Manual of the Medical Department (NAVMED P-117): Chapter 15: Medical Examinations: Special Duty

15-71B Explosives Handlers and Explosives Vehicle Operators

Department of the Navy
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed

(1) Purpose. Medical examinations of explosive handlers and Hazardous Material Vehicle Operators are conducted to ensure civilian employees and active duty personnel who handle explosives or operate vehicles or machinery which transport explosive or other hazardous material are physically qualified. Members who are qualified under this section meet the physical qualification requirements of the Federal Highway Administration, DOT, CFR Part 391.

(2) Responsibilities. Individuals assigned to duties as operators of vehicles which transport hazardous materials are responsible to report to their supervisor or Medical Department personnel any physical condition which may pose a health or safety hazard to self, coworkers, or degrades the safety of the working environment. Supervisors of personnel assigned as explosives handlers and hazardous material drivers are responsible to direct employees thought to have a physical impairment which may pose a health or safety hazard, to the appropriate medical department for examination.

(3) Additional Standards. Active duty members must meet the standards of MANMED, chapter 15, section III with particular emphasis on the systems below. Civilian personnel must meet the general standards for employment as provided by the Office of Personnel Management and the standards listed below. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal personnel must also meet the requirements of article 15-66. Civilian contract carriers need only be qualified per Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, part 391. In addition to the standards of section III, the following are causes for rejection:

(a) Ears. Hearing loss in either ear averaging more than 40 dB at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz (ANSI) with or without hearing aid.
(b) Eyes
(1) Vision
(a) Distant visual acuity that does not correct to at least 20/40 in each eye.
(b) For active duty military, visual fields outside the minimums listed in article 15-40(1)(i). For civilian personnel, field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye.
(2) Color Perception. For active duty military, inability to pass the FALANT. If FALANT is not available at the examining facility, the Pseudoisochromatic Plate (PIP) test may be used as a screening examination. Failure of the PIP requires a FALANT be conducted and recorded. A member may be considered qualified if they fail the FALANT but can satisfactorily demonstrate the ability to distinguish the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber. For civilian employees FALANT is the recommended form of testing, but the member must be able to distinguish the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber.
(c) Lungs and Chest Wall. Must meet the standards of MANMED, article 15-41.
(d) Heart and Vascular System
(1) Medical history or clinical diagnosis of: myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis or any other variety of cardiovascular disease known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure.
(2) High blood pressure not adequately controlled by diet or medication.
(e) Musculoskeletal
(1) Extremities
(a) Loss of foot, leg, hand, or arm.
(b) Impairment of hand or finger which interferes with grasping.
(c) Impairment of foot, leg, hand, arm, or any other limb which interferes with the ability to perform assigned duties.
(2) Musculoskeletal System. Any medical history or clinical diagnosis of: rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, or neuromuscular disease or impairment which interferes with the safe performance of assigned duties.
(f) Neurologic. Medical history or clinical diagnosis of: Epilepsy, recurrent syncope, or any condition which is likely to cause loss of, or altered states of consciousness.
(g) Psychiatric
(1)Any mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with the safe performance of assigned duties.
(2) Diagnosis of alcoholism. Recovering alcoholics with a minimum of 1 year of sobriety are NOT considered disqualified.
(3) Use of a Schedule I drug, amphetamine, narcotic, or any other habit-forming drug or substance (excluding tobacco). Use is not disqualifying if the substance or drug is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner who has advised the member that the prescribed drug will adversely affect the member's ability to safely perform assigned duties.
(h) Special Studies. The following special studies are required.
(1) Hematocrit
(2) Fasting blood glucose
(3) Lipid profile and triglycerides (required for active duty, only if clinically indicated for civilian personnel)
(4) Urine, routine analysis
(5) Eye examination
(6) Tonometry if over age 40 (required for active duty, only if clinically indicated for civilian personnel)
(7) Audiogram
(8) Electrocardiogram
(i) Periodicity
(1) Active duty military personnel who are explosive handlers or hazardous material vehicle operators will have a medical examination per the periodicity in article 15-11.
(2) Civilian employees who are explosives handlers or hazardous material vehicle operators will have a medical examination every 2 years.
(3) After age 60, all personnel will have annual medical examinations.