DIVISION 33
BLASTING OPERATIONS
DEFINITIONS
In this Division:
"blaster" means a person who is the holder of a valid blaster's certificate issued by the board or acceptable to the board and the chief inspecting engineer;
"blaster of record" means the blaster who is designated to be in charge of a blasting operation;
"blasting area" means an area extending at least 50 m (165 ft) in every direction from a place where explosive materials are being prepared of fIXed, or where an unexploded charge is known or believed to exist;
"blasting log" means a written record of loading details, and the site examination after a blast;
"blasting operations" means preparing, placing and fIring a charge, handling a misfIre, and destroying or disposing of explosive materials; .
"bootleg" means the remnant a blasting hole which did not properly break when the charge was initiated, also called socket, butt or button;
"charge" means explosive materials which mayor may not contain a primer, and which are placed for the purpose of detonation;
"danger area" means an area in which there may be danger to persons or property from flying material or other hazardous condition resulting from a blast;
"dangerous occurrence" means an accident or near miss incident which was caused by or as the result of the use of explosives and also includes an unexpected result or problem with explosive products;
"day box" means an unlicensed facility, not used for overnight storage, constructed to a Type 6 magazine specifications pursuant to the Explosives Act (Canada);
"detonator" or "detonator products" means and includes those explosives commonly called blasting caps, or electric caps, or other similar devices used to detonate commercial explosives;
"explosive" means a substance that is made, manufactured or used to produce an explosion or detonation, including but not limited to blasting explosives, pyrotechnic devices and accessories and containing explosives;
"igniter cord" means a small diameter wire coated with an incendiary composition used to ignite a series of safety fuse assemblies;
"isolated location" means an area where people other than employees involved in the work project are not likely to be, and excludes frequently travelled roads, or a recreation area when it is likely to be used by people;
"magazine" means a structure used for the unattended storage of either detonators or explosives, and which meets the regulations and standards of the Explosives Act (Canada);
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"misfIre (mishole)" means a charge or a part of a charge, on initiation, failed to completely detonate or function, a dangerous condition;
"primer" means an explosive to which a detonator or other initiating device has been attached;
"safety fuse assembly" means a manufactured blasting accessory of a precut length of safety fuse, an igniter cord connector, and a detonator;
"shunt" means a metal (aluminum or brass) clip or foil used to short out an electric detonator by interconnecting the leg wires, or means the act of shortening out leg wires by twisting them together;
"springing" means a blasting technique which opens up a pocket at the bottom of a blast hole so that successive charges may be loaded and blasted; and
"stemming" means placing material in the portion between the top of the explosive column and the collar of the blast hole, intended to confine the explosive gasses for an effective blast.
14.33.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Railway's Responsibility ..
14.33.1.1
Nothing in this Division relieves the railway of the responsibility to provide adequate direction and instruction of employees, and to assign work only to those employees who are competent.
Dangerous Occurrence Reports
14.33.1.2
(1) If a blasting accident occurs which causes personal injury, or if there is any other dangerous occurrences involving explosives, whether or not there is personal injury, the railway must:
(a) report the occurrence immediately to both the board and the chief inspecting engineer, and
(b) forward a written report of the occurrence to the board and the chief inspecting engineer without undue delay.
(2) The written report of the occurrence must contain: (a) the date, time and location of the occurrence;
(b) the names and certificate numbers of all blasters involved; (c) the names and occupations of any person injured;
(d) the types of explosives, detonators, and blasting machines used;
(e) a factual account of events including the blaster's log records; and (f) the action taken by the railway.
Blasting Log
14.33.1.3
(1) The blaster of record must record in a log the preblast loading details and the results of the post site inspection.
(2) Blasting logs must be maintained at the blasting site, available for inspection by safety officer , employees and employee representatives.
(3) The railway must ensure that blasting logs are kept for at least 5 years after completion of the blasting operation.
(4) The blaster must maintain a personal log of all blasting work that the blaster has performed.
Authority to Blast
14.33.1.4
(1) Only the holder of a valid blaster's certificate issued by the board or acceptable to the board and the chief inspecting engineer is permitted to conduct blasting operations, and then only if the work involved is within the scope of that certificate.
(2) All work within the blasting area must be done under the authority of the designated blaster of record responsible for that area.
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(3) A blaster may be assisted by persons who do not hold a blaster's certificate, but the blaster must have authority over assistants and must exercise visual supervision over them and be responsible for their work during explosive loading, priming, fixing or firing.
