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Blasting Safety
Explosives Safety
Legislation, Codes of Practice, Standards etc prescribe the requirements
for explosives and blasting safety.
Mines Act and Regulations in each State cover explosives use on
a mine site, ie Decree of Mine Minister 555.K/1995
Dangerous Goods Act in each state for transport regulation
(comply with each state through which the explosives are to be
transported)
Australian Standards and Codes
Procedures laid down by mine management
Risk assessment processes for deciding whether a new method
or procedure is acceptable
Blast Area
Region designated by the
Blaster-in-Charge where
flying material is expected
Safety Zone
Region designated by the
Blaster-in-Charge where
Flyrock is not expected
Blast Site
Region where boreholes
are loaded or in the process
of being loaded
Pre-Blast Inspection
The final pre-blast inspection by the shot firer in charge should ensure
that:
The tie-in is consistent with the design initiation sequence
All components have been properly connected with no omissions
(oversight)
Blast Clearance
Blasting signs erected to notify mine staff the time and location of blast
Blast guards must be adequately informed of their duties and
responsibilities
Blast clearance plan to safely guard the blast area and all access points
to be completed and circulated well before the blast
All clearance control points to comply with the minimum safety distance
Different methods used to notify employees of an impending blast (siren,
flashing lights, radio warning, etc)
Consider the most likely direction of flyrock when establishing clearance
distances
Overcharged holes pose a risk of flyrock and excess charge must
be removed or additional clearance distance allowed
All personnel and equipment to be removed to a safe distance from the
blast and all areas checked prior to blasting
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Blast Clearance
Shotfirer should be familiar with blast clearance procedure and follow
this procedure
Shotfirer is responsible for clearance of all equipment and personnel
from the blast area
Clearly audible blast warning signal should be sounded for the set
period prior to firing
Blast is to be fired only after clearance is confirmed and approval
granted by blast controller
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Misfires
Misfires may be recognised when
inspecting the muckpile immediately after
a blast by:
Unusual shape or Flat areas in the
muckpile
Unfired surface initiation system
components on top of the muckpile
Unfired explosive on face
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Handling of Misfires
Performed only by competent, experienced persons
Every misfire evaluated on individual basis
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Misfire Investigations
It is critical that the underlying cause of misfires be determined
wherever possible to prevent a recurrence
Misfire records should document the state of the misfire at time of
discovery
Immediate cause and method of disposal should form part of the
record
Failed product, if recovered should be returned to the explosives
supplier for detailed examination
Details of the full investigation and conclusions are required to
complete the record
Regular reviews of misfire records will provide a guide to trends in
misfire causes
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Flyrock
Flyrock is the undesirable throw
of rock or debris from a blast
area and is the leading cause of
fatalities and equipment damage
from blasting
Extra margins of safety must be
allowed when working with
explosives.
Dont get complacent (too
righteous).Expect flyrock to
occur and protect yourself and
others accordingly.
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In adequate burden
Excess charge
Inaccurate drilling
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Controls
Good design is the primary way to avoid flyrock
problems avoid over/under confinement
Adverse geology is always a risk and must be
considered
Do not alter blast designs without careful consideration
of the effects - including flyrock
Measure to manage
Any blast observers must have adequate protection and a light vehicle cab is not it!
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Blast Fumes
Why are fumes a problem?
Health & Safety
Regulatory responsibilities and public relations
Commercial impact
Basic Chemistry
The gases resulting from detonating an oxygen balanced explosive are
principally carbon dioxide, nitrogen and steam:
3NH4NO3
(CH2)n
3N2 +
7H20 +
CO2
Small amounts of CO, NO, NO2 and NH3 may also be produced (depends on
confinement, mixing etc)
In perfect conditions the oxygen balance determines the ratio of products:
over-fuelled (oxygen negative) favours increased CO2 and CO
under-fuelled (oxygen positive) favours Nox
NO is colourless. NO2 is red brown
heavier than O2, and the other constituents of air
It does not disperse quickly
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One of the most insidious gases. Inflammation of the lungs may cause only slight
pain or pass unnoticed, but the resulting edema several days later may cause
death. 100 ppm is dangerous for even a short exposure. 200 ppm may be fatal.
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Explosives Safety
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