This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'ESTC guidance notes on DU ammunition'.



 
                             
 
 
ORDNANCE BOARD 
Walnut 2c, #67 
 MOD Abbey Wood  
Bristol  BS34 8JH 
Tel: 0117 91 31700  Fax: 0117 91 31924 
 
Email xxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx 
 
 
ORDNANCE BOARD 
 
 
 
See Distribution 
VP(P)/OB/B/6/7/2 
 
OB Project G91/041 
 
23 Jun 00 
 
 
PRESIDENT’S LETTER 03/00 
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR OPERATING WITH 
DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) TANK AMMUNITION 
 
References: 
 
A. 
D/OB/4259/1 dated 9 Jan 91 (Member’s Letter 03/91). 
B. 
CINO 63CSAFE195 Issue No A dated 22 Mar 91. 
C. 
DRPS Report 13/93 dated 28 Jul 93. 
D. 
ESTC Guidance Notes No 1 1997 - Guidance Notes for the Storage and Transport of 
DU Munitions. 
E. 
ESTC Guidance Note No 5 1996 - Contingency Planning for Accidents/Incidents 
Involving DU Ammunition. 
F. 
ESTC Prescription No 4 1996. 
G. 
CINO SAFE 1180 dated 13 May 99. 
H. VP(P)/OB/B/6/7/3 
dated 

May 99 (Member’s Letter 54/99). 
J. 
DRPS 460/20/13525/DRPS dated 29 Feb 00. 
K. 
DRPS 690/2/13940/DRPS dated 16 May 00. 
L. 
DRPS 460/20/14173/DRPS dated 14 Jun 00. 
 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
1. 
DDEC (DBE) and IPT Tk Sys Sp have requested advice on general safety precautions 
for operating with depleted uranium (DU) tank ammunition for inclusion in publications.  
Previous OB advice has covered the special precautions that are required for transporting, 
handling and firing DU ammunition, as well as the precautions for examining targets which 
have been hit with DU ammunition.  This letter covers all relevant advice for the User on DU 
tank ammunition.  It includes advice on barrel and sabot contamination, which were first 
reported in 1998 and subsequently confirmed by trials 1998-99. 
 
2. 
Two DU rounds are currently in service with the British Army.  Shot 120mm Tank 
Armour Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) L26A1 was developed under the 
CHARM 1 programme and can be fired from both the L11 gun in Challenger 1 (CR1) and the 

 
 

 
                             
 
L30 gun in CR2.  It has a DU long rod shot core surrounded by an aluminium alloy sabot.  
Shot L26A1 are transported in the specially designed Ammunition Container Assemblies 
(ACA) L276A1 and L276A2. 
 
3. 
Shot 120mm Tank APFSDS L27A1 was developed under the CHARM 3 programme 
and can only be fired from the L30 gun in CR2.  It is of similar design to the L26 shot.  Shot 
L27A1 are transported in the purpose built ACA L288A1 with the L16 charge, and in ACA 
L298A1 with the L17 charge. 
 
 
AIM 
 
4. 
The aim of this letter is to provide advice on safety precautions for operating with DU 
tank ammunition. 
 
 
INFORMATION 
 
PREVIOUS ADVICE 
 
5. 
Initial advice on the L26A1 shot and L14 charge combination, known as the JERICHO 
round, was provided in Reference A for Operation Granby.   The radiation hazard was 
summarised (para 7) as follows: 
 
“DU has a specific activity of generally not more than 45 MBq/kg for all emissions of 
which the alpha activity is generally taken as 25 MBq/kg.”  
 
The Member Most Concerned (MMC) remarked (para 23) as follows: 
 
“DU Hazards.  Introduction of the CHARM shot brings DU ammunition into UK Army 
service for the first time.  The radiation hazard to tank crew and during transportation 
has been judged to be acceptably low.  On account of the pyrophoric nature of DU and 
the toxic, radioactive, heavy metal oxide dust that will result from burning on target 
strike, there will continue to be a need to restrict any firing training to specifically 
nominated sites.  During service use precautions need to be taken against inhalation of 
the toxic dust which will be present in an ammunition fire or as a result of a target 
strike.”   
 
6. 
CINO published at Reference B the safety assessment for carriage by sea of L26A1 
shot.  
 
7. 
A full description, entitled “Radiological and Chemical Hazards of DU”, was published 
by the Defence Radiological Protection Service (DRPS) in Reference C.  Further advice on 
DU munitions may be found in ESTC Guidance Notes Nos 1 (Ref D) and Nos 5 (Ref E). 
 

 
 

 
                             
 
8. 
In OB Proc 42883 (14 Oct 93), the Board published advice on L26 shot in the L30 gun 
in CR2.  The Board remarked on the potential radiation hazard posed by the L26’s DU rod 
(para 42): 
 
a. 
Where DU shot was fired, crewmen were to wear gloves when handling bare 
rounds. 
 
b. 
It might be necessary to issue crewmen with dosimeters and to monitor their 
exposure levels. 
 
c. 
During hostilities, where personnel might be required to enter an area 
contaminated by DU oxide dust caused by the destruction of an armoured vehicle or an 
ammunition fire, they should be instructed to wear a mask that provides particulate 
filtration, as a safeguard against inhalation of toxic dust. 
 
d. 
It was necessary to restrict trials/training firing to nominated ranges. 
 
