Weapon Systems Explosives Safety Review Board

The United States Navy formed the Weapon System Explosives Safety Review Board (WSESRB) in 1967 as a result of two deadly accidents involving explosive ordnance aboard US aircraft carriers: the 1966 USS Oriskany fire, and the 1967 USS Forrestal fire.[1] The subsequent investigation recommended an independent review process be established. The report highlighted the need to ensure explosives safety requirements are met for all munitions introduced to the Fleet.

As a result, the WSESRB was established.[2] WSESRB participates in numerous weapons system safety-related meetings, technical reviews, and working groups.

The US Air Force and US Army have parallel boards to the Navy's WSESRB: the AF Nonnuclear Munitions Safety Board (NNMSB) and the Army Weapon Systems Safety Review Board (AWSSRB).

Areas reviewed by weapon boards include

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Safety and suitability for use in the system's predicted logistic and operational environments

  • Hazard classification
  • Insensitive munitions
  • Final (type) qualification of energetics
  • Lithium battery certification
  • Human systems integration [3]

References

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  1. ^ Smith, Robert (2020). "Tips and Lessons Learned for Conducting Safety Review Board Meetings". Journal of System Safety. 56 (2): 38. doi:10.56094/jss.v56i2.22. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  2. ^ Naval Sea Systems Command Instruction 8020.6D, Navy Weapon System Safety Program, of 15 January 1997
  3. ^ NAVSEA

DODI 5000.69. DoD Joint Services Weapon and Laser System Safety Review Processes, Nov 2011.