Other Legislation
14.33.1.5
The railway must comply with the requirements of the Explosives Act (Canada), The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (Canada) and any regulations under those Acts for the storage, transportation, handling and use of explosives.
Training
14.33.1.6
An employee engaged in loading, unloading, conveying explosives must be trained in the proper means for handling the explosives, the hazards of fire and mishandling and the procedures to follow in the event of a fIre or explosion.
14.33.2 CERTIFICATION
Qualifications
14.33.2.1
A candidate for a blaster's certificate must successfully complete the boards requirements for certification as a blaster .
Recording Certificates
14.33.2.2
The railway must ensure that the details on the certificate of a blaster are recorded and understood before permitting the certificate holder to carry out the duties of a blaster .
Custody of Certificates
14.33.2.3
(1) A blaster must retain his or her certificate and must keep it in a safe place at the work site while carrying out the duties of a blaster .
(2) The blaster's certificate must be produced for inspection on the request of a safety officer .
(3) A copy of a blaster's certificate is not acceptable as proof of certification.
Suspension of Duties
14.33.2.4
If in the opinion of the railway, the holder of a blaster's certificate has failed to comply with any of the blasting requirements in this Part, manufacturer's recommendations or recognized safe blasting practices, the railway must:
(a) immediately investigate the incident and may suspend the blaster from performing the duties of a blaster, and
(b) submit a report of the investigation to the board and the chief inspecting engineer .
Suspension of Certificates
14.33.2.5
An officer of the board or a safety officer of the chief inspecting engineer may seize and forward to the board a blaster's certificate if there is reason to believe that the safety of any person may be or has been endangered by the blaster .
Revocation of Certificates
14.33.2.6
The board or the safety officer may suspend or revoke a blaster's certificate, if the blaster is shown to be guilty of negligence, fails to comply with the Part, or for any other cause considered sufficient by the board or safety officer
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Detonators
14.33.3.1
(1) Detonator products must not be kept in a store or receptacle in which explosives or safety fuses, fuse lighters, igniter cords or connectors are stored
(2) At the loading site, detonator products must be stored separately from other explosives, and in a crush resistant box which is clearly marked.
Worksite Storage
14.33.3.2
Explosives at the worksite must be guarded or contained in secure day boxes until used or returned to the storage magazine.
Communication
14.33.3.3
(1) The railway must ensure that the location of a magazine in which explosives are stored, and any restrictions on access or activity around the magazine area, are clearly communicated to all employees.
(2) A day box and receptacle used for day storage on a work site must, when they contain explosives, display signs indicating the presence of explosives in a conspicuous manner, and the signs must be removed when they are empty .
(3) Mobile equipment containing explosives while in a workplace must display signs indicating the presence of explosives in a conspicuous manner, visible from all sides of the equipment, and the signs must be removed when the equipment no longer contains explosives.
Magazine Condition
14.33.3.4
(1) The interior of an explosives magazine must be kept scrupulously clean and must be constructed, covered or lined to prevent the exposure of any ferrous metal or gritty material. (2) Precautions must be taken to exclude moisture from an explosives magazine,
(3) Any article or substances likely to cause a fire or explosion must be kept out of and at a safe distance from an explosives magazine.
Cord
14.33.3.5
(1) Detonating cord must be stored separately, or with explosives other than detonators
(2) Igniter cord must be stored separately from fuses, detonators, or explosives.
Separate Handling
14.33.3.6
Blasting explosives and detonator products must be kept and handled separately until the last most practicable moment before bringing them together .
14.33.4 TRANSPORTATION
Transporting Equipment Operation
(1) Equipment used to transport explosives must be in sound mechanical condition, suitable for, and capable of safely transporting explosives.
(2) Passengers, other than those assigned to assist in handling explosives, are not permitted on equipment transporting explosives.
Flammable materials 14.33.4.2 Reasonable amounts of flammable or combustible materials may be carried by a conveyance transporting explosives at the workplace provided such materials are contained in a manner which will not cause or transmit a fire or explosion, and are adequately separated from any explosives containers on the conveyance. 14 - 304 Transporting Explosives 14.33.4.3 (1) Explosives carried in a vehicle must be in a fully enclosed, locked, fire resistant fixed container or compartment, separate from the passenger compartment. (2) Electric detonators must be transported in their original containers, with their leg wires shunted, as shipped by the manufacturer. (3) Detonators must be adequately separated from other explosives during transport.
