Planning and Siting of Explosive Facilities

MA01 Slide 1

Background

Assessment, planning, siting and construction:

• Ensure safe, economic, efficient operation• Ensure an acceptable level of protection to the public• Keep the risks from explosive sites at least (ALARP)• Minimise the loss of stocks due to an unplanned event• Keep stocks in a fully serviceable condition• Ensure licences of existing sites are not compromised• Room for future expansion

MA01 Slide 2

Quantity Distances

Quantity Distances• Most hazardous – towards centre• Least hazardous – towards outer• Ensure minimum IQDs to limit required OQDs• Consider CGs

Consider earth traverses for ESHs

Construction / Land Cost v Cost of Stock

MA01 Slide 3

Isolation

Maintain OQDs Avoid infrastructure (eg power cables/gas

pipes) Avoid low flying aircraft Avoid RadHaz

But – requires access to a workforce

MA01 Slide 4

Accessibility

Accessible to user units Accessible to sources of supply Good road links Rail link (into depot, or good road to railhead) Roads in facility to be appropriate:

• Gradients• Turning circles• One-way system

MA01 Slide 5

Climate and Terrain

Dry storage conditions:• Well drained areas• Avoid areas with high incidence of electrical storms• Avoid areas of flooding

Avoid roads which are easily blocked by snow Seek firm and stable subsoil Avoid thickly wooded sites Seek dry, gently undulating country if possible

MA01 Slide 6

General Considerations - Example

MA01 Slide 7

The Systems Approach

Explosive Storehouse (ESH) Ammunition Process Building (APB) Demolition Area Admin buildings/other ‘non-explosive’ facilities Temporary storage of loaded vehicles

MA01 Slide 8

System Components

MA01 Slide 9

Siting Boards

For new sites For changes to existing sites Engage all stakeholders early Key skills (as a minimum):

• Project manager • Ammunition technical personnel• Civil engineers• Specialist technical advisors

MA01 Slide 10

Siting Boards – New facilities

Maps NEQ and HD for each PES A description of the purpose of each site The site perimeter, boundaries and borders The IQD and OQD outer distances Leased real estate Construction drawings Any special sites or buildings

MA01 Slide 11

Changes to Existing Facilities

Change a non-explosive facility to a PES Change of use of an existing PES or ES Major PES structural alterations/refurbishment

Any change of materials or alterations

MA01 Slide 12

Quick Confirmatory Test

Questions

MA01 Slide 14