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CHAPTER III

SAFETY

• During a halt in rail movement, a soldier climbed on top of a vehicle to secure equipment.

• The soldier came close enough to overhead power lines to allow a high voltage arc; the soldier was in critical condition with extensive burns over fifty percent of his body.

• "Old soldiers" know the danger of overhead power lines in the European environment; "young soldiers" have less European field experience and are less aware of the danger of contact or mere proximity to high voltage overhead lines.

There were seven tent fires in TUZLA in one month:

In four cases, the fire began when a soldier attempted to refuel either a space heater or a Coleman Lantern inside a tent while the device was still lit (or immediately after extinguishing it). In two cases, electric appliances overloaded the wiring (hair dryer, microwave oven). In one case, there was an electrical short in the wiring.

TTP!!! Refuel tent stoves outside of the tent and make sure the stove is cooled down prior to refueling.

TTP!!! Do not overload the electrical circuits. The system is designed for small, low wattage devices, not devices with motors or heating elements.

• A civilian vehicle struck and seriously injured a child standing by the road to observe an IFOR convoy. No IFOR vehicle was directly involved.

• Children are invariably curious about military convoys. This curiosity is amplified if military members of convoys pass food or trinkets to children.

• UN statistics prior to TFE arrival indicate that several children were killed and seriously injured in the past trying to get handouts from passing convoys.

• Although soldiers have a tough time not responding to children in need, this impulse must be restrained for the safety of the children.

• While driving down a snowy hill at approximately 30-35 MPH, a HMMWV driver braked when the vehicle in front of him began to slide.

• Due to conditions on the snowy road, the HMMWV also began to slide.

• To compensate for the slide, the driver put the HMMWV in neutral and applied the parking brake, putting the vehicle out of control.

• The HMMWV passengers attempted to jump from the vehicle. One of the soldiers was crushed under the vehicle and was in critical condition.

TTP!!! Never jump from a moving vehicle. You are more likely to be crushed by a vehicle after jumping out of it than if you stay in it.

TTP!!! Exercise proper procedures for winter driving. When in a slide, gradually apply your brakes. Never lock up the brakes, or engage the parking brake. Downshifting the transmission, rather than using the brakes, can also minimize sliding.

TTP!!! If movement is permitted under red road conditions, use chains and exercise extreme caution, particularly with respect to vehicle speed.

SITUATION: Contract personnel attempted to refuel a hot kerosene heater with MOGAS inside a laundry tent. The laundry tent burned completely, destroying everything within the tent, damaging two adjacent tents and causing minor burns to one individual.

TTP!!! Train all personnel that will operate tent heaters on their use -- to include civilians and contractor personnel.

TTP!!! Mark fuel cans by type of fuel and store different types of fuel in separate locations.

TTP!!! Refuel heaters outside the tent and do not refuel hot heaters.

TTP!!! Establish an alarm system for your area; notify all personnel of the alarm and practice fire drills.

TTP!!! Ensure that a positive means of notifying all emergency response personnel is established and that all personnel know how to call for emergency response.

TTP!!! Ensure that fire extinguishers are available, of the proper type, and charged, and that everyone in the area is knowledgeable of the operation of the extinguisher.

SITUATION: A severe wind storm -- gusting from 50 to 60 MPH -- hit many lodgment areas. Many tents were leveled, equipment was damaged and several individuals suffered injuries.

TTP!!! It is very important to capture and quickly disseminate severe weather warnings to the lowest level possible.

TTP!!! Notification of wind storms, if possible, allows preventive actions to harden tents:

• Sandbag the base of tent walls to a depth of two to three bags to keep wind from entering between the tent and the ground.

• Ensure all tiedown ropes are tight and stakes are driven to full depth in the ground.

• Place sandbags on top of the stakes to keep them in place.

• Keep all tent flaps closed.

• Drop tents that are not essential.

• Build windbreak walls in front of tent doors.

• Lower antennae or ensure they are well staked with ropes tight.

• When reacting to a wind storm, helmets and body armor prevent injuries from flying debris.

• Never touch downed wires or electrical generator cables because they may be live.

SITUATION: TFE experienced several accidental discharges of both individual and crew-served weapons; fortunately no one was injured. Two examples are:

• An NCO was instructing a soldier on how to place an M60 MG into operation while manning a guard post. One round was chambered and accidentally fired.

• A guard placed his M60 MG into an improper readiness posture (rounds in the feed tray, feed tray cover closed, bolt open, selector switch on FIRE) and four rounds were accidentally fired.

