PSSM – physical security & stockpile management

Physical security and stockpile management (PSSM) covers all measures that keep conventional weapons and ammunition safe, secure and accounted for: depot infrastructure, storage conditions, explosive safety distances, record-keeping, access control, surveillance of ammunition and disposal of surplus. GEODE assesses stockpiles, designs PSSM improvement plans, trains national staff and supports governments and international organisations in reducing the risks of unplanned explosions at munitions sites and of diversion to illicit markets.

Why PSSM matters

Poorly managed stockpiles create two risks: unplanned explosions at munitions sites that endanger nearby populations, and the loss or diversion of small arms, light weapons (SALW) and ammunition. PSSM programmes address both, using the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG) published by the United Nations as the reference framework.

What GEODE delivers

• PSSM assessments and audits of depots and storage sites: infrastructure, physical security, explosive safety, accounting and procedures.
• Risk reduction plans: prioritised measures, infrastructure upgrades, storage and handling procedures.
• Identification of surplus, obsolete and unserviceable ammunition and preparation of destruction or demilitarization programmes.
• Training and training of trainers in PSSM and SALW control for national security and defence forces.
• Technical assistance to national commissions and international programmes.

Reference framework

Reference	Scope
IATG (UN SaferGuard)	International Ammunition Technical Guidelines – safe and secure management of conventional ammunition
IATG 10.10	Demilitarization, destruction and logistic disposal of conventional ammunition (3rd edition, March 2021)

Relevant experience

• Tajikistan: PSSM technical assessment for the elimination of surplus small arms and conventional ammunition.
• Benin: PSSM training of trainers.
• Senegal, Mali, Niger and Mauritania: PSSM and SALW control.

Frequently asked questions

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