AA - GTG - 000013 - V0 AMRG 3 Expolsives Handling

AA GTG 13 AMRG 3 - EXPLOSIVES HANDLING STANDARD ISSUE 0
GUIDELINE 30 September 2011
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AMRG 3 - EXPLOSIVES HANDLING STANDARD

GUIDELINE
1 Aim 2
2 Motivation 3
3 Application 3
4 Definitions 4
5 Requirements 6
5.1 People 6
5.2 Systems 13
5.3 Other 53
Appendix A: Related Documents 56
Appendix B: Record of Amendments 56
Appendix C: United Nations Hazard Classification Codes 57
COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL APPROVED Page 1 of 60

AA GTG 13 AMRG 3 - EXPLOSIVES HANDLING GUIDELINE ISSUE 0
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1 AIM
The aim of this Guideline is to provide additional guidance for the implementation of the Anglo
American Major Risk Standard, AA GTS 13, Explosives Handling:
This Group Technical Standard defines the minimum requirements for the safe
handing of explosives in Anglo American.
The aim of this Standard is to ensure that major risks associated with explosives
handling are identified, assessed and controlled by competent and authorised
persons such that the risk of harm to people or the environment is minimised. Where
legislation or applicable national standards contradict this standard or are more
stringent than this standard, such regulation or standard shall apply.
All text shown in boxes throughout this Guideline is a direct repeat of the content of
AA GTS 13.
Explosives have caused a number of fatalities in the past and, when not properly managed
and controlled, may result in safety, community and environmental incidents. Although
explosives are strictly regulated, incidents are likely to occur if an Explosives Safety
Management System is not available or not applied. The aim of the Standard is to manage
and control explosives in a proactive manner to prevent incidents that may cause harm to
people and the environment. The major factors contributing to explosives risk are:
a) Lack of understanding of the properties of explosives therefore underestimating the risks

associated with the explosives
b) Insufficient quality control
c) Insufficient skills and training
d) Wrong design and application
e) Lack of systems and controls in place
f) Lack of compliance checks and audits.

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2 MOTIVATION
Technical Governance is a vital component of Group Governance processes. It is
intended to be the cornerstone of achieving global leading business performance by
adding value and mitigating risk across the organisation. Concise, non-negotiable
Policies and Standards are supported by Guidelines on major technical issues and
opportunities where a common and consistent approach should be taken across
Anglo American.
This Group Technical Standard shall define the organisation and systems to support
the Technical Governance process and ensure it is applied consistently.
Explosives have the potential to cause harm to people, the community and the
environment, either in an incident involving loss of control or in normal controlled
activities during manufacturing, transportation, storage, handling and destruction.
This Standard will help control the manufacture, transportation, storage and use of
explosive materials with the intent to protect people, the environment and to prevent
the illegal sale and/or distribution of explosive materials.
This Guideline applies to all types of explosives which include, but are not limited to, all
materials such as explosives containing explosive oils, slurry, water gel and emulsion
explosives and blasting agents, ANFO and other ammonium nitrate blasting agents, initiating
devices and cords including detonating cord, shock tubes and fuses, all kinds of detonators
such as electrical detonators, electronic detonators, caps (normally attached to fuses), surface
relays, delay detonators, boosters, dynamites, nitrated organics such as PETN, TNT and
RDX. They may be packaged in various forms or in bulk form and sometimes already-
assembled forms such as shock tube systems and capped fuses.
3 APPLICATION
This Group Technical Standard is mandatory and applies to the Anglo American
corporate centre and all managed businesses and operations, including contractors
and visitors when involved in controlled activities. This Standard is authorised by the
Group Technical Standards Board.
This Standard applies to all materials classified as explosives that may be in the form
of bulk, packaged or initiating explosives and devices used as shot exploders.
Strategies and control activities to manage the handling of explosives shall be

recorded in the Explosives Management and Control Plan.

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4 DEFINITIONS
AN : Ammonium nitrate
ANFO : Ammonium nitrate and fuel oil explosive mix
ANPP : Ammonium nitrate porous prill
Authorised Person : Person who has been appointed by the site authority and who
is in possession of any relevant or required certification of
competency
Back-break/Over-break : Rock broken beyond the limits of the last row of holes in a
blast
Blast/Blasting : The firing of explosive materials for such purposes as

breaking rock or other material, moving material
Blaster : A qualified individual who designs loading and firing of a blast.

May or may not be licensed according to local regulations
Blasthole/Drill- : A hole drilled in the material to be blasted for the purpose of

hole/Borehole/Barrel containing an explosives charge
Blasting Agent : An explosive material which meets prescribed criteria for

insensitivity to initiation (the finished product, as mixed for use
or shipment, cannot be detonated by means of No.8 test
blasting cap when unconfined). Blasting agent is a substance
which has a mass explosion hazard but is so insensitive that
there is very little probability of initiation or of transition from
burning to detonation under normal conditions of transport.
For storage, a blasting agent is defined as any materials or
mixture, consisting of fuel and oxidizer intended for blasting,
not otherwise defined as an explosive
Cartridge : An individually-wrapped, shelled, bagged or tubed circular

cross-section containing explosive material
Charging : Loading of blastholes with primers and explosives
Competent Person : Legally authorised and with knowledge, training and

experience to design, organise, supervise and perform duties
for which he is appointed
Detonator : Any device containing an initiating or primary explosive that is

used for initiating detonation in another explosive material. A
detonator may not contain more than 10 grams of total
explosives by weight, excluding ignition or delay charges. The
term includes electric blasting caps of instantaneous and

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delay types, electronic detonators, blasting caps for use with

safety fuses, detonating cord delay connectors and non-
electric instantaneous and delay blasting caps which use
detonating cord, shock tube or any other replacement for
electric leg wires
EMCP : Explosives Management and Control Plan
Explosive : Any chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or

common purpose of which is to function by explosion
Explosive materials : These include explosives, blasting agents and detonators.

The term includes dynamite and other high explosives,
slurries, emulsions and water gels, black powder and pellet
powder, initiating explosives, detonators (blasting caps),
safety fuse, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord and igniters
Fly-rock : Rocks propelled from the blast area by the force of an

explosion
Group Technical : Group Technical Standards normally have an associated

Guideline Group Technical Guideline. In some cases, these may be
public domain documents.
Group Technical Guidelines shall expand on requirements set
in the Group Technical Standards, providing more detail
including generic documentation, interpretations, examples of
leading practice and dealing with implementation aspects.
A basis for producing Procedures, Work Instructions, Forms
and Templates
Group Technical : Group Technical Standards define minimum requirements to

Standard be implemented across the Anglo American Group. They are
driven by risk or value-based criteria or are needed to enable
governance where a common and consistent approach
should be taken across the Group
Magazine : Any building, structure or container, other than an explosives

manufacturing building, approved for the storage of explosive
materials
Misfire : A blast or specific borehole that failed to detonate as planned.

Also, the explosive materials that failed to detonate as
planned
Powder : A common synonym for explosive materials
Primer : A unit used to initiate other explosives or blasting agents, and

which comprises a cartridge or detonating cord to which is
attached a detonator designed to initiate the detonating cord

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Safety Fuse : A flexible cord containing solid flammable material by which

fire or flame is conveyed at a continuous and uniform rate
from the point of ignition to a cut end. A fuse detonator is
usually attached to that end, although safety fuse may be
used without a detonator to ignite material such as
deflagrating explosives
Sensitivity : The physical characteristic of an explosive material classifying

its ability to be initiated upon receiving an external impulse
such as impact, shock, flame, friction or other influence which
can cause explosive decomposition
Shot-firer : See blaster
Tie-up : Connecting the blastholes by means of initiating

cords/tubes/cables in a planned manner for sequential
detonation of blastholes
5 REQUIREMENTS
5.1 People
Roles and responsibilities associated with the handling of explosives shall be clearly
defined and included in the Explosives Management and Control Plan.
Clear definition of roles and responsibilities is important due to the participation and
involvement of different parties, most of them external to the Company (e.g. suppliers,
contractors, etc.).The mine management‟s key responsibility regarding the use of explosives,
as is the case with other risks, is to ensure that the work is properly managed, planned, co-
ordinated and supervised whether the work is undertaken by the mine worker or a contractor.
The following sub-sections clarify minimum roles and responsibilities to be allocated to people
in various designations within an operation.
5.1.1 Design of Explosives Facilities/Equipment
The persons who are responsible for designing explosives facilities are required to
understand:
a) The health, safety, environmental and other statutory legislation, regulations, safe
working practices and procedures governing explosives and their implications for the
area of work
b) The relevance of personal protective equipment
c) The nature, characteristics, hazards and risks of the explosive substance or article
d) The actions to be taken in response to an unplanned event
e) The purpose for which the explosives facility is being designed
f) Security requirements

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g) When and why re-commissioning may be appropriate (change of use)

h) The resources available and any constraints attached to their use
i) Separation distance requirements
j) The features of good design for an explosives facility
k) Which authorities should be consulted
l) The requirements for obtaining approval from your organisation
m) The external licensing process and timetable.
Consider at least the following criteria for the design of a successful explosives facility:
a) Contractor selection and appointment process and criteria

b) Incorporation of appropriate construction standards and specifications in tender and
project specifications
c) Preparation and review of fabrication drawings
d) Construction quality assurance process
e) All construction activities shall comply with the Anglo American Fatal Risk Standards, in
particular AA AFRS 1 Light Vehicles, AA AFRS 7 Working at Heights and AA AFRS 8
Lifting Operations
f) Design, approval and inspection of temporary works
g) Change control and management (to consider factors such as new contractors,
unexpected ground conditions or weather, etc.)
h) Certification of completed construction by a Structural Engineer
i) Preparation of “as-built” drawings
j) Risk assessment for commissioning.
5.1.2 Planning
Planning the Blast
Planning the blast is essential for proper management of explosives risk whereby the amount
ordered is known and the duties and responsibilities can be assigned proactively. The
planning includes the following responsibilities:
a) Blasting specification (design and calculation) to:

1. Reduce the risk of fly-rock being projected outside the declared danger zone is as
low as possible, and state any special precautions required to achieve this
2. Minimise the risk of misfires
3. Enable the location of any misfired blastholes to be determined accurately
4. Ensure that faces are left in a safe condition after a blast
5. Take account of experience gained from previous blasts, any unusual
circumstances which are present or likely to arise, the design of the excavation,
shortcomings during drilling (likely cause of projectiles)
6. Have a reliable survey of the face, giving details of blastholes (position, angle,

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depth, direction)
7. Comply with the blasthole drill plan
8. Identify and provide information on anomalies encountered during drilling (voids,
disruptions, discontinuity in the deposit).
b) Ground vibration, air blast, overpressure and fly-rock control by suitable design
c) Blasting plan including sketches of explosive charging plan and tie-up
d) Procedures and Standards for application of explosives:
1. Records (authority to use explosives, blast design and parameters, changing-over
shift, regulatory exemptions)
2. Safety precautions (safety equipment, handling of explosives, activities in
proximity, mobile equipment on non-electric blast, signage, communication
devices, flammable gas areas)
3. Explosives selection and application criteria for fiery mines, difficult ground
conditions, blasting in hot ground and blasting in reactive ground
4. Charging operations (clearing and measuring blastholes, priming, bulk explosives,
sleep time in blastholes)
5. Stemming criteria (tamping rods, stemming material types and loading
procedures)
6. Initiation selection criteria (i.e. non-electric firing, electric firing, electronic firing)
7. Drilling: ensure that old sockets from previous bench/face can not be drilled into.
e) Licensing and approval process plans for systems and designs such as central blasting
systems for use at the mine that must be referenced to:
1. Legal requirements of the operation (Acts and regulations)
2. Legal obligations in terms of national legislative bodies
3. Manufacturer and/or supplier
4. Testing authorities
5. Users of the system.
Ordering Explosives
There have been incidents in the past where incorrect amounts of explosives ordered by
mistake lead to fatalities, theft, etc. Therefore, the roles and responsibilities must be defined
for correct procurement of explosives. These roles and responsibilities are:
a) Define the procurement strategy for explosive substance and/or articles

b) Understand Anglo American Supply Chain (AASC) Explosives Procurement Policy and
Strategy
c) Align the explosives procurement strategy with AASC policies, procedures and with
legislation
d) Identify the suppliers of potential explosives/articles (aligned with AASC requirements)
e) Security and confidentiality
f) Requirements for packaging, handling, transport and storage

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g) Compiling technical information for the requirement of explosives.
Assess the stability of the Supply Chain
a) Liaise with the supplier‟s, explosives experts on technical matters, product

specifications, safety requirements of the explosives articles
b) Ensure that your explosives-related technical sections reflect the explosives
requirements in your tender documents
c) Establish a programme for tender evaluation process in line with AASC policies and
procedures
d) Ensure that safety is not compromised unacceptably by the technical performance of the
explosives
e) Ensure that legal requirements have been met before ordering
f) Ensure that any alternatives offered by the supplier meet the technical requirements
g) Monitor the performance of suppliers of explosive substances
h) Manage relationships with suppliers of explosive substances
i) Maintain accurate record-keeping with appropriate methods of capturing information.
Transporting within the Jurisdiction of the Mine
Duties of managers and people involved during the transportation of the explosives and
explosives articles are at least the following:
a) Labelling explosives articles and transporting units as per appropriate local and
international standards
b) Supporting information and descriptions of explosives such as material safety data
sheets (MSDS) and product safety data sheets (PSDS)
c) Licences and control mechanisms controlling the licences
d) Emergency procedures.
Supervising Storage of Explosives
Roles and responsibilities for correct supervision of explosives storage include:
a) Understand the nature, characteristics, hazards and risks of explosives

b) Confirm that the location and conditions of the storage are appropriate
c) Co-ordinate alternative suitable storage locations when required
d) Manage the allocation of handling equipment
e) Ensure correct placement of explosives
f) Ensure that the correct storage conditions are maintained at all times
g) Stock receipt, recording and controlling systems
h) Resource requirements of the tasks regarding the receipt, placement and management
of stock

