How must misfires be treated until determined otherwise?

Misfires must be treated as hang fires until determined otherwise to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. A hang fire is a situation where there is a delay between the initiation of the ignition system and the actual firing of the round. This delay can pose a risk because a hang fire can result in an unexpected discharge after a period of time. By treating misfires in this manner, operators take precautionary measures, such as maintaining a safe distance and not attempting to handle or clear the round for a specified amount of time.

This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining safety protocols and preventing accidents. In contrast, treating misfires as safe could lead to dangerous situations if a round unexpectedly fires. Similarly, categorizing them as regular fires or defective would not account for the potential hazards associated with a misfire, as each scenario requires distinct handling procedures. The classification of misfires as hang fires ensures that adequate precautions are in place until the situation is assessed and management protocols are enacted.