access controls (e.g., posting UXO hazard warning signs, fencing the
area, establishing roving security patrols) and providing public notifications of potential hazards.
(5) Ensure individuals authorized to access operational ranges are provided appropriate
explosives safety training (i.e., Hazard Control Brief) prior to entering the range per
NOSSAINST 8023.11D and references (am) and (an).
(6) Establish guidelines to determine when individuals with authorized access to the
operational range require an escort.
(7) Ensure procedures are in place to:
15-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(a) Notify installation personnel and the public of range operations that may present
an explosive hazard off of the operational range per references (am) and (an).
(b) Ensure explosives safety procedures are in place to promptly respond to protect
personnel, the public and property from such hazards both on and off of the installation per
references (f), (am), (an) and (aq).
(8) Ensure requirements of references (am) through (ap) are followed when a hazard
assessment is conducted. Hazard assessments are required when new munitions are authorized
for use on the range, new hazards are identified, new clearance methods are used or when
intrusive work is planned.
(9) Maintain records related to military munitions expended on operational ranges per
references (f), (am), (an) and (aq).
(10) Ensure operational range management plans required per references (e), (aj), (am)
and (an) include range-specific explosives safety responsibilities and procedures.
(11) Establish safe and practical methods for managing and dispositioning MPPEH
generated from munitions and range-related debris per chapter 13 of this instruction.
(12) Per references (am) and (an), minimize the use of munitions containing sub-
munitions or depleted uranium that are required to support national security objectives.
(13) Identify, manage and site facilities used to store military munitions to include waste
military munitions located on an operational range per references (f) and (aq).
15-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 16
AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
1. Purpose. To provide policy for developing, writing and maintaining SOPs for operations that
involve the handling, storage, manufacturing, assembly, transportation, demilitarization, disposal
and testing of AE material.
2. Background. Lack of written procedures, use of inadequate or incorrect procedures and

failure to adhere to approved written procedures have resulted in mishaps that caused personnel
injury, loss of life and damage to property.
3. Policy.
a. All processes that involve the handling of AE must be conducted with approved SOP.
These procedures must provide all the direction necessary for the safe and effective conduct of
operations as directed by references (f) and (k) and operational risk management principles of
reference (ah).
b. NOSSA has issued criteria through NOSSAINST 8023.11D for the development and use
of SOPs for AE operations.
c. The supervisor of shipbuilding must work with the host contracting representative in
developing SOPs for the handling of AE within the shipyard(s).
16-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 17
EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REVIEW, OVERSIGHT AND VERIFICATION OF MUNITIONS
RESPONSES
1. Purpose. To issue policy, define authority and assign responsibility for response actions
involving munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) and MPPEH.
2. Background. Prior to the start of munitions response activities on real property that is known
or suspected to contain either MEC or MPPEH, the Navy must obtain DDESB approval of
munitions response ESS for the proposed operations, per references (b), (f) and (v). Munitions
responses are not limited to sites within the Navy’s Munitions Response Program and can occur
on any real property, other than operational ranges, where MEC or MPPEH are known or
suspected to be present. Guidelines for developing these submissions are contained in reference
(ar).
3. Policy. The Navy must provide the maximum possible protection to people and property
from the potential damaging effects of military munitions, to minimize exposures consistent with
safe and efficient operations and address the explosives safety hazards associated with real
property known or suspected to contain military munitions. For real property known or
suspected to contain MEC or MPPEH, explosives safety hazards must be addressed prior to:
conducting a munitions response, changing land use to a use that is incompatible with the degree
of MEC or MPPEH potentially present, performing intrusive or ground disturbing activities
during construction or transferring or leasing such property from DoD control. Subparagraphs
3a through 3d provide additional detail.
a. All munitions responses at real property known or suspected to contain MEC or MPPEH
must have approved plans and appropriate documentation that address the explosives safety and
environmental aspects of the munitions response per references (b), (f), (x), (aq) and (ar).
b. NOSSA must provide oversight for the implementation of munitions responses and, upon
completion of these munitions responses, verify that appropriate explosives safety actions were
properly taken per references (x) and (ar).
c. Human health and environmental responses will be integrated with those addressing
explosives safety to the extent practical and per references (e) and (ar).
d. All explosives or munitions emergency responses (i.e., Level I and Level II as defined in
reference (aq)) involving military munitions at other than operational ranges must be
documented and forwarded to NOSSA N45 to be maintained in an explosives safety repository
per reference (x).
17-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 18
INCIDENT AND MISHAP REPORTING
1. Purpose. To provide policy and guidance for the notification, investigation and reporting of
Navy explosive related incidents, malfunctions, hazards, including near misses and mishaps.
2. Background. Preventing explosives mishaps should enhance operational readiness of naval

forces by reducing scenarios that can cause personnel injury, destruction of property or damage
to the environment. Prompt reporting of an incident, malfunction or mishap allows leadership to
begin an investigation to gather facts, analyze data and determine root causes that led to the
mishap. This information is important to prevent a reoccurrence and to share lessons learned.
3. Policy.
a. The DDESB requires notification and collection of information from mishaps and
hazards involving AE or chemical agents per reference (at) and DoDI 6055.07 of 6 June 2011.
OPNAV N4L11 will provide DDESB with information on mishaps occurring at Navy activities
involving Sailors or Navy contracted personnel as required by reference (d).
b. Navy serious incidents or special media reports involving AE must be reported to

OPNAV N4L11 for appropriate action and dissemination per reference (as).
c. Navy commands must report all explosive and chemical agent mishaps and hazards per
reference (at) to Commander, Naval Safety Command (COMNAVSAFECOM) for any of the
reasons annotated in subparagraph 3c(1) through 3c(3) of this chapter.
Note: Per the Chemical Weapons Convention to which the U.S. is a State Party, the treaty
thereof and 15 CFR Parts 710 through 729, the DON does not develop, produce, otherwise
acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons. Any description in this instruction or associated
references pertaining to chemical agents are in related to the possibility of recovering prohibited
chemical agents or weapons as captured enemy ammunition, former munitions sites predating
the ratification where contamination may still exist or ammunition containing toxic chemicals or
precursors not prohibited by the Chemical Weapons Convention.
(1) Explosive Accident. An unplanned explosion or fire involving an explosive material

or system. This includes inadvertent actuation, jettisoning, release or launching thereof resulting
in a fatality or injury to personnel, fire, explosion or damage to property. Explosive accidents
are broken down into two categories, Explosive Event and Explosives Mishap.
(2) Explosives Event. Any event involving conventional ordnance, ammunition,

