Blasting Regulations Regulatory Requirements for Blasting Operations

Legal Standards u 29 CFR Part General Industry u 29 CFR Part Construction u BATF u DOT

General Provisions: u General requirements not specifically related to a particular operation or procedure u Usually broad in scope u “Do’s and Don’ts”, “Always and Nevers”

Blaster Qualifications: u Knowledge and Experience u Training u Physical Ability u Evidence of Competency Certified Blaster

Storage of Explosives: u Storage in Magazines u Separate Magazines for Explosives and Detonators u Separation Distances –barricaded –unbarricaded

Transporting Explosives u Requires CDL with Hazmat Endorsement u Proper Placarding u No smoking, etc. u Same vehicle for explosives and detonators may be permitted u Route Plan

Loading Explosives: u No operating equipment within 50 feet of loaded holes u Load only those holes intended to be fired in the next round u Warning signs posted u Check all holes for depth prior to loading

Initiation of Explosives: u Connections from boreholes back to source of firing current u Survey for extraneous electricity u Solid Connecting & Lead wires u EB detonators all the same kind u Proper resistance u Leg wires shunted

Initiation of Explosives - cont: u Only the Blaster shall: –be in charge of the blasting machine –connect lead wires to machine –test circuits with Blasting Galvanometers –fire the shot –immediately disconnect lead wires after firing the shot

Firing the Blast: u Code of signals, familiar to everyone, must be posted u Loud warning signal prior to firing the shot u Flagmen posted at every roadway passing through the blasting zone u Blaster must assure safety

Post Blast Inspection: u Disconnect firing line immediately after blast u Allow sufficient time for dispersion of fumes u Blaster must verify all charges have fired before others are allowed into blast area

Misfires: u Exclude all employees from danger zone u No other work except that required to clear the misfire u First attempt is to re-fire the hole u Explosives may be removed by washing out with water if re-fire doesn’t work u All non-electric misfires require 1 hr wait u Misfires handled by Blaster in charge

Personal Protective Equipment: u Hard Hat u Safety Toed Shoes u Reflective Vest u Safety Glasses u Gloves u Hearing Protection

Other Regulated Operations: u Underground Transportation u Use of Safety Fuse u Use of Detonating Cord u Underwater Blasting u Blasting in Excavation Work Under Compressed Air