102                             LAWS OF MARYLAND                        [CH. 46

azines, houses, cars, boats, conveyances, and all other places in which
explosives or ingredients are manufactured, transported, stored, or
used. The [Commissioner] State Fire Marshal is authorized to in-
vestigate all explosives, accidents, or fires, in which there is reason
to believe that explosives were involved. The [Commissioner] State
Fire Marshal may in his discretion report his findings in such man-
ner as he may deem fit to the proper federal or State authorities to
the end that if such explosion has been brought about by a willful
act, the person or persons causing such act may be proceeded against
and brought to justice; or, if the explosion has been brought about by
accidental means, that precautions may be taken to prevent similar
accidents from occurring. In the prosecution of such investigations
the employees under the direction of the [Commissioner! State Fire
Marshal are hereby granted the authority to enter the premises
where such explosion or fire has occurred, to examine plans, books
and papers, to administer oaths to, and to examine all witnesses and
persons concerned, without let or hindrance on the part of the owner,
lessee, operator, or agent thereof.

[30] 34. Penalties. Any person who violates any provision of
this subtitle, or any rule or regulation made hereunder, shall, upon
conviction, be imprisoned for a term of not more than six months, or
shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or both.

[31] 35. Exceptions.

The licensing provisions of this subtitle shall not apply to the
armed forces of the United States, the National Guard, the State
Guard, or to officers or employees of the United States or of this
State or of any political subdivision thereof, who are authorized to
handle explosives in the performance of their duties.

Nothing contained in this subtitle shall apply to explosives while
being transported upon vessels, vehicles or railroad cars, or while
being held for delivery, provided such transportation and delivery is
subject to and in conformity with the regulations prescribed by the
Interstate Commerce Commission or [the Bureau of Marine Inspec-
tion, Department of Commerce of the United States of America]
United States Coast Guard and provided, further, that nothing in this
subtitle shall apply to the receipt, possession and use of signals re-
quired for the safe operation of vessels, motor vehicles, railroad cars
or aircraft, by the operators of such vessels, motor vehicles, railroad
cars and aircraft.

[32] 36. Severability.

If any provision of this subtitle or the application thereof to any
person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not af-
fect other provisions or applications of the subtitle which can be
given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this
end the provisions of this subtitle are declared to be severable.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the State Fire Preven-
tion Code initially promulgated by the State Fire Prevention Commis-
sion shall be based upon and essentially similar to a Code prepared by
the Assistant Fire Marshal prior to the passage of this Act.