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i) Ensure that the items are in good order before, during and after placement, and report
any discrepancies
j) Take prompt appropriate action to maintain quality of the stored explosives and ensure
regular reviews of the status of segregated and suspect items
k) Unlawful entry prevention, investigation and reporting
l) Manage stock levels and stock inventories
m) Audit stock levels and stock inventories.
5.1.3 Manufacturing in Plants and Mobile Manufacturing Unit (MMU)
Roles and responsibilities during manufacturing in plants and/or using mobile processing units
a) Location and layout of the facility

b) Identify safety requirements of the facility
c) Licence to manufacture
d) Emergency procedures in the manufacturing plant
e) Records of the quality of manufactured explosives
f) Issuing of explosives to authorised personnel after manufacture
g) Identify any special requirements for the loading and unloading points
h) Identify any monitoring requirements for the loading and unloading points
i) Procedures of manufacturing and transporting with mobile manufacturing units
j) Maintenance and inspection
k) Ensure that MMU drivers receive training in their roles and responsibilities to:
1. Maintain the safety and security of the load, self and property
2. Identify the legal, safety and operating requirements for the vehicle and the load
3. Protect the vehicle and the load from security risks
4. Maintain awareness of driving conditions
5. Operate and monitor vehicle instruments and controls.
5.1.4 Application
Typical roles and responsibilities during the application of explosives must include:
a) Drilled blastholes must be checked for correct depth and angle (misfire prevention,
detection and control plan) and instructions must be issued for re-drill, if necessary
b) Testing and analysis of explosives and explosives devices for quality
c) Firing (blast perimeter, warning procedures, radio communications, blast monitoring for
vibrations, noise and fly-rock, wall damage monitoring and analysis)
d) Training provided to people associated with the handling of explosives such as blaster
training, staff induction, knowledge of explosives and their chemical properties
e) Misfire treatment and handling:
1. Ensuring that normal working is resumed only when the blaster in charge is fully

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satisfied that it is safe and the all-clear has been sounded

2. Dealing with misfires and the discovery of unfired explosives from previous
operations. There must always be a competent person available to ensure that
any misfire is dealt with safely.
f) Post firing
1. Examination of blast and the determination and treatment of misfires
2. Examination of ground conditions.
g) Monitoring arrangements for operations to ensure the operating procedures are
complied with.
5.1.5 Responsibilities for Disposal of Forfeited Explosives
Typical roles and responsibilities for disposal of explosives include the following:
a) Establish and identify the condition of the explosives

b) Characterise accurately the hazards pertaining to the disposal of the explosives
c) Identify the most likely disposal procedures that meet your requirements; consult the
manufacturing company recommendations on disposal and destruction of old, unused,
forfeited explosives
d) Determine technical, legal and cost implications such as safety, environmental impact,
value to the organisation
e) Document the agreed process in an appropriate format
f) Identify resource requirements that are appropriate for disposal of the explosives
g) Ensure that the facilities are fit-for-purpose for the disposal of the explosives
h) Carry out pre-disposal tasks: check work environment, test the equipment to be used,
check that logistics are in place, confirm fitness, obtain approval and authorisation
i) Recording procedures.
Training
Competency-based training and refresher training shall be provided by Operations

Management to the people who are directly involved with explosives handling and
related processes.
A system must be in place to provide and regularly check the competencies of people who are
actively involved in the procurement, design, security, implementation and execution of the
explosives handling processes. Some of the competencies may have been described by local
authorities, laws and regulations and those that are not covered must be identified and
minimum qualifications must be determined based on the role played by the individual.
Competency requirements at all levels must be planned in a structured manner based on the
requirements of each role. Each person‟s knowledge requirements and performance criteria
must be recorded in a structured document and regular assessments of performance will help
determine the training needs.
All blasters must possess sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge and experience to

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perform their full range of duties. Blasters must not be appointed unless they have
successfully completed a suitable course of training.
A trainee blaster must work under the close personal supervision of an experienced blaster,
with the trainee following a programme of practical instruction by the blaster. A written training
programme, which is given to everyone involved, helps ensure that the training is well
structured. The training must continue until the necessary competence has been acquired and
demonstrated.
Supplier and Contractors on site
Operations shall ensure that each supplier and/or contractor operates in accordance
with this Standard, considering the level of involvement of suppliers of explosives
and/or contractors in the blasting and management of the explosives process on site.
It is essential that all parties involved in the blasting activities understand their obligations and
duty of care and responsibility. Everybody involved in blasting on a mine site, including
suppliers and contractors, have a responsibility to ensure safety during all blasting activities.
Assess the suppliers of explosives as well as drilling and blasting contractors based on the
following:
a) The suitability of explosives supplied/used

b) Legislative requirements
c) Quality checks of the material supplied/used for safe blasting operations
d) Material safety data sheets
e) Technical data sheets of explosives, systems, designs used
f) Blasting contractors using sufficient safety management systems
g) Competency with explosives
h) Equipment used by suppliers/contractors
i) Contractual agreements
j) Compliance with the Anglo American Major Risk Standard AA GTS 13 Explosives
Handling and the mine‟s Explosives Safety Management System
k) Clear lines of responsibility.
Safety Communications
An overview of the safety precautions for blasting activities shall be provided as part
of the general induction for operations personnel, contractors and visitors, if
applicable, including the identification and reporting of “unsafe” situations and
conditions.
The intent is to raise awareness of the risk of explosives on site to all who might be in contact
with explosives and the effects thereof.
The content must address:

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a) Notification of blasting (boards, flags, signals)

b) Potential hazards from blasting (misfires, fly-rock, fumes, rockfall at limit blasts)
c) Delineation/barricading of blasting areas.
Awareness information and/or instruction must be provided on a regular basis to personnel

who must be aware of blasting requirements. This information must include:
a) Segregation distances from a blasting loading area

b) Authority to enter a blasting area
c) Communications procedures
d) Procedure to be followed in the event of encountering explosives
e) Ability to identify commonly-used blasting materials at the operation
f) Contraband (forbidden items such as cigarette lighters, matches, cell phones) not
allowed in a blasting area.
Behaviour-based observations must include the operation of equipment and systems handling
explosives. Re-training must include results of these observations.
5.2 Systems
An Explosives Management and Control Plan (EMCP), incorporating planning and

operational controls as well as the individuals responsible for their implementation
and execution, shall be developed by competent persons and approved by the
Operational Manager or the person required under their statutory legislation. The
responsibility for the Plan shall be clearly assigned to a senior manager within the
site team.
An Explosives Management and Control Plan will be developed to provide a detailed

description of how explosives are transported, stored, handled, used and disposed.
The minimum requirements of this plan will detail the following:
a) Types of explosives used at the operation

b) Appointed persons and their responsibilities including legal appointments
c) Completed risk assessment
d) Requirements for storage, handling, stock control, blast design guidelines, blast
preparation, communication, firing and the handling of misfires
e) Explosives and blasting permit requirements where required by local authorities
f) Blasting standards
g) Fire and security arrangements at magazines.
The Explosives Management and Control Plan will be reviewed annually. The EMCP must
continually evolve to meet the changing requirements of the mining environment. The
management must appoint a responsible person who will:
a) Objectively evaluate the effectiveness of the EMCP

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b) Assess compliance
c) Analyse root causes of non-compliance
d) Identify areas requiring corrective action
e) Provide information to allow improved performance and increased efficiency.
A formal risk analysis shall be conducted to identify locations and activities where
explosives are handled and the associated volumes (potential energy).
Explosives risk management requires analysis of the full chain of processes for handling
explosives from planning a blast to misfires treatment as described in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Chain of processes for handling explosives
A systematic hazard identification process must be conducted following the sequential

processes as shown in Figure 1. Consideration must be given to the following at each step of
the hazard identification and risk assessment:
a) Characteristics of the mine site (i.e. geology, climate, neighbourhood)

b) Proposed modes of operation (opencast, underground, types of machinery and logistics
of vehicle movements)
c) Interaction with other activities on site
d) Contractors who undertake part or all of the blasting process
e) Previous history of blasting incidents
f) Identification of potential security risks (theft, unauthorised access).
The United Nations (UN) hazard classification system for classifying explosive materials and
explosives can be used for understanding the hazards associated with explosive materials.
The hazard class for explosives has six divisions based on potential accident effects as listed
in Table 1 below:
Hazard
Hazard Description
Class/Division
1.1 Mass explosion

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1.2 Non-mass explosion, fragment-producing

1.3 Mass fire, minor blast or fragments
1.4 Moderate fire, no blast or fragments
1.5 Explosive substance, very insensitive (with a mass explosion hazard)
a) The explosive effects are largely confined to the package and no
projection of fragments of appreciable size or range are expected
b) An internal fire can not cause virtually instantaneous explosion of
almost the entire contents of the package
1.6 Explosive article, extremely insensitive
a) These explosives are comprised of substances that are a mass
explosion hazard, but are so insensitive that there is little probability
of initiation or of transition from burning to detonation under normal
circumstances
Table 1: The Explosives Hazard Classes (UN Hazard Classification System)
The full list of explosive substances (generic names) and their UN Classification Codes are
provided in Appendix C.
A risk assessment shall be conducted to identify the inherent blasting operational

and explosive management hazards. The assessment shall include all stages of the
explosives handling process including planning, purchasing, storage and issuing,
transport, drilling, loading, stemming, tie-up, firing, fly-rock, fume, lightning, hot hole
identification, reactive ground conditions, misfire identification and handling,
secondary blasting and maintenance of equipment.
Identify the most significant possible failure events in order to conduct a more detailed and
prioritised analysis and assessment.
The unwanted events (unintended explosives detonation) may occur at any of the different
stages during the usage cycle process and may arise as a result of different root causes.
Several of these may even be present during more than one stage in the cycle.
The main causes leading to these unwanted detonations have been identified as:
a) Lack of understanding of the properties of explosives therefore underestimating the risks

associated with the explosives
b) Insufficient control
c) Manufacturing failures
d) Wrong design and application.
Consideration must be given to the following:
a) Explosive materials
b) Blasting vehicles, tools and equipment
c) Environmental factors

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d) Operational contributors
e) Adequacy of design, data and assumptions
f) Consideration of security risks.
Controls must be designed to address all the identified causal factors. Good regulatory
compliance is good risk management, but the converse is also true if steps are not taken to
conduct and document proper testing on explosives. Understanding the hazards of explosives
depends on a systematic approach. An example of such a process is indicated in the following
process flow diagram (Figure 2) where the identification process of quality-related hazards of
explosives is mapped:
Figure 2: Process flow diagram to determine hazards of explosives
A formal and comprehensive risk analysis and evaluation shall be conducted for
each of the identified risks in order to determine, with the current controls in place,
whether the risk of the unwanted event occurring is at an acceptable level.
A risk assessment must be conducted to identify the operational hazards and the associated
risks that must be controlled with regard to the handling and use of explosives. It is essential
to identify and stop the causes of the untimely and uncontrolled detonation of explosives. It is
also important to track the handling of explosives, use by unauthorised people and theft.
The assessment of the risk of unwanted explosives detonation involves:
a) Analysis of the energy stored in the explosive, including any factors that could potentially
impact on the type and size of the failure
b) Evaluation of the risk: the likelihood and consequence of the event materialising, under

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the existing controls: a standardised risk matrix is used to determine the risk rating
c) Risk assessment output: a structured document that will detail the location of risk areas,
the assessed risk of the unwanted event, the existing barriers and controls in place to
mitigate the risk, and suggestions for enhanced or additional controls or barriers.
The following steps must be used in the risk analysis process:
a) Identification of all the steps in the process (from Procurement to Firing)

b) Identification of hazards in each step of the process
c) Determine the seriousness of the identified hazards by assessing probability of event
occurring and potential consequences
d) Review the controls in place and propose additional controls, if necessary
e) Propose action plans and responsibilities to implement controls.
For further information, refer to relevant Anglo American SHE Risk Management Procedures
and Guidelines.
Where the application of the current controls and barriers results in a situation where
the risk is deemed to be more than ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable),
additional controls shall be implemented following the hierarchy of controls:
Eliminate, Substitute, Engineer, Separate, Administrate, Protect (PPE).
Reduce the risk level to ALARP using the most effective controls. Based on the risk
assessment process, the hard and soft barriers must be used to prevent explosive risk
through carefully-designed controls and processes.
All the control mechanisms and barriers that are designed must be managed by having a site-
specific Explosives Management and Control Plan.
This plan must incorporate the hierarchy of controls in the following order:
Eliminate: the complete elimination of hazard

Substitute: replace the material or process with a less hazardous alternative
Engineer/Redesign: redesign the equipment and/or work processes
Separate: isolate the hazard by guarding or enclosing
Administrate: provide controls such as training, issuing of standards and procedures
Protect/Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): use properly-designed PPE where other
controls are not practical.
A predefined incident handling process shall be followed to prevent further damage

in case of an incident.
The following workflow shows typical processes to be followed during the handling of incidents

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Figure 3. Incident handling process flow diagram
The site EMCP shall include an Emergency Response Plan covering potential
explosives incidents. This Plan shall include at least:
1. Accident or fire in magazine, explosives transport vehicle, manufacturing and

storage facility
2. Theft of explosives, sabotage and bomb threat
3. Uncontrolled fumes and personnel affected by NOx gas
4. Fuming/smoking blastholes, lightning (loaded shot-holes, magazines, storage
facilities, mixing areas, etc.)
Be prepared to respond to an emergency and avoid or reduce the consequences of an

uncontrolled explosives detonation.

