What are the regulations for stowage of Class 1 explosives "away from" living quarters?

The IMDG Code mandates specific stowage requirements for Class 1 explosives to be stowed "away from" living quarters to minimize the risk to personnel in case of an accidental explosion. "Away from" generally means that the explosives must be stowed so that a complete bulkhead or deck separates the explosives from living quarters. This separation aims to provide a physical barrier to protect personnel from blast and fragmentation effects. In practice, this typically means stowing explosives in cargo holds that are not directly adjacent to living quarters. The specific distance required depends on the type and quantity of explosives, with more hazardous or larger quantities requiring greater separation. The IMDG Code provides detailed stowage categories and segregation tables that specify the permissible stowage locations for different types of explosives and the required separation distances from living quarters and other incompatible dangerous goods. These regulations also consider the construction and fire resistance of the bulkheads and decks providing the separation. The goal is to ensure that in the event of an explosion, the structural integrity of the living quarters is maintained to the greatest extent possible, providing a safe haven for personnel. Therefore, strict adherence to the IMDG Code's stowage requirements for Class 1 explosives is crucial for protecting the safety of the crew and passengers.