9. 
ESTC Prescription No 4 (Ref F) publishes the storage and transport procedures for 
120mm Tk APFSDS DU rounds under UK regulations and applies to both L26A1 and L27A1 
shot with their associated charges. 
 
10.  In OB Proc 42988 (10 Jun 97) the Board reported on the CHARM 3 round.  The Board 
made the following decisions and recommendations (para 65b) on the radiation hazards, 
based on advice from professional radiation advisers: 
 
a. Exposure 
in 
Tank.  When DU shot was stowed in the tank, it was to be declared a 
Controlled Radiation Area.  Personnel working in a tank stowed with DU shot were to 
wear thermo-luminescent dosimeters (TLD).  Service personnel were not, other than on 
operations, to be in a tank fully stowed with DU shot for more than 80x24 h days in one 
year.   
 
b. 
Exposure to Residues from Target Strike or Ammunition Fires.  Service 
personnel were to be advised not to enter DU struck targets, before they had been 
assessed for freedom from DU oxide dust, without taking due respiratory and 
contamination precautions.  The ESTC advice in Prescription No 4 (Ref F) was to be 
followed in the case of ammunition fires involving DU.  
 
11.  CINO published at Reference G the safety assessment for carriage by sea of CHARM 3 
Ammunition (L27A1 shot and L16A1 charge).  
 
12.  In Reference H, the MMC advised that Shot, 120mm Tank, APFSDS, L26A1 with 
Charges Propelling L14A1 and L14A2 transported in Unit Load Container (ULC) ACA 
L276A2  was safe and suitable for service on operations in 1999.  Further evidence was 
required from qualification trials on the charges before the round could be cleared beyond 
1999.  
 
 

 
 

 
                             
 
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS 
 
13.  The safety precautions detailed at Annex A are drawn from previous advice where 
relevant and from more recent advice by DRPS at References J, K and L.  These precautions 
supersede previous advice given and may be taken as a comprehensive summary of extant 
advice.  This advice should be incorporated into the Product Approval Certificates for CR1 
and CR2 and further disseminated through AESPs and training publications.   
 
14.  Further work is recommended in a number of areas, as detailed in Annex A.  A 
summary of recommendations from Annex A is below: 
 
a. 
MOD/HQ LAND should appoint a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) for a 
theatre where DU munitions are deployed (Annex A serial 5). 
 
b. 
The Army should be trained in the hazards of DU and in procedures for operating 
in a theatre where DU munitions are present.  All troops in theatre require briefing 
since the main hazard from DU is the inhalation of the particulate material formed 
during a fire or explosion involving DU munitions, or when a DU round impacts on a 
hard surface.  Particulate material will also be produced when tank armour containing 
DU is damaged (Annex A serials 7 and 9).  
 
c. 
When DU rounds are deployed, TLDs should be issued to tank crews and to 
REME personnel regularly working in tank turrets (Annex A serial 33 and Annex B 
para 51c). 
 
d. 
IPT Tk Sys Sp should arrange for CR1 barrels which fired L26 shot on Operation 
Granby  to be monitored by DRPS (Annex A serial 36). 
 
e. 
IPT Tk Sys Sp should publish in AESPs a procedure for transporting DU 
contaminated barrels as “Excepted Packages” (Annex A serial 44). 
 
f. 
IPT Tk Sys Sp should dispose of contaminated barrels, as advised by DRPS 
(Annex A serials 46-47). 
 
g.  IPT Tk Sys Sp should develop a procedure with DRPS for measuring 
contaminated sabots (Annex A serial 52). 
 
h.    Ranges should dispose of contaminated sabots, with advice from DRPS and IPT 
Tk Sys Sp (Annex A serial 53). 
 
15.  The DU hazard needs to be formally reassessed as a result of the revision of the 
Ionising Radiations Regulations in 1999 (IRR 99).  It has not yet been decided whether MOD 
will apply a 20mSv per year dose limit, or make use of a provision that allows an individual 
to receive a radiation dose of 50mSv in one year if the cumulative exposure over a 5 year 
period does not exceed 100mSv.  This is a policy issue that will need to be staffed through D 
SEF Pol by IPT Tk Sys Sp.  DRPS favour the latter option as this provides a degree of 
flexibility for operational commitments (Ref J para 3). 
 

 
 

 
                             
 
16.  Since publication of OB Proc 42988, the CHARM 3 Reporting Proceeding, IRR 99 
have replaced IRR 85.  OB Proc 42988 therefore requires amendment.  Amendment 1 is at 
Annex B.    
   
 
PRESIDENT’S ADVICE 
 
17.  As President of the Board, I advise that the safety precautions in this letter should be 
adopted by all personnel in contact with DU tank ammunition or its residue.  
 
