Which statement represents a rule when handling explosives?

• A. Always tumble munitions to test stability.
• B. Do not tumble, drag, or drop munitions; do not move explosives rapidly across any non-conductive surface.
• C. Ignore guidelines if rushed.
• D. Move explosives on a metal conveyor belt.

Answer: (B)

Handling explosives safely centers on minimizing physical shocks and static energy that could trigger an explosion. Munitions are highly sensitive to impact, friction, and static discharge, so actions like tumbling, dragging, or dropping can impart a dangerous shock. Moving explosives rapidly across a surface risks generating heat and, on non-conductive surfaces, static electricity that isn’t readily dissipated, which can ignite the material. That’s why the rule emphasizes not tumbling, dragging, or dropping munitions and not moving explosives quickly across non-conductive surfaces. Other options either encourage unsafe handling or miss the important effect of static buildup and shock on explosive sensitivity.