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Emergency Management and Control Plan to include at least the following:
a) Impact analysis of the explosives at each level of the process, depending on the amount
of explosives involved
b) Equipment and facilities must be available in an emergency, taking into account:
1. Types of equipment and facilities available on-site
2. The maintenance of the equipment and facilities
3. Training provided for the use of equipment and facilities
4. Regular checks and inspections for orderliness of the equipment and facilities
5. Emergency drills
6. External emergency services (ambulance, hospitals, fire brigade, medical
personnel).
c) The procedures that will be followed and the measures that will be taken, such as
sounding alarms and evacuating people, should include:
1. Identifying the responsibilities of individuals during an emergency
2. Training of people to execute the emergency plan
3. Distributing the emergency management plan to people who will execute it
d) The necessity to understand and record why the incident occurred and the reports
required for regulatory bodies and management.
Anglo American Supply Chain requirements shall be considered in the development
of the EMCP to ensure that they are taken into account.
Correct material purchasing and quality of explosives materials ordered and delivered to the
site will reduce risks associated with the theft of explosives and quality defects.
A company policy is required in order to ensure that the correct amounts and the correct
quality of explosives ordered are delivered to the site. Only authorised persons may order and
receive explosives. The quantities of explosives must be determined on a monthly basis,
considering the level of the existing stock.
a) Condition of vehicles used for the transport of explosives must be checked against the
following:
1. All vehicles used for the transportation of explosives must comply with local
standards and regulations. Regular inspections must be conducted for compliance
2. Spark arrestor if vehicle is running while loading or unloading explosives
3. Tyres without excessive wear or damage
4. Rear-view mirrors on each side of the vehicle
5. Wheel locks available
6. Placards stating Explosives must be fitted on the vehicle for easy identification
7. Emergency four-way flashers
8. Fire extinguishers.
b) Material safety data sheets

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1. Checking for incompatible explosives

2. Immediately return incompatible explosives back to the suppliers.
c) Explosives test data sheets
1. For each type of explosive brought to site, test data sheets and material safety
data sheets must be made available for review, whether the facilities are
contractor-controlled or mine-controlled.
d) Vendor data
e) Packaging
1. Check that every explosives package is labelled with the custodian‟s name,
material name, and class/division/group and that security seals and locks are not
tampered with.
f) Quality assurance
1. The quality of every batch of explosives received will be tested on site, based on
the technical information supplied by the manufacturer. The following tests may be
conducted from time to time to ensure that the correct quality of product is
delivered to the site by the manufacturer:
A. ANFO density and AN fines
B. Emulsion viscosity at time of manufacturing must be checked (where
applicable).
2. Broken, leaky or defective packages of explosives shall be disposed of in
accordance with approved procedures or methods as soon as possible after
detection
3. Random quality checks must be done on detonators for correct timing and high
speed filming and VOD measurement may be done on all bulk explosives for
product efficiency for quality blasting.
g) Contractor management on site
1. If subcontractor-purchased explosives are to be delivered to a site, the
subcontractor should provide the contractor with the arrival dates and the
specifications of ordered explosives
2. Subcontractors should contact the contractor 24 hours in advance of the expected
delivery time of any explosives or blasting agents/ingredients
3. Explosives test data sheets and material safety data sheets must be available for
each type of explosive brought to contractor-controlled facilities and areas
4. Subcontractors shall maintain continuous security and control of explosives on site
5. Explosives custodians must be assigned for accountability of all explosives
6. A custody log must be maintained when ownership of explosives is transferred.
Drilling and Blasting Planning shall be considered in the development of the EMCP to
ensure that the blasts are designed to minimise the risk of noise, vibration, fly-rock
and fumes. Refer to AA GTS 37 Drill and Blast Standard.
Both the AA GTS 37 Drill and Blast Standard and the AA GTG 37 Guideline must be
considered in the development of the EMCP.

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A formal maintenance schedule of equipment and facilities used during the

transportation, storage and handling of explosives (e.g. mixing equipment, shot-
firers, vehicles, storage facilities, surface explosives destruction facilities, mobile
equipment, explosives loading bays, vertical integration system and structural
integrity) shall be in place, incorporating the definition of shutdown criteria in case of
critical components failure.
The equipment provided for blasting operations must be suitable and properly maintained.
Inspection and maintenance arrangements must be set out. A competent person must check
the equipment provided, before use, to ensure that it is suitable and safe. Any equipment
which is not safe must be taken out of use.
Ensure that each tool, machine and piece of equipment is:
a) Capable of safely performing the functions for which it is used

b) Selected, used and operated in accordance with the manufacturer‟s instructions, safe
work practices and the requirements of regulatory bodies
c) Installed, inspected, tested, repaired and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer‟s instructions, safe work practices, the requirements of regulatory bodies
and a professional engineer
d) Declared unsafe for use in a manner identified by manufacturers, safe work practices,
regulatory bodies and a professional engineer in the event that it is found to be faulty
e) Modified only in accordance with the manufacturer‟s instructions, safe work practices,
the requirements of regulatory bodies and recommendations of a professional engineer.
Ensure that the manufacturers/suppliers of equipment, tools and facilities used in explosives
handling and blasting activities are capable of providing directions, details, procedures, safe
working practices and certificates of compliance to standards.
Blasting Machines/Exploders/Blasters
Circuit testers must be capable of measuring the resistance of the circuit without any adverse
effect on the detonators. Where transformer-coupled electric detonators are used, an
impedance test facility is required. This often forms an integral part of the exploder.
Exploders and circuit testers must have detailed inspection, including appropriate tests, at
periods specified by the manufacturer or every six months, whichever is shorter. Such
inspection is also needed after any significant repair or an unexplained misfire.
Inspections and tests must be designed to ensure that suitable exploders, adjustable to the
resistance of the blasting circuit and circuit testers, are in good order, meet their designed
performance ratings and can fire blasts up to their rated capacities. A record of the results of
any inspections and tests must be retained for a period of three years.
Miscellaneous Blasting Tools
Tools used for piercing cartridges, mixing explosives or in blastholes (e.g. for charging,
stemming or testing) must be made of non-sparking materials such as wood, antistatic plastic
or non-ferrous metal. Electric detonators must not be used inside blastholes where there is a
risk of premature detonation due to the build-up of a static electric charge or if an electrical

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storm is expected. This presents a risk when, for example, blastholes are lined with a plastic
sleeve or where rigid plastic containers are used, unless the lining is antistatic.
To reduce this risk, stripped parts of detonator wires and the blasting cable must be short-
circuited by twisting the ends of the wires or cables. Blasting cables must be separated from
all electric cables (e.g. excavator feed cable) to avoid any risk of induction.
Delay detonators must be clearly marked with the period of delay when supplied. This period
must also be marked on the detonator shell.
5.2.1 Regular Inspection of magazines
A formal inspection programme shall be in place to verify the status and compliance
with key maintenance and operating procedures associated with the handling of
explosives, leading to reporting and fixing.
General Inspection Requirements for Magazines
When conducting general magazine inspections, typical items to inspect are:
a) Security
b) Safety
c) Cleanliness
d) Atmosphere (temperature and humidity)
e) Identification of contents
f) Signage.
A check list covering all safety regulations and requirements of magazine operations must be
used when conducting magazine inspections. This ensures that violations or hazards are
identified. The check list must provide an adequate and full description of any condition that is
unsatisfactory and in violation of regulatory requirements. Make sure the check list is properly
authenticated and made a part of the magazine log.
Frequency of Inspections
The inspection frequency must be determined by the SHE manager or suitably-authorised

representative. The frequency varies, depending on the weather, magazine type and season
of the year. The inspections must be carried out during daylight hours. Ensure there is enough
light available so that any substandard condition that exists is seen and is reported. The
security-related inspections can be done during the day or night.
Temperature Control Considerations
Some explosives are heat sensitive and need temperature control. These are identified from
the manufacturer‟s specifications of the explosives.
Report of Inspections
Each inspection must record the date and hour of the inspection in a magazine inspection log

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above the signature of the person who made the inspection. Substandard or abnormal
conditions must be promptly reported to the person in charge so that these can be attended to
and corrected. The observed conditions must be annotated in the log. These reports must be
kept at least a year from the date of last entry.
Operational controls shall be designed to enable implementation of the EMCP and to

control the processes once deployed, including engineering, segregation, process
definition, control, competent persons, supervision and PPE. Operational controls
shall be developed and implemented considering the following:
Blasting operating procedures must be set out in writing to ensure that blasting operations at
the mine take place without endangering the workforce, the public or the environment. These
procedures must take proper account of local circumstances, for example any risk of
accidental initiation due to radio frequency transmitters, electrically-powered plant and
overhead power lines. If there is such a risk, a suitable method of initiation must be chosen.
The procedures must be well-publicised throughout the mine and personal copies must be
given to those who have responsibility for blasting procedures. Mine management must
monitor and ensure compliance with the operating procedures.
The operating procedures must deal with:
a) The appointment and authorisation of blasters, trainee blasters, storekeepers and others
handling and/or working with explosives
b) The explosives supervisor to check that:
1. The equipment provided is suitable and safe
2. Site conditions are in line with the blast specification before working with
explosives.
c) Times when blasting is permitted
d) The determination of the danger zone likely to be created by the firing of each blast,
evacuation of the danger zone and the provision of effective shelters before a blast is
tested or fired
e) Warning systems including, as appropriate:
1. The use of flags or notices
2. A system of audible signals, audible throughout the danger zone, to warn people
to withdraw from the danger zone and to give the all-clear
3. The posting of sentries before each blast
4. The direct and personal notification to local residents who may be affected
5. Inspection of the blast site after firing to check the state of the face and whether a
misfire has occurred.
f) Ensuring that normal working is resumed only when the blaster is fully satisfied that it is
safe and the all-clear has been sounded
g) Safeguarding charged but unfired blastholes and explosives which have been left after a
misfire and have not been recovered at the end of a working day. These arrangements
must ensure that someone is in attendance or within sight of the charged holes to
prevent theft or unauthorised initiation of the explosives
h) Dealing with misfires and the discovery of unfired explosives from previous operations.

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There must always be a competent person available to ensure that any misfire is dealt
with safely
i) Monitoring operations to ensure that the operating procedures are complied with.
a) Storage and Issue: Ensure that explosives are kept safely and securely in
licensed magazines and are issued appropriately and safely to authorised
persons only.
The arrangements and responsibilities for the storage and security of explosives on site
must minimise the risk of unauthorised access, unidentified loss, sabotage, fires,
accidental initiation and deterioration of explosives during storage.
Receipt of Explosives
The person who receives the explosives has the following minimum roles:
1. The security and safe storage of explosives, including detonators

2. The custody of keys
3. Record-keeping in a designated stock book
4. The receipt and issue of explosives
5. Immediately reporting any loss or theft of explosives to a suitable designated
person
6. Stock check (records management)
7. Time taken (exposure of personnel)
8. Suitability of transportation vehicle
9. Material safety data sheets.
Explosives must remain under the control of suitable and authorised people, such as a
blaster or trainee blaster.
There must be containers for detonators, which must be fitted with secure locks.
Electrically-operated detonators must be stored so that they are electrically-isolated, with
no part of any detonator or lead wires exposed. The container must be lined with shock-
absorbing, anti-static material, kept clean and used only for detonators. Containers must
be unlocked for as short a time as possible and only while detonators are actually being
inserted or removed. Other explosives must be carried in the manufacturer‟s packaging
or other suitable, robust containers, and removed from the packaging or container only
immediately before use.
Ammonium nitrate must be kept in weatherproof and well-ventilated conditions. It must

be protected from contamination by fuel oil or other organic material. This can usually be
achieved by keeping it 25 metres away from any stored explosives, fuel or lubricating oil.
To minimise the risk of fire, the surrounding area must be kept clear of grass, shrubbery,
spilled fuel oil or other organic material.
Where deliveries of explosives (including detonators) are made directly to the blast site,
the blaster must check the delivery note to ensure that the quantities are correct, sign for
them and ensure that they are not left unattended. The detonators must be transferred

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to suitably-constructed detonator containers as soon as possible. To enable accurate

record-keeping, the delivery note must be passed to the person in charge of the
explosives store.
Care must be exercised to ensure that all explosives and detonators kept for even a
short period of time outside an explosives store are always in the care of an authorised
person.
Storage
The strategies for dealing with the hazards when storing explosives include:
1. The store, known as a magazine, must be constructed in accordance with codes,

regulatory guidelines or standards that apply
2. Adequate ventilation and lightening protection must be provided
3. Explosives must be stored securely in a safe manner by an authorised person
responsible for storage and issue of explosives above and/or below ground, and
records must be kept
4. In underground magazines, it is essential that ventilation fans can not be
inadvertently or otherwise turned off, unless for some authorised reason
5. Detonators and detonating accessories must not be stored in the same magazine
as other explosives, unless compartmentalised with a suitable barrier
6. Quantity of explosives held in the magazine must be displayed on the door
7. Smoking and open flames not permitted in or within the immediate vicinity of the
magazine
8. The storage areas for explosives must be kept locked, in good order with high
standards of housekeeping
9. When explosives deteriorate, they must be disposed of in accordance with the
manufacturer‟s instructions or as directed by the relevant authority
10. When operations at a mine or part thereof cease or are suspended, all explosives
at that operation must be removed to a safe place or disposed of appropriately
11. An auditable inventory must be kept of all explosive materials:
A. The inventory must use units of measure suitable to the type of explosives
being stored
B. The inventory must be kept in the explosives storage magazines in
accordance with the requirements of the local regulations
C. Inventory data must be provided to the contractor
D. Any discrepancy in the inventory of explosive materials must be investigated
immediately to determine if any explosive materials are actually missing
E. Any actual loss or theft of explosive materials must be reported immediately
to the Safety and Security manager.
j) Surface Magazines Risk Management
When constructing a magazine, the risk management process must be carried out to
identify hazards that may arise. The following controls must be included in the risk

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management process:
Public Risk
Risk acceptability must be evaluated based on the quantity of explosives stored in the
magazine (magnitude of the hazard) and the possible consequences of an unplanned
explosive incident.
Proximity to Other Magazines
The separation distance of magazines in proximity to each other must be determined

based on the quantity of explosives stored and the magazines used. This includes
ammonium nitrate storage.
Proximity to Ignition Sources
When siting the magazine the risk management process must be carried out to identify
hazards that may arise from its proximity to likely ignition sources. Such sources arise
from proximity to refuelling depots, vegetation, rubbish or mineral matter. Magazines are
required to have the immediate and adjacent area cleared of any substance likely to
cause sparks or catch fire and to establish an acceptable firebreak around the
magazine.
Vehicle Access Routes
When siting the magazine, a risk management process must be carried out to identify
hazards that may arise from proximity to vehicular access routes and roadways used on
site. The number of access routes to the magazine and the types of vehicles and the
frequency of their proximity to the magazine must be considered. Best practice is
ensuring that all vehicles perform at least one 90 degree turn to access a magazine
location thus reducing the risk of an out-of-control vehicle having direct route into the
storage area.
Activities within Site
When siting the magazine, a risk assessment must be carried out to identify hazards
that may arise from proximity to other activities on site. Mining activities that involve
employees and equipment must be at a safe distance in the event of an explosive
incident occurring.
Weather Protection
When siting the magazine, it must be located to provide all-weather access. This
includes adequate drainage to prevent deterioration of the access roadway and prevent
water entering into the magazine. In conditions where adequate drainage cannot be
provided, catchment tanks can be utilised to protect the magazine from water ingress.
Use of Natural Ground Features
When siting the magazine, the use of natural ground features must be considered to
enhance physical protection of employees and the public. Alternatively, mounds can be
built around the magazine to provide additional protection.