explosives, explosive systems and devices resulting in an unintentional detonation, firing,
deflagration, burning, inadvertent launch or launching of ordnance material (including all
ordnance impacting off range), leaking or spilled propellant, fuels, oxidizers or chemical weapon
18-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
release. This pertains to all events that do not meet the severity classification of Class A, B or C
per reference (at). They will be reported via an explosives event report.
(3) Explosives Mishap. Any event involving conventional ordnance, ammunition,

deflagration, burning, inadvertent launch or launching of ordnance material (including all
ordnance impacting off range), leaking or spilled propellant, fuels, oxidizers or chemical weapon
release. Accidents and incidents defined as explosive mishaps and meeting the severity
classification of a class A, B or C, will be reported via an explosives mishap report.
d. Explosive mishap reports and hazard reports, as defined in reference (at), must be
reported using the DON Risk Management Information program of record for safety report
reporting even if an ordnance system works as designed and human error contributed to an
incident or mishap.
e. Conventional ordnance deficiency reports and explosives event reports must be submitted
by Navy activities per references (au) and (av). Naval Air Systems Command and
COMNAVSEASYSCOM must analyze collected data, propose solutions and enact procedures
that should lead toward minimizing the reoccurrence of similar types of incidents.
f. Negligent Discharge. An unplanned discharge of a firearm caused by failure to observe

the four universal weapon safety rules. Notifications of negligent discharges must be made per
references (as) and (at) as either an operational report (OPREP)-3 Navy Blue or OPREP-3 Navy
Unit situation report dependent on personnel injury or media attention.
g. References (at), (au) and (av) must be reviewed to determine if an investigation is

required. Additionally, the aforementioned references should provide information on how to
initiate, establish, conduct and complete an investigation. Investigations should also require
periodic reports regarding status, findings, causes and contributing factors that can help others
deduce a conclusion which may lead to modification of a weapon, weapon system or
discontinued use.
h. COMNAVSAFECEN will maintain a repository of completed investigative reports

regarding hazards, including near misses, as well as major and serious AE mishaps that occur on
a Navy activity.
18-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 19
NAVY CONTRACTOR AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES OPERATIONS
1. Purpose. To provide explosives safety policy for work being performed through contractual
or agreements, per references (b), (f) through (h) and (n), on U.S. Navy installations where AE is
managed by contractor personnel. On U.S. Navy-owned GOCO property, references (b), (g)
through (j), at a minimum, pertain and Navy explosives safety regulations outlined by reference
(f), specific to site planning and deviations must be adhered to, additional Navy explosives safety
regulations and associated local requirements will apply when included in contract requirements.
2. Background.
a. Responsibility for compliance with occupational and industrial safety and health
standards issued under Public Law 91-596 Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 rests
with the individual prime contractor and any sub-contractor(s).
b. Responsibility for the administration and enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health
Act standards rests with the U.S. Department of Labor, unless otherwise provided by special
agreement between the Secretaries of Labor, Defense and Navy covering contractor operations
on defense installations during periods of national industrial mobilization.
c. DoD prescribes and enforces applicable explosives safety standards in references (i) and
(j) for work performed under DoD contracts. DFARS 223.370-3(b) allows the DoD Components
(e.g., U.S. Navy) to apply their own AE and other safety standards to DoD contractors
performing work at DoD facilities, provided Navy and local requirements are included in the
contracts. These standards support minimizing the potential for AE mishaps that could interrupt
DoD operations, delay project or production completion dates, adversely impact the DoD
production base or capabilities, damage or destroy DoD-owned facilities, material or equipment,
cause injury to DoD personnel or endanger the safety of the general public.
3. Policy.
a. For all contracts awarded or modified after this instruction is issued that include AE
support, contracting and procurement officers must incorporate references (b), (g) through (j) and
when required reference (ag), at a minimum and this instruction, into all contracts on Navy-
owned property.
b. Physical Security of Sensitive Conventional AE in the custody of contractor-owned

facilities must be safeguarded per enclosure (9) of reference (h), at a minimum and per individual
program customer security requirements.
c. Contracting officers and program managers will consult with cognizant AE physical
security managers and cognizant explosives safety managers or local Navy ESO, to ensure
19-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
pertinent explosives safety and AE physical security publications and references are incorporated
into contracts that include AE support. For Navy GOCOs, contracting officers and program
managers will consult with Command explosives safety and AE physical security subject matter
experts regarding contractual content and direction that pertains to explosives safety and AE
physical security.
d. Contracts issued for AE operations on:
(1) Navy installations will require compliance with references (b) through (j), (n) and
(ag), in addition to applicable regional and local references.
(2) Navy-owned GOCO properties will require compliance with references (b) and (g)
through (j), at a minimum. The regulations outlined by reference (f), as well as Federal, state
and local environmental regulations, at a minimum.
e. Inspections and site visits on GOCOs will be coordinated with the Navy site manager and
responsible program office.
19-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 20
NAVY EXPLOSIVES SAFETY SPECIALIST TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
1. Purpose. To provide policy and requirements for Navy explosives safety training and assign
management oversight responsibilities as required by reference (a) and SECNAVINST
12410.25B.
2. Background. An effective ESMP is dependent upon trained and proficient personnel that
fully understand the principles of explosives safety; especially when applied to the unique and
varied missions that these personnel support. Explosives safety specialists must be intimately
familiar with all governing DoD and DON explosives safety policies applicable to their missions
in order to effectively execute this critical responsibility. Formal training, on-the-job experience
and exposure to a variety of explosives safety disciplines is essential to achieving fluency in the
explosives safety field.
3. Scope and applicability. Reference (aw) issues DON Explosives Safety Career Management
Plan and job qualification requirements; it also defines the associated roles and responsibilities
within the 0017 Explosives Safety career field. Competency in the 0017 career field requires
extensive training and work experience in explosives safety. Reference (aw) and the contents of
this chapter provide explosives safety specialist with a roadmap for career development. This
information provides a framework for developing competencies required of personnel in the
0017 career field from entry to senior level positions; furthermore it establishes a generic path
for career path progression in support of workforce accession, sustainment and succession.
Activities hiring for a 0017 position must incorporate explosives safety skills and competencies
in recruitment and retention tools contained in this chapter and reference (aw); they provide
baseline standards for assessing potential new hires. Commands may and should add additional
command-specific requirements to augment the mandatory training cited in reference (aw) to
meet specific mission requirements. The aforementioned DON Career Management Plan can be
accessed from the NOSSA Restricted Web site
https://nossa.dc3n.navy.mil/nrws3/tabid/91/Default.aspx?tags=ES.
4. Explosives Safety Training. A fully trained explosives safety specialist is a skilled civilian
professional that is trained to understand and implement explosives safety regulations and, if
necessary, evaluate the risks and hazards associated with conventional AE.
a. A variety of training is available, including on-the-job training, formal classroom

