13 NCAC 07F .0701 through .0716 - Blasting and Use of Explosives

Scope: This standard provides the general provisions for blasting.

Special Requirements: Blaster, in charge, certified, in writing, qualified, consulted, evaluate, inventory, alternative provisions, competent person, signs, flags, directions, record, methods, notification, authorized person, notified, posted, flagged, measures, precautions, manufacturer's recommendations, supervised, safety guide, recommendations, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.900 - General Provisions apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: [Reference .0703, paragraph (a) - (v)].

• (a) The employer shall permit only persons qualified pursuant to §1926.901 - blaster qualifications, to handle and use explosives. A blaster shall be in charge of each blasting operation; hereafter, referred to as the Blaster-in-Charge.
• (c) See 1926.901(b).
• (d) All explosives shall be accounted for at all times. Explosives not being used and not attended shall be kept in a magazine or container that meets the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (hereafter, ATF) storage and access requirements contained in 27 CFR Part 55, which is incorporated herein by reference, including any subsequent amendments and editions. Each employer shall maintain an inventory and use record of all explosives in that employer's possession. The employer, or employer authorized person, shall comply with all applicable local, State and federal laws and regulations requiring notification of any loss, theft, or unauthorized entry into a magazine or container.
• (g) Original containers, ATF Type 2, Type 3, Type 4 or Type 5 magazines or Institute of Makers of Explosives (hereafter, IME) - 22 containers, shall be used for taking detonators and other explosives from storage magazines to the blast site.
• (h) In proximity to people, a structure, railway, highway or any other installation, the blaster shall take additional precautions to control the throw of fragments and to prevent bodily injury to employees and people not working directly on the blasting operation. Such additional precautions shall be taken in the loading, delaying, initiation and confinement of each blast and shall include confinement with mats or with mats and other methods.
• (i) All blast site employees shall follow the directions of the Blaster-in-Charge. All blast site employees shall use and adhere to every precaution to ensure employee safety including, but not limited to, visual and audible warning signals, flags, or barricades.
• (k) Precautions shall be taken to prevent accidental discharge of electric detonators from current induced by radar, radio transmitters including 2-way radios and mobile telephones, lightning, adjacent powerlines, dust storms, or other sources of extraneous electricity. These precautions shall include: [Reference .0703, paragraph (k)(1) - (5)].
  • (1) See Section 1926.906(a) and (b) - initiation of explosive charges - electric blasting.
  • (3)(i) The prominent display of adequate signs, warning against the use of mobile radio transmitters, (e.g., telephones and 2-way radios) on all roads within 1,000 feet of electric blasting operations. If adherence to the 1,000-foot distance would create an operational handicap, then a competent person (as defined in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L  - scaffolds and Subpart P – excavations) shall be consulted to evaluate the particular situation, and alternative provisions may be made which are designed to prevent any premature firing of electric detonators. A description of any such alternatives shall be reduced to writing and shall be certified by the competent person consulted as meeting the purposes of this subdivision. The description shall be maintained at the construction during the duration of the work, and shall be available for inspection by representatives of the Commissioner of Labor. (ii) Examples of signs which would meet the requirements of paragraphs (i) and (k)(3) of this section are the following:
  • (5) The Blaster-in-Charge shall comply with the recommendations of IME with regard to blasting in the vicinity of radio transmitters as stipulated in Safety Guide for the Prevention of Radio Frequency Radiation Hazards in the Use of Commercial Electric Detonators (Blasting Caps), IME Safety Library Publication No. 20, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference, including any subsequent amendments and editions.
• (l) Empty boxes and associated paper and fiber packing materials, which have previously contained explosives, shall not be used for any purpose, other than that associated with the blasting operation. Such boxes, paper and packing materials shall be disposed of in a manner that prevents reuse and does not constitute a hazard. Disposal may include but shall not be limited to burning. The method used for disposal shall comply with all applicable local, State or federal laws.
• (n) Delivery and issue of explosives shall only be made by and to authorized persons (as defined in 27 CFR Part 55) and into magazines or temporary storage or handling areas that meet the ATF storage requirements contained in 27 CFR Part 55.
• (o) Blasting operations in the proximity of overhead power lines, communication lines, utility services, or other services and structures shall not commence until the operators or owners have been notified and measures for safe control have been taken.
• (q) All loading and firing shall be directed and supervised by the Blaster-in-Charge.
• (r) All blasts shall be fired under the control of a blaster, with an initiation system in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. All blasts shall be fired in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
• (t) See .900(s). (1) See .900(s)(1). (2) See .900(s)(2). (3) See .900(s)(3). (4) See .900(s)(4). (5) See .900(s)(5). (6) See .900(s)(6).
• (u) To guard against unauthorized entry or initiation of a blast, a blast site shall be attended if loading is suspended or loaded holes are awaiting firing. Additionally, the blast site shall be barricaded, posted, and flagged as necessary to prevent unauthorized access.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for blaster qualifications.

