Blasting Regulations

Blasting Regulations

Regulatory Requirements

for Blasting Operations

Legal Standards

29 CFR Part 1910 - General Industry

29 CFR Part 1926 - Construction BATF DOT

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:

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 -

1926.903 Use of Safety Fuse - 1926.907 Use of Detonating Cord - 1926.908 Underwater Blasting - 1926.912 Blasting in Excavation Work Under

Compressed Air - 1926.913