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Security
When siting the magazine, do not make it easy for unauthorised personnel to locate or
access the magazine. If possible, it must be located on site in a position that is not
viewable from outside the mine or quarry. Adequate security measures must be in place
to prevent accidental or unauthorised disclosure of the magazine location.
Licences
A person is required to hold a licence/permit to store explosives for quantities exceeding

explosives of 10kg or more. While quantities of explosives below 10kg are exempt from
a licence to store, a person licensed to use explosives is the only person allowed to
possess such explosives.
Fabrication Requirements (Portable, Re-locatable, Fixed or Permanent, Bulk Explosive

Storage)
All types of magazines must be constructed in accordance with local specifications and
standards approved by the Chief Inspector of Explosives or the equivalent authority in
the respective country or region.
Bulk Explosive Storage
All bulk explosives storage facilities require a licence based on the conditions imposed
by applicable regulations. Security and safety considerations given to the bulk explosive
storage facilities must be equivalent to that of explosive magazines.
Magazine Exteriors
Persons and machinery approaching any magazine must be able to clearly distinguish
the magazine. Magazines must be painted in a light colour to maximise light reflectance
and be protected against corrosion to prevent structural damage and deterioration.
Magazine Interiors
Certain explosives are susceptible to initiation from friction and sparks caused by metal
installations. Where exposed metal is present in the interior of the magazine an inner
lining must be utilised.
Remote Security
To enhance the security of a surface magazine, consideration can be given to

incorporating either a camera or alarm system with the required door and locking
devices. All alarm and camera fittings and installations inside the explosive storage area
must comply with the safety requirements of electrical equipment in hazardous locations.
Locking Devices
All magazines must be fitted with suitable locking devices based on the local standards
and regulations.
Holding-Down Bolts
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Where the possibility exists of the magazine being removed by unauthorised persons, a
provision must be made for holding-down bolts or another equivalent method to protect
external portable and re-locatable magazines.
Perimeter Fences
A perimeter fence may be installed around the magazine for additional security
purposes. In determining whether fencing is required, consideration must be given to the
magazine‟s location and security requirements. It must be noted that a perimeter fence
is not intended to provide complete security of explosives, but act as a deterrent to
unauthorised access.
Door Hinges
The strength of welds on the hinges must be monitored at each inspection or audit. Any
non-compliance found during an audit or an inspection must be fixed as soon as
practicable.
Markings
Every magazine must be marked on the door or lid with either the word „EXPLOSIVE‟ or
„DETONATOR‟, as appropriate. The markings are required in red-letter characters on a
white background and sized to make them clearly defined. In addition, an explosive
hazard-class diamond is required on the magazine door. A clearly-defined „NO
SMOKING‟ or „NO NAKED FLAMES‟ sign must be positioned at the entrance to the
magazine to warn persons entering the magazine area. A sign is also required at the
entrance of the magazine to warn persons at the magazine of their liability to penalty for
an offence if reasonable care and precautions are not taken to prevent an explosives
incident at the magazine.
Segregation
Storage sites for the explosives magazine and detonators magazine must be separately
located to reduce to acceptable levels the risk of sympathetic detonation between the
different storage facilities.
Water Installations
If water is required within the vicinity of the magazine, the location of the installation
must be such that it prevents water coming into contact with the explosives. It must be
positioned to ensure that it does not cause erosion or degradation to the access or
foundations of the magazine. If necessary, a sump must be used to prevent water from
accumulating in areas close to the magazine.
Lighting
Lighting in magazines may be either natural or artificial. Electrical fittings inside the
magazine should be avoided. However, if no alternative option is available, wiring must
be suitable for electrical equipment in hazardous areas. Alternatively, lighting can be
located outside the magazine and positioned to shine into the magazine.
Electrical Equipment

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Electrical equipment and installations should be avoided if possible, due to the inherent
risks associated with their presence. Professional advice should be sought before
installing electrical equipment in magazine areas.
Lightening Protection
Magazines or structures with explosive contents must be protected from lightning.

Where earthing terminals are required for lightning protection or the control of
undesirable extraneous electricity, they must be in accordance with local standards.
Expert advice should be obtained for such installations.
Ventilation
Ventilation must be adequate to ensure that, with the magazine doors closed, there is no
accumulation of dangerous vapours or excessive heat build-up. Air vents must be
designed suitably to provide sufficient circulation of fresh air but ensure protection from
the weather and prevent access of persons and foreign objects.
Shade Roof
The magazine must be designed to keep within the limits of the prescribed temperature
storage range specified by the explosives manufacturer. Explosives and initiators are at
risk of burning or exploding at elevated temperatures as initiation sensitivity increases
with temperature. Where the external environment conditions are likely to cause
excessive internal temperature fluctuations, a shade roof or similar device must be
provided.
Fire Fighting Equipment
As required, fire hydrants and on-site fire installations must be positioned at the
magazine access or immediately inside the magazine. It must be noted that, in the case
of an actual explosive burning, no attempt must be made to fight the fire. Best practice is
to alert the local fire brigade and emergency services and advise them of the location of
the magazine.
b) Explosives security
A written procedure is required to manage any attempted forced entry into magazines,
theft and unaccountable shortage of an explosive.
c) Transportation on Site: Ensure explosives are loaded and stowed, transported

on site and unloaded safely.
Explosives, once received by the store keeper or the licensed/authorised person, must
be moved to the working face at the mine by means of various conveyance modes
(utility vehicles, trains, cages, etc.). It is necessary to shorten the time required to
transport as well as minimise the number of people in proximity in order to reduce the
risk to an acceptable level.
Some aspects that must be considered for the safe transport of explosives are:

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1. Mode of transport
2. Suitability of vehicles
3. Competency of driver in the transporting of explosives
4. Routes
5. Temporary/unmanned stoppages
6. Emergency response.
The vehicles‟ surfaces on which explosives are carried must be kept clean and free of
grit.
Detonators must be kept in appropriate containers and enclosed in a strong, locked

compartment when they are being carried on a vehicle. Explosives must be loaded
safely to ensure that they cannot fall out of the vehicle.
Any apparatus which creates a fire or detonation risk must not be carried on a vehicle
containing explosives or ammonium nitrate. Anything other than the explosives or
ammonium nitrate being transported must be safely stored, normally in suitable separate
compartments or containers. It is good practice to ensure that only essential blasting
equipment (e.g. circuit testers, stemming rods and blasting cable) is carried on such
vehicles.
All vehicles transporting explosives in a quarry must be provided with sufficient, suitable
fire extinguishers. They must also be easily-recognisable from a distance (e.g. by means
of signs, distinctive flashing lights or flags). Trailers must have efficient brakes and a
properly-designed rigid tow bar with a safety chain which will cause the brakes to be
applied in the event of separation.
Strategies for dealing with the hazards when transporting explosives include:
1. Vehicles used for transport to have a cargo space free of metal surfaces capable
of creating a spark
2. Warning signs advising presence of explosives and suitable fire protection
equipment fitted to the vehicle
3. Transport only the quantity required for the shift
4. Where explosives and detonators are transported in the same vehicle, they must
be kept away from each other by separating them into different containers
5. Vehicles must be inspected for residues of explosives prior to any servicing or
repair. Slurry containers must be thoroughly washed out
6. Vehicles containing explosives are not to be left unattended.
d) Drilling Blastholes: Ensure blastholes are drilled safely, according to design, to
create safe and effective blasts.
The drilling risk must be managed properly since there is a direct risk posed to the
drillers by possible sockets and misfires near to the drill holes. Incorrect drilling practices
may lead to cut-offs (misfires) and fly-rock.
Blast Site Preparation

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1. In a previously-blasted area, the surface to be drilled must be exposed and

examined for misfired explosives. Faces and slopes must be cleared of loose
material or otherwise stabilised to prevent slides or falls of rock, and the location of
utility services must be determined and clearly marked.
2. Drilling is not to commence near misfired explosives or a socket
3. Access to the blasting site must be adequate for the equipment and vehicles
4. Blasting area must be adequately drained.,
Drilling
1. The drilled holes must be measured and recorded

2. Hot, damaged and wet holes must be recorded and reported
3. In underground mines, gas monitoring must be conducted.
e) Loading Blastholes: Ensure blastholes are loaded safely, in accordance with
design and the specific blast conditions.
Surface Mines
1. Prior to loading activities, a site security inspection must be conducted of the blast
area and access to the blast zone is restricted to vehicles and authorised
personnel
2. A blaster must be nominated as being in charge of the shot
3. Where the nominated blaster is changed, this must be recorded in the daily log
and a reconciliation of product must be conducted on changeover
4. The load plan, including dewatering and backfill requirements, must be made
available before starting to load blastholes
5. All persons involved must be made aware of the plan, hazards, work flow and any
particular unique factors in the blast
6. Every effort must be made to prevent vehicles running over or damaging down-
lines and leads
7. Where there are hazardous overhangs, a spotter is required and these holes will
be loaded last
8. Holes requiring dewatering or backfilling must be identified by dipping and
measuring holes with a measuring tape
9. A competent and experienced person must operate the de-watering units
10. Holes must be backfilled prior to accessories being laid out for the hole
11. Any damaged or blocked holes must be reported to the blaster who then makes
the decisions for a re-drill or backfilling or to abandon the damaged hole and place
a sign on it
12. Pegs must be distributed and pushed into the ground to secure the down-lines,
ensure that these are out of the way during stemming operations and minimise the
risk of peg and down-lines being driven over
13. Accessories must be laid carefully beside the peg so that they are visible and do
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not pose a hazard to passing vehicles

14. Should a booster or down-line be dropped down the hole and be un-retrievable, it
must be reported to the blaster and recorded in the daily log, including the name of
the person loosing the items
15. Only prime enough holes for completion of loading on the same day. Ensure
explosives are not accessible to unauthorised persons
16. Blastholes greater then 25 metres in depth must be double-primed
17. Primers must be prepared at the hole and lowered in a controlled manner.
Accessories must be inspected prior to being lowered in the blasthole to ensure
they are not damaged
18. The bottom primer must be raised at least 1 metre off the bottom of the hole
19. Tie the down-hole lead to the peg and ensure excess lead is coiled neatly at the
peg
20. Holes must be loaded in a systematic, pre-determined sequence
21. All holes must be dipped after loading to ensure correct column rise is achieved
22. A spotter must be used where there is a risk of trucks manoeuvring around primed
holes
23. All processes must be done in a way that minimises the risk of damage to down-
lines
24. All over-loaded blastholes must be reported to the blaster
25. Decking of blastholes may be considered when mixed ground types exist, to
prevent overcharging.
26. Holes must be checked prior to stemming, to ensure the hole is loaded
27. All stemming activity must be conducted carefully, to minimise the risk of damage
to down-lines
28. All loaded blastholes must be stemmed before the end of shift unless another shift
is taking over and there is appropriate attendance at the shot
29. Once stemmed, the down-lines must be loosened so that, should slumping occur,
the down-lines will have some slack
30. Before charging a blasthole with explosive cartridges,(where these are used), the
blaster must use a probe to check the condition of the blasthole for any obstruction
to ensure cartridges can pass through
31. During charging, the height of the explosive in the hole must be checked in order
to detect any losses in cavities or an excessive level of charge in relation to the
envisaged stemming height. A plumb line is often used to carry out this check
32. It is essential that the blaster is present during charging. Detonators, other
explosives and charged holes must not be left unattended. All detonators must be
locked in their containers
33. Any surplus explosives (including detonators) must be removed from the blast
area before any attempt is made to fire the blast. The blaster must ensure that
surplus explosives are not left unattended. They must be returned to the
explosives store at the earliest opportunity, not later than the end of the shift, and

