Blasting Hazards

in Mining
The use of explosives for
blasting have inherent
risks that must be
considered for safe use
 Objectives
• Blasting hazards
• Types of blasting hazards
• MSHA regulations
• Prudent safe work procedures
 Consequences
• Loss of life
• Personal injury
• Property damage
• Loss of production
• Loss of jobs
• Liability issues
 Explosives Consist of:
• Types
• Blasting agents
• Detonator and initiating systems
 Class A Explosives
• Dynamite
• Cast boosters
• Cap sensitive emulsions
• Slurries
• Water gels
 Blasting agents
• Bagged or bulk ammonium nitrate
(ANFO)
• Bulk emulsions
• Slurries
• Water gels which are not cap
sensitive
 Initiating systems
• Electric blasting caps
• Detonating cord
• Shock tube systems
• Gas systems
• Miniaturized detonating cord
systems
 Hazards
• Premature detonation
• Flyrock
Premature
Detonation
 Electrical
• Stray current
• Static electricity
• Lighting
• Radio frequency energy
• High voltage lines
 Equipment & Machinery
• Traveling over explosives
• Entanglement with blasting
connections
 Handling
• Rough handling of explosives or
explosive agents
• Using improper tools
• Undue pushing, retrieving while
loading hole
• Making up primers in advance
 Storage
• Security
• Fire hazard
• Ventilation
• Mixing explosives & explosive
agents
 Transportation
• Rough handling of explosives or
explosive agents
• Mixing of explosives & explosive
agents
• Fire hazard
 Smoking
• No smoking
• No matches or open flames
Flyrock
 Reasons
• Failure to anticipate flyrock
• Failure to move to a safe location
• Failure to take cover in safe
location
• Failure to obey blasting warnings
or signals
• Failure to obey order of blaster
 Reasons
• Failure to follow MSHA regulations
• Failure to adequately cover shot
• Attempting to dig out or handle a
misfire
• Depending on a cab for protection
• Driving over explosives &
explosive agents
 Flyrock From Misfires
• Digging out or handling a misfire
• Failure to anticipate a misfire
• Failure to recognize a suspected
misfire
• Failure to wait required time
before investigating suspected
misfire
• Failure to block off misfire area
• Failure to report suspected misfire
 After Gases
• Chemicals
–Carbon monoxide
–Oxides of nitrogen
• Effects
–Suffocation
–Pulmonary edema
 Lighting
• Cease loading until storm has
passed
• Use AM radio just off local station
& listen for static
• Call local weather station
Heat/Pressure/Concussion
• Temp in excess of 150 degrees
– Keep sparks & open flames a safe
distance away
• Subfreezing temp
– Take suitable precautions
• Excessive pressure
– Care in loading holes
• Some explosives/agents are very
sensitive to concussion
– Care in loading holes
 Electric Sources
• Overhead power lines
–Keep required distance away
• Radio and electric towers
–Keep required distance away
• Equipment trailing cables
–Remove cable from area
• Two way radios
–Turn off
 Electric sources
• Cellular phones
–Turn off
• Homes & business
–Keep required distance away
• Blasting machines
–Keep out of area until needed or use
non-electric initiation
• Equipment & batteries
–Remove from area
 Regulators
• MSHA
• DOT
• Federal Highway Administration
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, &
Firearms
• State & local
Regulations
 Storage
• Separate storage for detonators &
other explosive material
• Separated when stored in same
magazine
• Magazine areas clear for 25’
• No combustibles within 50’
• Use old explosives first
 Storage
• Stored according to brand & grade
• Stack no higher than 8’
• Stored in nonconductive
containers
• Stored in magazines
 Storage
• Ventilated , weatherproof & locked
• Bulk blasting agents stored in
weatherproof containers
• Placards & warning signs
• Located in areas where a hazard
will not be created
• Located away from blast area &
power lines
 Storage
• Structurally sound
• Noncombustible
• Bullet resistant
• Made of non-sparking material
• Ventilated to control dampness &
excessive heat
 Storage
• Kept clean & dry inside
• Lighted - not to create fire or
explosion
• Unheated or heated - not to create
fire or explosion
• Locked when unattended
• Exclusively for explosive storage
 Storage
• Electrical bonded when necessary
• Switches & outlets located outside
• Powder chests structurally sound
• Powder chests weather resistant
• Powder chests posted with
placards &warning signs
 Storage
• Powder chest located out of blast
area when loading complete
• Powder chest locked or attended
• Powder chest emptied at end of
each shift
• Detonators & blasting agents
separated in powder chests
 Transporting
• Transported without undue delay
to blast or storage area
• Detonators in original packing
• Detonators & explosive agent
separated by wood dividers
• Detonators & explosive agent in
closed containers
 Transport Vehicles
• Maintained in good conditions
• Equipped with sides to protect
cargo
• Separate cargo & passenger area
• Equipped with 2 extinguishers or
