4.1 Other than in exceptional circumstances permitted
by the relevant legal authorities, no explosives should be brought
to a berth for loading into a ship unless the ship is ready to receive
them. No explosives should be unloaded from a ship at a berth, unless
the means of transport by which they are to be removed from the port
area is ready to receive them. Once the handling of explosives has
begun, it should proceed with due diligence.
4.2 The area of the berth where the explosives
are being handled should be clearly marked out as a protected area
in which the provisions of 3.3.2, 7.2.6.1 and 7.3.7.2 are strictly
enforced. The limits of the area should extend at least 10 metres
from the immediate handling area.
4.3 The space in the ship or cargo transport unit
in which explosives are to be loaded should be carefully cleaned and
maintained in a clean condition and particular attention should be
paid to the provisions of 7.3.7.1.4.
4.4 Explosives should not be handled during the
hours of darkness unless prior consent has been obtained from the
port authority which should take into account all relevant considerations,
including the standard of illuminations, security, fatigue of workers
and weather conditions.
4.5 Equipment for handling explosives should be
of an approved type, properly maintained and tested in accordance
with national and international standards.