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the records must be amended accordingly.
Underground Mines
All blastholes should be checked to ensure that they are clear of any debris prior to
loading and must be measured for correct depth of hole with a pole or a steel bar.
The primer must be placed correctly by making sure the explosives train is continuous,
with no extraneous matter between cartridges if a decoupled charge is being used.
If bulk is being used as the main load, the following points must be noted:
1. Prevent damage to the signal tube or leading lines during loading with a lance
2. Excessive spillage of explosives must be prevented
3. Make sure of the charge continuity
4. No overfilling of holes
5. When pneumatic charging is used, it should be effectively earthed
6. Pneumatic charging requires antistatic footwear
7. Explosives charging vehicles must be in a safe condition suitable for underground
operations. These following checks must be completed:
A. Prestart check on basic systems
B. Check that the leading wires/detonating cords/fuses/shock tubes of initiating
systems are out of way of the vehicle
C. Personnel operating the charging car or vehicle must be aware of pressure
gauges and the emergency stop.
8. The mixing and delivery of the explosive product must be conducted from a
position where the operator has full view of the explosives entry point on the face
9. Secure harness must be worn by the operator if a basket is being used on the
loading machine
10. Regular sampling of emulsion explosives is required to ensure that the correct mix
is delivered to the hole at all times
11. Tamping of holes should be done with care to prevent damage to the down-lines
by ensuring that the holes are of correct size with no large rocks or loose pieces
12. Do not tamp before the emulsion product is fully gassed
13. Check that primer is in place (in the explosive) by feeling the tension on the cords
14. Do not use plastic liners or sleeves if they are not conductive.
f) Initiation System and Tie-up: Initiation system selection, tie-up and safety
precautions required during the handling of detonators, primers and detonating
cords.
Safe use of initiation systems requires expert knowledge and systems must be in place
for correct handling of detonators and connecters. The risks that are immediately
identifiable are unwanted and untimely detonation of the detonators and detonating
cords, leading to loss of life and equipment damage. In order to prevent these types of

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incidents the following must be understood by people who handle these explosives:
Electric Initiation Systems
A possible danger in the use of electric detonators is premature firing from lightning or
stray electric currents in the ground arising from leakage of heavy conductors or from
the static electricity of TV transmitter towers. Certain types of high-powered frequency-
modulated radio transmitters could be a source of danger if electric detonators are used
in close proximity. When detonator leg wires are stretched out about 150mm above the
ground, they may provide receiving antennae for the radio-transmitted current.
In the event of emergency vehicles such as Fire Service driving into the danger area, the
safety supervisor must ensure that they are kept at a safe distance from an electrically-
initiated firing circuit. Although tests have shown that – under job conditions – a mobile
transmitter set, when operated in the normal manner, cannot fire an electric detonator, it
is wise to shut down mobile transmitters and transfer the equipment if the set is closer
than 100 metres to the firing circuit. Fences or overhead power lines are also possible
sources of extraneous electricity on a blast site.
Precautions against Lightning
1. An approved lightning detection device must be used at blasting sites to give

warning of impending electrical storms
2. Explosives operations must be shut down whenever an electrical storm
approaches within 8 km of the blasting area
3. There is no protection against a direct lightning strike. Suspend all work and clear
the area when thunder is audible since lightning as far away as 8 km can, in some
cases, fire a detonator. Under no circumstances wait to carry out any work other
than to ensure that everyone is well clear of the area
4. When electromagnetic, magnetic or electrostatic energy threatens a blasting
operation, work must be stopped and the area must be evacuated to eliminate
untimely detonation which could be disastrous. Approval may be obtained from the
explosives-use supervisor for a pre-emptive shot.
5. Keep lead wires on detonators and firing cables shorted right up to the time of
firing to avoid leakage or a circuit for induced currents
6. Keep both wires of the firing cable and lead wires as near as possible together as
a pair and twisted together so that induced currents from power lines and
transmitters are neutralised
7. Use detonating fuse whenever possible so that the single detonator for initiation
can be inserted at the last moment.
Precautions against Electric Initiation Misfires
1. Electrically-fired explosives charges must be fired with an electric blasting device

or a properly-designed and installed power source
2. Only solid copper wire of sufficient current-carrying capacity must be used for
explosive detonation, unless prior approval for the use of multi-strand blasting wire
is obtained from the authoritative regulatory bodies
3. Electrical power must be disconnected from the electrical blasting leads as follows:

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A. The firing lead lines must be disconnected from the blasting machine and
must be short-circuited (shunted) by twisting the wires together
B. Lock power switches in the open or off position.
4. Blasting machines must be secured in a manner that prohibits any unauthorised
use
5. Current leakage to earth can occur from the firing cable through un-insulated joints
or bad connections, even though the exploder has sufficient capacity. Keep all
joints properly insulated and use only insulated firing cables in good condition.
Irrespective of the conditions, all electrical joints must be properly insulated with
insulation tape or another insulating device
6. Faulty exploder operation: A properly-maintained exploder, capable of giving the
correct charge, will do so only when correctly operated.
7. Damaged firing cable: As the firing cable can become damaged during use, it must
be inspected regularly for damage to the insulation or conductors. Tests must be
carried out regularly for continuity and resistance
8. Incorrectly-connected circuits: Care must be taken to keep connections separated
so that no detonator is short-circuited, causing a misfire. Misfires can be caused
by loose or dirty connections introducing high resistance and these can be avoided
by careful and systematic checking of all connections, together with the testing of
the circuit by the use of an ohmmeter.
Electronic Initiation Systems
There are various electronic initiation systems in the market, all of which utilise some
type of stored electrical energy (e.g. capacitor) to provide energy for their firing or timing
circuits. All users must be fully educated on the products, procedures and recommended
practices prior to use.
There are mainly two categories of electronic detonator systems:
1. Factory-programmed systems (fixed delay)

2. Field-programmed systems (variable delay)
These detonators may look the same, and it may be difficult to differentiate between
them. The following are key factors that distinguish these systems:
Factory-Programmed Systems: There are electrically-wired systems and shock tube

technology to energise electronic timing circuits. Factory-programmed systems utilise
fixed delay periods for the blast design and holes are generally loaded and hooked up in
the same manner as standard electric or shock tube systems. Depending on the
manufacturer, some type of surface connector may be utilised for ease of wiring, or of
correct electrical polarity. With some systems, correct polarity must be observed when
electronic detonators are attached to the firing circuit, otherwise a misfire may occur.
Always consult the manufacturer.
Field-Programmed Systems: Field-programmed systems utilise electronic technology to

program delay times at the blast site. Each system is manufactured for, or with, unique
system architectures, styles, hardware and communication protocol. There are no fixed
delay times associated with these detonators. These systems rely on direct

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communication with the detonator (either prior to loading, after loading, or just prior to
firing) for the proper delay time and subsequent blast design. In general, these systems
will utilise some type of electronic memory, which allows them to be reprogrammed at
any time up until the fire command is given.
The following recommendations apply to electronic systems users:
1. All persons using electronic detonators must immediately review their blasting
procedures to ensure that the blast exclusion zone is a mandatory requirement
prior to the connection of electronic detonators to a power source
2. All persons using electronic detonators must ensure that their blast procedures
address potential hazards associated with extraneous electricity
3. The safety management systems, including blasting procedures, must be checked
to ascertain that the systems are being followed
4. All sites using electronic detonators must undertake physical checks to ensure that
all persons are outside the blast exclusion zone prior to the connection of
electronic detonators to a power source.
Since the technological systems of manufacturers are different, the following NEVER
and ALWAYS instructions must be observed at all times:
1. NEVER attempt to use blasting machines, testers or instruments with electronic

detonators that are not specifically designed for the system
2. NEVER test or program an electronic detonator in a booster, cartridge or other
explosive component (primer assembly) before it has been deployed in the
borehole or otherwise loaded for final use
3. ALWAYS check wired electronic detonators for proper hook-up and/or
programming with the testing and logging equipment specified by the
manufacturer before the holes are stemmed unless otherwise directed by the
manufacturer
4. NEVER use test equipment designed for electric detonators with electronic
detonators. Whenever possible, individual programmed delay times must be
verified against the blast plan prior to arming the system or final hook-up
5. NEVER mix any older batch of detonators with newly-acquired detonators before
asking the manufacturer for compatibility. Technology may differ or change even
with the same manufacturer.
Shock tube electronic detonators may be handled in the same manner as other shock
tube devices.
Handling of Misfires with Electronic Detonators
If a misfire occurs involving the use of cap and fuse, no one must return to the blast area
for at least 30 minutes. If electric or non-electric (shock tube) detonators or detonating
cord systems are involved in a misfire, the waiting period must be at least 15 minutes. If
electronic detonators are involved in a misfire, ALWAYS wait a minimum of 30 minutes
before entering the blast area, unless the manufacturer recommends additional time.
The blast area must be cordoned off during the waiting period. If electric initiation has
been used, the lead-in-line must be disconnected from the blasting machine, the lines

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shunted and the blasting machine secured.
If the blast was fired electrically, a check must be made of all apparently-unfired circuits.
Electric detonator circuits must be checked for continuity by use of a blasting
galvanometer, blasting ohmmeter, blaster‟s ohmmeter or blaster‟s millimetre. Electronic
detonator circuits must be checked for continuity with equipment recommended by the
manufacturer of the electronic system. Misfires attributable to malfunctions of the
electrical circuit may be reconnected and fired if the holes have sufficient burden. When
entire holes or groups of holes have failed to fire, the problem may have been failure of
the initiation systems. In this case, the primers may still be functional and the holes can
be re-fired.
When detonating cord or non-electric detonators are involved in misfires, it is virtually

impossible to test for circuit continuity. However, the blaster can check any lines coming
out of the hole and, if they appear to be intact, reconnect them and try to detonate the
misfired holes. Due to the varying and unique designs of electronic detonator systems,
misfires must be handled according to the specific manufacturer's recommended
procedures.
A thorough investigation must always be made of all misfire incidents so the cause can
be determined and corrective action can be taken to prevent recurrence. Some of the
more frequent causes of misfires are:
1. Improperly-made primers
2. Use of non-water-resistant explosive materials in wet work
3. Improper loading practices
4. Damage to leg wires of electric or electronic detonators
5. Failure to light fuse or to connect the delay detonators into the blasting circuit
6. Improper electric or non-electric connection
7. Insufficient or excessive electric current
8. Damage to the fuse powder train
9. Improper programming of electronic delay detonators.
Shock Tube Systems
The shock tube (also known as a signal tube) initiation system consists of a small
diameter plastic tube that contains a thin coating of a reactive chemical on the inside
surface. When initiated, this coating reacts and transmits a shock wave at a speed of
1800 to 2000 metres per second through the tube and initiates a detonator (electronic or
non-electric) attached to it.
1. Where electronic detonators are used, they must be used in accordance with the
supplier‟s safe operating procedures approved on site by the site engineer
2. Before tie-up begins, all unnecessary personnel, equipment and explosives must
be removed to its appropriate location
3. All entrances to the shot must be blocked off from entry by vehicles
4. Surface connectors must be laid out at their respective holes in accordance with

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the tie-in plan

5. Once tie-up begins, the blaster must ensure there is an authorised person in
attendance of the shot at all times, except during clearance and when firing
procedures have commenced or in the event of an electrical storm
6. Clipping in of surface connectors must be done in a planned, methodical manner
7. Detonators or connection blocks must not be thrown
8. Ensure that the surface connecters lead line is not taut once connected
9. Care must be taken not to trip over lead-lines. If leads are caught, check the
connection and ensure leads are firm in the block
10. Once tied in, the blaster must ensure the blast is walked and every connection is
inspected
11. In the event of an approaching storm, the area must be evacuated as per Firing of
Shots.
Detonating Cords
Detonating cord is a flexible cord containing a centre core of high explosives that is used
to initiate other explosives. Detonating cord may be initiated with electric, electronic or
non-electric in-hole or surface detonators. Always check with the manufacturer for
compatibility.
Precautions against detonating cord misfires:
Detonating fuse misfires are commonly due to:
1. Poorly-made or incorrect joints

2. Poor contact between the detonator and the detonating fuse
3. Damaged or defective detonating fuse
4. Detonator incorrectly positioned on detonating fuse
5. Ends not sealed before being placed in water or wet holes for any length of time
before firing.
Wherever possible, connections to detonating cord must be made at right angles to the
trunk line. . When connected, the connection shall not be tight. Only 5 gram cord
or less may be used to initiate non-electric down-lines,
g) Firing: Ensure that shots are fired without risk to persons, equipment,
community and environment.
Procedures which provide for the safety of personnel carrying out firing of explosives
must also provide for the safety of all people on the mine who could be affected by
blasting activities. A competent blast firer must control the blast.
Blasters must ensure that blasting operations are conducted in accordance with the

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operating procedures and the blasting specification. Explosives mixed on site must be
mixed where they are to be used and only in sufficient quantities for immediate use.
The blaster must be fully satisfied that each blasthole has been drilled and charged in
accordance with the blasting specification. The rise of explosives in holes must be
checked at regular intervals to ensure that the blasthole is being correctly charged.
If it is not possible to conform to the specification, or if the danger zone appears to be

different from that shown, blasting operations must be suspended until any change to
the specification has been authorised by its author or another suitable person.
The blaster must only connect a tester to a blasting circuit when ready to test or fire the
blast. The exploder must be disconnected immediately after firing or in the event of an
unsatisfactory test on the firing circuit. No one but the blaster should be able to operate
the exploder. Workers must obey any relevant instructions in relation to blasting
operations, for example from the blaster or sentry. Sentries are there to keep people out
of the danger zone and must not leave their post until the all-clear signal has been
given, or until the person who posted them releases them.
Procedures must include:
1. Notification of blast times

2. Provision of warning signs showing blast times and areas
3. Checks of the area prior to initiating the blast to ensure no person is present
4. Posting of sentries to prohibit entry to blast areas
5. Provision of suitable places to shelter from the effects of a blast
6. Maintaining radio silence on the two-way radio system during the blast
7. Where blasting in a surface operation could constitute a public danger, an audible
warning device may be required, together with signs
8. Use blasting mats to contain fly-rock
9. Personnel and mobile equipment must be moved well clear
10. Following a firing, the area must be carefully checked by a competent person
before work recommences
11. Underground faces must be fired individually, blast crew furthest from a safe area
must fire first. The sequence and clearing system must be carefully controlled to
ensure the safety of all personnel
12. Before the shot is left at the end of shift, all primed holes that are not loaded shall
be un-primed
13. All extra explosive accessories shall be returned to the magazine
14. The day‟s explosives usage shall be calculated and entered onto the blaster‟s
daily log.
Should an approaching storm pose a risk to the blast, the area around the blast shall be
evacuated to normal firing clearance distances.
h) Environmental Controls: A blast monitoring plan shall ensure that overpressure