Special Requirements: Oral orders, written orders, blasters, evidence, authorized, qualified, blasting methods, instruct, competency, physical condition, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.901 - Blaster Qualifications apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: 

• (a) Blasters shall be able to understand and give written and oral orders.
• (b) Blasters and others authorized to handle or transport explosive materials or conduct blast site activities shall be in sufficiently good physical condition to perform the work safely and not be addicted to, or under the influence of, narcotics, intoxicants, or similar types of drugs.
• (c) Blasters shall be qualified, by reason of training, knowledge, or experience, in the field of transporting, storing, handling, and use of explosives, and have a working knowledge of State, federal and local laws and regulations which pertain to explosives.
• (d) Blasters shall be required by the employer to furnish evidence satisfactory to the employer of competency in handling explosives and performing in a safe manner the type of blasting that will be required.
• (e) Blasters shall be knowledgeable in the use of each type of blasting method used.
• (f) Pursuant to 29 CFR 1926.21(b) - safety training and education, the employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to the employee's work and work environment.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for surface transportation of explosives.

Special Requirements: DOT, licensed driver, publications, red flag, ABC rating, marked, approved, trained, laboratory, fire extinguisher, placarded, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.902 - Surface Transportation of Explosives apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: [Reference .0705, paragraph (a)  - (l)].

• (a) Surface transportation of explosives and blasting agents shall be in accordance with applicable U.S. Department of Transportation (hereafter, DOT) regulations. Where DOT regulations do not normally apply (e.g., off-road vehicles), compliance shall be in accordance with either the directly related DOT regulation or 1926.902(b) through 1926.902(1), as applicable. Where DOT regulations do not exist, 1926.902(b) through 1926.902(k) apply.
• (b) Motor vehicles or conveyances transporting explosives shall only be driven by, and be in the charge of, a licensed driver. The driver shall be familiar with the local, State, and Federal regulations governing the transportation of explosives.
• (d) Explosives, blasting agents, and blasting supplies shall not be transported with other materials or cargoes. Blasting caps and detonators shall not be transported in the same vehicle with other explosives unless the provisions of the IME Safety Publication No. 22, "Recommendations for the Safe Transportation of Detonators in a Vehicle with other Explosive Materials," which is incorporated herein by reference including subsequent amendments and editions, are followed.
• (f) When explosives are transported by a vehicle with an open body, an ATF Type 2, ATF Type 3, IME 22 or original manufacturer's container shall be securely attached to the vehicle to contain the cargo.
• (h) Every motor vehicle or conveyance used for transporting explosives shall be marked or placarded on both sides, the front, and the rear with the word "Explosives" in red letters, not less than 4 inches in height, on white background. The motor vehicle or conveyance may also display, in such a manner that it will be readily visible from all directions, a red flag 18 inches by 30 inches, with the word "Explosives" painted, stamped, or sewed thereon, in white letters, at least 6 inches in height. (i) Each vehicle used for transportation of explosives shall be equipped with a fully charged fire extinguisher, in good condition (as described in 29 CFR 1926.150 - fire protection). An extinguisher, approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, of not less than 10-ABC rating will meet the minimum requirement. The driver shall be trained in the use of the extinguisher on the vehicle. 

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for underground transportation of explosives.

Special Requirements: Blaster-in-charge, signs, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.903 - Underground Transportation of Explosives apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: [Reference .0706, paragraph (a) - (q)]. 

• (b) The quantity of explosives or blasting agents taken to an underground loading area shall not exceed the amount estimated by the Blaster-in-Charge to be necessary for the blast.
• (m) Any powder car or conveyance used for transporting explosives or blasting agents shall bear a reflecting sign on each side with the word "Explosives". The sign's letters shall be a minimum of 4 inches in height and shall be on a background of sharply contrasting color.
• (n) Compartments for transporting detonators and explosives in the same car or conveyance shall meet IME-22 container specifications or shall be physically separated by a distance of 24 inches or by a solid partition at least 6 inches thick. 

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for storage of explosives and blasting agents.

Special Requirements: References other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.904 - Storage of Explosives and Blasting Agents apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: [Reference .0707, paragraph (a) - (f)].

• (a) Explosives and blasting agents shall be stored in magazines or containers that meet the applicable provisions of the regulations contained in 27 CFR Part 55, Commerce in Explosives. 

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for loading of explosives or blasting agents.