18.  I draw attention to my Remarks. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LD CURRAN 
Major General 
President, Ordnance Board 
 
Annexes: 
 
A. Safety 
Precautions. 
B. 
Amendment 1 to OB Proc 42988. 

 
 

 
                             
 
Distribution: 
 
External: 
 
Action: 
 
ES(Land) IPTL Tk Sys Sp 
DBE RM IPT Tk Sys Sp  
ES(Land) IPT Tk Sys Sp 4 
ES(Land) IPT Tk Sys Sp 4a  
ES(Land) IPT Tk Sys Sp 4f (ILS)  
HQ LAND COS 
HQ LAND, CESO(A) (Airfield Camp, Netheravon) 
HQ DRAC SO2 CR2 
DERA Eskmeals  
Kirkcudbright Range Manager 
 
Information: 
 
CM Manoeuvre  
DEC(DBE)  
DDEC (DBE)  
AD DGM IPT 
DGM IPT Heavy Munitions 
D SEF Pol  
Sec ESTC   
CINO 
ATDU 
DERA WS4  
DRPS  
DRIC 
 
Internal: 
 
OSG GL and VP(OB)  
Member A/N  
Member B 
Member E  
Member G  
Member S  
R Division  
Bd 
Sn4  
OSG BS1b  
VP(P)/OB/B/1/12 
Library  

 
 

Consignors Certificate for Radioactive Material    
 
 Read the Notes overleaf before completing this form 
  
 
1. 
 Delivery To   (Consignees Name and Address) 
  2. Description (including proper shipping name and UN number)  
   
  Radioactive material, excepted package  
 
   
– limited quantity of material 
 
   
UN No 2910 
 
   
 
 
 
   
UN Class No. 7 
 
   
 
  3.  
Radioactive Material 
4.  
Packages 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Radionuclide 
Form 
Activity 
Number of 
Label 
Transport Index 
Type 
 
Bq 
Packages 
Category 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name or Symbol of 
Special Form 
Chemical Form 
 
 
I White 
For Yellow Label 
Industrial Package 
each or principal 
or Surface Contaminated 
and Physical State 
Or 
Categories only 
(IP 1, 2 or 3) 
 
nuclide 
Object (SCO I or III) 
 
II Yellow 
Type A 
 
(Gas/Liquid/Solid) 
 
or  
Type B(U) or B(M) 
or Low Specific Activity 
 
III   Yellow 
Special Arrangement 
(LSA I, II or III) 
 
As 
measured
 
 
DU 
Other 
form
Solid 
  
N/A - Excepted 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exclusive Use Shipment (tick box)                      Yes 
 
   No 

 
 
 
 
5.  
Excepted Packages (tick 
box) 
6.  
Fissile Material (tick box) 
Is package an excepted package? 
      No 
 
Is Material Fissile?   
   Yes 
 
       No 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Is Material Fissile Excepted?     Yes 
 
       No 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mass of Fissile Material  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(required only if activity not entered in 3.) 
 
7. 
Competent Authority Approval (Reference IAEA Safety Series 6 Section VII) 
a. 
Subject to Competent Authority approval of carriage     
 
   No 
  
Yes
b. 
Competent Authority package 
 
 
identification marks 
c. 
Special form certificate no(s) 
 
dated  
 
d. 
Package design certificate no(s) 
 
dated  
 
e. 
Shipment certificate no(s) 
 
dated  
 
(where different from package design no) 
 
 
 
8. 
Nuclear Matter (see notes 3 and 4) (tick 
box) 
9.  
Consignor (Address at which consignor can   
be informed in case of an accident) 
 
 
 
 
 
Is matter nuclear matter? 
Yes 
No 
 
 
 
 
 
Is material excepted
Yes
No
 
 
Indemnity Certificate  
 
dated  
 
 
 
Reference 

 
(only for transport outside of the UK) 
 
10. 
Special Handling Information 
Enter special handling information on reverse of form 
 
 
 
 
11. 
Declaration 
Signature of Consignor  Date 
 
This is to certify that the above-named goods are properly described and 
   
   
 
are packed and marked in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
Name and Title of person signing on behalf of the Consignor 
   
 

 
 
 
Notes to be read before completing this form
 
 
1. 
A copy of this form is to be 
a. a statutory duty of care. 
excepted matter. 
completed for all consignments of 
b. funds to be available to meet 
5.  For further information and 
radioactive material (including radio-
claims up to  prescribed limits. 
sources of advice see JSP 392 
active waste) and included with the 
c. a certificate to the effect of b. 
Ch.26 
transport documents. 
above for carriage outside the 
6.  This form complies with the 
2. 
 
This form is to be used 
UK. 
Radioactive Material (Road 
together with the international 
4.  
For definition of nuclear 
Transport)(Great Britain) 
regulations IAEA Safety Series no 6 
matter and excepted matter see 
Regulations 1996. 
Regulations for the Safe Transport 
the Nuclear Installations Act 
7.  For road transport, one 
of Radioactive Material 1985 Edition 
1965 Section 26 as amplified by 
completed and signed copy must be 
(as amended 1990). (See also 
SI 1978 No. 1779 Nuclear 
handed to the Carrier (or where the 
information below). 
Installation (Excepted Matter) 
Carrier is also the Consignor, to the 
3.  
Nuclear matter which is not 
Regulations 1978, and as 
driver of the Vehicle). 
excepted matter consigned from a 
amended by the Energy Act, 
8.  One form is to be completed for 
site is subject to certain provisions 
1983. It should be noted that 
each freight container or 
of the Nuclear Installations Act 
Radioactive Waste is excluded 
overpackage, if used. 
1965, including: 
from the definition of  
 
  
 
 
IAEA Safety Standards; Safety Series No.6 
 
Regulations for the Safe transport of Radioactive Material; 1985 Edition (As amended 1990) 
 
 
Proper Shipping Names 

Appendix 1, Page 95 
UN Numbers 

Appendix 1, Page 95 
Surface Contaminated Object 

Para 144 Page 9 
Low Specific Activity Material 

Para 131 Page 5 
Label Category 

Para 435, Page 43 
Transport Index 

Paras 428 -430, pages 40 - 41. 
 
