03 Agustus 2011
AGL 40mm mounted on Bionix IFV (photo : Jane's)
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has suspended all 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) live-firing training exercises until investigations are completed on an accident last Sunday in which a full-time national serviceman was injured.
In response to queries from MediaCorp, Colonel Desmond Tan, director at Mindef Public Affairs, said preliminary investigations showed all safety procedures were adhered to during the exercise in which Specialist Cadet (SCT) Percy Toh Cheng Kai suffered superficial injuries when a 40mm round's propellant partially detonated in the AGL.
He was at that time firing the 40mm AGL mounted on a Bionix I Infantry Fighting Vehicle when the 40mm round's propellant exploded in the weapon.
Colonel Tan said SCT Toh has since been discharged from the National University Hospital and is recovering at home.
He added that his well-being is the SAF's priority and that the SAF will continue to provide assistance and support to him and his family.
The SAF also elaborated on some of its precautionary measures for live firing exercises.
It said servicemen are required to attend weapons handling lessons and pass relevant training safety regulations and technical handling tests before the exercise.
A safety specialist is also assigned to each servicemen to ensure he follows correct procedures.
A supervising officer, a conducting officer and a chief safety officer will also be on site to ensure safety regulations are strictly followed.
And to ensure that medical assistance is available as soon as it's necessary, a trained SAF medic equipped with a safety Land Rover will also be on hand.
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