Note: Options for separation include a solid wood or other suitable barrier partition 15 cm (6 in) thick, extending at least 15 cm (6 in) above the highest level to which explosives are packed in the vehicle, or a minimum distance of 60 cm (2 ft) between containers, or as permitted in Schedule IV of the Explosive Regulations under the Explosives Act (Canada).
Mobile Drill Rigs and Other Construction Equipment
14.33.4.4
The transportation of explosives on a mobile drilling rig and other construction equipment is only permitted if:
(a) explosives and detonators are carried in separate containers built to Type 10 magazine standards and capacities, with hooded locks, and
(b) the equipment and detonators are:
(i) located at least 60 cm (2 ft) apart, with the doors or lids facing, at least 90° apart;
(ii) located above the vehicle deck in a manner which protects the containers from contact with road or track side objects and the drilling equipment;
(iii) located so that the contents are not endangered by any heat source on the drill unit;
(iv) kept locked when outside the blasting area, and securely closed when in the blasting area, except when open for depositing or removing their contents; and
(v) attended by the blaster of record, or a qualified person designated by the blaster, at all times when explosives are being carried, unless the prior permission of the safety officer has been obtained.
Water Transport
14.33.4.5
Transportation of explosives on a boat or other vessel must conform with the applicable requirements of this Part and other authorities having jurisdiction.
Rail Transport
14.33.4.6
Transportation of explosives by rail, to or from a work site, must conform with the applicable requirements of this Division and other applicable requirements of the Railway Safety Code.
Contact with Metal
14.33.4.7
Contact between packages containing explosives and exposed ferrous metal in a conveyance must be prevented by the use of wood, tarpaulin, or other suitable dunnage material.
Emergency Procedures
14.33.4.8
Before explosives are transported, to or from a work site, the railway must establish suitable written emergency procedures, and must ensure that all employees who may be affected are adequately instructed in the procedures.
Safe Operation
14.33.4.9
Equipment transporting explosives must be operated at speeds which conform to all regulations, laws and other applicable requirements, and in a safe manner consistent with prevailing road, track and weather conditions. but in no case may a vehicle transporting explosives be operated at a speed in excess of 90 km/h (55 mph).
Equipment Load Limits
14.33.4.10
Equipment transporting explosives must not be operated or permitted to operate if the load to be transported exceeds 80% of the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity for the equipment.
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Fire Fighting Equipment
14.33.4.11
(1) Equipment transporting explosives must be equipped with at least 2 fire extinguishers, of a type capable of quickly extinguishing gasoline, oil, or electrical fires.
(2) The fire extinguishers must be readily available for use and must have:
(a) a minimum 5 BC rating for equipment with up to 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs) gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating, and
(b) a minimum 10 BC rating for equipment with more than 2,00 kg (4,400 lbs) rating.
Trailer Transportation
14.33.4.12
Explosives must not be transported in a trailer. semitrailer or rail push car unless it is equipped with power brakes operable from the towing or pushing unit.
Railway and Highway Grade Crossings
14.33.4.13
(1) The operator of a highway vehicle transporting explosives must, before crossing:
(a) a railway track or tracks protected by automatic signals, reduce speed of the vehicle and establish that the crossing can be made in safety , and
(b) a railway track or tracks that are not protected by automatic signals, completely stop the vehicle and only proceed when the way is safely clear .
(2) The operator of railway equipment, transporting explosives to and from a worksite, must comply with Rule 16.11 of the General Operating Instructions when crossing grade level highway crossings.
Prior Servicing
14.33.4.14
Equipment used to transport explosives must be fully serviced prior to loading.
Overnight Parking or Storing
14.33.4.15
(1) When transport equipment car'iying or containing explosives is to be parked or stored overnight, the promises or building in which the equipment will be parked or stored must not be used for any other purpose which may involve any substance likely to cause explosion or fires.
(2) Such premises or buildings must be away from habitation and other buildings that contain flammable materials.
(3) Transport equipment containing explosives must be at all times, in charge and attended by a qualified person, as required by the Explosives Act (Canada).
14.33.5 HANDLING EXPLOSIVES
General
14.33.5.1
Explosive materials must be stored, transported and used in the manner recommended by the manufacturer .
Defective Explosives
14.33.5.2
Explosive materials or accessories which have deteriorated, or are believ\-d to be defective, must not be used and must be handled and disposed of in a safe manner following the manufacturer's recommendations .
Cold temperatures
14.33.5.3
If the sensitivity of an explosive is affected by cold temperatures the explosive may be brought to a working temperature in a manner recommended by the manufacturer, but must not be warmed near an open fire or a steam boiler nor by direct contact with steam or hot water.
