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Blasting Regulations Regulatory Requirements for NCDOT Blasting Operations

29 CFR Part General Industry 29 CFR Part Construction Legal Standards:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Initiation of Explosives (cont’d) 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 Code of signals, familiar to everyone, must be posted Loud warning signal prior to firing the shot Flagmen posted at every roadway passing through the blasting zone Blaster must assure safety

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

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

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

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