fire suppression system
• Posted with warning signs
 Transport Vehicles
• Occupied only by necessary
persons
• Attended or locked when parked
• Parking brake set
• Wheels chocked
• Engine off when not needed
 Transport Vehicles
• Non-sparking material in cargo
space
• Non-sparking equipment secured
in cargo area
• Have no zinc or copper exposed in
cargo space
• Any enclosed screw-conveyor
protected from friction/pressure
 Locomotives
• Not transported on locomotive
• Explosives insulated when carried
on cars transported by locomotive
 Hoists
• Notify hoist operator of cargo
• Secured on hoist
• Not transported with mantrip
 Use Of Explosives
• Only trained person should handle
• Trainees work with experienced
persons
• Check blast holes before loading
• Keep detonators & explosive
separate until ready to load
• Make up primers only when ready
for use
 Use Of Explosives
• Primers secured in explosive
appropriately
• Proper connections between
multiple detonating cords
• No tamping directly on primer
• No dropping of explosives/blasting
agents on primers
• Unused explosives removed
before blast is detonated
 Use Of Explosives
• Blast attended, barricaded & posted
from unauthorized entry
• Vehicles not driven over explosives
• Once loading begins only activities
related to loading shall occur
• Loading & blasting to proceed without
undue delay
• All persons leave blast area before
detonation except those necessary for
blast ignition
 Use Of Explosives
• Person detonating shall protect
themselves from flyrock & gasses
• Ample waning given to evacuate
• Clear exit routes provided
• Access route guarded or
barricaded
• Post blast inspection
• Explosive material not loaded
using drill stem equipment
 Use Of Explosives
• Initiation system follow manufacturer
specifications
• Liquid hydrocarbons with specific
flash points not used
• Waste oil not used with ANFO
• Misfire - not return to blast area for:
– 30 minutes if safety fuse & blasting caps
are used
– 15 minutes other types of detonators
 Use Of Explosives
• Faces & muck piles examined for
misfires
• Only work necessary to remove a
misfire can proceed in a blast area
• Areas suspected of misfires shall
be posted with warning signs
 Use Of Explosives
• Areas suspected of misfires
reported to management, no later
than end of shift
• All secondary blasts shall be
initiated from one source
 Electric Blasting
• All detonators from same manufacture
& have similar firing characteristics
• Kept shunted until connection to
blasting line is made
• Kept shunted until immediately before
blast
• No electrical circuits within 50’ of
detonators at blast site
• Each blast circuit have safety switch
or equivalent
 Electric Blasting
• One safety switch outside blast area in
open position until person withdrawn
• Switches locked in open position until
blast
• No leads connected until shot is ready
• Power sources capable of delivering
sufficient current
• Blasting machines tested, repaired &
maintained
 Electric Blasting
• Only blaster have control of firing
device
• Blast connected in parallel limited
to 25 milliseconds
• Blasting circuits tested with
approved devices
• Continuity tests required
• Resistance tests required
 Non-electric blasting
• Visual checks required of all
components
• Shock tube connects secured
properly
• No connects between blast holes
shall occur until all persons
unnecessary for firing are clear
 Non-electric blasting
• Detonating line cut from spool
immediately after explosive is
positioned in hole
• Trunk line layout designed so
detonation can reach all blast holes
from 2 directions
• Detonators positioned to side of the
detonating cord & pointed in direction
etonation is to proceed
• Lead-in lines manually unreeled if
connected to truck lines
 Non-electric blasting
• Initiation tested for continuity if
gas tubes are used prior to blast
• Burning rate of safety fuse made
know to all involved
• Sufficient safety fuse lengths
• Safety fuse damage from flyrock
considered in preparation
 Non-electric blasting
• Fuse cut & capped in dry location
• Care taken when crimping fuse to
blasting caps
• Safety fuse only ignited after fuse
& explosives are in place
• Safety fuse ignited only by devices
for such purpose
• 2 persons present when lighting
safety fuse
 Extraneous Electricity
• Any blast area suspected of
extraneous electricity shall be
tested for such condition
• Electric blasting circuits shall not
be grounded
• Any potential static electricity
problem corrected before loading
 Extraneous Electricity
• Loading hose constructed of
materials which produce minimal
amounts of static electricity
• Wire-countered hose not used
• Loading equipment bonded &
grounded
• Plastic tubes not used as hole
liners if electric detonators are
used
 Extraneous Electricity
• 15’ air gap between blasting circuit
& electric power source
• During approach & progress of
electrical storms, blasting
suspended & take safe refuge
