safety in handling of explosives and blasting

SAFETY IN HANDLING OF EXPLOSIVES &

BLASTING

Author: Partha Das Sharma, B.Tech – Hons. ([email protected])

THIS LESSION WILL INCLUDE

1. Introduction to Blasting Safety

2. Safety in Storage of Explosives

3. Safety in Transportation of Explosives3. Safety in Transportation of Explosivesmaterial

4. Safety in Handling of Explosives

5. Guidelines for general safety requirement

6. DOs and DON’Ts in handling of explosives

A WISE MAN LEARNS FROM THE MISTAKES OF

OTHERS

There are foolish explosives workers

There are old explosives workers

There are nono old foolish explosives workers

BUT

EXPLOSION!EXPLOSION!EXPLOSION!EXPLOSION!EXPLOSION!EXPLOSION!

Definition

EXPLOSION!EXPLOSION!EXPLOSION!EXPLOSION!EXPLOSION!

Sudden release of pressure

MECHANICAL

Balloon

Bean Can

Boiler

CHEMICAL

TNT

Black Powder

Hand GrenadeEXPLOSION:3 kinds

Boiler

Tire

Cat

Hand Grenade

Dynamite

Detonator

“The Bomb”

THERMONUCLEARTHERMONUCLEAR

3 kinds

INTRODUCTION TO BLASTING SAFETY

Explosives are tools that, when usedproperly, benefit mankind.

However, its improper use, transportationHowever, its improper use, transportationand handling can be disastrous.

Prevention of explosives accidents dependson careful planning and faithful observance ofproper blasting practices.

The users must remember that they aredealing with a powerful force and that variousdevices and methods have been developed toassist them in directing this force.

BLASTING SAFETY (Contd.)

The slightest abuse or mis-direction of useof explosives may cause serious injury or killyourself or others.

Explosive safety depends on a thoroughknowledge of explosives and common sense.

Safety in Storage of Explosives

All explosives, and initiators like detonators mustbe stored in magazines that have been constructed,approved, and licensed in accordance with local,state and federal regulations.

Magazines must be kept locked at all times, exceptMagazines must be kept locked at all times, exceptwhen explosive materials are delivered into themagazine or removed for delivery to the blastingsite.

The interior of an explosives magazine must bekept scrupulously clean and must be constructed,covered or lined to prevent the exposure of anyferrous metals or gritty materials.

Safety in Storage of Explosives (Contd.)

Detonator products must not be kept in a store orreceptacle in which explosives or safety fuses,igniter cords are stored.

Admittance to the magazine must be restricted;only authorized persons must have access to theonly authorized persons must have access to thekeys of storage magazines.

Maintaining accurate records of explosive isessential.

Assure that stock are being used properly, theoldest stocks should be used first.

Safety in Storage of Explosives (Contd.)

The magazine and the area within at least 10m ofthe magazine must be kept clean.

Smoking, open flame, matches, or other flame-producing devices are strictly prohibited inside orwithin minimum 20m of storage magazines orwithin minimum 20m of storage magazines orexplosive materials.

Any article or substance likely to cause a fire orexplosion must be kept out of and at a safedistance from an explosives magazine.

Safety in Transportation of Explosives Material

Vehicles used for transporting explosivematerials must be in good mechanical condition,with particular attention given to tires, brakes, theelectrical system, steering, and chassis.

Explosive material should be transported in anapproved closed-body vehicle.

The body of the vehicle hauling explosivesshould be lined with wood or other non-sparkingmaterial.

Safety in Transportation of Explosives (Contd.)

Explosives carried in a vehicle must be in afully enclosed, locked, fire resistant fixedcontainer or compartment, separate from thepassenger compartment.

Passengers, other than those assigned toPassengers, other than those assigned toassist in handling explosives, are not permittedon a vehicle transporting explosives.

A conveyance transporting explosives must beequipped with at least 2 fire extinguishers, of atype capable of quickly extinguishing gasoline,oil, or electrical fires, as per the Regulation.


Explosives should not be transported in thesame truck with detonators.

Speed also should be kept within the prescribelimit, while moving the vehicle.limit, while moving the vehicle.

As far as possible, the filling up of fuel is to beavoided when it is loaded with explosives.

As far as possible, the explosives laden truckshould be avoided from entering into crowdedareas while transportation.


Electric detonators must be transported in theiroriginal containers, with their leg wires shunted,as shipped by the manufacturer.

Contact between packages containingContact between packages containingexplosives and exposed ferrous metal in aconveyance must be prevented by the use ofwood, tarpaulin, or other suitable dunnagematerials.


Before explosives are transported, theemployer must establish suitable writtenemergency procedures, and must ensure that allworkers who may be affected are adequatelyworkers who may be affected are adequatelyinstructed in the procedures.

A vehicle transporting explosives must not beoperated or permitted to operate if the load to betransported exceeds rated carrying capacity forthe vehicle.


Explosives must not be transported in a trailer.

The operator of a vehicle transportingexplosives must, before crossing a railroad trackprotected by an automatic signal device, reduceprotected by an automatic signal device, reducethe speed of the vehicle and establish that thecrossing can be made in safety.