 

Excerpt from List of United Nations Numbers, Proper Shipping Name and Description 
 
 
 
 
 
Number 
 
Name and Description 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2910 
Radioactive Material, Excepted Package 
 
-  Instruments or Articles 
-  Limited Quantity of Radioactive Material 
-  Articles Manufactured from Natural Uranium or Depleted Uranium or 
Natural Thorium 
-  Empty Packaging 
 
 
 
 
2912 
Radioactive Material, Low Specific Activity (LSA), not otherwise specified. 
 
 
 
 
2913 
Radioactive Material, Surface Contaminated Object (SCO) 
 
 
 
 
2914 
Radioactive Material, Fissile, Not otherwise Specified 
 
 
 
 
2974 
Radioactive Material, Special Form, not otherwise specified 
 
 
 
 
2982 
Radioactive Material, Not otherwise Specified 
   
 
10. SPECIAL HANDLING INFORMATION 

    There are/may be traces of depleted uranium within this barrel.  
    The barrel must be sealed at both ends to comply with transport regulations. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
ANNEX A TO 
VP(OB)/OB/B/6/7/2 
DATED 23 JUN 00 
 
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR OPERATING WITH DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) TANK AMMUNITION
 
Prepared by B Division, Ordnance Safety Group (OSG) 
 
References: 
 
A. 
DRPS 460/20/13525/DRPS dated 29 Feb 00. 
B. 
DRPS 460/20/14173/DRPS dated 14 Jun 00. 
C. 
D/SEF Pol/2/6/4 dated 23 Feb 00. 
D. 
DPPS 690/1/13437/DRPS dated 21 May 99. 
E. 
DRPS 690/2/13940/DRPS dated 16 May 00.  
F. 
DERA KT/2056/98 dated 19 Feb 99. 
G. 
DERA KT/2053/98 dated 8 Dec 98. 
H. 
ESTC Prescription No 4 1996. 
 
Ser Advice 
Source 
 
(a) (b) 
(c) 
 
1.    INTRODUCTION 
 
 
2.    DU contains naturally occurring radioactive material and is known as a Low Specific Activity material.  It is also  Reference A Enclosure 1 
chemically toxic to about the same extent as lead. 
para 3  
 
 
 
3.    There are detectable radiation levels close to DU munitions, but the radiation dose rate drops off quickly with increasing  Reference A Enclosure 1 
  A - 1 
   

 
Ser Advice 
Source 
 
distance and is down to very low levels at 2 m.  It is good practice to keep radiation doses down by reducing the time  para 15  
spent close to stocks of DU munitions.  The radiation dose that a person receives can be measured by wearing a 
thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD), but this will only be necessary for those who could spend hundreds of hours per 
year close to DU munitions.   
4.    It is recommended that personal radiation dose records are maintained for medico-legal purposes, even when there is no  Reference A para 9 
statutory requirement for such dose recording.  This is a prudent precaution in the light of ongoing concerns over the 
possible health hazards from DU munitions. 
5.    A Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) should be appointed for a theatre where DU munitions are deployed.  
OSG 
MOD/HQ LAND should be responsible for staffing the appointment of RPAs.  DRPS have suitably qualified personnel, 
and can provide radiation monitoring equipment. 
6.    HAZARDS 
 
 
7.    The main hazard from DU is the inhalation of the particulate material formed during a fire or explosion involving DU  Reference A Enclosure 1 
munitions or when a DU round impacts on a hard surface.  Particulate material will also be produced when tank armour  para 8  
containing DU is damaged.  Some particulate is likely to be produced in all impacts, but the amount of particulate 
increases as the "hardness" of the target increases.  Anything which prevents particulate material being inhaled (such as 
wearing a respirator or dust mask) or redistributed (such as working in wet conditions, covering the contamination with 
a tarpaulin or sealing the contamination in place with paint) reduces the risk. 
8.    The potential hazards from DU munitions are only likely to give rise to long-term health problems and priority must  Reference A para 2 & 14 
always be given to reducing or eliminating other hazards that produce severe and immediate health effects.   The 
deployment of DU munitions should not be delayed on radiation safety grounds if an assessment of the threat to UK 
troops indicates a need for its use. Although the use of DU during in theatre training may not be desirable, there are no 
compelling reasons why it should be discouraged if there are demonstrable operational benefits.  An important 
consideration is that remediation can be carried out at a later date if records are kept of areas where DU munitions are 
used.  Restriction of access to contaminated areas will also provide a high degree of protection against any possible DU 
hazards. 
9.    All personnel should be warned of the possible hazards from DU and of the measures that will reduce any risks to the  Reference A Enclosure 1 
lowest practicable levels. 
para 1  
  A - 2 
   

