Guidance note
Blast management plans
Advice on developing a blast management plan to control risk from explosive blasting.
Background
A blast management plan (BMP) is a risk control plan used
in explosive blasting. It aims to ensure blasts do not harm
people in the area and limit damage to the environment.
A BMP is prepared by the shot firer before every blast and
after consulting those involved in the blast.
A BMP is the recommended method for planning safe use
of explosives.
Requirements of a blast management plan
The BMP should meet the following requirements, set out
in AS 2187.2: Explosives - Storage and use. Part 2: Use of
explosives:
explain the objectives of the blast
identify hazards and risks, including control and/or mitigation
identify site-specific requirements
introduce the blast as part of the overall task in a planned
manner
control the blast process from design to initiation and in
the event of a misfire
comply with the approval/contract specifications
ensure safety of the public, site personnel and surrounding
properties
implement a review process to ensure that the objectives
are met.
The detail in the BMP depends on the size, location, nature
and complexity of the blasting operation. It may be part of a
site safety plan to address all hazards and risks at the site.
See below for examples of information to include in a BMP.
What is the objective of the blast?
A statement is required about what the blast is going to
achieve. Is it for demolition, extraction of ore, civil works or
other work? The type of work will indicate the key safety
and environment risks that will need to be considered.
Points to consider include:
type of explosives and the method used to fire them
whether the blast is in a built-up area or a remote location
date and time of the blast
number of people and equipment involved
GUI0144/01/04.11
April 2011
location and layout of the blast area
access to the blast area
description of the proposed blast
permits/licences required
details of adjacent structures/services.
How are risks assessed and controlled?
A thorough, documented risk assessment is necessary to
ensure the risks have been reduced using existing risk
controls (see table over page for examples) or new or additional
control measures have to be devised and implemented.
What are the specific requirements for the
site?
Each site will have different requirements such as level of
personnel required.
In most cases, the following people, with the appropriate
level of competence and experience, have responsibility for
planning, preparation and conduct of aspects of the blast:
shot firer (author of the BMP)
person responsible for the blast, including safety and
security (usually the shot firer)
person giving approval to use explosives on site
other key people (eg site supervisor).
The shot firer must hold a current WorkSafe Victoria licence
authorising a person to use blasting explosives. For licensing
information, go to the licensing webpage on the WorkSafe
Victoria website worksafe.vic.gov.au
Blasting on construction sites requires preparation of a safe
work method statement to identify risks and describe risk
controls measures, if there is a risk to health and safety.
Other information specific for the site will relate to the location
of the site (eg how close the blast is to any structures, services,
public areas and other work areas) and what changes may
be needed to ensure there is no danger to the public or risk
of damage to structures or the environment.
If blasting is for demolition of buildings and other structures,
those conducting the blasting must notify WorkSafe Victoria
in writing 21 days before the demolition. The notification
has to include the demolition plan which details all relevant
information specified in Appendix K of AS 2187.2
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Table 1 - Common risks and risk control measures to consider for a blast management plan

Identified risk Risk controls

Unauthorised access to blast
area
Unauthorised access to explosives Secure stores
store/portable magazine
Inadequate training and
competency for staff
Competency of contractors
Blasting procedure
Security arrangements in place, such as access to authorised persons only and
secured area with guarded gate.
Security arrangement to prevent unauthorised access.
Ensure shot firers are licensed.
Train personnel in explosives products and blast design.
Use tools to test blast eg model blast pattern technology tool.
Develop and implement procedures to check training and competency.
Review competency and training.
Set minimum standards.
State requirements in contracts.
Develop and maintain safe blasting procedures.
Involve competent people in development.

Inconsistency in performance of Use reliable supplier.

explosives Test explosives.
Develop procedures for use of explosives.
Ensure shot firers are licensed and experienced.
Unreliable firing methods Use reliable products.
Test safety fuses, if used, and other equipment.
Ensure equipment is maintained by competent people.
Develop procedures for checking firing method.
Hot ground causing premature Use appropriate firing method and types of explosives.
firing Test in hot conditions.
Check ground before designing the blast.
Damage to structures Evaluate the affect of ground vibration and air blast overpressure on structures or
ground conditions.
Revise blasting procedure to minimise damage.
Risk of fly rock Calculate quantity of explosives, stemming and capping.
Set up exclusion zones.
Use blast mats.

How will the blast be prepared and fired details of reports, drawings and records consulted
safely? post blast assessment and inspection procedures.
The BMP needs to describe the design of the blast necessary What security is required?
for the task and what procedures will ensure the charge is
Security arrangements are necessary to meet the requirement
prepared and fired safely. This information includes:
in the BMP to ensure safety of workers, the public near the
layout of the blast including the drilling pattern and hole site and surrounding properties if in a built-up area.
depth
Arrangements will need to prevent unauthorised people
drilling procedure
entering the site and gaining access to the explosives to be
explosives type/quantity, firing equipment and method used in the blast. The site should remain secure until the
procedures for loading and charging shot firer is satisfied the area is safe after the blast.
detonation sequence/effective charge mass per delay
(MIC) powder factor
misfire procedure

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Other security matters to consider include:
setting up the exclusion zone
the communications system required for those involved
in the blast
a plan to manage traffic around the site
information for owners/occupiers of structures, providers
of services and neighbours
warning systems eg sirens
explosive storage and handling procedures.
Record keeping
The results of each blast should be recorded and kept. This
information assists in the planning and implementation of
further blasts and provides documentation in case of incident
or complaint.
Records should include:
if tunnel blasting, presence of any hazardous atmospheres
and inrush
environmental conditions at the time of the blast (eg rain)
measurements from the blast equipment and/or monitoring
equipment (eg vibration and noise)
details of fly rock or fly
incidents and complaints
results of the blast
proposed modification to the blast plan for future blasts.
Further information
Contact the WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service on
1800 136 089 or go to worksafe.vic.gov.au
More information
AS 2187.2: Explosives Storage and use. Part 2: Use
of explosives and Appendix K Demolition of structures
Resources Safety (WA) guide, Guide to blast plan
preparation, including mining operations
WorkSafe Victoria Guidance Note: Safe distances
when using blasting explosives.
Note: This guidance material has been prepared using the best information
available to the Victorian WorkCover Authority and should be used for general
use only. Any information about legislative obligations or responsibilities
included in this material is only applicable to the circumstances described in
the material. You should always check the legislation referred to in this
material and make your own judgement about what action you may need to
take to ensure you have complied with the law. Accordingly, the Victorian
WorkCover Authority cannot be held responsible and extends no warranties
as to the suitability of the information for your specific circumstances; or
actions taken by third parties as a result of information contained in the
guidance material.
WorkSafe Victoria is a trading name of the Victorian WorkCover Authority.