Section 211.154. Preparing the blast

(a) The blasting activity permittee shall designate a blaster-in-charge for each blast. The blaster-in-charge shall control and supervise the blasting activity. The blaster-in-charge is responsible for all effects of the blast.

(b) Only equipment necessary for loading blast holes may be allowed to operate within 50 feet (15.24 meters) of the blast site. The Department may establish, in writing, a different distance limitation.

(c) A blaster-in-charge may not prepare or detonate a blast unless another person is present, able and ready to render assistance in the event of accident or injury.

(d) The blaster-in-charge shall make every effort to determine the condition of the material to be blasted from the individual who drilled the blast holes or from the drill log.

(e) Only the blaster-in-charge, other blasters, and up to six assistants per blaster may be at a blast site once loading of blast holes begins.

(f) While loading a blast hole, the following measures shall be followed:

(1) Ferrous material may not be used in the blast hole unless the use is approved by the Department in writing. This includes the use of steel casings, ferrous tools and retrieving equipment.

(2) Only nonferrous, nonsparking tamping sticks may be used in loading a blast hole. Sectional poles connected by brass fittings are permitted, if only the nonferrous, nonsparking end of the pole is used for tamping. Retrieving hooks shall be made from nonsparking metal such as brass or bronze.

(3) When using a pneumatic loading device, every precaution shall be taken to prevent an accumulation of static electricity. A loading operation shall be stopped immediately if static electricity or stray electrical currents are detected. The condition shall be remedied before loading may be resumed.

(4) The blast hole shall be carefully checked for obstructions with a nonferrous, nonsparking tamping pole, a tape, a light or a mirror before it is loaded. The use of magnifying mirrors is prohibited. Explosives may not be forced past an obstruction in a blast hole.

(5) Each blast hole shall be logged throughout the leading process to measure the amount and location of explosives placed in the blast hole. The information is to be recorded on the blast report required by § 211.133 (relating to blast report).

(6) A blast hole containing loose dynamite shall be stemmed but not tamped.

(7) The Department may specify the type and amount of stemming.

(g) Before connecting one loaded blast hole to another, all activity within the blast area shall cease, and all nonessential persons shall retreat to a safe place. The blaster-in-charge shall determine the blast area.

(h) Primers shall be prepared only at the hole to be loaded, immediately prior to loading. The components of the primer are to be kept separated at the collar of the blast hole. The primer may not be slit, dropped, deformed or carelessly handled and may not be tamped or forced into the blast hole.

(i) Immediately upon completing the loading of a blast hole, any wood, paper or other materials used to pack explosives shall be inspected for the presence of explosives and removed to an isolated area. These materials may be burned after the blast has been fired. Persons may not be within 100 feet (30.48 meters) of these burning materials.

(j) Measures shall be taken to reduce the chance of flyrock including:

(1) The use of blasting mats or other protective devices, if, in the opinion of the blaster-in-charge, the measures are necessary to prevent injuries to persons or damage to property.

(2) When blasting to an open, vertical face, checking the face for loose, hanging material or other faults prior to loading the blast holes.

(k) Explosives may not be brought to a blast site in greater quantities than are expected to be needed for that blast. Surplus explosives may not be stored in the blast area.

(l) Before a blast hole is loaded, it shall be checked to ensure that it is cool and does not contain any hot metal or smoldering material remaining from drilling the hole.

(m) The use of abrasive or sharp-edged constituents in stemming material shall be avoided if tamping is necessary and the tamping may sever blasting cap leg wires, shock tubes or detonating cords.

(n) Blasting activities may not be conducted within 800 feet (243.84 meters) of a public roadway unless precautionary measures are taken to safeguard the public. Precautionary measures include stopping or slowing of traffic and posting signs.