 
Ser Advice 
Source 
 
 
10.  Direct contact between DU and bare skin should be avoided whenever possible.  Increasing time of exposure gives  Reference A Enclosure 1 
increasing risk.  The wearing of gloves greatly reduces the risks.  
para 14 
11.  CONTAMINATED AREAS 
 
 
12.  Bearing in mind explosives safety considerations, personnel should attempt to stay upwind of any fires involving DU  Reference A Enclosure 1 
munitions and avoid inhaling the smoke.  
para 18 
13.  The hazard increases as the amount of DU increases and fires in ammunition stores present greater risks than fires in  Reference A Enclosure 1 
tanks. 
para 11 
14.  DU fragments often have very sharp edges and may cause injury or damage protective clothing. 
Reference A Enclosure 1 
 
para 7 
 
15.  The hazard from any contaminant decreases with increasing distance from the source and therefore the greatest risk  Reference A Enclosure 1 
from DU will be close to the seat of a fire or within a few tens of metres of the point where DU impacts on a hard target.   para 12 
 
16.  Where possible, areas contaminated by DU oxide dust caused by the destruction of an armoured vehicle, or an  Reference A Enclosure 1 
ammunition fire, should be avoided.  Where personnel are required to work within 50 m of such an area, they should  paras 6 and Reference B para 
wear gloves and a mask that provides particulate filtration, such as a dust mask or service respirator.  Where dust-raising  2 
activities are carried out, consideration should be given to wearing full NBC Individual Protective Equipment (IPE).   
17.  Radiation monitoring equipment should  be deployed following advice from the Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA).   Reference A Enclosure 1 
Individuals should be trained in the use of this equipment by the RPA. 
para 16 & OSG 
18.  Ingestion of DU is a hazard.  Ingestion is less hazardous than inhalation.  Good personal hygiene measures will help  Reference A Enclosure 1 
reduce any risk of ingestion to the lowest practicable level.  Hands should be washed as soon as possible after working  para 9 
in any area where DU contamination may be present.  Hands must always be washed before eating, drinking or 
smoking. 
19.  After working in an area where DU may be present, personnel should brush down their outer clothing before removing  Reference A Enclosure 1 
their gloves and mask.   
para 13 and Reference B para 
Where possible, the outer clothing should then be removed and stored in a plastic bag until it can be laundered.   

  A - 3 
   

 
Ser Advice 
Source 
 
When NBC IPE has been worn, and replacement filters and suits are not available, they should be retained for use 
against any perceived NBC threat.  Filters and suits should be disposed of by placing them in polythene bags and 
dispersing them among non-radioactive waste. 
20.  MEDICAL
 
 
21.  Anyone concerned over possible DU exposure should report the fact to their Medical Officer. 
Reference A Enclosure 1 
 
para 19 
22.  To prevent DU entering the body through cuts, any open wounds should be covered with a waterproof dressing before  Reference A Enclosure 1 
entering potentially contaminated areas. Cuts should be allowed to bleed freely and rinsed under running water if it is  paras 10 and 17 
believed they might be contaminated with DU.  The cut should then be covered with a dry dressing and the Medical 
Officer notified of the incident. 
23.  STORAGE AND TRANSPORT OF DU MUNITIONS. 
 
 
24.  Specially trained personnel known as Radiation Protection Supervisors will be appointed to supervise work with DU  Reference A Enclosure 1 
munitions and special work procedures known as local rules will be written to ensure radiation risks are reduced to the  para 20 
lowest possible levels.  Local rules should contain contingency plans for dealing with any reasonably foreseeable 
accidents. 
25.  Risk assessments must be carried out for all processes in which DU munitions are involved.  This includes storage and  Reference A Enclosure 1 
transport.  The RPA will assist with these assessments. 
para 21 
26.  DU ammunition can only be stored or transported in the authorised ACA when it is not stored or transported in a tank. 
Reference C  
 
27.  Everyone working with DU munitions or who might be affected by an accident involving DU munitions must be aware  Reference A Enclosure 1 
of the contents of the local rules and any actions required by the contingency plans.  Drivers of vehicles carrying DU  para 22  
munitions must receive the training required by the Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR).  
 
28.  Personnel should wear gloves whenever possible when handling DU rounds. 
Reference A Enclosure 1 
 
para 23 
29.  Report accidents involving DU munitions to the RPA as soon as possible. 
Reference A Enclosure 1 
  A - 4 
   

 
Ser Advice 
Source 
 
 
para 24 
30.  ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS 
 
 
31.  CR2 crewmen including maintenance personnel who come into contact with DU ammunition are designated as  Reference A para 18 
Unclassified Radiation Workers when DU ammunition is deployed.  It would take 85 x 24 hours days exposure to reach 
the 6mSv calender year dose that would require crewmen to be designated as Classified Persons. 
32.  Whenever possible, personnel should wear gloves when handling DU rounds.  Any glove including service issue gloves  OSG 
are suitable.  When loading the gun, it is not practical to wear gloves, and so the loader should avoid touching the DU 
rod, by handling the shot on the sabot and combustible case. 
33.  When DU rounds are deployed, TLDs should be issued to tank crews and to REME personnel regularly working in tank  Reference D 
turrets.  TLDs  respond to low levels of radiation, and are not the same as the NBC lockets, which are designed to 
register the very high radiation doses that may be encountered during a nuclear conflict.   
 