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Abandoned Explosives
14.33.5.4
Explosive materials and accessories must not be abandoned, but must be placed in suitable storage or disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Ignition Sources Prohibited
14.33.5.5
(1) Smoking is prohibited within 15 m (50 ft) of where explosives are stored, being handled, or are in loaded holes.
(2) Open flame ignition sources must not be permitted within 15 m (50 ft) of where explosives are stored, being handled, or are in loaded holes, unless the blaster of record gives consent.
Containers
14.33.5.6
(1) Containers, known or suspected to contain explosives or explosive residue, must be handled with care to prevent undue impact or exposure to excessive heat or flame.
(2) All empty explosive containers must be disposed of by burning or as recommended by the manufacturer .
14.33.6 DRILLING
Predrilling Requirements
14.33.6.1
Before drilling begins:
(a) in a previously blasted area, the surface to be drilled must be exposed and examined for misfired explosives.
(b ) faces or slopes must be cleared of lose material, or otherwise stabilized to prevent slide or falls of rock; and
(c) the location of utility services !!1ust be determined and clearly marked.
Drilling Prohibitions
14.33.6.2
Drilling must not take place within:
(a) 15 cm (6 in) of any part of a boot leg, or
(b) 6 m (20 ft) of any part of a hole containing explosives, unless written permission has been obtained from the safety officer .
Drill Hole Size
14.33.6.3
Each drill hole to be loaded with explosives must be of sufficient diameter to permit free insertion of the explosives to the bottom of the hole without ramming, cutting or undue pressure.
14.33.7 LOADING
Priming
14.33.7.1
A primer must not be made up until immediately before placing the explosive.
Carrying
14.33.7.2
A person must not carry explosive material in their clothing.
Cartridges
14.33.7.3
Wrappers must not be removed from cartridge explosives.
Loading tools
14.33.7.4
Explosives must not be loaded into a hole except with a loading tool made of wood, plastic or other non-sparking material.
Electrical Storms
14.33.7.5
If there is any sign of thunder or lightening storm activity , all blasting activity must be suspended and the danger area must be cleared and guarded if explosives are present at the blast site.
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Guarding Loaded Holes
14.33.7.6
(1) A hole which has been loaded. whether primed or not. but not fired by the end of the working day must not be left unattended.
(2) An employee. whose sole responsibility is the security of the explosives. must be posted to ensure that loaded holes are not tampered with while the work crews are absent from the work site.
Vehicle
14.33.7.7
Wheeled vehicles or other mechanized equipment must not be driven over loaded holes.
Springing Holes
14.33.7.8
After a hole has been "sprung" ample time must be left for the hole to cool before further loading or placing of explosives or explosive accessories takes place.
Connecting Detonating Cord
14.33.7.9
(1) When detonating cords are used, the cords must only be interconnected or attached to trunk cords at the last practicable moment after a11 holes are loaded.
(2) When detonating cords are used to prime a charge, the cord must be cut from the supply reel before, or as soon as possible after the charge is placed.
(3) Detonators or detonator connectors must not be attached to a detonating line until everything is in readiness for the blast.
Shock Tubes
14.33.7.10
(1) Non-electric shock tubes loaded into holes must not be pulled or snapped.
(2) Shock tube starters must not be fastened to the firing line until all holes are loaded to be blasted. .,.,
Pneumatic Loading
14.33.7.11
(1) Explosives may only be loaded pneumatica11y if the procedures and equipment used will prevent building of static electricity or hazards from stray electric currents.
(2) Prior written permission of the safety officer must be obtained before any pneumatic loading is carried out at a hole which contains an electric detonator .
14.33.8 SAFETY CORD INITIATION
Safety Fuse Assemblies
14.33.8.1
(1) Only safety fuse assemblies with anti-static protection may be used for safety fuse blasting.
(2) Safety fuse assemblies less than 1 m (3.3 ft) in length must not be used.
(3) Safety fuse assemblies must be handled with care to avoid pinching or kinking and damaged fuses assemblies must not be used.
Lighting Safety Fuse
14.33.8.2
(1) When lighting a single safety fuse assembly a match may be used.
(2) When multiple safety fuses are to be lit, a suitable safety fuse lighting device must be used to ensure that a minimum 90 cm (3 ft) fuse length safety factor is maintained.
(3) When multiple fuse assemblies are to be lit, a suitable lighting device, such as igniter cord must be used, and once the igniter cord is lit the blast area must be vacated.
