As miners, it’s important for us to understand that safety isn’t just a rulebook — it’s a mindset. And when blasting is part of the operation, it’s even more critical for us to stay in the right mindset at all times.

The following CORESafety blasting guidelines were compiled to help you stay prepared, alert and confident. We want you to always walk out safely at the end of your shift — the same way you walked in.

Blasting is a specialized operation that requires attention to detail, solid planning and strict adherence to safety protocols at every stage of the process — from storage and transportation all the way through post-blast inspection.

Miners and contractors who stay alert, communicate clearly and follow best practices are well-equipped to get the job done right.

GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
Here are some foundational rules that apply no matter where or how blasting is being conducted:

• Never smoke or use open flames near explosive materials
• Never transport detonators together with other explosives
• Always stop blasting operations if a storm is approaching
• Never run equipment over loaded boreholes
• Always make sure adequate protection from flyrock is in place
• Never reenter the blasting area until the official “all clear” has been given

MAGAZINE SAFETY
Proper storage is the first line of defense. Keep these practices in mind at all times:

• Never store detonators in the same magazine as other explosive materials
• Always keep blasting caps locked up, and make sure all magazines are securely locked
• Never use explosive materials that have been soaked in water — even if they appear to have fully dried out
• Always store explosives in ATF-approved magazines, and handle all blasting supply packages with care — never throw or drop them
• Never reuse packaging from explosive materials
• Always follow manufacturers’ guidelines for the storage, handling and use of all explosive materials

TRANSPORTING EXPLOSIVES
Moving explosives safely to the blast site is just as important as how they’re used:

• Always transport explosives to the blast site in a timely, efficient manner
• Never allow passengers or sparking materials in vehicles carrying explosives
• Always make sure transport vehicles are in good working condition and properly equipped with fire extinguishers or fire suppression systems

DRILLING AND LOADING
This is where thorough preparation really pays off:

• Never drill into explosive materials or into any hole that previously contained explosives
• Always check boreholes for proper depth and any obstructions before bringing explosives to the site
• Always follow proper procedures when preparing primers and loading boreholes — don’t prepare primers until you’re ready to place them
• Never force explosives into a blocked borehole, and always use tamping tools that won’t generate sparks or heat

FIRING THE SHOT
When it’s time to detonate, a clear and consistent process keeps everyone protected:

• Always clear the blast area of all miners and equipment before detonation 
• Always use audible warning signals and make sure all access roads are properly guarded
• When determining the blast area boundary, always account for past flyrock incidents — the perimeter should extend at least 1.5 times the furthest distance any previous flyrock has traveled
• Effective blast area security depends on accurately determining the bounds of the blast area, clearing all employees, maintaining access control, using adequate blasting shelters and keeping communication lines open.

POST-BLAST SAFETY
The job isn’t done when the blast goes off. Stay focused through the final steps:

• Always disconnect the lead line from the blasting machine immediately after a blast
• Never reenter the blasting area until all smoke, fumes and dust have fully cleared
• Use a portable gas monitor to confirm that air near the blast site is safe to breathe before anyone proceeds into the area
• Always inspect faces, muck piles and highwalls for loose debris or misfires before resuming work
• Never handle a misfire unless you are a trained and experienced blaster
• Always sound the “all clear” signal before anyone returns to the area

PLANNING AHEAD FOR A SAFER OPERATION
Strong blasting safety starts well before the first hole is drilled. Pre-blast planning and open discussion with your crew builds confidence and gives everyone a chance to ask questions and clear up any doubts before work begins.

Here are additional best practices worth building into every operation:

• Develop and follow a site-specific blast plan, including drill patterns suited to local conditions
• Use face profiles and borehole probes to identify weak burden areas and potential borehole deviations
• Keep all explosive storage areas clean, dry and well-organized
• Rotate your inventory so the oldest stock gets used first, and never use damaged or deteriorated materials
• Use remote detonation whenever possible to keep personnel at a safe distance during the firing sequence
• Ventilate all storage and blast areas thoroughly before entry
• Schedule blasting during off-shifts whenever possible to reduce the number of personnel in the area
• Use blast shelters and establish clearly marked restricted areas for non-enclosed blasting operations
• Regular refresher training for blasters and crew members is an important part of maintaining a strong safety culture over time

References

U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Blasting Safety — Surface Metal and Nonmetal Mining Best Practices. www.msha.gov

U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). MNM Safety Alert — Explosive and Blasting Safety. www.msha.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC/NIOSH). Mining Topic: Blasting and Explosives. www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC/NIOSH). Blasting Safety — Revisiting Site Security. stacks.cdc.gov

CORESafety

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