TLDs can be ordered from DRPS’s Dosimetry Section, who currently hold sufficient stocks for initial deployments.  It 
is recommended that they are returned to DRPS for reading every 3 months (the maximum permissible wear period).  
The Dosimetry Section can be requested to keep the dose results on the HSE approved dose record keeping system. 
34.  CONTAMINATED TANK GUN BARRELS 
 
 
Introduction
 
35.  Personnel should be aware that low levels of DU contamination may be present in gun barrels and fume extractors after  Reference A Enclosure 1 
DU munitions have been fired.  It should be assumed that all guns, which have fired DU ammunition, are contaminated  para 26 & OSG  
until they have been measured with a suitable monitoring instrument.  Contamination may be both fixed and loose.  
Loose contamination is removable by non abrasive cleaning, after which fixed contamination remains. 
36.  All barrels that have fired DU munitions should be monitored.  CR1 barrels have not yet been monitored for DU  OSG 
contamination.  CR1 barrels which fired L26 shot on Op GRANBY should therefore be monitored.  It is recommended 
that IPT Tk Sys Sp contract DRPS to carry out the monitoring, using DRPS equipment. 
37.  After the first firing of DU munitions in a barrel, the following statement should be inserted in the gun documents. 
Reference E para 5 
  A - 5 
   

 
Ser Advice 
Source 
 
 
“There may be traces of depleted uranium within this barrel.  This does not present a significant risk if wet non-
abrasive cleaning techniques are used, and hands are washed after work on the bore or fume extractor.  
Precautions must be taken to prevent inhalation of dust during work that might abrade the bore.” 
 
38.  Cleaning Contaminated Gun Barrels
 
 
39.  Non abrasive techniques should be used for cleaning potentially contaminated gun barrels.  Barrels and fume extractors  Reference A Enclosure 1 
should be wiped clean with a damp or oily cloth before maintenance work is undertaken.  This will minimise any  para 29 & Reference F para 
possible release of dust.  Barrel brushes and bore staves should be wiped clean after use.  The cleaning materials should  13c 
be disposed of  by placing them in polythene bags and dispersing them among non-radioactive waste. 
40.  Skin contact should be avoided when working on gun barrels and fume extractors that may be contaminated.  Provided  Reference A Enclosure 1 
that no abrasion of the bore occurs, normal issue clothing is appropriate.  Gloves should be worn.  Any glove including  para 27 & OSG 
service issue gloves are appropriate.  Neither respirators nor face masks are required.  No special precautions are 
required for changing, cleaning or disposing of clothing. 
41.  After working on gun barrels or fume extractors that may be contaminated, no eating drinking or smoking should be  Reference A Enclosure 1 
allowed until personnel have thoroughly washed their hands. 
para 28 
42.  Transporting Contaminated Gun Barrels
 
 
43.  Before transporting contaminated gun barrels along the public highway, the bore should be cleaned thoroughly (using  Reference A Enclosure 1 
non abrasive techniques) to remove all traces of loose DU contamination.  It should then be transported as an “excepted  para 30 & OSG. 
package” (unless the barrel has been monitored by DRPS and no contamination has been detected). 
44.  Guidance on transporting DU contaminated barrels as “excepted packages” is at Appendix 1.  IPT Tk Sys Sp should  Reference A Annex A 
finalise the procedure with DRPS, for inclusion in AESPs. 
 
45.  Disposal of Contaminated Gun Barrels 
 
 
46.  At the end of their useful lives, contaminated barrels and fume extractors should be thoroughly cleaned (using non  Reference A Enclosure 1 
abrasive techniques) and monitored for residual DU contamination. It is recommended that IPT Tk Sys Sp contract  para 31  
  A - 6 
   

 
Ser Advice 
Source 
 
DRPS to carry out the monitoring, using DRPS equipment. 
47.  It is recommended that IPT Tk Sys Sp manage the disposal of contaminated barrels.  Three disposal options have been  Reference E para 7 & OSG 
proposed by DRPS (Ref D para 7). 
48.  RANGE CONTROLS 
 
 
49.  In trials and training, firing of DU ammunition should be confined to nominated ranges. 
OSG 
 
50.  Sabot Petals. 
 
 
51.  Low levels of DU contamination have been detected on some sabot petals after firing.  Contaminated sabots pose no  Reference G para 13d 
significant radiological hazard to persons coming into contact with them.  
52.  The measurement of DU contamination on petals is technically difficult because of their irregular shape and some  Reference D para 8 & OSG 
experimental work is needed to develop a measurement procedure traceable to UK national standards. Preliminary 
indications are that this issue is of more relevance to environmental protection than personal safety.  The experimental 
work should be managed by IPT Tk Sys Sp. 
53.  In peacetime, DU is only fired on special ranges. Where possible, potentially contaminated sabots should be removed  Reference E para 8 & OSG 
from ranges, and measured for contamination.  Disposal of contaminated petals should be managed by the range, using 
advice from DRPS and IPT Tk Sys Sp. 
54.  On operations, the collection of contaminated petals is of little relevance to battlefield clearance, as far greater benefits  Reference E para 8 
could be achieved by collecting DU fragments than contaminated petals.  
55.  FIRE FIGHTING 
 