• All blasting lines & leads protected
from any source of stray or static
electricity
 Extraneous Electricity
• Only non-sparking tools used to
open explosive containers or
punch holes in explosive
cartridges
• Tamping & loading poles made of
wood or nonconductive materials
 Black Powder
• Only used when desired result can
not be obtained with other
explosive products
• Non-sparking containers
• Kept in enclosed cargo space
while transporting
 Black Powder
• Securely closed at all times when
within 50’ of magazine or open flame
• Securely closed within a building fuel-
fired or exposed to electric heat
element
• Securely closed where electrical or
incandescent particle sparks could
result in ignition
• Only transferred by pouring
 Black Powder
• Cleaned up promptly
• Misfires disposed of by washing
stemming & powder from blast
holes
• Holes not reloaded for at least 12
hours when blast holes have failed
to break as planned
 Maintenance
• Any work on storage facility that
may produce spark or flame
requires removal of all explosive
materials for 50’ distance
• Facility cleaned to prevent
accidental detonation
• No vehicle containing explosives
or oxidizers taken to shop or
garage
 Maintenance
• No welding on bulk truck until
truck has been washed & clean of
explosive materials
• Permanent blasting lines properly
supported, insulated & in good
repair
 General requirements
• Damaged or deteriorated
explosive disposed in safe manner
• Explosives not loaded where
excessive heat could cause
premature detonation
• When blasting sulfide ores & hot
holes, measurement of blast hole
temperature done before loading
 General requirements
• When blasting sulfide ores and hot
holes, limit time between loading
& initiation no more than 12 hours
• If suspected that explosive
material is burning, evacuate area
& not return for at one hour after
burning stops
• No open flames or smoking
permitted within 50’ of explosive
materials
 General requirements
• Explosive materials protected
from temperatures in excess of
150 degrees
• Explosive materials protected
from impact, except during
tamping sand during loading
process
Other regulatory agencies
• DOT - hazardous material
transportation
• Federal Highway Administration -
explosives transportation
• ATF - storage & interstate
commerce of explosive materials
• State & local regulatory officials
Factors Affecting Incidents
• Company-specific procedures
• Employee training
• Mining methods
• Drilling at blast site
• Initiation process
• Proximity to dwellings or
processes
Procedures
 Company
• Notifying employees & contractors
of proposed blast
• Signs posted
• Audible signals
• Radio communication
 Take Cover
• Meeting location before blast
• Safe distance from blast area
• Out of equipment & not relying on
cab/windshield for protection
• Not in direct line of fire of blast
• Inside building away from blast
 Assisting Blaster
• Loading blast hole
• Guarding/barricading roads &
highways
• Communicating with blaster to
advise of not safe to detonate
• Staying away for blast site with
machinery/equipment & electrical
apparatus when loading started
 Return to Blast Area
• How notified
• Staying away from blast smoke &
fumes
Misfire - Unsafe Conditions
• Employee notifies management &
blaster
• Employee does not attempt to
handle misfire
• Employee moves to a safe location
until hazardous condition
corrected
 Training
• New miner
• Annual refresher
• Site-specific
• Changes at mine in regards to
blasting procedure
• Task training
 Mining Methods
• Understand highwall & bench hazards
• Scaling of highwall where blast
preparation is taking place
• Barricading highwall areas where
hazards exist
• Use of cones/berms to indicate edge
of highwall
• Barricading or signs leading to blast
area
 Drilling
Procedures
 Drilling Procedures
• Size of drill hole must be decided
• Driller & blaster will review blast
plan & inspect proposed area for
unsafe conditions
• Must have experience & adequate
knowledge of drill
• Inspection of drill
 Drilling Procedures
• Proper PPE of driller
• Drill holes to predetermine depths
• No drilling within 50’ of loaded or
partially loaded holes
• Position drill safe distance from
bench edge
• Position drill safe distance from
highwall
 Drilling Procedures
• Make note to inform blaster of
drilling condition found
• No angled or inclined drilling is
permitted unless approved by
blaster and management
• Use of safety lines when drilling
adjacent to open faces outside
drill
Initiation Process
 Electric Initiation
• Follow MSHA regulations on
electric detonation
• Know & understand hazards of
electric detonation systems
• Blasting machines stored away
from blast site until needed
 Electric Initiation
• Use only connections & hookups
approved by product
manufacturers
• Blast site cleared of all
unnecessary equipment & persons
• All electric connections double
checked & inspected
• Mechanized equipment kept clear
of detonator leads & shock tubes