The key to prevention of accidental discharges is training and basic soldier discipline.

TTP!!! Train soldiers on proper employment of weapons before guard duty.

TTP!!! NEVER USE LIVE ROUNDS AS TRAINING AIDS.

TTP!!! Always keep weapons at the assigned Force Protection status. NEVER exceed the Force Protection level unless ordered or required by the ROE.

TTP!!! Leaders need to check soldier knowledge of weapons systems and Force Protection readiness levels.

TTP!!! Firearms safety should be stressed at all times. The most basic rules include:

• Muzzle awareness.

• Clear all weapons before and after using the weapon.

• Never load a weapon unless you are prepared to fire it.

DISCUSSION: A unit constructed an area for clearing weapons that includes a maze, lined with concertina wire, that leads to the clearing barrels.

TTP!!! After taking the magazine out of the weapon and placing it on a stand, thereby removing the source of the ammunition, the soldier enters the maze. The soldier has to concentrate on what he is doing or he will walk into the concertina. The move to the clearing barrel is a concentrated effort with the soldier focused on the task at hand - - clearing his weapon. Once the soldier reaches the barrel, he clears his weapon, exits the maze and secures his magazine. An NCO overwatches the entire process.

The unit introduced a lesson from small unit operations outlined in training manuals for actions when exiting and re-entering forward friendly lines. The fact that soldiers are not in a combat zone should not deter from executing the task to the same standard, only under different conditions. The construction of the maze not only provides realism to re-entering friendly lines, it also causes soldiers to think about the task they have to execute. The "clearing maze" is a great tool to ensure situational awareness, keeping soldiers "heads in the game."

TTP!!! The source of the ammunition must be removed before clearing the weapon.

SITUATION: A Bosnian boy was admitted to a hospital because of injuries sustained from an exploding bottle. He had taken a self-heating device (allied heat-tab type) from a package of combat rations and placed this device in a bottle with some water. Steam was formed and the bottle exploded, wounding the boy in the foot, hand and face. Rather than throwing surplus combat rations away, IFOR troops often give the rations to needy civilians.

Many useful things can be dangerous in the hands of children or other people who do not understand directions written on the packages. To mention a few:

• Food self-heating devices are dangerous!

• Fuel tablets may be mistaken for food.

• Water purifying tablets may be mistaken for medicine.

• Silicone crystals used for removing moisture may be mistaken for spices.

• Remember! Although people may be able to read their own language, they do not necessarily understand instructions in other languages.

The same extra caution you use to keep these and other potentially dangerous items away from children at home should be also applied here. Do Not Give Away Combat Rations!

DISCUSSION: An M2 Burner exploded burning two soldiers and starting a fire. Alerted by the guard, the aid station and fire department quickly responded. The casualties were treated and evacuated and the fire fighters began to combat the blaze. The local fire department and Brown and Root also responded to the call and assisted in fighting the fire. Assessing the situation, the Army Fire Chief determined the direction of the wind and employed his force to counter the fire from a location that was upwind. The fire was contained and eventually burned itself out.

FACTS:

• The soldier was licensed, certified and was being supervised by an NCO.

• Four M2 burners exploded. It was assessed that three to four sympathetic explosions occurred.

• The walls and ceilings of the dining facility were made of composite wood, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

• The hydrants were checked that morning and they were turned on. However, the local utility companies turned the water off later that day. As a result, water trucks had to be used.

• The fire spread through the electrical system and flammables that were in the kitchen. The windows burst, feeding the fire air and contributing to the spread of the flames.

• Approximately 15,000 gallons of water were used during the operation.

• Rooms with doors closed were not damaged by the fire.

DISCUSSION: The onset of cold weather and the distribution of heaters creates the need to emphasize fire prevention awareness. During the winter of 1995, TFE experienced too many fires. The majority were tent fires. Most of these tent fires were attributed to soldiers attempting to refuel heaters that were still lit or recently turned off.

TTP!!!:

• Refuel heaters outside of tents. Do not refuel hot heaters.

• Mark fuel cans by type of fuel and store different types of fuel in separate locations.

• Train all personnel who will operate tent heaters on their safe use. Do not forget to train civilians and contractor personnel.

• Establish an alarm system for your area and practice fire drills.

• Ensure that a positive means of notifying all emergency response personnel is established and that all personnel know how to call for emergency response.

