In maritime safety, what is the primary concern when dealing with explosive materials?

The primary concern when dealing with explosive materials is the control of ignition sources. Explosive materials can become hazardous when they are exposed to conditions that can ignite them, such as sparks, open flames, or heat. Managing these ignition sources is crucial to preventing accidents and ensuring safety in environments where explosive substances are handled or stored.

While factors like storage temperature, humidity levels, and employee training all contribute to overall safety practices, they serve more as support mechanisms in the comprehensive safety protocol surrounding explosive materials. For instance, improper storage temperature can potentially affect the stability of the explosives, and high humidity could influence the sensitivity of certain materials, but these aspects are secondary to the fundamental need to prevent ignition that can lead to catastrophic consequences. Employee training is essential for recognizing and managing risks, yet it primarily frames how personnel understand and implement the control measures for ignition sources. Thus, controlling ignition sources remains the foremost priority in dealing with explosive materials.