HANDLING HIGH EXPLOSIVES.
Q. Name some high explosives used in submarine mining.
A. Wet gun-cotton principally, dynamite, and other high explosives that can be readily purchased in commercial life in case of emergency.
Q. Why is wet gun-cotton to be preferred as a high explosive?
A. Because it is perfectly safe to handle. It can only be detonated by first detonating a small piece of dry gun-cotton placed near it.
Q. What are some important precautions to be observed when loading mines?
A.
1o Always wear rubbers when entering the magazine to get the explosive. (The main supply is always kept in a cool magazine.)
2o Never drop or slide along the floor boxes of high explosive.
3o Do not expose high explosive to sun's rays or heat.
4o Bring only one box to the loading-room at a time, then, when used, burn the box and sawdust in a safe place.
5o Place canvas or burlap on floor of loading-room, then place mine on skids upon this.
6o Use rubber gloves when handling dynamite.
7o Sweep floor frequently and throw sweepings in water.
8o After mine is loaded by use of funnel, carefully clean threads with a soft brush, then smear plenty of ruberine on threads.
9o Never saw or bore a dry guncotton cake.
10o Never open a mine loaded with dynamite without first consulting an officer.
11o Never thaw out dynamite near a stove.
Q. How is dynamite that is frozen thawed out?
A. Place the frozen dynamite in an open watertight can. Place this can in another can of warm water, such that the heat of the warm water only will do the thawing.