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and vibration limits are not exceeded during blasting, and that fly-rock incidents
are minimised.
i) Lightning Protection: A system or written procedure shall be in place to deal

with atmospheric electrical activity or a dust storm approaching magazines and
blasting sites.
There is a need to protect structures and buildings containing explosives within the
vicinity or inside the magazines from lightning.
A system or written procedure must be in place to deal with atmospheric electrical

activity or a dust storm approaching a magazine area. The procedure should include
provision for all uncharged explosives to be placed in the magazine, the magazine
secured and any mobile manufacturing units should be relocated to an area that has
been predetermined for such an event. All personnel must be withdrawn to a designated
safe area and no person should return until an authorised person determines that it is
safe to do so.
j) Misfires: The procedure for dealing with misfires shall ensure that risks
associated with misfires are controlled.
The objective of this requirement is to prevent incidents when part or all of a blast did not
initiate. Pieces of rocks or bucket teeth may be projected during the loading of the
material due to an accidental initiation of the misfired hole leading to potential harm to
people and environment.
When misfires occur, they are defined into two categories: Type A and Type B
Type A: Testing before firing the blast reveals broken continuity which cannot be
rectified (this type of testing is not possible with shock tube systems)
Type B: Failure of any or part of a blast to explode when fired
The Explosives Management and Control Plan must include a misfire management
system providing for the responsible and safe management of misfires that addresses
as a minimum:
1. Minimising the possibility of misfires during the planning and design phase
A. Location of detonator above the toe level
B. System integrity checks (i.e. circuitry checks, visual qualitative checks)
C. Covering the surface lines with sand in surface mines.
2. The identification of indicators of misfires and/or possible misfires
3. Methods for locating misfires
4. The marking and identifying of possible misfire locations
5. The establishment and maintenance of any exclusion zones relative to misfires

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6. The removal or control of potential detonation or ignition sources in the vicinity of

misfires
7. Communication/notification of the misfires or possible misfires to all relevant
parties for safe misfire treatment
8. Investigating the cause of misfires to ensure all steps are taken to minimise their
occurrence
9. Contractors‟ responsibilities and awareness of the required safety procedures and
rules
10. The training of excavators/digger operators in the identification of explosives and
the risks associated with misfired explosives.
Every effort must be taken to identify and treat misfires. However, it is still possible for
misfires to go undetected until excavation activities are conducted. It is necessary to
ensure that equipment used in excavating previously-blasted areas is adequately
designed and maintained to provide a high level of protection for the operators. A
competent risk assessment of the equipment and the activity, with due consideration of
the risks and the hierarchy of risk control measures, should lead to the appropriate and
adequate protective measures required.
Strategies for dealing with the hazards arising include:
1. Provide a written procedure specifying action to be taken (including the instruction

that no work is to be done until authorised personnel have inspected the site and
appropriate action is taken to allow work to recommence)
2. The procedures must specify a time within which no person may approach the site
of the misfire and describe the circumstances under which the authorised person
can approach the scene and take appropriate action.
3. Where a section of a major blast has misfired and cannot be re-fired within a
specified time, it may be necessary to advise the relevant authority before any
further work is undertaken in connection with the misfire.
4. Where a hole has misfired and is left unattended, a barricade or other obstruction
together with a danger notice must be placed to prevent inadvertent contact by
people unfamiliar with the hazards
Handling misfires
When a misfire is suspected after the initiation of the blast, the blaster must disconnect
the firing lines from the blasting machine and wait at least 10 minutes for electrical firing
and 30 minutes when safety fuse is used before permitting anyone to enter the danger
area. The blaster may extend the waiting period, depending on the circumstances. If a
blaster sees continuous smoke arising from the muckpile and suspects that explosive
may be burning, the blaster must wait until all the smoke clears and then wait 1 hour
longer before going back into the blast site. During this time, the blast site must be
guarded. If the explosive‟s manufacturers impose additional waiting times because of
the features of their product, such waiting times must be adhered to.
Unfired explosives: Explosives that do not contain detonator can be gathered in a

suitable container and destroyed in a manner recommended by the manufacturer. If a
primer or an inserted detonator is found, a new primer must be placed in contact with the

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unexploded material.
Post Firing
1. After the shot is fired, the blaster will lift radio silence and request that guards stay
in position
2. The blaster shall wait until the dust and fumes have cleared and it is safe to return
to the blast
3. The blaster shall then inspect the shot for any visible misfires. If there is no
evidence of misfires, the blaster shall announce “All Clear”
4. The blast controller shall announce the All Clear and release the blast guards from
their positions.
k) Hot Holes/Reactive Ground: A procedure shall be in place to identify hot and/or
reactive ground and to stipulate an operating practice for dealing with blasting
in such ground.
What is considered a hot hole is often changing and therefore it should be based on a
risk assessment per operation since the run-away temperature depends on the coal type
and quality.
Coal tends to oxidize in ambient temperatures and, when confined, the resultant heat
accumulates at a rate which depends entirely on the geology, coal type and quality,
previous mining activities, voids and cracks.
Coal‟s natural tendency to self-heat must be closely monitored, based on the risk
assessment conducted at operations.
Operations that have coal or reactive mineralogy should ensure the following are in
place:
1. Mining strategy specifically developed for hot and reactive ground

2. Monitoring systems for changing conditions to determine temperature
3. Drilling, priming, charging, tie-in and firing procedures based on the risk matrix per
risk zone
4. Training of people dealing with hot ground
5. Selection of explosives and accessories suitable for the elevated temperatures.
l) Destruction of Old or Surplus Explosives: The procedure for the destruction of
old, unused or surplus explosives shall ensure that only authorised personnel
are allowed to destroy these in a controlled manner, complying with local
regulations.
Out-of-date explosives are considered to be explosives that have not detonated during
blasting. These explosives are normally retrieved during the loading, transport and
processing of the material in the blasted area. The purpose of this procedure is to
provide a methodology for the temporary storage and destruction of old explosives as
well as the packaging of the explosives.

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The following must be considered in procedures for destruction of explosives,

packaging, surplus and forfeited explosives:
1. Responsibility for the destruction of explosives must be stated in the procedure

2. The specifications for the explosives storage container to comply with local
regulations
3. The container must be reinforced and must have an appropriate lock
4. Clear signage to be displayed, stating the type of explosives in the container
5. Position of the explosives containers and the separation distances
6. Training must be provided to all employees about the hazards of old explosives
7. No contraband (forbidden items such as cigarette lighters, matches, cell phones)
allowed near old explosives boxes
8. Assigning of responsibility for providing enough storage for these explosives
9. The procedures around emptying the containers and assigning of this
responsibility
10. The time and space for destruction of old explosives must be specified.
11. Demarcated areas must be provided for destruction of old explosives
12. The procedures to include manufacturers‟ recommendations for the destruction
method for the type of explosives
13. The amounts of explosives that can be destroyed at a time must be clearly stated,
as described below:
Ammonium nitrate:
A. Ammonium nitrate can be disposed of by dissolving it in water.
Blasting caps:
A. A maximum of 50 caps may be destroyed at a time

B. The blasting caps must be bundled together with a live blasting cap in the
middle of the bundle
C. The bundle must be placed in a 0.6 metre deep hole and must be aimed
downwards
D. The hole with blasting caps must be covered with soil
E. Detonate the live blasting cap when at a safe place.
Cortex:
A. A maximum of 1 roll may be disposed of at a time (200m)

B. Where possible, the cortex must be rolled up with a blasting cap in the
middle of the roll
C. Place the cortex roll in a 0.6 metre deep hole and close up the hole with soil
D. Detonate the live blasting cap when at a safe place.

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Dynamite, pentolite boosters, slabs, emulsion and slug blasts:
A. A maximum of 5kg may be disposed of at a time

B. Place 200mg of explosives on the old explosives
C. Detonate when at a safe place.
Igniter cord and safety fuse:
A. Remove all blast caps

B. Ignite the material at the designated site
C. This site is indicated by warning signs and protected by a retaining wall
D. Ensure that the area where the material is being burned is cleared of all
grass and plants
Carton explosive containers (empty):
A. Personnel must be informed of the correct area where the empty carton
containers must be disposed of
B. The person responsible for the blast must remove the empty carton
containers
C. The person responsible for the blast must collect all the empty carton
containers in which there were explosives and/or explosive-related
equipment, during his working shift
D. The empty carton containers must be burned in the same manner as the
igniter cord and safety fuse
E. The empty carton containers will be burned in the designated area
F. The empty carton containers are burned inside a cage designed to prevent
the occurrence of field fires.
14. Avoid soil contamination with explosives
15. Records and logbooks must be used to record the date and type and amount of
explosives destroyed.
m) Miscellaneous Blasting: The procedure for miscellaneous blasting such as
secondary blasting, blasting in hoppers, bins and chutes and in cases where
blasting is taking place on or near public roads and infrastructures shall ensure
that risks associated with these types of blasting are controlled.
In cases where different types of blasting, which requires controls that differ from normal
production blasting, is to be carried out, these must be specifically addressed and the
risks associated with these blasts must be managed.
Secondary Blasting
Holes should be drilled to ⅔ the thickness of the rock. Flat or oddly-shaped rock may
require several holes.

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A charge weight of between 50gm and 100gm per cubic metre of rock can be used.
All holes shall be fired instantly.
Blistering or plaster shooting may be considered where drilling holes are impractical.
Consideration shall be given to fly-rock and air overpressure from both types of blasting.
Blasting Toe
Consideration shall be given to excessive fly-rock generated by toe shots.
Use a charge weight of around 100gm per cubic metre of rock. Holes should be spaced
closely together.
Blasting in Hoppers, Bins and Chutes
1. Wherever possible, holes shall be drilled into the obstructing rock to place the
explosives into
2. The responsible person familiar with the isolation procedures for the area must
assist the blaster in locking out all equipment energy sources
3. Only an appointed blaster (or person under their direct supervision) may conduct
blasting in the plant
4. A blast plan shall be prepared for each blast
5. People working in the area shall be informed of the blast and cleared from the
area at the time of the shot
6. The area around the blast must be watered down to prevent a coal dust explosion
in coal mines
7. Only permitted explosives shall be used to blast in the plant
8. Explosives shall never be placed where they may come into contact with metal
9. The blaster and plant supervisor must determine a safe distance for clearing of
personnel and equipment for the blast
10. Where blasting is required to remove large rocks stuck in dump trucks, the truck
must be taken to a remote location for the blast
11. Isolate the truck, remove all non-essential personnel and charge as per a plaster
shot
12. Place guards on all access points before firing the shot. Safety distance is that
determined by the blaster.
Pre-split and Associated Blasting
1. Holes must be drilled so that all holes are parallel to each other
2. Wherever possible, pre-splits should be deck charged
3. Check for hole depth and water content prior to loading
4. Demarcate the blast area as for a normal blast

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5. Where possible, dewater pre-split holes; place an gasbag down the blasthole at
the specified location for the first deck charge
6. Place bottom primer and charge
7. Lower the second gas bag to designated location for second deck and repeat the
process
8. Where possible, fire all pre-splits instantaneously
9. For mid split, tie the split line in so that the split line fires before the production
holes in front.
Blasting Adjacent to Public Infrastructure
1. Public Roads
Where the blast clearance zone includes public roads, the following must be
adhered to:
A. Application to police to block a public road

B. Signs must be erected to warn the public of possible delays
C. Signs must be made active on the morning of the blast
D. All blast guards that block a public road must have attained training in traffic
control
E. Emergency access shall be given to emergency vehicles: the guard must
notify the blast controller and blaster of the situation and they must hold the
shot.
2. Public Infrastructure
Where blasting takes place near railway lines, power facilities, telecommunication
points, etc, that is controlled and serviced by persons not associated with the
mine; notification shall be made to the local representative.
The area shall be checked prior to blasting.
3. Public Houses and Buildings
Where blasting takes place in close proximity to houses and buildings, the drill and
blast engineer must make every effort to minimise environmental effects including
vibration, air overpressure, fly-rock, dust and fumes.
n) Manufacturing on site, Mobile Manufacturing Unit (MMU): A risk management

plan shall be prepared for sites that manufacture their own explosives,
including consideration of location and layout of the manufacturing plant,
safety of the facility, licence to manufacture, access control, security personnel,
maintenance, issuing of explosives, loading and unloading points, transporting
with mobile manufacturing unit and emergency preparedness procedures.
Manufacturing Plant Safety

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Explosive materials must be manufactured in accordance with requirements of

applicable local regulations.
General requirements
1. Smoking shall be prohibited on the plant site, except where notices permitting
smoking are posted. Smoking must be prohibited by individuals whose clothing is
contaminated with explosive materials or other materials to the degree that safety
of personnel is endangered
2. No individual shall carry matches or other flame-producing devices into explosive
materials areas without a written permit signed by an authorised supervisor. Such
a permit shall apply only to matches or other flame-producing devices of the kind
approved by plant management
3. All employees in explosive materials operations must be subjected to periodic
searches. Searches must include all clothing, lunch boxes, lockers and vehicles
brought into the explosive materials operation
4. Intoxicating beverages and narcotics or dangerous drugs shall be prohibited on
the premises. Any person under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or dangerous
drugs shall not be permitted on the premises
5. Lunch containers, food, tobacco products and chewing gum (except tobacco
products and chewing gum placed in the mouth prior to entering) shall not be
taken into the explosive materials manufacturing buildings unless approved by
management
6. No person shall carry or have in his possession firearms, ammunition or articles of
a similar nature on the premises without written permission from management
7. Whenever a new explosive material manufacturing location is established, local
authorities such as law enforcement agencies, fire departments and local
emergency planning committees shall be notified of explosive materials on site
8. All normal access routes to explosive material manufacturing facilities must clearly
display warning signs
9. Fires involving explosive materials shall not be fought, except where special
instructions have been issued for fighting fires involving explosive or highly-
flammable materials at specific locations. Employees wearing clothing
contaminated with ignitable materials shall not go near any fire
10. Each employee involved in explosive materials operations must wear clothing of a
type approved by management
11. When required for hygienic reasons, employees must take a shower/bath at the
end of each shift
12. A set of procedures, or a disaster plan, shall be developed to handle emergency
conditions at explosive materials operations
13. Manufacturing buildings on explosive materials plant sites shall be located away
from inhabited buildings, public highways and passenger railways in accordance
with the local standards regarding the Table of Distances based on the maximum
quantity of explosive materials contained in the building at any one time
14. The land within 25 feet (7.6 metres) of any manufacturing or mixing plant must be
kept clear of rubbish, brush, dried grass, leaves, dead trees, all live trees less than
10 feet (3 metres) high and other combustible materials