• Ensure the correct number of the proper type of fire extinguishers is available. Make sure they are properly charged and everyone in the area knows how to safely operate the extinguishers.

• Do not dry clothes on top of heaters.

• Do not cook on top of heaters.

• Place heaters out of high traffic areas.

• Do not leave heaters unattended. Use fire guards at night or turn the heater off.

The following TTP are the result of an investigation by the TFE Safety Office.

DISCUSSION: When replacing tires on a HEMTT wrecker, the operator determined that the tires needed to be inflated. The tire was placed into the proper sized tire cage and the operator began to inflate the tire. At an estimated 50 psi required for the wrecker's tire pressure (maximum 100 psi), the tire's inner tube burst (reason unknown). The result was minor contusions to the operator's arm. In this instance, the quick-release locking adapter was not fastened to the end of the extension. In another instance, the quick release was installed and the tire was placed in the cage. Again, at approximately 50 psi, the inner tube burst causing the operator to receive minor bruises to his thigh due to the blast. The blowout caused the tire cage to increase in size from the original 2' 5 3/4" to 3' 6" and the ring split was twisted 12" out of shape.

An investigation as to why the tires burst was conducted.

TTP!!! Fatalities have resulted from exploding tires that were not placed in the cage. The lesson confirmed that the tire cage can save your life and prevent serious injury.

TTP!!! Although both soldiers received minor injuries from the blast, the injuries of the soldier who had the quick release adapter installed were less extensive.

The following lessons are the result of an investigation by the TFE Safety Office.

SITUATION: While being towed by a M88 recovery vehicle, a T-55 tank veered and hit a car, causing significant damage (high dollar repair) to the civilian vehicle.

DISCUSSION: The FWF did not have the appropriate equipment to move their tanks out of a designated area. A HETT was not available. An M88 Recovery vehicle was used. The faction officer required that the T55 be towed forward with a driver in the driver's compartment. The officer also insisted that the M88 not be trailed by a brake vehicle. The preferred method of using a tow bar could not be used due to the attachment limitations of the T55. It was also decided that crossed cables would be used to tow the tank. The crossed tow cables connected the T55 at a point closer together than on NATO tracked vehicles and the cable intersection was further back toward the towed vehicle, allowing it to have side-to-side movement. During turns, the M88 had to make an exaggerated swing to maneuver the tank clear of the corner. The tank driver had veered several times during the movement, presumably to avoid the exhaust of the M88. The convoy was moving at about 2-5 KPH. After approximately 2 kilometers, the tank again veered to the right and came to an abrupt stop - - the tank had hit the parked car.

TTP!!! Along with the fact that a brake vehicle was not used, another cause of the accident was a direct result of a driver being in the towed tank. Do not allow a driver in the towed vehicle!

TTP!!! If the tow bar cannot be attached and tow cables are used, a brake vehicle should always be used to keep the towed vehicle under control.

TTP!!! Means of transport should be in the following priority: (1) HETT-loaded transportation support (2) Tow cables with double shackles to adapt to the T55 tow eyes (3) Tow cables with a lead and brake vehicle.

SITUATION: A soldier was performing routine operator maintenance on a FIST V. The soldier loosened the idler arm grease fitting allowing the track tension to slacken. The fitting, which was under high pressure, came off and grease was sprayed at a high velocity in the soldier's face and left eye. The capillaries in his eye burst which resulted in bleeding between the lens and cornea. The unit's combat lifesavers quickly responded and stabilized the eye injury.

DISCUSSION: Maintenance was being conducted in accordance with the appropriate operator's manual and the lubrication order was on-hand. The operator's manual and lubrication order warns that the lubricant is "under high pressure" and advises to "loosen the bleed plug slowly to avoid injury to personnel." The manual does not provide specific standards for the safe conduct of this procedure.

After an investigation of the accident, the Task Force Eagle Safety Office identified the following lessons:

• Protective eyewear should be worn when working in an environment where the potential is present for projectiles or airborne debris, high pressure and chemicals.

• Personnel should use a socket wrench with an extension to allow some distance to be maintained in the event the fitting comes off and the socket contains loose fittings.

• Never use an open wrench, because if the fitting comes off, it can become a high velocity projectile.

The Task Force Eagle Safety Office compiled the following statistics on eye injuries by category, number, and causes. In all instances, eye protection was not worn.