Special Requirements: Procedures, blaster-in-charge, inventory, records, posted, flagged, MSHA, fume class, blaster, locked out, checked, determine, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.905 - Loading of Explosives or Blasting Agents apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: [Reference .0708, paragraph (a) - (w)].

• (a) Procedures that permit safe and efficient loading shall be established by the Blaster-in-Charge or the employer before loading is started.
• (d) No holes shall be loaded except those to be fired in the next round of blasting. After loading, remaining explosives and detonators shall be promptly moved to a safe location and attended or stored pursuant to ATF storage requirements contained in 27 CFR Part 55.
• (e) Drilling shall not be started until all visible butts of old holes are examined for unexploded charges, and if any are found, they shall be disposed of in accordance with 1926.911 - misfires, before work proceeds.
• (j) Power lines and portable electric cables for equipment being used shall be kept a safe distance from explosives or blasting agents. The blaster shall assure that cables in the proximity of loaded holes are deenergized and locked out. Additionally, when using electric detonators, the provisions of 1926.906(b) - Initiation of Explosive Charges, apply.
• (k) Holes shall be checked prior to loading to determine depth and conditions. Only those holes determined by the Blaster-in-Charge to be satisfactory shall be loaded. (m) No explosive shall be loaded or used underground in the presence of combustible gases or combustible dusts, unless the work is performed in accordance with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standards at 30 CFR 75 related to such environments, which are incorporated herein by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions, and unless the explosives have been approved as permissible explosives for use in gassy or dusty environments by MSHA.
• (n) No explosives other than those in IME Fume Class 1 shall be used. However, explosives complying with the requirements of IME Fume Class 2 and IME Fume Class 3 may be used if adequate ventilation has been provided to prevent explosive or hazardous substance hazards to employees.
• (s) Areas in which loading is suspended or loaded holes are awaiting firing shall be attended, and barricaded, posted, or flagged as needed to guard against unauthorized entry or initiation.
• (t) The blaster shall keep an accurate, up-to-date record of explosives, blasting agents, and blasting supplies used in each blast and shall keep an accurate running inventory of all explosives and blasting agents in the blaster's custody. 

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for the initiation of explosive charges for electric blasting.

Special Requirements: Blaster, survey, blaster-in-charge, manufacturer's recommendations, firing system, qualified person, rated capacity, tests, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.906 - Initiation of Explosive Charges-Electric Blasting apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: [Reference .0709, paragraph (a) - (s)].

• (c) In any single blast using electric detonators, all detonators shall be of the same style or function, and of the same manufacture.
• (d) Electric initiation shall be carried out by using blasting machines or power circuits in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
• (e) When firing a circuit of electric detonators, an adequate quantity of delivered current must be available, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
• (n) When firing with blasting machines, the connections shall be made as recommended by the manufacturer of the electric detonators used.
• (o) The number of electric detonators connected to a blasting machine shall not be in excess of its rated capacity. A series circuit shall contain no more detonators than the limits recommended by the manufacturer of the electric detonators in use.
• (p) A blaster shall be in charge of the blasting machines.
• (q) A blaster shall test blasting circuits for: [Reference .0709, paragraph (q)(1) - (4)].
• (s) The blaster shall assure that all connections are made from the bore hole back to the source of firing current, and that the leading wires remain shorted, except during testing, and not connected to the blasting machine or other source of current until the blast is to be fired. Only the blaster, or a qualified person (as described in 1926.900(a) - general provisions, and 1926.901 - blaster qualifications) under the direct control of the blaster, shall make lead wire connections or fire the shot.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for the use of a safety fuse.

Special Requirements: hand lighting methods, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.907 - Use of Safety Fuse apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: [Reference .0710, paragraph (a)( - (i)].

• (i) At least two people shall be present when multiple cap and fuse blasting is done by hand lighting methods.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for the use of detonating cord and shock tube.

Special Requirements: Competent, manufacturer's recommendations, practice, inspected, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.908 - Use of Detonating Cord and Shock Tube apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: [Reference .0711, paragraph (a) - 9k)].

• (e) Detonating cord connections, shock tube connections and splices shall be competent and positive in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Knot-type or other cord-to-cord connections shall be made only with detonating cord in which the explosive core is dry. Down-the-hole shock tube splices are prohibited.
• (g) All detonating cord connections, shock tube connections and splices shall be inspected before firing the blast.
• (h) When detonating cord or shock tube millisecond-delay connectors or short-interval-delay electric detonators are used with detonating cord or shock tube, the practice shall conform strictly to the manufacturer's recommendations. 

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for firing the blast.