instruction, distance learning and seminars. Acquiring learning credits through additional
instruction can greatly supplement work experience. Industry training seminars and certification
preparation are available through programs accredited by the International Society of Explosives
Engineers, such as the Explosives Academy. DDESB Technical Paper 27, Explosives Safety
Training Program, 27 March 2013 contains a list of available industry programs.
20-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
b. Training Requirements. Training requirements for explosives safety specialists are

outlined in Appendix D of reference (f), Appendix E of reference (k) and reference (aw).
Completion of the explosives safety courses and continuing professional training is required to
ensure the requisite level of knowledge is maintained at all levels. Explosives safety specialists
and explosives safety program managers that are newly hired, move latterly or are promoted to a
senior 0017 position must meet the minimum training requirements contained in reference (aw)
within 24 months of appointment. Course and registration information for web-based training or
instructor lead training and current year training schedule can be found on the NOSSA restricted
Web site.
c. Workshops and Seminars. All installation explosives safety specialists and explosives
safety program managers should actively participate with DoD, DON and Navy explosives
safety seminars and workshops. Attendance at a workshop or seminar will count as continuing
training.
5. Continuous Training. Explosives safety specialists who have received certification should
complete at least one additional explosives safety or professional development course per year.
This course is separate from any course that requires periodic re-certification. The Defense
Ammunition Center Course Catalog and Career Management Plan references contain multiple
courses that will benefit career progression and professional development.
20-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
CHAPTER 21
AFLOAT MAGAZINE SAFETY AND CERTIFICATION
1. Purpose. To develop and maintain a robust magazine certification process. Magazine

certification will be used to ensure explosives are stowed in the least hazardous environment
possible.
2. Background. It is essential to ensure that explosives are stowed in the safest and most
controlled environment as possible due to the dynamic nature of the shipboard environment.
Ship magazines must be in full compliance with references (k), (n), (w), (ah), Naval Ships’
Technical Manual S9086-XG-STM-010 and NAVSEA S9040-AA-GTP-010/SSCR.
3. Policy.
a. All shipboard ammunition magazines will be certified prior to the stowage of AE and will
be maintained to meet all minimum requirements necessary for continuous certification.
b. Shipboard ammunition magazines will be certified during the SESI periodicity per
reference (w). NOSSA will be the certification authority and magazine certification will be
conducted during the SESI periodicity. TYCOMs will track certification status for the
commands under their cognizance.
c. NOSSA will grant certification post-construction once:
(1) The magazine sprinkler system certification is completed.
(2) The ship has completed the explosive safety design validation per NOSSAINST
8020.1A with no major deficiencies and no preponderance of minor deficiencies.
(3) The ship has completed their consolidated operability test with no major deficiencies
and no preponderance of minor deficiencies.
(4) In addition to these programs, submarines may not have any major or preponderance
of minor deficiencies pertaining to torpedo rooms.
d. NOSSA will certify the AE magazines, via official correspondence (message or formal
letter), delineating the compartment names and numbers of the certified magazines to the CO and
stating that they are certified as safe to stow AE.
e. Once certification is obtained, the certification will be reviewed during the scheduled
SESI. Certification must remain valid if no major findings and no preponderance of minor
findings are identified.
21-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
f. Major magazine findings that cannot be corrected prior to the NOSSA SESI team’s out
brief must be re-inspected by NOSSA within 60 days of the date of the inspection report to
verify the major magazine findings are corrected.
Note: If ammunition must be retained in the affected magazine, the ship will conduct a risk
assessment per reference (ah) to ensure hazards are identified and controls are in place to
mitigate risk.
g. NOSSA will review all SESI reports for magazine deficiencies and document shipboard
magazine compliance.
h. Findings Adjudication. All major findings will be formally documented via official
NOSSA correspondence (SESI report, message or formal letter) as part of a closed-loop tracking
system. Magazine certification letters will inform the TYCOM and ship of the overall safety
posture and capability to safely and securely handle and stow AE. Per reference (w) the
TYCOM and ship will provide NOSSA with a corrective action plan to include actions taken to
correct all discrepancies. Upon correction of all outstanding findings a new magazine
certification will be issued from NOSSA. A copy of each magazine certification letter will be
provided to the ship and TYCOM as well as retained in NOSSA’s tracking system.
21-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
APPENDIX A
REFERENCES
(a) SECNAVINST 5100.10L

