Under which conditions may hermetically sealed containers be opened during inspections?

• A. Outer appearance indicates signs of damage or corrosion that may have penetrated container
• B. Item TO specifically directs containers be opened
• C. Never opened
• D. Both item TO and outer damage conditions

Answer: (D)

Opening hermetically sealed containers is allowed only when directed by the applicable technical order or when there are signs of external damage that could have breached the seal. The seal’s integrity is critical for safety and containment, so you don’t open it by habit—only when the procedure explicitly requires it or when outer damage suggests a possible penetration that warrants inspection of the contents. In other words, you may open if the item TO directs it, or if visible outer damage indicates a breach; otherwise, keep the seal intact.