DISCUSSION: One of the greatest (but often overlooked) threats to TFE soldiers can be found within the base camp perimeters. To remain mission ready, commanders chose to keep their basic load ammunition in the immediate vicinity of their barracks (in armored vehicles, trucks, trailers, or on pads). These storage areas involve acceptance of risks to personnel, facilities, and equipment.

Even so, storage of ammunition should expose the minimum number of people to the smallest quantity of explosives for the shortest period of time. How much ammunition is too much? How close is too close? How can commanders analyze the hazards and manage the risks associated with ammunition basic load storage?

Army publications dealing with explosive hazards are very technical. The guidance is often conflicting and impractical for field operations. Soldiers and leaders simply want to know how much ammunition they can safely store, and how close can they keep it. Safety officers, Quality Assurance Surveillance Ammunition Specialists (QASASs), and Ammunition Specialists are available to help them make these critical decisions.

TTPs!!!

• Unpack only the quantity expected to be immediately fired.

• Properly repack ammunition prior to transporting.

• Replace safety devices prior to repacking, for example, shorting clips on 2.75-inch rockets, pads protecting primers on guns or mortar ammunition.

• Segregate misfired or unserviceable ammunition from serviceable.

• Do not carry fire-producing items into ammunition storage areas.

• Use DD Form 626 (Motor Vehicle Inspection) to inspect the vehicles to be loaded with munitions.

• The maximum Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) per site must not exceed 4,000 KG (8,820 lb).

The strictest and safest ammunition storage guidance recommends 550 meters separation of ammunition from populated areas. If this is not possible, contact the Safety Office to learn how to reduce the hazard within the operational constraints.

DISCUSSION: A typical Combat Load supporting a Cavalry Troop would total nearly 2,000 Kilograms of Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ). Stored under the guidance of AR 385-64, the unit would separate the load from populated areas by 381 meters.

Blast effects to exposed sites/personnel can be forecasted based on the total NEQ as follows:

FRAG ARC = up to 381 meters (People in the open are subject to serious fragment injury or death.)

TTP!!! Leaders aware of exposures can minimize risks within operational constraints. When circumstances prevent the elimination of risks, they must consider the probable targets (loss of personnel and equipment) and evaluate the missions that could be affected should a maximum credible event occur.

TRANSPORTING AMMUNITION

SITUATION: A TFE unit representative contacted the Division Ammunition Office (DAO) requesting information concerning the shipment of unserviceable rounds to the ISB. As shipping arrangements were discussed, it was discovered that the ammunition load was not inspected for shipment. Follow-on discussions with the TFE-assigned QASAS led the DAO section to realize there were many operations involving the movement of ammunition within the area of operations that do not always involve the ammunition inspector.

DISCUSSION: Inspectors are not available at every ammunition storage location to verify compliance with the standards. Uploaded vehicles that move across public highways and through populated areas, haul ammunition to and from ranges, or to and from base camps are exposed to reckless local national drivers, and hazardous road conditions. AR 55-355, Prevention of Army Motor Vehicle Accidents, provides detailed requirements. For instance, a DD Form 836 should be executed for all drivers on all shipments of ammunition and/or explosives.

TTPs!!! Some safe handling precautions include:

• Trucks should be inspected using a DD Form 626 before loading. Deficient equipment should not be utilized.

• Bulk explosives may be carried on the same vehicle. Detonating agents should not be packaged or carried with the bulk items.

• Explosives and ammunition should not be near the exhaust system of the transporting vehicle.

• When transporting artillery ammunition, all unpackaged or unboxed projectiles should be stowed parallel to the side of the truck, and properly chocked or otherwise secured to prevent rolling from one side of the truck to the other.

• The loads should be blocked, braced, stayed or restrained IAW AMC drawings.

TTP!!! DD Form 836 describes the characteristics of the explosives, fire hazards, methods to be used in fighting fire involving the truck or cargo, the missile distance in case of explosion, proper distance to maintain from other trucks, and any other information which will bring about safe delivery of the shipment.

5-TON ACCIDENT FATALITY

OBSERVATION: An M813, 5-Ton Cargo Truck towing a generator trailer rolled over. Result: one fatality, one injured, and one destroyed truck.

DISCUSSION: The vehicle was traveling along MSR Tyler between Kaniza and the Ammunition Holding Area (AHA). The road at that point is narrow and makes an "S" turn. The road surface was wet and possibly muddy. The brakes on the trailer had been locking up earlier in the day, so they had been disconnected prior to the time of the accident. It was reported that the soldier team driving the truck had gotten about four hours of sleep the previous night. The road is elevated approximately 10 to 15 feet above the surrounding terrain. After the accident, the top of the upside-down truck was about 15 feet below the level of the road -- submerged.