(b) Defense Explosives Safety Regulation 6055.09, Edition 1, 13 January 2019
(c) DoDD 6055.09E of 18 November 2016
(d) DoDI 6055.16 of 29 July 2008
(e) OPNAVINST 5090.1E
(f) NAVSEA OP 5, Volume 1, Seventh Revision, Ammunition and Explosives Safety Ashore,
15 January 2001
(g) DFAR 252.223-7002
(h) DoDM 5100.76, Physical Security of Sensitive Conventional Arms, Ammunition and
Explosives (AA&E) of 17 April 2012
(i) DoDI 4145.26 of 9 April 2005
(j) DoDM 4145.26, DoD Contractor’s Safety Manual for Ammunition and Explosives of 13
March 2008
(k) NAVSEA OP 4 Twelfth Revision, Ammunition and Explosives Safety Afloat, 15 July 2019
(l) OPNAV M-5100.23 of 5 June 2020
(m) OPNAVINST 5430.48E
(n) OPNAVINST 5530.13D
(o) NAVSEAINST 5450.117A
(p) NOSSAINST 8020.22
(q) DoDI 5000.69 of 9 November 2011
(r) DoDM 5000.69, Joint Services Weapon Safety Review (JSWSR) Process of 30 July 2014
(s) NAVSEAINST 8020.6E
(t) DoDI 5000.02 of 23 January 2020
(u) CJCSI 4360.01C
(v) NOSSAINST 8020.14G
(w) NOSSAINST 8023.12C
(x) OPNAVINST 8020.15B
(y) DoDI 3222.03 of 25 August 2014
(z) NAVSEAINST 8020.7D
(aa)NAVSEA OP 3565 Volume 2, Nineteenth Revision, Electromagnetic Radiaion Hazards
(Hazards to Ordnance), 1 July 2016
(ab)NAVSEAINST 8020.19
(ac)49 CFR
(ad)NAVSEA SW020-AG-SAF-010, Eleventh Revision, Navy Transportation Safety
Manual for Ammunition, Explosives and Related Hazardous Materials, 1 February 2017
(ae)NAVSEA SW020-AF-HBK-010, Seventh Revision, Motor Vehicle Driver and Shipping
Inspector’s Hanbook for Ammunition, Explosives and Related Hazardous Materails, 1
December 2014
(af) NAVSEA SW023-AK-SAF-010, Second Revision, Movement and Inspection of Arms,
Ammunition, Explosives and Related Hazardous Materials by Rail, 15 September 2018
A-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(ag)OPNAVINST 8023.24D
(ah)OPNAVINST 3500.39D
(ai) 33 CFR 334
(aj) DoDD 3200.15 of 18 December 2013
(ak)DoDM 4140.72, Management of Material Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard of
7 May 2021
(al) OPNAVINST 8015.2C
(am)DoDD 4715.11 of 10 May 2004
(an)DoDD 4715.12 of 12 July 2004
(ao)OPNAVINST 3571.4
(ap)DoDI 3200.16 of 21 April 2015
(aq)DoDM 4715.26, DoD Military Munitions Rule (MR) Implementation Procedures of 25
April 2017
(ar) NOSSAINST 8020.15E
(as)OPNAVINST F3100.6K
(at) OPNAVINST 5102.1E
(au)OPNAVINST 8000.16E
(av)OPNAV M-8000.16 of 15 May 2021
(aw)DASN (Safety) memo 15 December 2017
A-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
APPENDIX B
ACRONYMS
ACRONYM DEFINITION
3-D three-dimension
ACAT acquisition category
AA&E arms, ammunition and explosives
AE ammunition and explosives
AS submarine tender
ASM advanced skill management
ASN assistant secretary of the Navy
BOS-I base operating support-integrator
CNO Chief of Naval Operations
CO commanding officer
COC chain of command
CNIC Commander, Navy Installations Command
COMNAVSEASYSCOM Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command
DDESB Department of Defense Explosives Safety
Board
DEW directed-energy weapons
DoD Department of Defense
DON Department of the Navy
EI&E Energy, Installations and Environment
EID electrically initiating device
EMCON emission control
EMR electromagnetic radiation
ESC Explosives Safety Council
ESD electrostatic discharge
ESI explosives safety inspection
ESMP Explosives Safety Management Program
ESO Explosives Safety Officer
ESQD explosives safety quantity distance
ESS explosives safety submissions
GOCO government-owned contractor-operated
HC/D hazard class/division
B-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
ACRONYM DEFINITION
HERF hazards of electromagnetic radiation to fuel
HERO hazards of electromagnetic radiation to
ordnance
HERP hazards of electromagnetic radiation to
personnel
JSWSR Joint Service Weapons Safety Review
MDAS material documented as safe
MDEH material documented as an explosive hazard
MEC munitions and explosives of concern
MPPEH material potentially presenting an explosive
hazard
MRMA Munitions Risk Management Assessment
NCC Navy component commander
NEW net explosive weight
NOSSA Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity
OIC officer-in-charge
OPNAV Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
OPREP operational report
PEO program executive office
PES potential explosion site
PM program manager
QUAL/CERT qualification and certification
RADHAZ electromagnetic radiation hazards
RESRB Regional Explosives Safety Review Board
SECDEF Secretary of Defense
SECNAV Secretary of the Navy
SESI Shipboard Explosives Safety Inspection
SOP standard operating procedure
T-AKE dry cargo and ammunition ship
T-AOE fast combat support ship
UXO unexploded ordnance
WSESRB Weapon System Explosives Safety Review
Board
B-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
APPENDIX C
DEFINITIONS
1. AE. Includes, but is not limited to, all items of U.S.-titled (i.e., owned by the U.S.
Government through the DoD Components) ammunition; propellants, liquid and solid;
pyrotechnics; high explosives; guided missiles; warheads; devices; and chemical agent
substances, devices and components presenting real or potential hazards to life, property and the
environment. Excluded are wholly inert items and nuclear warheads and devices, except for
considerations of storage and stowage compatibility, blast, fire and nonnuclear fragment hazards
associated with the explosives.
2. Ammunition Handling. Physically interacting with AE.
3. Ammunition. A complete device charged with explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics,

initiating compositions or chemical material for use in military operations, including
demolitions. Certain suitably modified munitions can be used for training, ceremonial or non-
operational purposes.
4. Ammunition Terminal. An activity which has been approved for large quantity AE transfers
to and from DON ships (particularly cargo ammunition ships).
5. Auxiliary Ships. Naval ships designed to provide support to combatant ships and other naval
operations.
6. Barge. A spacious usually flat-bottomed boat used chiefly for the transport of ammunition
and explosives on inland waterways and usually propelled by towing.
7. Bonding. A physical and electrical connection between a metal object. This produces
electrical continuity between disparate metal objects and minimizes electromagnetic potential
differences. Bonding is done to prevent side-flash, control spurious and intentional current flow
and equal potential normalization. Methods of bonding include mechanical, compression and
thermal types.
8. Certification. A formal documented declaration that an individual or capability by virtue of

management review has met all of the qualification requirements established to perform a
mission, task or function.
9. Chain of Custody. From the time of collection through release from DoD control, the
procedures and their implementation, including documentation, marking and securing, that
maintain positive control of MPPEH, MDEH and MDAS.
C-1
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
10. Chemical Agent. A chemical compound (to include experimental compounds) that,
through its chemical properties produces lethal or other damaging effects on human beings, is
intended for use in military operations to kill, seriously injure or incapacitate persons through its
physiological effects. Excluded are research, development, test and evaluation solutions; riot
control agents; chemical defoliants and herbicides; smoke and other obscuration materials; flame
and incendiary materials; and industrial chemicals.
11. Chemical Agent Mishap. Any unintentional or uncontrolled release of a chemical agent
when:
a. Reportable damage occurs to property from contamination or costs are incurred for
decontamination.
b. Individuals exhibit physiological symptoms of agent exposure.
c. The agent quantity released to the atmosphere is such that a serious potential for exposure
is created by exceeding the applicable maximum allowable concentration-time levels for
exposure of unprotected workers, the general population or property.
12. Classroom Training. Training conducted in a classroom environment using only inert
ammunition.
13. Cold Iron. The status of a ship that has shut down its main power plant and is dependent on
shore power. A ship in cold iron is not capable of providing immediate propulsion.
14. Combatant Ship. A ship that carries ammunition in its magazines, launchers or ready service
lockers used solely in support of the ship’s mission by shipboard weapons systems or embarked
aircraft and troops.
15. Compatibility. AE are considered compatible if they may be stored or transported together
without significantly increasing either the probability of an accident or, for a given quantity, the
magnitude of the effects of such an accident.
16. Conventional Ordnance Deficiency Report. A Conventional Ordnance Deficiency Report is

