What should be done with shells that are damaged but can potentially be repaired?

The correct approach for handling damaged shells that have the potential for repair is to assess them for repairability without disassembly. This step is crucial as it allows trained personnel to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine if a safe and effective repair is possible while maintaining the integrity of the shell's function. Techniques such as visual inspection or non-destructive testing can help identify issues without compromising the shell further.

Assessing without disassembly also aligns with safety protocols outlined in NFPA 1123, which emphasizes minimizing risks associated with handling explosives. This method prevents unnecessary alteration of the shell and avoids accidental initiation, which could occur during disassembly.

In contrast, ignoring the damaged shells fails to address safety concerns, which can lead to hazards if they are stored and potentially used later. Repairing them immediately without a thorough assessment might result in overlooking critical factors that would affect their safe use. Lastly, declaring that they must not be used without proper evaluation blocks the opportunity for potential safe repairs, which would be a waste of resources and materials. Thus, the careful assessment of repairability without disassembly is the best course of action.