Explosives must not be loaded on or in avehicle unless the vehicle has been fully serviced.


When a vehicle carrying or containingexplosives is to be parked overnight, thepremises in which the vehicle will be parked mustnot be used for any other purpose which maynot be used for any other purpose which mayinvolve any substance likely to cause explosionor fire.

Such a parking premises must be away fromhabitation and buildings that contain flammablematerials.

Safety in Handling of Explosives

Explosive materials must be stored,transported, handled and used in the mannerrecommended by the manufacturer.

Explosive materials or accessories which haveExplosive materials or accessories which havedeteriorated, or are believed to be defective, mustnot be used and must be handled and disposedof in a safe manner following the manufacturer'srecommendations.

Safety in Handling of Explosives (Contd.)

Explosive materials and accessories must notbe abandoned, but must be placed in suitablestorage space as per the instruction ofmanufacturer.

Smoking is prohibited within minimum 15 mSmoking is prohibited within minimum 15 m(50 ft) of where explosives are stored, beinghandled, or are in loaded holes.

Open flame ignition sources must not bepermitted within 15 m (50 ft) of where explosivesare stored, being handled, or are in loaded holes,unless the blaster of record gives consent.

Safety in Handling of Explosives (Contd.)

All empty explosives containers must bedisposed of by burning or as recommended bythe manufacturer.

Containers, known or suspected to containexplosives or explosive residue, must be handledwith care to prevent undue impact or exposure toexcessive heat or flame.

Guidelines for General Safety Requirements

Nothing in this Part relieves an employer of theresponsibility to provide adequate direction andinstruction of workers, and to assign work only tothose workers who are competent.

Companies must establish and apply safetyCompanies must establish and apply safetyrules addressing both general safety and safetyparticular to Explosives Transportation,Handlings and blasting practices.

Safety rules, specific to an operation must beposted and observed.

ROLE OF TRAINING

Guidelines for General Safety Requirements (Contd.)

REQUIREMENT OF TRAINING:

•Personnel both site operators, blasters etc., andmanagement must be familiar with the safety rules andsafe practices of a particular operation.

• Employees must be trained to carryout the normal tasksand have the requisite knowledge to take quick and goodand have the requisite knowledge to take quick and gooddecisions in an emergency.

• A worker engaged in loading, unloading, or conveyingexplosives must be trained in the proper means forhandling the explosives, the hazards of fire andmishandling and the procedures to follow in the event ofa fire or explosion.


REQUIREMENT OF TRAINING (Contd.):

• In order to impart proper training, a formal trainingprogramme must be prepared; the trainingrequirements to be identified; course prepared (boththeoretical and practical); critical safety procedurestheoretical and practical); critical safety proceduresand controls should be identified in the course.

• In addition, the training programme should addressthe needs of First-aid, General safety induction andany other subject in support of operational safety.


REQUIREMENT OF REPORT:

• Reports of dangerous incidents must be madepromptly to the concerned Authorities.

• If a blasting accident occurs which causes personalinjury, or if there is any other dangerous incidentinjury, or if there is any other dangerous incidentinvolving explosives, whether or not there ispersonal injury, the employer must report theincident immediately to the concerned Authorities.

• Reports must incorporate all the informationrequired by the Authorities.

NOTIFYNOTIFY

Mishaps: Fire, Explosion, Fatality, Injury, Gov Property Damage

Watch for potential problems during normal duties

OBSERVE

PERFORM SAFE PRACTISES

Report concerns to the Superior


REQUIREMENT OF STATUTORY CERTIFIED PERSONNEL:

• Only the holder of a valid blaster's certificate or competentpersonnel as per the concerned Authorities is permitted toconduct or direct a blasting operation; only if the workinvolved is within the scope of that certificate.

• All work within the blasting area must be done under the• All work within the blasting area must be done under theauthorization of the designated blaster of record responsiblefor that area. Blasters must record daily activities in a log.

• A blaster may be assisted by persons who do not holdblaster's certificates, but the blaster must have authority overthe assistants and must exercise visual supervision over themand be responsible for their work during explosive loading,priming, fixing or firing.

DAMAGE MECHANISMS

Fireball

Fragments

Overpressures

EXPLOSIVE TRAINSTT NN TT

VerySensitive

Very LittlePower

Primer/Initiator

Sensitive

Little Power

Relay/Delay

LessSensitive

More Power

Booster

LeastSensitive

Very Powerful

Bursting Charge

OVERPRESSURESOVERPRESSURES

TIME

DETONATION

TIMEAMBIENTPRESSURE

Air Molecule Density

AIRPRESSURE-+

DEFLAGRATION

SAFE DISTANCE CONCEPT

FIREBALLFIREBALL

HAZARDOUS FRAGMENTS

OVERPRESSURES

FIREBALLFIREBALL

Safe Distance

TEAMWORKTEAMWORKTEAMWORKTEAMWORKTEAMWORKTEAMWORKTEAMWORKTEAMWORK

SO YOU CAN WORK SAFELYANDAND

WE CAN BE MORE EFFICIENT

"DOs AND DON'Ts” in handling of Explosives

When Transporting Explosives:

1. DO obey all laws and regulations.

2. DO see that any vehicle used to transport explosives is approved and in proper working condition.

3. DON'T permit metal, except approved metal truck bodies, to contact cases of explosives.

4. DON'T allow smoking or unauthorized or unnecessary 4. DON'T allow smoking or unauthorized or unnecessary persons in the vehicle.

