Storage Compatibility Groups

Examples of these items are explosive switches or valves, and other ammunition items packaged to meet the criteria established for this group.
GROUP E - Group E items are ammunition that contains HE without its own means of initiation with a propulsive charge (other than one containing a flammable or hypergolic liquid). Examples of these items are artillery ammunition, rockets, and guided missiles. 
GROUP F - Group F items are articles containing a secondary detonating explosive substance with its means of initiation, with a propelling charge (other than one containing flammable liquid or hypergolic liquid) or without a propelling charge. Examples are items initiated by means of a button-firing device, grenades, sounding devices, and similar items that have an in-line explosive train in the initiator.
GROUP G - Group G items is fireworks, and illuminating, incendiary, smoke (including HC) or tear-producing munitions other than those munitions that are water activated or contain white phosphorus,  flammable liquid or gel. This group includes ammunition that, upon functioning, results in an incendiary, illumination, lachrymatory, smoke, or sound effect. Examples of these items are flares, signals, incendiary or illuminating ammunition, and other smoke or tear-producing devices. 
GROUP H - Group H items contains explosives and white phosphorus or other pyrophoric material. Ammunition in this group contains filler, which is spontaneously flammable when exposed to the atmosphere. Examples of these items are white phosphorus (WP), white phosphorus plasticized (PWP), or other ammunition containing pyrophoric material.

Storage Compatibility Groups

GROUP A - Group A items are initiating explosives. These are bulk initiating explosives that have the necessary sensitivity to heat, friction, or percussion to make them suitable for use as initiating elements in an explosive train. Wet lead oxide, wet mercury fulminate, dry RDX, and dry PETN are examples of initiating explosives. 
GROUP B - Group B items are detonators and similar initiating devices. These are items containing explosives that are designed to initiate or continue the functioning of an explosive train. Detonators, blasting caps, small arms primers, and fuses without two or more safety features are examples of Group B items.
GROUP C - Group C items are bulk solid propellants, propelling charges, devices containing propellant with or without a means of ignition, and items that will deflagrate, explode or detonate upon initiation. Examples of Group C items are single-, double-, and triple-base propellants, composite propellants, rocket motors (solid propellant), and ammunition with inert projectiles.
GROUP D - Group D items are secondary detonating explosive substances or black powder or articles containing a secondary detonating explosive substance, in each case without means of initiation and without a propelling charge, or articles containing a primary explosive substance and containing two or more effective protective features. Examples of these items are explosive switches or valves, and other ammunition items packaged to meet the criteria established for this group.

Explosive Safety Quantity-Distance (ESQD) Requirements

Explosive Safety Quantity Distance (ESQD) requirements apply to the concentration of ammunition, explosives, and other hazardous materials at Naval Shore Establishments for development; manufacturing; test and maintenance; storage, loading and off-loading of vehicles, railcars and aircraft; disposal; and all related handling incidents. Explosive Safety Quantity Distance (ESQD) requirements are based on records of actual fires and explosions involving ammunition and explosives. ESQD requirements safeguard personnel against possible serious injury or equipment destruction from possible fires or explosions. These requirements also protect the inhabitants of nearby communities, private and public property, and the Naval Shore Establishment personnel. These requirements keep the loss of valuable ammunition stores (including inert ordnance items) to a minimum if there were a fire or explosion. The Department of Defense (DOD) ESQD hazard classification system is based on a system recommended for international use by the United Nations Organization (UNO). The UNO system has nine classes of hazardous material; but, DOD only uses three of the nine classes�Class 1, explosives; Class 2, Division 3, poison A; and Class 6, poisonous (toxic) and infectious substances. The table identifies each of the nine classes. In reviewing the table, you can see that some items are placed in classes other than Class 1. Since DOD uses only Class 1 items for explosives, Class 1 assignments have been made. However, to maintain identity, DOD places these items in Class 1 for storage only until DOD implements other classes. As an AO, you are involved with the storage of Class 1 material; therefore, the information contained in this section only deal with Class 1 classifications. DOD Hazard Class 1 is subdivided into divisions 1 through 5, based on the character and predominance of the associated hazards and the potential for causing personnel casualties or property damage. These subdivision are not based upon compatibility groups or intended use.