initiated upon detection of a malfunction, observed defect, induced defect or improper storage
involving conventional ordnance, explosives, ammunition, explosive systems or devices,
including weapon systems components that come in direct contact with the ordnance (e.g.
ammunition, explosives, missiles) and aviation weapons support equipment and ordnance
individual material readiness list items used to manufacture, fire, handle, test, load, deliver, store
or transport ordnance.
17. Deflagration. Ignition and rapid burning of the confined energetic materials builds up high
local pressures leading to nonviolent pressure release as a result of a low strength case or venting
C-2
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
through case closures (e.g., loading ports or fuze wells). The case might rupture but does not
fragment; closure covers might be expelled and unburned and burning energetic materials might
be thrown about and spread the fire. Propulsion might launch an unsecured test item, causing an
additional hazard. No blast or significant fragmentation damage to the surroundings is expected,
only heat and smoke damage from the burning explosive substances.
18. Depleted Uranium. Uranium containing a smaller proportion of the isotope uranium–235
than is present in the natural form of uranium; used in anti-tank weapons and other armaments.
19. Detonation. A supersonic decomposition reaction propagates through the energetic materials
and produces an intense shock in the surrounding medium and very rapid plastic deformation of
metallic cases, followed by extensive fragmentation. All energetic materials will be consumed.
Effects will include large ground craters for items on or close to the ground; holing, plastic flow
damage and fragmentation of adjacent metal structures; and blast overpressure damage to nearby
structures.
20. Deviation. A departure from an established rule or standard. For explosives safety
application, a deviation authorized by OPNAV N4L or NCC is considered to be a departure from
DoD and DON criteria, but under strictly controlled and regulated conditions based upon
compelling operational need. Deviations which may be authorized by appropriate authority
within the Navy are event waivers (non-recurring), waivers and exemptions (recurring) and
secretarial exemptions and certifications.
21. DEW. Devices or systems that radiate or concentrate EMR with the primary intent of
permanently damaging or destroying enemy personnel and material.
22. Disposal. End of life tasks or actions for residual material resulting from demilitarization or
disposition operations.
23. Disposition. The process of reusing, recycling, converting, redistributing, transferring,

donating, selling, demilitarizing, treating, destroying or fulfilling other end of life-cycle guidance
for DoD property subject to these standards.
24. DoD Component. The Office of the Secretary of Defense, Military Departments
(Department of the Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army), Joint Chiefs of Staff, Office of the
Inspecting General of the DoD, combatant commands, defense agencies, DoD field activities and
all other organizational entities of the DoD.
25. DON and Naval. The terms DON and naval used herein refer to both the U.S. Navy and
United States Marine Corps. It also includes Military Service and government employed
personnel and is extended to contractors working on behalf of the DON when performing work
on DON-owned or controlled property.
C-3
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
26. EID. An EID is a single unit, device or subassembly that uses electrical energy to produce an
explosive, pyrotechnic, thermal or mechanical output. Examples include electro explosive
devices such as hot bridge wire, semiconductor bridge, carbon bridge and conductive
composition, as well as exploding foil initiators, laser initiators, burn wires and fusible links.
27. Essential Personnel. Personnel whose duties require them to remain within an ESQD arc for
one of the reasons annotated in subparagraphs 27a through 27c of this appendix:
a. To safely and effectively complete a specific explosives operation. (e.g., handlers,

riggers, crane operators, vehicle operators, safety observers).
b. In-port duties or services on a pier or wharf which does not interfere with explosives
operations and if not performed would prevent the safe or normal operation of a vessel.
c. Responding to an emergency situation (e.g., fire department, security and police, medical
services, public works department).
28. Event Waiver. A deviation approved on a case-by-case basis for a particular evolution or
issued for a limited period to meet a specific limited recurring readiness or operational
requirement which cannot otherwise be satisfied.
29. Exemption. A deviation from mandatory explosives safety requirements approved for the
purpose of long-term satisfaction of recurring readiness or operational requirements. Except in
certain cases where authorization to purchase real estate for sufficient ESQD clearances has not
been granted, where it is in the best interest of the U.S. to grant agricultural leases of encumbered
land or where a significant impairment of the defense posture of the U.S. would result, a positive
program for eventual correction of the deficiency must be planned and in the process of being
carried out. Exemptions are generally issued for a maximum of 5 years, but will not be granted
for a period in excess of that estimated for correction of the deficiency.
30. Explosive Event Report. A report made in response to an unintentional detonation, firing,
deflagration, burning or launching of ordnance material to include ordnance impacting off-range,
leaking fuels or oxidizers (less OTTO fuel II) and chemical agent releases. Explosive events
should be reported using the report format in OPNAVINST 8000.16E. Explosive event reports
should be submitted to the Airborne Weapons Information System Web site at
https://awis.navair.navy.mil via naval message if the damage does not result or meet the severity
criteria for a class A, B, C or D incident or mishap.
a. Detonation, Deflagration, Burning or Firing. An unintentional or inadvertent initiation,

explosion or reaction of explosive material, component or system. Example: unintentional
discharges of all guns, including small arms (this includes discharge of a weapon in government
quarters or unintentional discharges and ricochets during training on ranges), aircrew escape
propulsion systems, marine location markers and decoy flares, etc.
C-4
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
b. Inadvertent Launch. An unintentional launching of a weapon.
c. Chemical Agent Release. Any unintentional or uncontrolled release of a chemical agent

when:
(1) Damage occurs to property from contamination or costs are incurred for
decontamination.
(2) Individuals exhibit physiological symptoms of agent exposure.
(3) The quantity released to the atmosphere creates a serious potential for exposure.
(4) Propellants (both solid and liquid) or propellant fuels and oxidizers (less OTTO fuel
II) are leaked or are spilled.
(5) All ordnance impact off-range. This includes all small arm ranges where ricochets
cause bullets to impact outside surface danger zones.
31. Explosive Hazard. A condition where danger exists because explosives are present that may
react (e.g., detonate, deflagrate) in a mishap that might yield potential unacceptable effects (e.g.,
death, injury, damage) to people, property, operational capability or the environment.
32. Explosive Mishap. A mishap or incident involving conventional ordnance, ammunition,

deflagration, burning or launching of ordnance materiel to include ordnance impacting off range,
leaking or spilled propellant, fuels and oxidizers (less OTTO fuel II) or chemical agent release.
Examples of explosive mishaps are:
a. An explosion or functioning of explosive material or devices (except as a result of enemy