What happened?

• The 5-Ton Cargo truck has a high center of gravity.

• Although seatbelts were installed, the driving team was not wearing seatbelts.

• 5-Ton truck tires are designed to perform best off-road; wet, muddy roads exacerbate this condition.

• The trailer brakes were disconnected -- the trailer was just deadweight, pushing the truck.

• The driving team had about 4 hours sleep the night before.

TTP!!!

1. SLOW DOWN. CHECK CONDITIONS. Although the exact speed of the vehicle is not known at the time, speed appeared to be a contributing factor.

2. Wear seatbelts.

3. Proper brake application. Ensure you do not lock up the brakes causing skidding and loss of control.

4. Careful route selection. Consider the vehicle, the factors of METT-T, and complete a risk assessment for each route.

5. Ensure that equipment is in proper working order. If the trailer brakes are not working, determine another course of action. Fix the brakes. Lowboy the trailer. Contact a maintenance team.

"Before any convoy moves, leaders will perform pre-combat checks. If any equipment does not meet standards, IT WILL NOT MOVE, and seat belts WILL be worn." -- MG Nash, TFE Commander

PORTABLE KEROSENE HEATER

DISCUSSION: Kerosene heaters produce carbon monoxide gas. Every year thousands of people die or are seriously injured from carbon monoxide gas (CO). This poisonous gas is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and nonirritating poisonous gas.

SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING: *Frequent Headaches *General Weakness *Vomiting *Chest Pain or Pressure *Shortness of Breath *Fast Pulse *Dizziness or Lightheadedness *Dimmed Vision *Nausea

TTP!!! When heaters are kept in good working condition and provided with adequate ventilation, they do not pose a risk. However, carbon monoxide concentrations are detected when heaters smoke or burn with a kerosene odor. Here are some useful measures that a person can take to ensure CO levels are kept at a minimum:

• Use heaters only in well ventilated areas. If the heater is used in an area with less than 4,500 cubic feet (GP mediums are approximately 3,950 cubic feet), the door(s) to adjacent room(s) should be kept open or a window, door, or tent ceiling flap to the outside should be opened at least one inch.

• Kerosene or JP-8 contaminated with water will cause inefficient heating and increased incomplete combustion. Use only uncontaminated, water-clear kerosene or JP-8.

• Never place the heater in windy or drafty locations.

• If there is soot or a kerosene odor, or if the flame wavers, burns too high on one side, or smokes, adjust the burner to make sure that it is properly positioned in the groove. Rotate the burner left and right two or three times. When the burner is properly seated, it will move with little resistance.

• The flame should burn in an evenly balanced circle 3/8" to 3/4" over top of the burner. If the flame touches the wall of the heater, the wick is adjusted too high. And if the flame does not appear at the top of the burner, the wick is adjusted too low. Use the wick adjustment knob to adjust wick for proper exposure. If the wick adjustment fails, reinstall the wick to the proper height.

• Never refuel heaters inside a building or tent.

• Always make sure the heater is cooled down before refueling it.

WINTER DRIVING

DISCUSSION: In winter months, TFE drivers face the harsh conditions of the Bosnian roads. The hazards of driving in winter are very real. To emphasize this point, the following accident was caused by harsh winter conditions. A soldier was driving A HMMWV down a snowy hill at approximately 30 MPH. A vehicle in front of the HMMWV began to slide and the HMMWV driver braked and began to slide too. To compensate for the slide, the driver put the HMMWV in neutral and applied the parking brake. As a result, positive control of the vehicle was lost. The HMMWV passengers then attempted to jump from the vehicle, and one soldier was crushed under the vehicle.

TTP!!!

• Vehicle drivers need to adjust vehicle speed and following distances to meet road surface conditions.

• Leaders need to emphasize the importance of winter driving safety.

• When in a slide, gradually apply your brakes. Never lock up the brakes or engage the parking brake. Downshifting the transmission, rather than using the brakes, can also minimize sliding.

• Inventory tire chains to ensure their availability when needed. It is too late once the snow starts.

• Never jump from a moving vehicle. You are more likely to be injured by a vehicle after jumping out than by staying inside.

• Always wear seat belts.

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Chapter II: Operations, Security, and Tactics
Chapter IV: Maintenance

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