EP 1110-1-17
16 Jul 99
g. When a temporary OB/OD site is established near radar or radio transmission facilities
or near electrical energy sources where testing has shown that radio frequency (RF) energy or
stray electrical current may present a hazard to electrical blasting, an approved non-electrical
initiation system will be employed. The distances prescribed in Table 3-3, Table 3-4, and Table 3-
5 will be used as a guide in the selection of an OB/OD site when using electric detonation in the
vicinity of radar and other microwave transmissions.
h. Roadblocks must be established at the fragmentation zone perimeter of the OB/OD
site. In addition, an adequate number of guards must be posted at the fragmentation zone
perimeter to ensure that unauthorized personnel do not accidentally enter the PSD. A means of
communication will be maintained between all site personnel conducting the OB/OD operations.
Prior to the start of operations, the PSD will be searched for unauthorized personnel. Guards will
then be posted to prevent entry into the OB/OD area. The guards will be posted at a distance to
afford them protection from the explosive effects of the OB/OD operations.
3-4.
Noise. The noise criteria that must be followed during OB/OD operations are presented
in Tables 5.10 and Table 5.11 of DA PAM 385-64. Local regulators should be contacted during
the planning process to determine whether there are any noise ordinances that could impact the
proposed OB/OD operation.
3-5. OB Site Specific Requirements. In addition to paragraphs 3-1 through 3-6 above, the
following present requirements that must be adhered to during OB operations.
a. The OB site will consist of a completely cleared square area or pad, measuring a
minimum of 92 meters by 92 meters (300 feet by 300 feet). The pad will be completely cleared so
that a flat bed of only sand or dirt remains. The area around the OB area will be free of all
combustible material (brush, grass, debris, and leaves) for a distance of 15 meters (50 feet)
beyond the square pad in all directions. Figure 3-4 presents the general distance guidelines for an
OB area. In the event that these minimum distances cannot be met, engineering controls, pits, or
other similar aids may be used to decrease these distance requirements.
b. Pit or trench burning is normally used when the material to be burned may detonate or
become propulsive. Figure 3-5 illustrates a typical burning trench. Figure 3-5 is an example of an
OE burning trench that can be used at an OB area where the minimum safe distance requirements
for surface burning cannot be met.
3-6
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