Quarry Blasting Engineer Revision Guide Three

Name:

1 What responsibilities does the shotfirer have when deliveries of explosive are
made direct to the blast site?

(4 marks)

2 If a misfire occurs when firing a blast using non-electric detonators, how long
should the shotfirer wait before approaching the blast site?

(2 marks)

8 If you have a misfire when attempting to fire a shot who must be informed
immediately and what must you do before proceeding to rectify the misfire?

(2 marks)
9 List four indications that a misfire has occurred

(4 marks)
10 Give two possible causes of cut-off misfires and state for each how to reduce
the possibility of another occurrence of this type of misfire.

(4 marks)
11 Make a list of the dangers that could occur when drilling and firing relieving
holes?

 drilling

 firing

(4 marks)

12 Under which two circumstances may a sentry leave his post?

(2 marks)

13 You are carrying out a “second person” check on a non-electric shotfiring

circuit. What would you be looking for?

(3 marks)
14 Give three possible causes of flyrock

(3 marks)

15 List three geological anomalies that could affect the blast?

3
(3 marks)

16 What must you do before disposing of empty explosive boxes?

(2 marks)

17 What is peak particle velocity a measure of and what units are used?

(2 marks)
18 Genuine complaints have been received about noise and high peak particle
velocity levels from presplit blasts carried out using surface initiation.

What can be done to reduce the number of complaints?

(3 marks)
19
A row of holes is to be decked for vibration control; the holes have two charges
separated by intermediate stemming. Each charge is to have an independent
delay time.

 What is the minimum length of intermediate stemming you would use?

 What could be the outcome of using not enough stemming between the two
decks?

(4 marks)

20 How can the shotfirer ensure that cartridges of explosive loaded into wet holes
are closely coupled?

(3 marks)
21 Before loading any holes what must the Blasting Engineer do with regard to the
blasting specification?

(2 marks)

22 List two situations where you would want to increase the size of the danger
zone?

(2 marks)
23 How would you ensure that the danger zone is clear?

(4 marks)

Total score out of 53

Pass mark = 37