action).
b. Inadvertent actuation, jettisoning, releasing or launching of an explosive device.
c. Impacts of ordnance off-range. This includes all small arms ranges where ricochets cause
bullets to impact outside the surface danger zone.
33. Explosive Mishap Report. A report that is initiated as a result of a mishap or incident
involving conventional ordnance, ammunition, explosives, explosive systems and devices
resulting in an unintentional detonation, firing, deflagration, burning, launching of ordnance
material (including all ordnance impacting off-range), leaking or spilled propellant, fuels and
oxidizers (less OTTO fuel II) or chemical agent release. Mishaps and incidents defined as
explosive mishaps and meeting severity classification of class A, B, C or D should be reported as
an explosive mishap report per OPNAVINST 5102.1D even if the ordnance system works as
C-5
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
designed and human error contributed to an incident or mishap. Any explosive event not
meeting one of these severity classifications should be reported as an explosive event report.
34. Explosive System. A weapon, device or tool using explosive material.
35. Explosive Limit. The maximum quantity of AE permitted in a PES. Explosive limits are
based on ESQD damage considerations and are expressed in net pounds of explosives, number of
rounds or units or other measuring units. Also known as “explosive quantity.”
36. Explosives or Explosive Material. A substance or mixture of substances that is capable by

chemical reaction of producing gas at such a temperature, pressure and speed as to cause damage
to the surroundings. This term includes all solid and liquid materials variously known as high
explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics. It also includes fuel-air explosives and explosives
composed of liquid fuels and oxidants when included in munitions, even though the individual
components may not be explosive.
37. Explosives Safety.
a. A condition where operational capability and readiness, personnel, property and the
environment are protected from the unacceptable effects or risks of the potential mishaps
involving DoD military munitions or other encumbering explosives or munitions.
b. The summation of all actions conducted at navy commands, ashore and afloat, designed
to manage and control the risks and hazards inherent with the presence and handling of AE.
c. Explosives safety is the process used to prevent premature, unintentional or unauthorized

initiation of explosives and devices containing explosives; and with minimizing the effects of
explosions, combustion, toxicity and any other deleterious effects. It includes all mechanical,
chemical, biological, electrical and environmental hazards associated with explosives, hazards of
EMR to AE and combinations of the foregoing. Explosives safety encompasses the
manufacturing, handling, maintenance, storage, transfer, release, testing, delivery, firing or
disposal of explosives.
38. ESQD Arcs. The prescribed minimum safe separation distance necessary to afford an
acceptable degree of protection and safety between a PES and an ES.
39. Exposed Site. A location exposed to the potential hazardous effects (e.g., blast, fragments,
debris or heat flux) from an explosion at a PES. An exposed site may also be a PES if it contains
or is intended to contain AE.
40. Firmware. The combination of a hardware device and a set of computer instructions or
computer data that reside as read-only software on the hardware device. The firmware cannot be
modified under program control.
C-6
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
41. HAZMAT. Any material that, because of its quantity, concentration, physical or chemical
characteristics, may pose a real hazard to human health or the environment. HAZMAT includes
the following categories: flammable, combustible, toxic, corrosive, oxidizers, aerosols and
compressed gases.
42. Hot Work. Heat or spark producing equipment used for welding, melting or with blow
torches or other devices that develop temperatures higher than 288o F (degrees Fahrenheit).
43. Impact Area. The identified area within a range intended to capture or contain ammunition,
munitions or explosives and resulting debris, fragments and components from various weapon
system employments.
44. Inert Ammunition. Ammunition and components that contain no explosive or energetic
material.
45. Inert Certification. A determination through examination that there is no energetic material
remaining in ammunition or components.
46. Inert Material. Non-HAZMAT, such as sand, plaster or cement, used in ammunition items or
components to simulate energetic material. The material must be used only when necessary to
provide realism, structural integrity or for ballistic purposes.
47. Landing Force Operational Reserve Material. Material including rations, ammunition, fuel,
clothing, weapons, etc., necessary to support Marine Corps expeditionary units.
48. Lighter. A flat-bottomed barge used for loading and unloading ships and vessels.
49. Magazine (Afloat). The specific spaces which are designated for the stowage of AE and
ordnance items.
50. Magazine (Ashore). Any building or structure, except an operating building, used for and
meeting the approved design requirements for storage of AE.
51. Malfunction. An explosive item, device or system that fails to function in a manner for
which it was designed.
52. MDAS. MPPEH that has been assessed and documented as not presenting an explosive
hazard and the chain of custody has been established and maintained. This material is no longer
considered to be MPPEH.
53. MDEH. MPPEH that cannot be documented as MDAS. It has been assessed and
documented as to the maximum explosive hazards the material is known or suspected to present
C-7
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
and for which the chain of custody has been established and maintained. This material is no
longer considered to be MPPEH.
54. MPPEH. Material owned or controlled by the DoD that, prior to determination of its
explosives safety status, potentially contains explosives or munitions (e.g., munitions containers
and packaging material; munitions debris remaining after munitions use, demilitarization or
disposal; and range-related debris); or potentially contains a high enough concentration of
explosives that the material presents an explosives hazard (e.g., equipment, drainage systems,
holding tanks, piping or ventilation ducts that were associated with munitions production,
demilitarization or disposal operations). Excluded from MPPEH are military munitions and
military munitions-related materials, including wholly inert components (e.g., fins, launch tubes,
empty containers, packaging material), that are to be used or reused for their intended purpose
and are within a DoD Component-established munitions management system and other items
that may present explosion hazards (e.g., gasoline cans and compressed gas cylinders) that are
not munitions and are not intended for use as munitions.
55. Military Munitions.
a. The term "military munitions" means all ammunition products and components produced
for or used by the U.S. Armed Forces for national defense and security, including ammunition
products or components under the control of the DoD, the Coast Guard, the Department of
Energy and the National Guard.
b. Such term includes:
(1) Confined gaseous, liquid and solid propellants.
(2) Explosives, pyrotechnics, chemical and riot control agents, smokes and incendiaries,
including bulk explosives and chemical warfare agents.
(3) Chemical munitions, rockets, guided and ballistic missiles, bombs, warheads, mortar
rounds, artillery ammunition, small arms ammunition, grenades, mines, torpedoes, depth
charges, cluster munitions and dispensers and demolition charges.
(4) Devices and components of any item specified in subparagraphs 60b(1) through
60b(3).
c. Such term does not include:
(1) Wholly inert items.
(2) Improvised explosive devices.
C-8
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
(3) Nuclear weapons, nuclear devices and nuclear components, other than nonnuclear
components of nuclear devices that are managed under the nuclear weapons program of the
Department of Energy after all required sanitization operations under the Atomic Energy Act of
1954 (section 2011 et seq. of title 42, United States Code) have been completed.
56. Mishap. An unplanned event or series of events that results in damage to DoD property.
This includes occupational illness to DoD military or civilian personnel, injury to DoD personnel
on- or off-duty, injury to on-duty DoD civilian personnel, damage to public or private property
and injury or illness to non-DoD personnel caused by DoD operations. Near-mishap is an act or
event which injury or damage was avoided merely by chance.
57. Munition. An assembled ordnance item that contains explosive material(s) and is configured
to accomplish its intended mission.
58. Munitions or Explosives of Concern (MEC). A term distinguishing specific categories of

