What is the correct action if you encounter a damaged munition?

What is the correct action if you encounter a damaged munition?

• A. Ignore and continue operations.
• B. Do not touch; isolate area, tag the item, report it to supervision, and arrange professional evaluation and disposal.
• C. Move the item to a secure cabinet.
• D. Attempt to disassemble to assess damage.

Answer: (B)

Damaged munitions are unpredictable and can become unstable or detonate with little or no warning. The safest approach is non-contact and rapid containment through proper reporting and professional disposal. By not touching the item, you reduce the risk of triggering a reaction or causing fragment injuries. Isolating the area creates a safe perimeter to protect others from possible blast effects. Tagging communicates that the item is hazardous and should not be handled further, which helps prevent accidental movement or disturbance. Reporting to supervision ensures that trained personnel can evaluate the risk using established procedures and arrange for professional assessment, relocation, and disposal by qualified explosive ordnance personnel. Attempting to move, disassemble, or otherwise intervene without training greatly increases the danger, as these actions can destabilize the munition and lead to a catastrophic incident.