14.33.9 ELECTRICAL INITIATION
Stray currents
14.33.9.1
(1) Precautions must be taken to prevent premature detonation of electric detonators from sources of electricity.
(2) Blasting circuits must be kept on the ground with bare connections sufficiently elevated to prevent current leakage.
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Stray Currents
14.33.9.1
(1) Precautions must be taken to prevent premature detonation of electric detonators from sources of electricity.
(2) Blasting circuits must be kept on the ground with bare connections sufficiently elevated to prevent current leakage.
Extraneous Currents
14.33.9.2 Electric detonators must not be used when extraneous currents exceeds 50 milliamps
Static Electricity
14.33.9.3
(1) Precautions must be taken during handling of electric detonators to prevent premature detonation caused by static electricity .
(2) Detonator leg wires must not be thrown in the air or dragged along the ground.
Radio Frequency Precautions
14.33.9.4
(1) During electric blasting, minimum distances from radio frequency transmitter as detailed in Institute of Makers of Explosives, " Safety Code for the Prevention of Radio Frequency Radiation Hazards in the Use of Commercial Electric Detonators" (Blasting Caps) Safety Library No 20, 1998 as amended from time to time, must be maintained.
(2) If the minimum distance has not otherwise been determined, electrical blasting circuits are not permitted within:
(a) 100 m (330 ft) of a CB or other mobile or portable radio frequency transmitter, and
(b) 100 m (3,300 ft) of an AM, FM, TV, or other fixed radio frequency transmitter.
Mobile Transmitters
14.33.9.5
(1) If absolute control of radio frequency transmitters cannot be maintained, for example, on rail traffic and public highways, warning signs must be posted to alert equipment and vehicle operators to turn off their radio transmitters .
(2) When electrical circuits are being connected, rail traffic must be governed by the issuance of a Daily Operating Bulletin (DOB) which will state the appropriate distance from the blasting site that radio transmitters must be turned off.
(3) Remote automatic radio frequency transmitters or relay radio transmitters whose operation is controlled by the use of portable or fixed radio transmitters and whose transmission may be hazardous to electrical blasting operations, must be turned off when electrical circuits are being connected.
(4) On roadways, including logging and construction accesses, when electrical circuits are connected, traffic control persons must be posted to instruct vehicle operators to turn transmitters off .
Testing Circuits
14.33.9.6
Each electrical circuit must be tested before firing using an instrument acceptable to the safety officer, and the measured resistance must be recorded in the blasting log.
Testing Blasting Machine
14.33.9.7
(1) A blasting machine must be maintained in good mechanical condition and must be tested according to the manufacturer's instructions.
(2) The capacity of the blasting machine must be clearly marked and must not be exceeded
Firing from power lines
14.33.9.8
When firing is done from a power line, an approved blasting safety switch must be used, and the switch kept locked and inaccessible to anyone except the blaster.
14.33.10 FIRING
Blaster's responsibility
14.33.10.1
(1) The blaster must take precautions for the protection of persons and property, including proper loading and stemming of holes, and where necessary, the use of cover for the blast or other effective means of controlling the blast or resultant flying material.
(2) The blaster must ensure that the danger area is clear of workers and is kept clear during the blasting period.
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(3) The blaster must post workers who have the sole responsibility of guarding against entry into the danger area of the blast site, and the workers must be instructed as to their duties and responsibilities.
(4) Whistles, signs or other signals may not be used in place of the guards required by subsection (3).
(5) Before sounding the warning signals, the blaster must clear the danger area and post guards as required by subsections (2) to (4), and must ensure that all persons have reached a place of safety.
Firing Lines
14.33.10.2
The firing lines must not be attached to the blasting machine or blasting circuit until all charges are placed, connected and ready to be fired.
Firing Holes
14.33.10.3
(1) Charges must fired in logical order.
(2) If any detonations could affect other charges placed nearby. all charges must be fired in one operation.
Blasting Signals
14.33.10.4
(1) The blaster must ensure that an audible signalling device, distinct from other signalling devices in the area, is used to give the following warning signals:
(a) preceding the blast, 12 short whistle signals must be sounded at 1 second intervals;
(b) 2 minutes. must elapse after the last warning signal before initiating- the blast; and
(c) following the blast and after the area has been inspected and found safe, 1 prolonged whistle signal of at least 5 seconds must be sounded, to signify that permission is granted to return to the blasting area..
