Why treat empty or deactivated munitions as hazardous until verified?

Why treat empty or deactivated munitions as hazardous until verified?

• A. Because their condition may be compromised and hazards may persist.
• B. Because they are always safe.
• C. Because packaging is always intact.
• D. Because legal reasons require labeling.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that appearances can be misleading—an empty or deactivated munition may still be hazardous because its internal condition could be compromised and hazards may persist. Deactivation or an apparent lack of filling doesn’t guarantee that all energetic material is removed or neutralized, and factors such as corrosion, leaks, or mechanical shocks can still trigger danger or fragmentation. In addition, devices can be misidentified, damaged, or tampered with, so only qualified personnel can verify safety through proper inspection and testing. Until that verification is done, treat the item as hazardous to prevent unexpected detonation, exposure, or injury. The other ideas—that packaging is always intact, that legal labeling makes it safe, or that it’s always safe—don’t provide reliable safety assurance.