Customer Reviews

Explosives Identification Guide

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have taught scores of classes over the years in basic munition recognition and bomb threat and search procedures. One of the problems has always been finding good, basic instruction materials for teaching PDs, FDs, Schools, Hospitals, etc. Mike Pickett has filled the void. While too simple for the experienced bomb tech, this book covers the basics very well for the novice, especially when used in conjunction with the video series. The photos could be larger, but are clear, numerous, and well colored. I would consider these materials a valuable tool for any emergency response training section.

As a professional firefighter tasked to teach our top Chiefs in awareness of explosives and terrorist treat preparedness the book was invaluable. In a concise manner Mr. Pickett shows what they look like, how to deal with them and when to call for help. The book is designed to save lives, both civilians and responders.

if you are a firefighter or emergency responce worker then you might want to get this book but if your not dont spend your cash. This book only goes into common commercial and military explosives and does not go into detail about anything other then there physical appearance. the only good thing in the book is the last part when it goes into detail on how response teams should react to possible explosive threats

An elementary introduction to the topic that is likely to leave most readers hungry for more. A lot more. Discussion of explosives (appearance, use, characteristics, etc.) is basic to a point approaching banality. Identification section is based around 16 pages of full color pictures and diagrams, 12 of which are devoted to military (mostly American) ordinance. Commercial explosives cover only 2 pages and an additional 2 pages is devoted to US military color coding scheme for munitions. The thumbnail pictures will help you tell a stick of dynamite from a fragmentation bomb, but little beyond that. There are also some conspicious omissions, such as plastic explosives. Basic but useful information on bomb triggering devices and handling threats and searches is also provided.

I reviewed this booklet and for the most part is a decent guide for firefighters, police, and other "first responders." That being said, it is not a book for professionals who perform the actual render safe procedure (RSP)and disposal procedure which would require more specific and, consequently, confidential procedures. I did find what I consider minor descrepancies in the booklet: Page 1 reads "it has been said that even the heat of a person's hand can set off a blasting cap." I don't know who said that, but I know of no explosives company or explosives expert who ever thinks the heat of a person's hand will set off a blasting cap. They are sensitive, but not that sensitive. Page 35, Figure 19 indicates that the last item is a M 173 nose fuze. I believe that it is in fact a M-907 or M-908 bomb nose fuze shown on figure 19 in the lower right side.

Excellent reference booklet for the specific target groups. Clear no nonsense text and good photographs. Could have contained more samples (pictures) of devices that have been used over the years and the damage that was inflicted in order to emphasize the risks and illustrate to rescue workers extreme caution is necessary.

Mike Pickett has written a book that should be in the hands of every First Responder. The book not only gives clear guidelines on what to do when responding to bomb threat calls, it also has good color pictures of some of the different explosives that maybe encountered. This book does an excellent job of introducing First Responders to explosives on an awareness level. It will get the reader thinking about safety and how little the average person knows about explosives and handling them.

I recently read the brief (44 pages) Explosives Identification Guide and found it to be "to the point". This book is one of those a "first-responder" wishes was in the glove box when an explosives-related call is encountered. Clear photographs, and concise descriptions of both amateur and "professional" devices are easy to reference. The section on military explosives and simulators, and the color codes often used to identify these, is well done. The last half of the book is devoted to bomb threats, bomb searches, booby traps, "mail/letter bombs" and commonly-encountered triggering mechanisms. All very "good stuff to know" if one does not wish to make an "ash" out of oneself. Good information on how to go about preparing for bomb threats, and creating search teams within private businesses is also presented. This book is a good place to start if you are not well versed on explosives.