4.5.1 The shipper shall be responsible for ensuring that a
test to determine the TML of a solid bulk cargo is conducted within six months to the
date of loading the cargo. Notwithstanding this provision, where the composition or
characteristics of the cargo are variable for any reason, the shipper shall be
responsible for ensuring that a test to determine the TML is conducted again after it is
reasonably assumed that such variation has taken place.
4.5.2 The shipper shall be responsible for ensuring that
sampling and testing for moisture content is conducted as near as practicable to the
date of commencement of loading. The interval between sampling/testing and the date of
commencement of loading shall never be more than seven days. If the cargo has been
exposed to significant rain or snow between the time of testing and the date of
completion of loading, the shipper shall be responsible for ensuring that the moisture
content of the cargo is still less than its TML, and evidence of this is provided to the
master as soon as practicable.
4.5.3 Samples of frozen cargo shall be tested
for the TML or the moisture content after the free moisture has completely
thawed.