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to avalanche control or other circumstances deemed appropriate by the safety officer, in which case the blaster must ensure that alternative warning procedures acceptable to the safety officer are used.
(3) Paragraph (1) (b) does not apply with respect to the 2 minute warning in congested areas if alternative warning procedures acceptable to the safety officer are developed and implemented.
Posting Warning Procedures
14.33.10.5
The railway must ensure that the warning procedures and blasting signals to be used at the workplace are posted conspicuously at each blasting operation, and employees must be instructed in this information.
14.3.11 RETURNING TO THE BLASTING SITE
After the Blast
14.33.11.1
After a blast is detonated, the blaster must not allow any other employee to enter the blasting area until:
(a) the area has been examined by the blaster for misfires and other hazards;
(b) the "all clear" has been sounded; and
(c) the blaster gives permission for work to proceed.
Electrical Blasting
14.33.11.2
After a blast is electrically detonated the blaster must not enter the blasting area until
(a) the blaster has disconnected the firing cables from the blasting machine and has short circuited the lead wires, or
(b) if the blast was detonated from a power line, the blaster has disconnected the firing lines and locked the switch open.
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Misfires
14.33.11.3
(1) When a blast initiated by electrical methods cannot be verified to have completely detonated or if it is suspected to have misfired, the blaster must disconnect the firing lines from the blasting machine and wait at least 10 minutes before permitting anyone to enter the danger area.
When a blast initiated by a safety fuse cannot be verified to have completely detonated, or is suspected to have misfired, the blaster must wait at least 30 minutes after the estimated time of detonation before permitting anyone to enter the danger area.
14.33.12 MISFIRE PROCEDURES
Blast Site Examination
14.33.12.1
The blaster must make a through examination of the blast site after charges have been fired to determine that there are no unexploded charges remaining.
Unfired Explosives
14.33.12.2
(1) If there is evidence or suspicion of misfIred charges or undetonated explosives:
(a) all loose unfIred explosives must be collected and destroyed in a safe manner, and
(b) the blaster must direct the hand removal of as much material as possible before metallic tools or equipment are used.
(2) Metallic equipment must not be used during misfire procedures/unless:
(a} the blastei directs the use of the equipment;
(b) the area is adequately illuminated; and
(c) every one, except the blaster and the equipment operator, is removed from the area.
Removing Loose Material
14.33.12.3
(1) Removal of loose material must be done cautiously, with regard for possible undetonated explosive materials or misfired holes.
(2) Loose rock must be scaled from faces in the work area and be stabilized before work resumes .
Marking and Detonating
14.33.12.4
(1) Each misfIre charge must be clearly marked and the area cordoned off.
(2) No attempt must be made to remove an unexploded charge and no other work may take place within the blasting area, until the misfIred charge has been successfully detonated by rewiring or repriming with a fresh primer .
Safety Fuse Reblast
14.33.12.5
If a misfired charge contains a safety fuse and is reblasted, employees must not return to the blast site until 30 minutes after the detonation.
No Relighting
14.33.12.6
Relighting a safety fuse is prohibited
Drilling for Rerlring
14.33.12.7
When dri11ing is necessary to expose a misfired charge the blaster must:
(a) accurately determine the angle of the misfired hole;
(b) direct the angle and depth of the hole being drilled: and
(2) ensure that the hole being drilled is at least 60 cm (2 ft) from any part of the misfired charge.
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Extracting explosives
14.33.12.8
(1) It is prohibited to extract, or attempt to extract, a primer or explosive of the nitroglycerine type from a loaded hole.
(2) Only if the hole does not contain a detonator maya blaster or person authorized by the blaster remove ammonium nitrate, water gel or emulsion type explosives from a hole, and the removal procedure must be carried out with caution, using moderate air or water pressure or a combination thereof, with a blowpipe made of non-metallic construction.
14.33.13 AVALANCHE CONTROL
General Requirements
14.33.13.1
(1) Explosive charges must not be dropped from a helicopter or other aircraft, placed manually on site by employees, or projected by any means for the purpose of avalanche control, until the proposed work procedures have been submitted to and accepted by the safety officer .
(2) Explosives must not be primed until the last practicable moment which means that point in time when the explosives are closed to the control route as possible, in a safe, sheltered location excluded from access by other persons.
(3) The wire-pull lighter must not be placed on the safety fuse assembly until immediately before placing the charge .
(4) The railway must ensure that procedures are reviewed annually and that proposed changes to the procedures are submitted to the chief inspecting engineer before implementation.
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