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15. Operating rules or practices must be developed and approved by management

and posted for each explosive materials operation. No deviations shall be
permitted without management approval
16. Operating personnel must receive training in relevant rules and practices before
working in explosive materials operations
17. Explosive materials contaminated by foreign matter, or any material contaminated
by explosive materials, shall be disposed of or recycled using procedures
approved by management and in accordance with relevant regulations
18. Personnel shall not enter, remain in or go near explosive materials manufacturing
buildings unless necessary for performance of duties
19. Excess explosive materials and packaging contaminated with explosive materials
shall be placed in approved, marked containers. Excess explosive materials shall
be kept separated from all other materials and shall be disposed of or reworked in
accordance with established operating procedures and relevant regulations
20. During the approach and progress of an electrical storm, all explosive materials
manufacturing and handling operations shall be suspended and personnel
withdrawn to a safe location
21. Repairs to explosive materials processing machinery shall not begin until
prescribed clean-up and decontamination has been performed. All such repair
work must be approved by authorised supervisory personnel
22. Whenever new or special ingredients are introduced, specific handling
requirements shall be adopted and employed to ensure the safe handling of these
ingredients
23. Material Safety Data Sheets for raw materials and explosives must be readily
available for site employees and contractors
24. Processes where 1.1 or 1.2 type explosives are manufactured must be reviewed
by applying hazard assessment techniques such as: "What-If" check lists, fault
tree analyses, failure mode and effects analyses, or other appropriate methods.
Reload Site Safety
1. A risk assessment must be conducted to determine the best location for the reload
site
2. The reload site must be at least 250 metres from active digging equipment
3. The reload site must not be below highwalls
4. The site should be located so that people can evacuate the area without placing
themselves in danger
5. Where the site is at risk of objects intruding from activities above, signage shall be
placed on the bench above, restricting activity within 10 metres of the edge
6. The site shall be demarcated to a distance no less than 10 metres and access
restricted to authorised persons only
7. There shall be no smoking within the mixing compound
8. Where PPAN (Porous Prilled Ammonium Nitrate) is kept at the reload site, an
authorised person must be in attendance or the containers must be sealed or
locked

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9. Security seals shall be checked off by an authorised person prior to removal and
the seals retained and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
Mobile Manufacturing Unit Safety
This section covers the guidelines for the pumping of bulk, water-based explosive
products from mobile bulk pumping equipment. The products are limited to emulsions,
slurries, water gels and blends classified as (1.5 D blasting agent) explosive or oxidizer.
Please refer to IME (International Manufacturers of Explosives) Guidelines for the
Pumping of Bulk and Water-Based Explosives for more information
The unique characteristic of water-based explosive materials has permitted them to be

pumped into blastholes or to be blended with ammonium nitrate/fuel materials for
loading into blastholes. All pumping techniques used for loading of explosives require
that particular attention is paid to the products being pumped, the selection, design and
development of pumping equipment, implementation of operating procedures,
development of maintenance practices and training of operating personnel.
Management must implement the following:
1. Regularly-scheduled inspection programmes to identify and correct potential

problem areas
2. Periodic reviews of operating procedures to identify and correct unapproved
changes that may have occurred over time
3. An effective preventive maintenance programme to ensure adequate routing
maintenance
4. A training programme to ensure adequate training of new employees and proper
evaluation and refresher training of experienced employees.
Principles/Criteria for Safe Pumping and Specifications
1. Emulsions, slurries, water gels and blend-type bulk explosive materials are
generally incompatible with strong acids, bases and some elastomers. Care must
be exercised to ensure that products are kept separated from materials with which
they are incompatible
2. Products to be pumped must possess adequate stability for their intended use
3. Products must not break down during the stability period for which they were
designed. Breakdown could result in loss or gain in viscosity or significant changes
in sensitivity, density or critical diameter
4. Once a pumping system is approved for use, safeguards must be in place with
suppliers to ensure compliance with design specifications. Avoid the use of copper
or copper alloys in the pumping systems
5. Pump rotors must have a solid shaft to prevent undetected accumulation of
explosive product which could occur in a hollow shaft. To protect against wear
from exposure, the product rotors may be chrome plated. Also, rotors on gear
pumps are covered with an elastometer to prevent metal-to-metal contact. Certain
elastometers degrade with time and proper maintenance and storage are required.
Mechanical Seals should be made of Ceramic-to-Ceramic or Ceramic-to-Carbon

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1. All hoses must be made of materials that are compatible with the product being
pumped. Discharge hoses must have the capability to withstand the temperature
and pressure requirements of the pumping system. In addition, suction hoses must
be constructed in such a manner to prevent collapse. Always maintain full flow to
pump inlet
2. Refer to the IME Guidelines for pump selection criteria as well as operating
principles and possible problems.
Standard Operating and Maintenance Procedures
1. All pump/blend units must be checked for the presence of foreign material
(welding slag, gasket material, metal filings, trash or grit) in tanks, bibs and lines.
Do not use the pump to flush the system
2. Check system with water to ensure that all pipe and hose connections are tight
and free of leaks
3. Check and test the following:
A. Pump lubrication must be compatible with products being pumped
B. All guards must be in place and secure
C. Hydraulic fluid levels
D. Pressure relief system must be in place and of specified failure rating
E. Alarms must be in working order and adjusted to proper setting
F. Water ring spray system.
4. Operators must be trained in proper procedures of troubleshooting and
maintenance and must not attempt to operate any pumping equipment until they
have received adequate training
5. Pumps must be calibrated at the time of installation and recalibrated periodically in
accordance with manufacturer‟s recommendations
6. Only properly-trained and supervised personnel must load blastholes
7. Care must be taken when manoeuvring pump or blend trucks on a blast site
8. Bulk explosive materials must not be loaded into a blasthole unless the hole has
been properly checked and prepared and is ready for loading
9. Product removed from a pumping unit prior to or after shutdown must be inspected
and disposed of properly in accordance with the explosives manufacturers‟
recommendations and local regulations
10. Suction piping to the pump must be disassembled and cleaned
11. It may be necessary to clean the interior walls of the hose to remove any product
build up. A special plastic sponge or pig designed for cleaning interior walls, piping
or hose may be used for this purpose. This practice must be conducted regularly,
especially in cold weather when product viscosity increases
12. To ensure safe and proper operation of a pumping unit, all systems must be in
efficient working order. All components must be in accordance with design
specifications, be properly installed and maintained and operated within their
design limits
13. Maintenance must be an integral part of standard operating procedure

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14. A formal maintenance schedule must be established and followed

15. Preventive maintenance schedule must be scheduled for each pumping unit
including daily, weekly, monthly, three month, annual and, for some system
components, two year inspections
16. A process hazards review must be conducted for each pumping system design to
investigate operating processes and determine possible hazards
17. A process hazards review of pumping of bulk, water-based explosive materials
must consider the following aspects of the operation:
A. Nature of the product being pumped
B. Conditions at the pump inlet and outlet
C. The pump and the power source
D. Pump controls, including speed, pressure, temperature and flow
E. The environment around the pump
F. The operator and operating procedures
G. Product confinement
H. Pump torque
I. Internal or discharge pressure
J. Friction
K. High product temperature
L. Impact (particularly metal-to-metal)
M. Product sensitivity
N. Voids or cracks in metal components
O. Product contamination
P. No-flow conditions.
Containers and facilities storing explosives and/or explosive materials shall be
clearly demarcated/identified, with access restricted to authorised personnel only.
All vehicles dedicated to carrying explosives on surface or underground must be clearly

marked and fitted with sirens, flashing lights and flags. When these vehicles (or equipment)
are not carrying any explosives, they must be inconspicuous or have signs stating that they
are not carrying explosives.
All storage areas and/or magazines must be in a safe zone away from general traffic and
easily recognisable as an explosives storage facility. The keys of these facilities must not be
left unattended on magazines or storage boxes and they should be kept by the relevant
person in charge who is the licence holder.

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Reviews of poor quality blasts shall be undertaken in sufficient detail to provide

meaningful and timely input into subsequent blast designs and planning. Poor
quality blasts shall include blasts that do not fully detonate, exceed noise or vibration
limits, generate excessive fumes or fly-rock, or do not achieve design outcomes or
contribute to an incident.
Blast reviews shall be undertaken by an appropriate Blast Review Team, which shall
include as required the person responsible for designing the blast, the person
responsible for drilling and blasting operations, the Blaster and Site Environmental
Officer.
Every mine must ensure that drilling and blasting activities are monitored by competent
persons who have proven skills in drilling and blasting operations.
Each site must conduct an audit against one or more standard operating procedures per
month by an on-site audit team which must contain at least one security authorised person.
An audit must be conducted every 12 months to check compliance against the SOPs
(Standard Operating Procedures).
Contractors must be audited every 12 months.
If the contractors are responsible for receiving, storage and transport of explosives, the mine
has the responsibility to check on the quality of the services by the contractors. The supply
chain personnel must set the frequency of these checks at each site.
The mine must make sure that contractors are made aware of Explosives Handling Standards
and Guidelines and they must be incorporated in future contracts.
The Baseline Risk Assessment as well as the associated EMCP and Emergency
Response Plan shall be kept current and updated considering operational
performance, actual or potential incidents, inspections and reviews. Reviews and
potential updates are to be conducted on an annual basis.
The intent is to:
a) Objectively evaluate the effectiveness of the EMCP and Emergency Response Plan.
b) Analyse root causes of non-compliance
c) Assess compliance
d) Identify areas requiring corrective action
e) Provide information to allow improved performance and increased safety.
A responsible person is assigned to achieve the above objectives that will:
a) Provide the lead for evaluation team

b) Co-ordinate the EMCP evaluation schedule
c) Evaluate the activities to determine the compliance
d) Evaluate components of the Explosives Safety Risk Management programme‟s

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principles, policy and guidance

e) Develop and maintain an automated evaluation system to track compliance
f) Analyse evaluations for trends
g) Provide input based on trends, observations, recommendations and aggregated findings
from evaluations
h) Disseminate lessons learned from evaluations
i) Track EMCP related findings and all required post-evaluation actions for compliance
j) Provide subject matter experts when required for addressing matter raised during
evaluations.
The adequacy of the EMCP and Emergency Response Plan shall be independently
verified by a competent person on a regular basis. The verification cycle shall be
determined by exposure, but shall not exceed 3 years.
The effectiveness of the Explosives Management Control Plan and Emergency Response
Plan for each site will be audited by an independent person at intervals not exceeding three
years, or when there is a change of technology or method or when there is a major incident
relevant to this Standard.
This section must be updated after the EMCP is practised for three years of issue.
5.3 Other
A change management process shall be in place to identify the risks associated with
changes in explosives. The process shall define the magnitude of change required
before an update of the EMCP is triggered.
When the nature of the operation changes, a change management process must be
undertaken to ensure that the safety and security management issues are properly addressed
and to assess any changes in the explosives management standard.
A licence holder must review the safety management system and security plan regularly to
ensure that obligations are being covered for any operational changes for the licence.
All safety management systems must include change management arrangements for the
closure or alteration of the activities.
Management must consider authorised persons; control of keys and access and training of
personnel.
When activities using explosives cease, the management of explosives stockholding must be
assessed under the risk control hierarchy.
All modifications to explosives handling equipment must be done in accordance with the
change management protocol.
A formal and documented procedure shall be in place to inform and ensure

understanding of any changes to the EMCP.
Self explanatory.

