65. The two items above are in the nature of hand torches which burn wih a brilliant light visible at night up to three miles. The burning time of the Navy Blue Light Mk 1 Mod 1 is between 60 and 90 seconds, while the Navy Red Light Mk 1 burns between 150 and 180 seconds. These lights consist of a paper tube, which contains the pyrotechnic substance and is fitted with a wooden handle at one end. The other end of the paper tube is closed by a cover which has an exterior coating of abraise identical to that found on the scrat-ching side of a safety-match box and beneath which is a small wad of cotton. The upper end of the paper tube is also covered by a cloth substance impregnated with the igniting compound. This substance is similar to that which makes up the head of a safety match. See Fig. 31.

Figure 31. – Navy Blue Light Mk 1 Mod 1; Navy Red Light Mk 1 (For Hand Use)

Operation

66. Navy Red Light Mk 1 and Navy Blue Light Mk 1 Mod 1 are ignited by tearing the tab seal which allows removal of the cover, and scraping the inverted cover across the top of the paper tube. In this operation it is advisable to hold the light at an angle of ap-proximately 45 degrees, to avoid contact with the hot falling particles of the pyrotechnic candle. The light sould be held at that angle throughout the burning.

Packing

67. Navy Red Light Mk 1 and Navy Blue Light Mk 1 Mod 1 are shipped in metal containers containing six or 12 lights each. Navy Blue Light Mk 1 Mod 1 is also shipped as part of the Reserve Box, Signal Pistol Mk 5 as shown in Fig. 15. As these lights are particularly subject to deterioration when exposed to moisture, they should not be removed from their containers until ready for use.

Stowage

68. General stowage rules as given in paragraphs 9 to 12, inclusive, apply to Navy lights. As these lights are particularly hygroscopic, they should have no direct contact with water or moisture. Lights which have been left in open containers for more than six months should be turned back to the nearest ammunition depot or magazine at the ear-liest opprotunity. Lights which have become chemically encrusted or which give off an acetic (vinegar) odor should be immediately disposed of by placing them in a weighted sack and dumping overboard.

Safety Precautions

69. In igniting, handling, and using Navy Red or Navy Blue lights, the following safety ru-les should be enforced:

(a) The place at which the lights will be burned must be carefully selected, because bur-ning particles often drop from the lighted candles and may start fires.

(b) The light should be held up at an angle of about 45 degrees and pointed to leeward during the burning.