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APPENDIX B

FOREWORD ON SAFETY

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B-1. Safety is everyone's responsibility! The brigade commander charges all his leaders to give training safety briefs to their subordinates. These briefs will start with the battalion commanders giving an overall safety brief before going downrange. Company commanders will brief their companies on safety regarding the companies' training plans. Platoon and squad leaders will brief specific safety points before conducting any training. For example, if a lane involves the breaching of concertina wire, then brief safe handling techniques of wire and the proper equipment needed. This idea is applicable to all actions during downrange training.

B-2. The following safety points are not all inclusive, but cover some of the issues to be addressed:

A. Vehicle movement.

• Ensure all drivers are qualified (licensed) to operate assigned equipment and have proper limited visibility training. Additionally, do not require new drivers to accomplish tasks for which they are not trained. Just because a soldier has a license does not mean he can drive in all situations! Be Aware!
• Do not move a track if communication between the driver and TC is out.
• Use seat belts and required head protection to help prevent injury when negotiating rough terrain or during a rollover sequence. Practice rollover drills. Stay inside the vehicle.
• Drivers will maintain a safe speed, and passengers will remain alert to rough terrain when driving cross-country.
• Passengers will use available handholds for bracing.
• Assure sufficient clearance, especially if turret is traversed. Protruding barrels extending beyond the hull can be damaged by trees or other objects.
• Make sure safety pins are installed in hatch latches before movement.
• Use ground guides when moving vehicles where people are dismounted, day or night. Use ground guide any time vision is obstructed.
• Do not turn sharply at high speeds.
• Have TC and gunner serve as additional eyes for the driver, especially during right-hand movements because of limited visibility to the right.
• Maintain proper distances between vehicles.

B. Mounting/dismounting.

• Use three points of contact when mounting, dismounting, or moving on top of vehicle. Do not jump from the vehicle!
• Use extra care if mud, water, or spilled fuel is on boots or vehicle surface.

C. Maintenance.

• Perform routine after operations maintenance checks and services such as checking engine oil and transmission oil levels carefully. Remember these parts are hot after operation.
• Perform maintenance by the book: obey all cautions and warnings.
• Use two or more people to install or remove tow bar.
• Tow at safe speeds especially on inclines and around corners.
• Do not ride on or in a towed vehicle.

D. Weapon system.

• When repairing and clearing weapon systems, shut down turret (M2); for M1, ensure all manual and electrical safeties are engaged.
• Use operator and maintenance manual for proper procedures and necessary equipment.

E. Turret movement.

• Do no enter or exit the turret while turret power is on. Keep turret shield door closed and latched while turret power is on.
• Do not stow equipment in the ramp hydraulic unit; damage could cause a "free fall" ramp.

F. Sleep plan.

• Commanders will establish and enforce tactical sleep plans.
• Ensure personnel are briefed, and follow the unit sleep plan.
• Inspect (1SG, PLT LDR, PLT SGT) and approve all sleeping locations selected by subordinate leaders.
• Where possible, sleeping locations should be selected that are not accessible to vehicles.
• Ensure personnel never sleep in front of, behind, or under, any vehicle.
• Ensure guards are briefed on their duties and responsibilities and equipped with a red lens flashlight. Guards must stop any vehicle attempting to enter the sleeping area.

G. Pyrotechnics (ATWESS, artillery and grenade simulators, Hoffman device, smoke, trip flares and others).

• Pyrotechnics can kill, blind, and maim.
• Read and follow operating instructions.
• All pyrotechnic simulators contain hazardous material.
• Keep all simulators away from fires. Remember, photoflash powder ignites instantly.
• Aim pyrotechnics away from other people. A simulator thrown at people or vehicles can cause death, injuries, and property damage. It could also result in court martial!
• Wear standard issue leather gloves on firing hand.

H. Cold weather.

• Leaders ensure that soldiers are properly uniformed for the weather conditions.
• Have a warming plan in the event of sudden blast of winter.
• Conduct proper personal hygiene.
• Do not have soldiers standing in water for extended periods.
• Make sure soldiers drink water to prevent dehydration.
• Remind soldiers that prevention and immediate action can prevent frostbite.
• Leaders visually inspect their subordinates.

B-3. There are many other safety issues that need to be addressed by the brigade leadership which were not mentioned above. The leadership needs to be proactive to prevent and curtail future safety violations. Think Safety!

Brigade Commander

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Appendix A
Appendix C