Blasting

Regulations
Regulatory Requirements
for
NCDOT Blasting Operations
Legal Standards
 29 CFR Part 1910 - General Industry
 29 CFR Part 1926 - Construction
 BATF
 DOT
General Provisions:
 General requirements not specifically
related to a particular operation or
procedure
 Usually broad in scope
 “Do’s and Don’ts”, “Always and Nevers”
Blaster Qualifications:
 Knowledge and Experience
 Training Certified
Blaster
 Physical Ability
 Evidence of Competency
Storage of Explosives:
 Storage in Magazines
 Separate Magazines for Explosives and
Detonators
 Separation Distances

– barricaded
– unbarricaded
Transporting Explosives
 Requires CDL with
Hazmat Endorsement
 Proper Placarding
 No smoking, etc.
 Same vehicle for explosives and
detonators may be permitted
 Route Plan
Loading Explosives:
 No operating equipment within 50 feet of
loaded holes
 Load only those holes intended to be fired in
the next round
 Warning signs posted
 Check all holes for

depth prior to loading

Initiation of Explosives:
 Connections from boreholes back to source
of firing current
 Survey for extraneous electricity
 Solid Connecting & Lead wires
 EB detonators all the

same kind
 Proper resistance
 Leg wires shunted
Initiation of Explosives -
cont:
 Only the Blaster shall:
– be in charge of the blasting machine
– connect lead wires to machine
– test circuits with Blasting
Galvanometers
– fire the shot
– immediately disconnect lead
wires after firing the shot
Firing the Blast:
 Code of signals, familiar to everyone, must be
posted
 Loud warning signal prior
to firing the shot
 Flagmen posted at every
roadway passing through
the blasting zone
 Blaster must assure safety
Post Blast Inspection:
 Disconnect firing line immediately after
blast
 Allow sufficient time

for dispersion of fumes

 Blaster must verify all

charges have fired before

others are allowed into blast area
Misfires:
 Exclude all employees from danger zone
 No other work except that required to
clear the misfire
 First attempt is to re-fire the hole
 Explosives may be removed by washing
out with water if re-fire doesn’t work
 All non-electric misfires require 1 hr wait
 Misfires handled by Blaster in charge
Personal Protective
Equipment:
 Hard Hat
 Safety Toed Shoes
 Reflective Vest
 Safety Glasses
 Gloves
 Hearing Protection
Other Regulated
Operations:
 Underground Transportation - 1926.903
 Use of Safety Fuse - 1926.907
 Use of Detonating Cord - 1926.908
 Underwater Blasting - 1926.912
 Blasting in Excavation Work Under
Compressed Air - 1926.913