Special Requirements: Blaster-in-charge, signals, code, guards, flagman, danger signs, posting, authorized employees, blaster, checked, familiarize, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.909 - Firing the Blast apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: 

• (a) The Blaster-in-Charge shall establish a code of blasting signals and all blast site employees shall familiarize themselves with and conform to the code. As a minimum, the code shall:
  • (1) contain audible pre-blast and audible all clear signals, and
  • (2) contain an emergency method for guards, flagmen, or other authorized employees to signal "do not fire", and
  • (3) prohibit sounding of the all clear signal until the blaster has checked the blast site for misfires. Table U-1 is an example of a code of blasting signals that would meet these requirements. Further, the Blaster-in-Charge shall require the placement of Danger signs and posting of the blasting signals when personnel not associated with the blasting operation are within the blast area.
• (b) Before a blast is fired, the Blaster-in-Charge shall make certain that all surplus explosives are in an area meeting the ATF explosive storage requirements contained in 27 CFR 55 and that all persons are at a safe distance, or under sufficient cover.
• (c) Flagmen shall be safely stationed on highways which pass through the blast area so as to stop traffic during blasting.
• (d) The Blaster-in-Charge shall fix the time of blasting.
• (e) Before firing an underground blast, warning shall be given, and all possible entries into the blast area, and any entrances to any working place where a drift, raise, or other opening is about to hole through, shall be carefully guarded to prevent entry into the area. The Blaster-in-Charge shall make sure that all surplus employees have been removed from the blast area and that all personnel are out of the blast area.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for inspecting after blasting.

Special Requirements: Inspect, blaster, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.910  - Inspection After Blasting apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: 

• (b) Sufficient time shall be allowed, not less than 15 minutes in tunnels, for the smoke and fumes to dissipate before returning to the blast site. Subsequently, the blaster shall inspect the blast site and surrounding rubble for signs of misfires. If a misfire is found, employee access to the blast area shall be controlled pursuant to 1926.911 - misfires. Where fumes, fire, or dust are a potential hazard (e.g., in tunnels), the muck pile shall be wetted down prior to general employees returning to the blast site.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for misfires.

Special Requirements: Blaster-in-charge, assess, approves, determine, inspect, manufacturer's recommendations, guidelines, competent, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.911 - Misfires apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: 

• (a) If a misfire is found, the Blaster-in-Charge shall invoke sufficient safeguards to exclude all employees from the potential blast area.
• (b) No work shall be done except that necessary to remove the hazard of the misfire. Only those employees necessary to do the work shall enter the potential blast area. Only the Blaster-in-Charge, and the absolute minimum number of competent, personnel (as defined in 29 CFR 1926 subpart L  - scaffolds, and subpart P - excavations), necessary to assess the situation shall approach the hole to inspect the misfire.
• (c) The Blaster-in-Charge shall determine the safest steps for removing the hazard of the misfire. During development and implementation of these steps, the Blaster-in-Charge shall comply with the manufacturer's recommendations. Further, the guidelines of the Safety in the Transportation, Storage, Handling and Use of Explosive Materials, IME Safety Library Publication No. 17, which is incorporated herein by reference, including any subsequent amendments and editions, shall be utilized.
• (d) If there are any misfires while using safety fuse and blasting cap, all employees shall remain out of the potential blast area for at least 30 minutes. If electric detonators, shock tube, gas tube or detonating cord systems or materials were used and a misfire occurred, the waiting period may be reduced to 15 minutes. In either case, the Blaster-in-Charge shall assess the circumstances and invoke a safe waiting period before allowing any personnel to enter the potential blast area. All lines shall be carefully traced and a search made for unexploded charges.
• (e) No drilling, digging, or picking shall be permitted until all misfires have been detonated or the Blaster-in-Charge approves the work.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for underwater blasting.

Special Requirements: Approval, blaster-in-charge, methods, warning signals, notified, blaster, determine, references other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.912 - Underwater Blasting apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: [Reference .0715, paragraph (a) - (h)]. 

• (a) In underwater blasting, no shot shall be fired without the approval of the Blaster-in-Charge.
• (d) No blast shall be fired while any vessel under way is closer than 1,500 feet to the blast site. Those on board vessels or craft moored or anchored within 1,500 feet shall be notified before a blast is fired. Note: The warning signals and personnel safety provisions of 1926.909 - firing the blast, also apply.
• (h) Prior to firing the blast, the blaster shall determine the method(s) that will be used for detecting misfires and take preparatory steps (e.g., noting obvious indications of misfire, attaching float(s) that will be released by the firing, staging underwater cameras, or other appropriate means). Misfires shall be handled in accordance with the requirements of 1926.911 - misfires.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for blasting in excavation work under compressed air.

Special Requirements: References other standards

Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.913 - Blasting in Excavation Work Under Compressed Air apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows: [Reference .0716, paragraph (b)].

• (d) See 1926.900(a) - general provisions, and 1926.901 - blaster qualifications.