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A formal and documented communications procedure using positive

response/confirmation shall be developed and implemented for the purpose of
conducting a blast. The procedure shall detail at least the following:
a) Advance warning to clear an area for a blast

b) Location of warning signs and maintenance of blasting boards/flags
c) Advising when areas are safe to re-enter after a blast
A system of warning signals must be used on the mines to ensure that personnel and
equipment are safely away from the blasting effect.
Operations and maintenance personnel must be aware at all time of the products/materials
they are handling and access must be restricted to an “as needed” basis so the risk of
mishandling and exposure are both minimised.
Danger notices with the blasting signal code must be erected on all roads and tracks leading
to the blast area beyond the danger area limits. It is possible that, due to noise in the working
place, people may not hear the warning sirens, horns, etc. The blaster and safety supervisor
must make a visual check that all personnel, including those in sheds or machinery, are
cleared out of the danger area.
Before a blast is fired, guards or sentries with red flags must be posted at all strategic points
and entries to the area to prohibit any person from entering the danger area until the blast is
fired and the all-clear is given. Red flags must be at least 600x600mm. Sentries must clearly
understand their duties.
Demarcation is required at each blast location to identify the exclusion zone for general mining
activities. This includes:
a) Windrows/bund, cones and/or pegs

b) Signage
c) Separating drilled areas from charged areas
Magazines must be clearly signposted to prevent unwanted hazards from being introduced.
This includes the following signs:
a) No Smoking
b) Authorised Personnel Only
Explosives handling risks shall be clearly communicated to employees, contractors,
visitors or other persons who are identified as at risk during the explosives usage
cycle.
Any concerns can be raised in time by communicating the risks to all who are identified as at
risk. The intent is to deliver messages on-time, proactively and correctly and to the right
destination.
Plans for communications must take into account the need for multiple methods of
communication. The methods selected must be reliable in the complexity of the mining
environment. Each mine‟s requirements would be different, depending on the size and type of
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operations. Underground mine communication systems are different from those at surface
mines.
Problems for risk communicators involve
a) How to reach the intended audience, to make the risk comprehensible and relatable to
other risks
b) How to pay appropriate respect to the audience's values related to the risk
c) How to predict the audience's response to the communication.
The Golden Rules are:
a) Risk is communicated in simple and truthful manner

b) Risk is communicated to the right person in the correct medium
c) Understand the culture of the people for the message to be delivered properly
d) Location and frequency of non-verbal communications
e) Frequency of written and transmitted communications
f) Induction programmes for new employees, visitors and contractors
g) Regular reviews of the relevance of communicated material
h) The roles and capabilities of the person responsible for the communications.
Significant explosive related incidents shall be reported to Anglo American Safety
and Sustainable Development within 48 hours and lessons shared among the Anglo
American operations according to the Anglo Learning from Incidents initiative.
Proper analysis of incidents where explosives are involved is critical to reducing the impact
and preventing future incidents. The “No Repeats” policy within Anglo American operations
must be practised by sharing the analyses of the incidents as they happen.
Data analysis may take different forms. Some data is purely for statistical analysis. Other data
analysis is based on experience and knowledge to identify developing trends. Nevertheless,
careful analysis can identify risk mitigation actions.
a) Report and provide data on all reportable incidents that involve explosives
b) Support collection, aggregation and analysis of reportable incident data for use in
validating and improving the EMCP
c) Ensure that lessons learned from incidents are being disseminated and, as appropriate,
incorporated in training programmes and operating procedures
d) Review incidents for trends and determine whether corrective action is required
e) Submit annual incident data summaries and lessons learned
f) Based on explosives safety trends and analysis, recommend changes to the EMCP that
will enhance explosives safety awareness and practices

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APPENDIX A: RELATED DOCUMENTS
AA AMRS 13 : Explosives Handling Standard
AA GTS 27 : Anglo Fatal Risk Standards 1 Light Vehicles
AA GTS 7 : Working at Heights
AA GTS 8 : Lifting Operations
AA SSDG 4 : Guideline for Conducting a Risk Assessment using WRAC
AA SSDG 5 : Guideline for Conducting a Bow Tie Analysis
AA SSDP 2 : Process for the Management of SHE Risks
AA SSDP 3 : Procedure for Baseline or Full Site Risk Assessment
AA SSDP 4 : Procedure for Site Project, Change or Issue Risk Assessment
APPENDIX B: RECORD OF AMENDMENTS
Issue 0 : New document (S. Uludag, June 2011)

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APPENDIX C: UNITED NATIONS HAZARD CLASSIFICATION CODES
Hazard
UN Serial
Article Classification
Number
Code
354 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.1 L
350 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.4 B
351 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.4 C
352 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.4 D
353 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.4 G
349 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.4 S
224 BARIUM AZIDE, dry or wetted with less than 50 percent water, by weight. 1.1 A
28 BLACK POWDER (GUNPOWDER) COMPRESSED or BLACK POWDER 1.1 D
(GUNPOWDER) IN PELLETS.
27 BLACK POWDER (GUNPOWDER) granular or as a meal. 1.1 D
268 BOOSTERS WITH DETONATOR. 1.2 B
225 BOOSTERS WITH DETONATOR. 1.1 B
42 BOOSTERS without detonator. 1.1D
283 BOOSTERS without detonator. 1.2 D
48 CHARGES, DEMOLITION. 1.1D
444 CHARGES, EXPLOSIVE, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.4 D
445 CHARGES, EXPLOSIVE, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.4 S
59 CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.1D
441 CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.4 S
439 CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.2 D
440 CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.4 D
288 CHARGES, SHAPED, FLEXIBLE, LINEAR metal clad. 1.1D
237 CHARGES, SHAPED, FLEXIBLE, LINEAR metal clad. 1.4 D
60 CHARGES, SUPPLEMENTARY, EXPLOSIVE. 1.1D
383 COMPONENTS, EXPLOSIVE TRAIN, N.O.S. 1.4 B
382 COMPONENTS, EXPLOSIVE TRAIN, N.O.S. 1.2 B
384 COMPONENTS, EXPLOSIVE TRAIN, N.O.S. 1.4 S
249 CONTRIVANCES, WATER-ACTIVATED with burster, expelling charge or propelling 1.3 L
charge.
248 CONTRIVANCES, WATER-ACTIVATED with burster, expelling charge or propelling 1.2 L
charge.
102 CORD (FUSE), DETONATING, metal clad. 1.2 D
290 CORD (FUSE), DETONATING, metal clad. 1.1D
104 CORD (FUSE), DETONATING, mild effect, metal clad. 1.4 D
65 CORD, DETONATING, flexible. 1.1D
289 CORD, DETONATING, flexible. 1.4 D
66 CORD, IGNITER. 1.4 G
226 CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN), WETTED with not 1.1 D
less than 15 percent water, by weight, or

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Hazard
UN Serial
Number
Code
CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN), DESENSITISED
with not less than 10 percent phlegmatiser, by weight.
391 CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX) AND 1.1 D
CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN) MIXTURES,
WETTED with not less than 15 percent water by weight, or
CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX) AND
CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN) MIXTURES,
DESENSITISED with not less than 10 percent phlegmatiser, by weight.
72 CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX), WETTED 1.1 D
with not less than 15 per cent water, by weight, or
CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX),
DESENSITISED with not less than 10 percent phlegmatiser, by weight.
630 DETONATOR, ASSEMBLIES, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.1 B
361 DETONATOR, ASSEMBLIES, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.4 B
255 DETONATORS, ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.4 B
30 DETONATORS, ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.1 B
267 DETONATORS, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.4 B
29 DETONATORS, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.1 B
74 DIAZODINITROPHENOL, WETTED with not less than 40 percent water, by weight (or 1.1 A
mixture of alcohol and water).
81 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE A. 1.1 D
331 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE B. 1.5 D
82 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE B. 1.1 D
84 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE D. 1.1 D
332 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE E. 1.5 D
241 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE E. 1.1 D
83 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE C. 1.1 D
99 FRACTURING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE, for oil wells, without detonator. 1.1 D
103 FUSE, IGNITER, tubular, metal clad. 1.4 G
101 FUSE, INSTANTANEOUS, NON-DETONATING. 1.3 G
105 FUSE, SAFETY. 1.4 S
408 FUZES, DETONATING with protective features. 1.1 D
107 FUZES, DETONATING. 1.2 B
367 FUZES, DETONATING. 1.4 S
113 GUANYL NITROSAMINOGUANYLIDENE HYDRAZINE, WETTED with not less than 30 1.1 A
percent water, by weight
114 GUANYL NITROSAMINOGUANYLTETRAZENE (TETRAZENE), WETTED with not less 1.1 A
than 30 percent water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water)
79 HEXANITRODIPHENYLAMINE (DIPICRYLAMINE; HEXYL). 1.1 D
392 HEXANITROSTILBENE. 1.1 D
393 HEXATONAL, CAST. 1.1 D
118 HEXOLITE, dry or wetted with less than 15 percent water, by weight. 1.1 D
325 IGNITERS. 1.4 G

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Hazard
UN Serial
Number
Code
315 IGNITERS. 1.3 G
314 IGNITERS. 1.2 G
121 IGNITERS. 1.1 G
124 JET PERFORATING GUNS, CHARGED, oil well, without detonator. 1.1D
129 LEAD AZIDE, WETTED with not less than 20 percent water, by weight (or mixture of 1.1 A
alcohol and water).
130 LEAD STYPHNATE (LEAD TRINITRORESORCINATE), WETTED with not less than 20 1.1 A
percent water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water).
133 MANNITOL HEXANITRATE (NITROMANNAITE), WETTED with not less than 40 percent 1.1 D
water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water).
135 MERCURY FULMINATE, WETTED with not less than 20 percent water, by weight (or 1.1 A
mixture of alcohol and water).
147 NITRO UREA. 1.1 D
340 NITROCELLULOSE, dry or wetted with less than 25 percent water (or alcohol), by weight. 1.1 D
343 NITROCELLULOSE PLASTICISED with not less than 18 percent plasticising substance 1.3 C
by weight.
341 NITROCELLULOSE unmodified or plasticised with less than 18 percent plasticising 1.1 D
substance by weight.
342 NITROCELLULOSE, WETTED with not less than 25 percent alcohol, by weight. 1.3C
143 NITROGLYCERIN, DESENSITISED, with not less than 40 percent non-volatile water- 1.1 D
insoluble phlegmatiser, by weight.
144 NITROGLYCERIN, SPIRIT OF, with more than 1 percent but not more than 10 percent 1.1D
nitro-glycerine in solution in alcohol.
282 NITROGUANIDINE, (PICRITE), dry or wetted with less than 20 percent water, by weight. 1.1 D
146 NITROSTARCH, dry or wetted with less than 20 percent water, by weight. 1.1 D
266 OCTOLITE, (OCTOL), dry or wetted with less than 15 percent water, by weight. 1.1 D
150 PENTAERYTHRITE TETRANITRATE (PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE; PETN), 1.1D
WETTED with not less than 25 percent water, by weight, or PENTAERYTHRITE
TETRANITRATE (PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE; PETN), DESENSITISED with
not less than 15 percent phlegmatiser, by weight.
411 PENTAERYTHRITE TETRANITRATE (PETN) with not less than 7 percent wax, by 1.1 D
weight.
151 PENTOLITE, dry or wetted with less than 15 percent water, by weight. 1.1D
159 POWDER CAKE (POWDER PASTE), WETTED with not less than 35 percent water, by 1.3 C
weight.
433 POWDER CAKE, WETTED with not less than 17 percent alcohol, by weight. 1.1 C
161 POWDER, SMOKELESS. 1.3 C
160 POWDER, SMOKELESS. 1.1 C
173 RELEASE DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE. 1.4 S
190 SAMPLES, EXPLOSIVE, other than initiating explosive. As appropriate
374 SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE. 1.1 E
204 SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE. 1.2F
375 SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE. 1.2 E
296 SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE. 1.1F
357 SUBSTANCES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.1 L

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Hazard
UN Serial
Number
Code
208 TRINITROPHENYLMETHYLNITRAMINE (TETRYL). 1.1 D
388 TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) AND TRINITROTOLUENE MIXTURES OR 1.1 D
TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) AND HEXANITROSTILBENE MIXTURES.
389 TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) MIXTURES CONTAINING TRINITROBENZENE AND 1.1 D
HEXANITROSTILBENE
209 TRINITROTOULENE (TNT), dry or wetted with less than 30 percent water, by weight. 1.1D
390 TRITONAL. 1.1 D
220 UREA NITRATE, dry or wetted with less than 20 percent water, by weight. 1.1 D

AA - GTG - 000013 - V0 AMRG 3 Expolsives Handling

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AA - GTG - 000013 - V0 AMRG 3 Expolsives Handling

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AA GTG 13 AMRG 3 - EXPLOSIVES HANDLING STANDARD ISSUE 0

GUIDELINE 30 September 2011

TO ENSURE THAT YOU REFER TO THE MOST CURRENT VERSION OF THIS

AMRG 3 - EXPLOSIVES HANDLING STANDARD

Appendix A: Related Documents 56

Appendix B: Record of Amendments 56

Appendix C: United Nations Hazard Classification Codes 57

COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL APPROVED Page 1 of 60

a) Lack of understanding of the properties of explosives therefore underestimating the risks

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Strategies and control activities to manage the handling of explosives shall be

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ANFO : Ammonium nitrate and fuel oil explosive mix

ANPP : Ammonium nitrate porous prill

Blast/Blasting : The firing of explosive materials for such purposes as

Blaster : A qualified individual who designs loading and firing of a blast.

Blasthole/Drill- : A hole drilled in the material to be blasted for the purpose of

Blasting Agent : An explosive material which meets prescribed criteria for

Cartridge : An individually-wrapped, shelled, bagged or tubed circular

Charging : Loading of blastholes with primers and explosives

Competent Person : Legally authorised and with knowledge, training and

Detonator : Any device containing an initiating or primary explosive that is

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delay types, electronic detonators, blasting caps for use with

EMCP : Explosives Management and Control Plan

Explosive : Any chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or

Explosive materials : These include explosives, blasting agents and detonators.

Fly-rock : Rocks propelled from the blast area by the force of an

Group Technical : Group Technical Standards normally have an associated

Group Technical : Group Technical Standards define minimum requirements to

Magazine : Any building, structure or container, other than an explosives

Misfire : A blast or specific borehole that failed to detonate as planned.

Powder : A common synonym for explosive materials

Primer : A unit used to initiate other explosives or blasting agents, and

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Safety Fuse : A flexible cord containing solid flammable material by which

Sensitivity : The physical characteristic of an explosive material classifying

Shot-firer : See blaster

Tie-up : Connecting the blastholes by means of initiating

5.1.1 Design of Explosives Facilities/Equipment

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g) When and why re-commissioning may be appropriate (change of use)

a) Contractor selection and appointment process and criteria

Planning the Blast

a) Blasting specification (design and calculation) to:

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a) Define the procurement strategy for explosive substance and/or articles

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g) Compiling technical information for the requirement of explosives.

Assess the stability of the Supply Chain

a) Liaise with the supplier‟s, explosives experts on technical matters, product

Transporting within the Jurisdiction of the Mine

Supervising Storage of Explosives

Roles and responsibilities for correct supervision of explosives storage include:

a) Understand the nature, characteristics, hazards and risks of explosives

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a) Location and layout of the facility

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satisfied that it is safe and the all-clear has been sounded

a) Establish and identify the condition of the explosives

Competency-based training and refresher training shall be provided by Operations

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Supplier and Contractors on site