TM 55-07/NAVSEA OP 3221 Rev 2
Figure 735. Completion of stow with smaller unit loads.
7-11. Open-Hold Guardrail
Military explosives will not be loaded or unloaded in a hatch simultaneously with other cargo being worked in any hold
served by that hatch. In addition, all tween-deck hatch covers must be in place before cargo can be worked in a
compartment below which military explosives are stowed. In some cases during the loading of a ship, however,
personnel may be required to be present in a higher tween deck hold; for example, to assemble prefabricated structures
or to install preload dunnaging while loading operations are proceeding in the next lower level. To protect the personnel,
a guardrail is constructed across the open tween-deck hatch. Construction details are shown in figure 7-36 for ships
without flush steel hatch covers. The guardrail extends the full width of the hatch and is located a minimum of 2 feet
from the edge of the open hold. A minimum rail height of 42 inches above the hatch boards is required. The double 2by
10-inch plate at the base of the bracing acts as a positive stop for forklifts that might inadvertently move toward the open
hatch. For ships with flush steel hatch cover, a wire rope or net safety barrier should be constructed.
7-42