 Non-Electric Initiation
• Follow MSHA regulations on non-
electric detonation
• Know & understand hazards of
non-electric detonation systems
• Non-electric starters stored away
from blast site until needed
 Non-Electric Initiation
• All non-electric connections
double checked & inspected
• Shock tube detonators never be
pulled until they break
• Mechanized equipment kept clear
of detonator leads & shock tubes
 Control Of
Blasting Hazard
 Proximity To Dwellings
• Procedures for blasting & storage
of explosives near highways,
roads, residential areas &
business
• Follow MSHA regulations on
storage of explosives &
detonating devices & blasting
• Follow DOT regulations when
transporting explosive agents on
public roads
 Proximity To Dwellings
• Know state & local regulations
• Guard & block off roads
• Stop traffic on highways if in
hazard zone
• Keep blast area required distance
from homes, schools & business
• Advise all in area before blast
detonation
 Control Blasting Hazard
• Contractor safety procedures
• Site security procedures
• Storage & handling
• Warning & alarm systems
• Take cover procedures
• Post-blast inspection procedure
 Hazard Identification
• Understand explosives are
sensitive & handled with care
• Realize electricity is hazardous
when working with explosives
• Never work with explosive when
electricity is present
• Follow all explosive manufacturers
recommendations
 Hazard Identification
• Use approved tools - improper
tools can lead to incidents
• Flyrock incidents cause injury &
taking cover is just one solution
• Only experienced persons shall
handle explosives
 Blasters & Drillers
• Follow MSHA regulations
• Follow company rules
• Inform management problems
• Respect safety of mine employees
• Respect safety of areas adjacent
to mine
• Control potential flyrock
 Contractors
• Informed of blasting hazards
• Know blasting warning signals
• Know location to be when blast is
loaded & detonated
• Stay out of blast area
• Know when it is safe to return to
blast area after detonation
 Contractors
• Don’t depend on equipment cabs
to protect from flyrock
• Don’t handle suspected misfire
• Know who to notify if misfire is
detected
• Stay out of blast fumes & smoke
 Site Security
• All necessary signs are posted
• Warning signals/signs utilized
• Roads barricaded or guarded
• Highway traffic stopped
• Employees & contractors notified
• Verify homes & business adjacent
to blast site notified
 Storage & Handling
• Separate storage for detonators &
explosive material
• Magazine kept clean & no
combustibles allowed to
accumulate
• Use old explosives first & store
according to brand & grade
• Locked when unattended
• Exclusively for explosive storage
 Storage & Handling
• No smoking or open flames
• Follow precautions when transporting
• Handled by experience persons
• Non-experienced handle explosives
under supervision of experienced
• Load blast holes using manufacturers
recommendations
• Know & understand initiation system
 Warning & Alarms
• Employees & contractors know
warnings & alarms
• System reviewed with employees
& contractors to ensure familiarity
• Systems can consist of signs,
audible signals & radio
communication
 Take Cover Procedures
• Employees & contractors
instructed on procedures
• Adequate time given for take cover
• Adequate distance considered
• Suitable protection considered
• Blaster/management ensure all
employees protected
 Post-Blast Inspection
• Inspect after gases/fumes cleared
• Explosives have detonated & no
detection of misfires exist
• Inspect ground conditions
• Inspect surrounding areas
• Communicate with guards &
others on blast issues reported
Blast Related
Incidents
 Analysis
• Causes
• Correction/lessons learned
• Prudent safe work practices
 Causes
• Review of MSHA Fatalgrams &
reports involving explosives
• Review of company incident
reports
 Lessons Learned
• Review of MSHA Fatalgrams &
reports involving explosives
• Review of company incident
reports
 Safe Work Practices
• If there is something you do not
understand, get answer now
• Once explosives are loaded at the
blast area & within minutes of
detonation is no time for second
guessing
• No such thing as a little blast &
small amounts of explosives can
cause destruction & grief
 Safe Work Practices
• Shortcuts lead to disaster
• Never accept the “I think everything is
OK.” Know by checking, double
checking & asking all involved the
blast is 100% before detonation
• Even if your part is very small in the
blasting process, speak up if
something doesn’t look right, smells
funny or gives you wrong feeling
• Work as a team & communicate
 Last Words
• I didn’t think flyrock could go that far
• I thought they knew better not to force
blasting caps
• I thought all roads were blocked &
guarded - I don’t know where that
person came from
• I don’t know why he thought
windshield would stop flyrock
• I thought I told them not to handle
suspected misfires