When handling packages of explosives, you must:

• A. Never use hooks or other metal tools
• B. Use hooks to pull packages
• C. Use metal tongs for every package
• D. Wear insulated gloves only

Answer: (A)

When handling explosives, the risk comes from anything that can create sparks, heat, or physical damage to the packaging. Metal tools like hooks can strike the package and generate sparks or friction, or nick and crush the outer wrapping, potentially initiating the explosive. Because of that, the safest rule is to never use hooks or other metal tools around explosive packages. If tools are needed, they should be non-metallic or specifically designed to be non-sparking, and handling should rely on careful manual methods with appropriate PPE. Wearing insulated gloves alone does not address the danger of sparks or damage from metal contact, so it won’t provide the necessary protection.