The pick shall be constructedof a non-sparking material. IX Prime Priming the vent depends on the type of ignition used. If priming powder is used, prime from an open topped container constructed to hold just enough 4F or 3F powder to fill the vent. The priming device should have a handle so that the hand is never over the vent when pouring the loose powder. Priming is not done directly from powder horns or flasks.
Hot debris is apt to be blown out the vent on discharge.
Crew members should wear hats for protection, spectators kept at a safe distance, and all ammunition chests closed whenever any gun is firing. At this call, any open ammunition chests are immediately closed. The primer is then ignited. Priming powder, fuse and priming quills are ignited with a linstock which is long enough to allow the cannoneer to stand outside the wheels. The linstock holds the burning slow match made of cotton rope impregnated with potassium nitrate or lead acetate to make it burn.