5. DO load and unload Explosives carefully. Never throw Explosives from the vehicle.

6. DO see that no Explosives, including detonating fuse, are transported along with blasting caps and/or electric blasting caps/detonators.

7. DON'T drive trucks containing explosives through cities, towns or villages.


When storing Explosives:

8. DO store explosives in accordance with laws and regulations.

9. DO store explosives only in a magazine which is clean, dry, well ventilated, reasonably cool, properly located, substantially constructed, bullet and fire resistance and securely locked.

10. DON’T store blasting caps or electric blasting caps in the 10. DON’T store blasting caps or electric blasting caps in the same box, container or magazine with other explosives.

11. DON’T allow leaves, grass, brush, or debris to accumulate within 25 feet of an explosives magazine.

12. DO locate explosives magazines in the most isolated places available. They should be separated from each other, and from inhabited buildings, highways, and railroads, by distances not less then those recommended in the Explosives rules.


When using Explosives :

13. DON’T use sparking metal tools to open kegs or wooden cases of explosives.

14. DON’T smoke or have matches, or any source of fire or flame, within 100 feet of an area in which explosives are being handled or used.

15. DON’T place explosives where they may be exposed to flame, excessive heat, sparks or impact.

16. DON’T carry explosives in the pockets of your clothing or elsewhere on other person.

17. DON’T handle, use or be near explosives during the approach or progress of any electrical storm. All persons should retire to a place of safety.

18. DON’T use explosives or accessories, equipment that are obviously deteriorated or damaged.


When Preparing The Primer:

19. DON’T make up primer in a magazine, or nearexcessive quantities of explosives, or in excess inimmediate needs.

20. DON’T force a blasting caps or an electric blastingcaps into dynamite. Insert the cap into a hole made incaps into dynamite. Insert the cap into a hole made inthe dynamite with a punch suitable in the purpose.

21. DO make up primes in accordance with proven andestablished methods. Make sure that the cap shell iscompletely encased in the dynamite or booster and sosecured that in loading no tension will be placed onthe wires or fuse at the point of entry into the cap.


When Drilling and Loading :

22. DO comply with applicable regulations relative to drilling and loading.

23. DO carefully examine the surface or face before drilling to determine the possible presence of unfired explosives. Never drill into explosives.

24. DO check the borehole carefully with a wooden 24. DO check the borehole carefully with a wooden tamping pole or a measuring tape to determine its condition before loading.

25. DO recognize the possibility of static electrical hazards from pneumatic loading and take adequate precautionary measures. If any doubt exists, consult your explosives supplier.

26. DON’T stack surplus explosives near working areas during loading.


27. DON’T force explosives into a borehole orthrough obstruction in a borehole. Any such practiceis particularly hazardous in dry holes and when thecharge is primed.

28. DON’T slit, drop, deform or abuse theprimer. DON’T drop a large size, heavy cartridgedirectly on the primer.

29. DO avoid placing any unnecessary part of thebody aver the borehole during loading.

30. DON’T load any borehole near electric power linesunless the firing line, including the blasting cap wires,is so short it cannot reach the power wires.

31. DON’T connect blasting caps, or electric blastingcaps, to detonating fuse except by methodsrecommended by the manufacturer.

"DOs AND DON'Ts” in handling of ExplosivesWhen Shooting Electrically :

32. DON’T uncoil the wires or use electric blasting caps during dust storms or near any other source of large charges of static electricity.

33. DON’T uncoil the wires or use electric blasting caps in the vicinity in of radio frequency transmitters, except at safe distances.

34. DO keep the firing circuit completely insulated from the 34. DO keep the firing circuit completely insulated from the ground or other conductors such as bare wires, rails, pipes or other part of stray currents.

35. DON’T have electric wire or cables of any kind near electric blasting caps or other explosives except at the time and for the purpose of firing the blast.

36. DO test all the circuit of blasting caps, either single or either connected in a series circuit, using only a blasting galvanometer specifically designed for the purpose.


Explosives Disposal:

37. DON’T abandon any explosives.

38. DO dispose of or destroy explosives in strictaccordance with approved methods.

39. DON’T leave explosives, empty cartridges, boxes,liners, or other materials used in the packing ofexplosives lying around where children orexplosives lying around where children orunauthorized persons or livestock can get at them.

40. DON’T allow any wood, paper, or any othermaterials employed in packing explosives to be burnedin a stove, a fireplace, or other confined space, or to beused for any purpose. Such materials should bedestroyed by burning at an isolated location out ofdoors and no person should be nearer than 100 feetafter the burning has started.

THANKSTHANKSTHANKSTHANKSTHANKSTHANKSTHANKSTHANKS

safety in handling of explosives and blasting

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