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
Dos and Donts, Always and Nevers

Blaster Qualifications:
Knowledge

and Experience

Training
Physical

Ability
Evidence of Competency

Certified
Blaster

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 doesnt 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