Blasting on the Construction / Mining Site
I have been to blasting sites before, I was at quite a distance so I never really knew all that was entailed in the process. Blasters have to go through extensive training, have permits, and follow strict rules and regulations. It’s by far one of the most dangerous jobs you can have. Safety is of the utmost importance. Any shortcuts could end your life as well as that of many others.
Employee Responsibilities: An employee shall not handle, transport, or use an explosive unless the employee has received training in, and is authorized to work with explosives or is under the supervision of the blaster.
An Employee Who Drives A Vehicle: An employee who drives a vehicle carrying an explosive shall have knowledge of and follow federal and state rules and regulations governing the transportation of explosives.
Employee Qualifications: A blaster shall be qualified by reason of training, knowledge, or experience in the field of transporting, storing, handling, and using explosives and shall have a working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to explosives.
A blaster shall be required to furnish satisfactory evidence of his or her competence in handling explosives and his or her ability to perform the type of blasting that will be required in a safe manner. Before an employer allows an employee to handle, transport, or use an explosive, or to work as a trainee, the employee shall be trained in the hazards and safeguards of the employee’s assigned job and shall be instructed in the requirements of this part. An employer shall be rechecked in the requirements of explosives not less than every three years and be issued a new permit.
Blaster Supervision: The storage, transportation, and use of an explosive material shall be directed and supervised by a competent employee who is experienced in the storage, transportation, and use of explosives. A person who is experienced is this field shall be known as a blaster. A trainee in the use of an explosive shall work under the direct supervision of the blaster. A blaster shall not be assigned more than 3 trainees at any one time.
Transport of explosives: A vehicle that transports an explosive shall be equipped with a portable fire extinguisher which does not have less than a 2A10-BC rating and which is in operable condition. The vehicle drive shall be trained in the use of fire extinguishers.
Special Transportation Recommendations: Every motor vehicle transporting any quantity of Class A or Class B explosives shall, at all times, be attended by a driver or other attendant of the motor carrier. This attendant shall have been made aware of the class of the explosive material in the vehicle and of its inherent dangers, and shall have been instructed in the measures and procedures to be followed in order to protect the public from those dangers. He shall have been made familiar with the vehicle he is assigned, and shall be trained, supplied with the necessary means, and authorized to move the vehicle when required.
My intent was to give you some general information. I have a great deal of information on all types of blasting, use, storage, transportation, and training. If you need more information please let me know. Your safety and well being are very important to us. As always be safe out there…
