§ 186.6 - Functions.

The DoD Explosives Safety Board shall:

(a) Provide impartial and objective advice to the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the Military Departments, and the Directors of the Defense Agencies on ammunition and explosives manufacturing, testing, handling, maintenance, developing, demilitarization, disposal, transportation, and storage and on the construction and siting of facilities within the United States and overseas when under U.S. jurisdiction, or when planned or intended for U.S-titled ammunition and explosives. This advice shall be structured to prevent conditions that will endanger life and property both inside and outside DoD or host country installations.

(b) Develop and submit to the ASD(MRA&L), for approval, DoD safety standards, to be published as DoD 6055.9-STD, designed to prevent or eliminate hazardous conditions associated with ammunition and explosives.

(c) In coordination with DoD Components, establish joint procedures for explosives hazard classification and arbitrate or otherwise resolve differences resulting from or pertinent to the assignment of hazard classification.

(d) Maintain liaison with other Federal and State agencies, allied governments, and industry having mutual interests or responsibilities in ammunition and explosives safety.

(e) Keep informed on safety problems within the DoD Components relating to ammunition and explosives development, manufacture, testing, handling, transportation, storage, maintenance, demilitarization, and disposal; and within its capability, provide advice and assistance on request.

(f) Survey, study, and evaluate DoD Components’ performance on explosives safety procedures to ensure their compliance with DoD 6055.9-STD and to detect conditions that may endanger life and property inside or outside DoD installations. Provide reports to DoD Components on violations of the DoD 6055.9-STD and recommend corrective action.

(g) Review and analyze reports, data, and information on ammunition and explosives hazards and accidents, except nuclear.

(h) Review and approve the explosives safety aspects of all plans for siting and construction or modification of fixed or movable ammunition and explosives facilities, including facilities in their proximity. Facilities being constructed during combat conditions or the immediate expectations of combat conditions are exempted from this requirement. With respect to plans for new construction providing less than prescribed safety, a certification by the head of the DoD Component concerned justifying that such siting is essential because of operational necessity or other compelling reason shall be required.

(i) Review and approve plans for leasing, transferring, or disposing of DoD real property where ammunition and explosives contamination exist or is suspected to exist.

(j) Conduct programs for investigation, research, study, and tests concerning explosives hazards required to develop and maintain safety standards.