military munitions that may pose unique explosives safety risks and means UXO, discarded
military munitions or munitions constituents (such as trinitrotoluene and
cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine) present in high enough concentrations to pose an explosive
hazard.
a. UXO. The term "unexploded ordnance" is defined in section 101(e)(5) of Title 10,
U.S.C. and means military munitions that:
(1) Have been primed, fused, armed or otherwise prepared for action;
(2) Have been fired, dropped, launched, projected or placed in such a manner as to
constitute a hazard to operations, installations, personnel or material; and
(3) Remain unexploded, whether by malfunction, design or any other cause.
b. Discarded Military Munitions. Military munitions that have been abandoned without
proper disposal or removed from storage in a military magazine or other storage area for the
purpose of disposal. The term does not include UXO and military munitions that are being held
for future use or planned disposal or military munitions that have been properly disposed of
consistent with applicable environmental laws and regulations. (Title 10 U.S.C., Section
2710(e)(2)).
c. Munitions Constituents. Any materials originating from UXO, discarded military

munitions or other military munitions, including explosive and non-explosive materials and
emission, degradation or breakdown elements of such ordnance or munitions. (Title 10 U.S.C.,
Section 2710(e)(3)).
59. Navy ESMP. A systematic method by which the Navy integrates explosives safety
principles, beliefs and requirements into planning, decision making and day-to-day operations
C-9
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
that involve the handling, storage, testing and transportation of DoD military munitions and other
non-DoD ammunition and explosives when in navy custody. An effective ESMP includes, but is
not limited to, policies, procedures, standards, engineering methods, risk management processes
and the responsible use of resources.
60. NEW.
a. The total weight of all explosives substances (unless testing has been conducted to
support a different value based on the contribution of the energetic components) in the AE
expressed in pounds.
b. The total weight of all explosives substances in the AE, expressed in pounds. NEW is
used for transportation purposes.
61. Naval Unit. Any Navy or Marine Corps personnel (active or reserve), any civilian
government personnel or any commissioned U.S. Navy or Military Sealift Command vessel with
embarked Navy or Marine Corps personnel. This excludes any military and civilian personnel
assigned to a developmental test squadron or developmental test unit.
62. NCC. The commander of a naval component assigned or attached to a joint force (unified
command) constituted and so designated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff or by a commander of an
existing unified command that was established by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
63. Non-Essential Personnel. Individuals who are not required to perform a function or duty
directly related to the explosive operation being performed. Examples include: non-command
related observers, vendors, dependents, non-DoD personnel, non-ordnance related safety
personnel and weapon platform maintenance personnel.
64. Operational Necessity. A mission associated with war or peacetime operations in which the
consequences of an action justify the acceptance of risk of loss of equipment and personnel.
65. Operational Range. A range that is under the jurisdiction, custody or control of SECDEF
and:
a. is used for range activities or
b. although not currently being used for range activities, that is still considered by the
Secretary to be a range and has not been put to a new use that is incompatible with range
activities.
66. Ordnance. Explosives, chemicals, pyrotechnics and similar stores (such as bombs, guns,
ammunitions, flares, electro-explosive devices, smoke) carried on an airborne, sea, space or
ground systems.
C-10
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
67. PES. Any location of a quantity of AE that will create a blast, fragment, thermal or debris
hazard in the event of an accidental explosion of its contents. A PES may also be an ES if it is in
the ESQD of another PES.
68. Pier. A structure that projects out from the shore into the water. A pier is oriented either
perpendicular to or at an angle with the shore. It may be used on both sides, although there are
instance where only one side is used because of site conditions or because there is no need for
additional berthing.
69. Practice Ammunition. Ammunition specifically designed or modified for use in exercises,
practice or operational training. It may be either expendable or recoverable. It is not inert and
may contain all the explosive material normally contained in service ammunition. It may contain
additional explosive material such as pyrotechnics, spotting charges or flotation devices to assure
destruction, location or recovery.
70. Qualifications. A documented list of requirements an individual or activity must qualify to

prior to being certified (i.e., testing, formal classes, licenses, documented on-the-job training and
experience, demonstrated task proficiency, physical, etc.).
71. RADHAZ. Radio-frequency electromagnetic fields of sufficient intensity to produce harmful

biological effects in humans, cause spark ignition of volatile combustibles or actuate electro-
explosive devices. There are three categories of RADHAZs, hazards: HERP, HERF and HERO.
a. HERP is the danger to personnel from the absorption of electromagnetic energy by the
human body.
b. HERF is the hazard associated with the possibility of igniting fuel or other volatile
materials through radio frequency energy induced arcs or sparks.
c. HERO is the susceptibility of an electro explosive device or EID to radio frequency

energy. Modern communication and radar transmitters can produce high electromagnetic
environments that are potentially hazardous to ordnance. These environments can cause
premature actuation of sensitive EIDs.
72. Range-Related Debris. Debris other than military munitions debris collected from
operational ranges or former ranges (e.g., target debris, military munitions packaging and crating
material).
73. Secretarial Exemptions or Certifications. A written authorization granted by a Secretary of a