 
56.  The alerting procedures described in the local rules should be followed and non-essential personnel evacuated from an  Reference A Enclosure 1 
area of at least the radius of the relevant Inhabited Building Distance. 
para 33  
57.  Support forces should be advised of the possible DU hazard. 
Reference A Enclosure 1 
 
para 34  
58.  Explosives safety precautions should be observed.  This may involve the fire crew sheltering behind protective barriers.  Reference A Enclosure 1 
 
para 35  
  A - 7 
   

 
Ser Advice 
Source 
 
 
59.  Personnel should avoid inhaling the smoke which may be contaminated with DU and should stay upwind if possible.   Reference A Enclosure 1 
Self-contained breathing apparatus and gloves should be worn within the Inhabited Building Distance.  
para 36  
60.  The fire should be drenched with copious quantities of water delivered from a safe distance with the aim of rapidly  Reference A Enclosure 1 
cooling the combustibles.  Excess water should be allowed to drain freely to sewers, storm drains or water courses. 
para 38  
61.  Halons (ie chemical fire suppressants) should not be used for fighting DU fires. 
Reference A Enclosure 1 
 
para 37  
62.  After the fire is completely extinguished, the remaining ashes and debris should be thoroughly saturated with water. 
Reference A Enclosure 1 
para 39  
63.  The location of any drainage points or watercourses that may have been contaminated should be recorded. 
Reference A Enclosure 1 
para 40  
64.  Fire fighters, their equipment and anyone within the Inhabited Building Distance should be checked for DU  Reference A Enclosure 1 
contamination before they leave the accident site. 
para 41  
65.  Casualties should be evacuated to hospital and medical staff advised that they may be contaminated with DU. 
Reference A Enclosure 1 
 
para 42  
66.  Clean-up should not commence until specialist support arrives.  Advice on cleaning up after the accident, including the  Reference A Enclosure 1 
removal of contaminated equipment, should be obtained from the RPA. 
para 43 
67.  ESTC Prescription No 4 (paras 1.7 - 1.9) provides further details of action in the event of a fire or accident involving  Reference H paras 1.7 - 1.9 
DU ammunition.  In the event of an accident resulting in damage to the protective coating of the penetrator, it must be 
assumed that release of DU particulate may have occurred, for example by abrasion.   
 
Appendix: 
 
1. 
Transportation of DU Contaminated Gun Barrels in Excepted Packages. 
  A - 8 
   

APPENDIX 1 TO 
ANNEX A TO 
VP(P)/OB/B/6/7/2 
DATED 23 JUN 00 
 
TRANSPORTATION OF DU CONTAMINATED GUN BARRELS 
IN EXCEPTED PACKAGES 
 
References: 
 
A. 
DRPS 690/2/13940/DRPS dated 16 May 00 Annex A. 
B. 
DRPS 460/20/14173/DRPS dated 14 Jun 00. 
 
The following guidance is extracted from References A and B.   
 
1. 
There is no limit to the amount of DU that can be transported at any one time. 
 
2. 
The DU must be totally enclosed within the package. 
 
 
Comment by DRPS.  There must be some means of sealing or covering the ends of 
gun barrels. 
 
Comment by Ordnance Safety Group (OSG).  The muzzle should be sealed with a 
cap and cover.  The breech should be closed.  
 
3. 
The package must be in good condition (ie intact) and legibly and durably marked 
with its permissible gross mass. 
 
 Comment by DRPS. One option might be for the mass to be stamped on each barrel 
at manufacture and stencilled onto existing barrels. 
 
4. 
The maximum radiation dose rate at any point on the external surfaces of the package 
must not exceed 5μSv/h. 
 
 Comment by DRPS.  It is impossible to conceive of any occasion on which this 
condition would not be satisfied.    
 
Comment by OSG.  This has been included for completeness.  Monitoring will not be 
required. 
 
A1-1 
 
 
 

5. 
Levels of loose contamination on the external surfaces of the package must not 
exceed 0.4Bq/cm² when averaged over any area of 300cm2. (Although it would be preferable 
for loose contamination to be removed from the bore, this contamination will not present any 
significant risks during transport as the ends of the barrels are to be sealed.  Some 
contamination of internal surfaces is permitted under both international and UK transport 
regulations.) 
 
 Comment by DRPS.  Monitoring will be needed to prove that this is the case and a 
procedure will need to be established (and justified) if less than 100% monitoring is 
to be carried out.  This requirement may be met by smearing selected areas of the 
vehicle and sending this smear to DRPS for analysis.   
 
Comment by OSG. Both internal and external surfaces of barrels should be smeared 
at the conclusion of DU firing (ie at the end of an operation) before they are moved 
on public roads under peacetime restrictions.  There is currently no evidence of 
external contamination.  IPT Tk Sys Sp should establish further details of the 
procedure and equipment from DRPS, for inclusion in AESPs.  
 
6. 
An inner surface of the package must be marked with a radiation warning sign that 
will be visible when the package is opened.  Warning labels are not attached to the external 
surfaces of excepted packages. 
 
Comment by DRPS.  The most practicable option would appear to be for muzzle caps 
used for sealing gun barrels to contain an appropriate warning on the inner surface.  
This should make clear that it is the interior of the barrel rather than the cap that is 
contaminated. 
 
