Memo: August 31, 2000

To: NMSU or Interested Parties

From: Katrina Doolittle, Director, Environmental Health & Safety

Policy: Cannon Firing Activities

The NMSU Activity Request Form must be completed, signatures obtained and permit authorized by NMSU Police Department prior to performance of any potentially hazardous activity. The following safety information is required specifically for cannon firing activities and must be submitted in conjunction with the Activity Request Form.

1. Certification of safe gun tube by manufacturer or qualified inspector (such as Material & Tests Equipment Center, National Guard or metallurgist)
2. Identification of the type of charge and how it is standardized.
3. Identification of the type of approved container for storage of ammunition.
4. Written assessment of the hazards to personnel operating the cannon and to others in the area.
5. Written standard operating procedures including loading procedure, personal protective equipment and safety precautions.
6. Written training records for operators.
7. Identification of the danger blast area and method to be used to control the area of concern.
8. Description of the cannon firing activity including placement and direction of cannon and frequency to be fired.
9. Identification of the responsible University advisor or approved representative.
10. Noise level evaluation and method of compliance with applicable safety standards. The NMSU Environmental Health & Safety office will provide some noise level evaluation as equipment and personnel permits.