Military Department for strategic or other compelling reasons that permits long-term
noncompliance with a mandatory requirement of DoD explosives safety criteria.
C-11
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
74. Senior Officer Present Afloat. The senior line officer of the navy, on active service, eligible
for command at sea, who is present and in command of any unit of operating forces afloat in the
locality or within an area prescribed by competent authority. This officer is responsible for the
administration of matters which collectively affect naval units of the operating forces afloat in
the locality prescribed.
75. Service Ammunition. Ammunition intended for combat rather than for training is classified
as service ammunition. This ammunition has been approved for service use and contains
explosives, pyrotechnics or chemical filler; the propellant, if required, is of service or reduced
charge weight.
76. Special Incident Reporting (OPREP-3 NAVY BLUE and OPREP-3 NAVY UNIT
SITUATION REPORT). The OPREP-3 reporting system provides DON military units, at any
level of command, a system to report significant events and incidents to the highest levels of
command.
a. OPREP-3 NAVY BLUE series message is used to provide CNO and other naval
commanders notification of incidents that are of high Navy vice national level interest.
b. OPREP-3 NAVY UNIT SITUATION REPORT series message is used to inform the
operational commander or appropriate higher authority of incidents not meeting OPREP-3
NAVY BLUE criteria.
77. SME. A person, who through knowledge, skill, experience, training or education, possesses
scientific, technical or other specialized knowledge that may assist in understanding or
determining a particular fact or issue.
78. Sub-munitions. Bombs, grenades, mines and other small miscellaneous munition items
which are dispensed from cluster bombs, cluster bomb unit systems, modular weapon systems
and artillery dispensing rounds. These munitions, although generally small, have no standard
size or shape.
79. Training Ammunition. Service, practice or inert AE used during the course of training
personnel.
80. Transferred Within or Released from DoD Control. A receiver has acknowledged receipt of
MDEH or MDAS material by signed documentation (e.g., DD Form 1348-1A Issue Release or
Receipt Document) and has taken physical custody of the MDEH or MDAS from the DoD.
81. Waiver. A deviation from mandatory explosives safety requirements. A waiver is approved
for the purpose of a temporary satisfaction of recurring readiness or operational requirements
issued pending the completion of corrective measures to eliminate the requirement for the waiver
and is valid up to 2 years.
C-12
OPNAVINST 8020.14B
18 Jul 2022
82. Waste Military Munitions. A military munition that is identified as solid waste or hazardous
waste per Section 266.202 of Title 40, CFR.
83. Weapon System. A weapon and those components required for its operation and support.
This includes all conventional weapons, ammunition, guns, missiles, rockets, bombs, flares,
powered targets, depth charges, mines, torpedoes, unmanned vehicles that launch weapons or are
themselves launched using a shipboard weapon or combat system or ship-based aircraft and
explosives-operated devices. It includes all explosive items, packaging, handling, stowage, test
equipment, simulators, guidance systems, fire control systems and launchers and their
components. Software and firmware related to monitoring, arming, initiation or deployment of a
weapon is included. This definition also encompasses the manufacturing, processing, packaging,
handling, transport and storage of explosive items and related components ashore.
84. Wharf. A structure oriented approximately parallel to the shore. Ships can only be moored
at the offshore face of a marginal wharf. When water depths close to shore are not adequate to
accommodate deep draft ships, the wharf, consisting of a platform on piles, is located offshore in
deep water and is connected to shore along its length or at one or more points by pile supported
trestles, usually at right angles to the wharf.
85. Wholly inert. Those munitions (e.g., dummy) or munitions components (e.g., ogive, rotating
band, adapter, lifting plugs) that have never contained reactive materials (i.e., explosives,
chemical agents or chemicals, such as pyrophoric chemicals). Once an inert item is employed as
a component of a military munition, it may no longer be considered wholly inert.
C-13

U.S. Navy Explosives Safety Management Program Policy Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

U.S. Navy Explosives Safety Management Program Policy Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

U.S. Navy Explosives Safety Management Program Policy Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

OPNAVINST 8020.

OPNAV INSTRUCTION 8020.14B

From: Chief of Naval Operations

Subj: U.S. NAVY EXPLOSIVES SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM POLICY

Ref: See Appendix A

2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 8020.14A.

b. Tenant commands of other military services, Government agencies and contractor

d. Navy commands operating on foreign soil must follow host-nation, applicable

4. Definitions. See Appendix C.

a. Records created as a result of this instruction, regardless of format or media, must be

7. Forms and Information Management Control. Forms and information collection

Releasability and distribution:

CHAPTER 1 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM POLICY AND

CHAPTER 2 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EXPLOSIVES SAFETY BOARD

CHAPTER 3 WEAPON SYSTEM EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REVIEW BOARD

CHAPTER 4 REGIONAL EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REVIEW BOARD

CHAPTER 5 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

CHAPTER 6 ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROGRAMS ASSOCIATED WITH

CHAPTER 7 ORDNANCE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

CHAPTER 8 PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION

CHAPTER 9 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY SITE APPROVALS

CHAPTER 10 DEVIATIONS FROM EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER 11 BERTHING OF EXPLOSIVES LADEN SHIPS AT U.S. NAVY

CHAPTER 12 HANDLING AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES IN PORT

CHAPTER 13 MANAGEMENT OF MATERIAL POTENTIALLY PRESENTING AN

CHAPTER 14 INERT, PRACTICE AND SERVICE AMMUNITION

CHAPTER 15 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY ON NAVY OPERATIONAL RANGES

CHAPTER 16 AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES STANDARD OPERATING

CHAPTER 17 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY REVIEW, OVERSIGHT AND

CHAPTER 18 INCIDENT AND MISHAP REPORTING

CHAPTER 19 NAVY CONTRACTOR AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

CHAPTER 20 NAVY EXPLOSIVES SAFETY SPECIALIST TRAINING

CHAPTER 21 AFLOAT MAGAZINE SAFETY AND CERTIFICATION

b. Tenant commands of other military services, Government agencies and contractor

d. Navy commands operating on foreign soil must follow host-nation, applicable

e. Contracts for AE.

(1) Operations on Navy installations and other Navy-controlled property. These

f. Conventional components of nuclear weapons systems and warheads, such as rocket

protection, hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance (HERO), hazard compatibility and

e. Every installation responsible for developing, testing, manufacturing, maintaining,

f. An installation CO, is responsible for establishing formal documentation of explosives

g. Installation tenant commands with an arms, ammunition and explosives (AA&E)

i. Navy-owned contractor-operated properties where AE is managed must have a Navy

5. Responsibilities. An effective ESMP is dependent upon command implementation at all

(1) Issue secretarial exemptions or certifications when operational necessity requires

(7) Assign NOSSA, via Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command

d. Commander, Naval Safety Command (COMNAVSAFECOM) must:

(3) Collect, store and disseminate safety information.

(4) Provide membership to the WSESRB.

e. Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) must:

f. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFACENGSYSCOM) must:

(3) Provide technical representation to RESRB.

(19) Manage ordnance environmental program and provide ordnance environmental

(21) Manage the Navy’s explosives safety compliance program.

(24) Provide afloat magazine certification.

h. Commanders, COs and Officer in Charge (OIC):

i. Navy Contracting or Procurement Officers and other Contracting Offices. Navy

j. Navy Explosives Safety Council (ESC).

(a) OPNAV N4L11 (Chair).