7. 
Drivers of vehicles used for transporting excepted packages must receive appropriate 
training. 
 
Comment by DRPS.  The nature and content of the training should reflect the very 
low risk from these items. 
 
8. 
Before the consignment is despatched, the consignor must contact the consignee and 
confirm that he is prepared to accept the consignment.  
 
9. 
A Consignor's Certificate (MOD Form 663) should be raised.  An example of a 
completed MOD Form 663 is at Enclosure 1. 
 
Comment by DRPS.  It might be useful to consider whether the gun documents could 
function as a Consignor's Certificate if they were amended to include a Consignor’s 
declaration of compliance. 
 
10. 
Copies of the Consignor's Certificate should be kept readily available in case 
problems arise during transport of the radioactive material. 
 
Enclosure 1:  Example MOD Form 663. 
A1-2 
 
 
 

ANNEX B TO  
VP(P)/OB/B/6/7/2 
DATED 23 JUN 00 
 
AMENDMENT 1 TO OB PROC 42988 CHARM 3 REPORTING PROCEEDING 
DATED 10 JUN 97
 
References: 
 
A. 
DRPS 460/20/13525/DRPS dated 29 Feb 00. 
B. 
DRPS 460/20/14173/DRPS dated 14 Jun 00. 
 
1. 
Below is an extract of relevant paragraphs on DU safety from OB Proc 42988.  These 
have been amended to take account of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999.  The advice 
was received from DRPS at Reference A paragraphs 18-22 and Reference B paragraphs 11-
12. 
B-1 
 

INFORMATION 
 
INTEGRATION IN THE TANK 
 
51. 
Radiation in Tank.  The Radiation in Tank Trial (Ref 31) showed that, with a full 
stowed load of CHARM 3 shot, the maximum Effective Dose Equivalent was 0.94 mSv over 
329 h to the anthropomorphic phantom in the Loader’s crew station.  DERA/DRPS made the 
following recommendations: 
 
a. 
The interior of the vehicle be designated a Controlled Radiation Area when 
stowed with shot containing DU. 
 
b. 
CR2 tank crews are designated Unclassified Radiation Workers during non-
operational deployment of L27 shot.  It is assessed that it would take 85 x 24 h days 
full time occupation of a fully stowed tank to reach the 6 mSv calendar year dose 
level that would require crewmen to be designated Classified Persons. 
 
c. 
Whole body dosimetry, Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLD), should be 
issued to tank crews operating in vehicles stowed with DU shot.  TLD when issued 
may be worn on the chest or waist as preferred by the crewmen.  If for operational 
reasons TLDs are not available, a dose assessment is to be made, using the formula 
below in subparagraph ‘e’. 
 
d. 
It is recommended that individuals occupy vehicles loaded with DU shot for 
less than 80 days per year. 
 
e. 
During operational deployment with CHARM 3 shot a dose assessment of 
each crew member should be made using the following formula: 
  
D(EST)(μSv) = 70 x N   
 
(Where N =  Number of 24 h days and D is estimated Dose) 
 
52. 
ACA Radiation.  The fully stowed ACA was monitored for radiation emissions.  It 
was shown to meet the “excepted” package requirement (Ref 32) provided there is a metal 
plate on the base of the wooden pallet to prevent access to the inner base.  Without that plate 
the ACA becomes an Industrial Package Type 1, and the DU must be moved as a Low 
Specific Activity (LSA) Class 1 item. 
 
53. 
DU Dust.  There is a danger from DU dust, a toxic and slightly radioactive heavy 
metal oxide, which will be present after an ammunition fire involving DU, or as a result of a 
DU target strike after firing.  This is the same for CHARM 3 as reported for CHARM 1 in 
Proc 42883.  
 
B-2 
 

DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD
 
65. 
The Board consider that the 120 mm Tk APFSDS CHARM 3 round, Shot L27A1 
with Propelling Charge L16A1, is safe and suitable for service use, in Climatic Categories 
A3/B1, C0 and C1, to be fired using TVE L4A2 in Gun 120 mm Tk L30 mounted in 
Challenger 2 tank with the following limitations and provisos: 
 
b. 
Radiation and Contamination Hazards. 
 
(1) 
Exposure in Tank.  When DU shot is stowed in the tank, it should be 
declared a Controlled Radiation Area.  Personnel working in a tank stowed 
with DU shot are to wear TLD.  Service personnel shall not, other than on 
operations, be in a tank fully stowed with DU shot for more than 80x24 h days 
in 1 yr.   
 
(2) 
Exposure to Residues from Target Strike or Ammunition Fires.  
Service personnel are to be advised not to enter DU struck targets, before they 
have been assessed for freedom from DU oxide dust, without taking due 
respiratory and contamination precautions.  ESTC advice in Prescription 
Number 4 is to be followed in the case of ammunition fires involving DU.  
 
References: 
 
31. 
DERA PLSD DRPS Report 16/96 dated 16 Apr 96. 
32. 
DRPS Report 5/96 dated 19 Mar 96. 
34. 
DRPS 460/20/13525/DRPS dated 29 Feb 00. 
35. 
DRPS 460/20/14173/DRPS dated 14 Jun 00. 
 
B-3 
 

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