The blaster in charge is responsible for all aspects of explosives use and must:
(1) Carry a current license with the correct blaster classification for the type of blasting being performed.
(2) Comply with all federal, state, and local government regulations.
(3) Meet the general license qualifications identified in WAC
296-52-64020, General qualifications.
(4) Use every reasonable precaution to ensure the safety of the general public and workers. Reasonable precautions include the use of:
(a) Blast area surveys.
(b) Warning signal posters, which must be posted in suitable locations. Table T-1 shows the information that must be on the poster.
TABLE T-1 |
WARNING SIGNAL | A 1 minute series of long blasts 5 minutes prior to blast signal. |
BLAST SIGNAL | A series of short blasts 1 minute prior to the shot. |
ALL CLEAR SIGNAL | A prolonged blast following the inspection of the blast. |
(c) Flags and barricades.
(d) Blasting mats or other suitable protective material.
(5) Exercise and apply independent professional judgment regarding blasting activities, when following instructions from others could result in an illegal act or affect the outcome of a blast.
(6) Blast operation activities. The blaster in charge must:
(a) Have authority over all blasters and be able to promptly correct all actions taken in any area of the blast operation;
(b) Manage the blast operation properly for any type of blasting being performed;
(c) Control blast activities associated with a blast;
(d) Supervise explosive material activities, which include:
(i) Keeping a running inventory of all explosives and blasting agents stored at the blast area;
(ii) Supervising all on-site transportation, storage, loading, and firing of explosives.
(e) Notify local jurisdictions when blasting may affect them;
(f) Designate safe locations for personnel during the blast;
(g) Designate a method to determine when all personnel are accounted for in designated safe locations;
(h) Make sure blast observers are able to communicate with the blaster in charge;
(i) Make sure all possible exits to the blast site are observed immediately prior to each blast;
(j) Distribute explosives in the shot;
(k) Be present when a charge is detonated;
(l) Personally detonate the charge or give an order to a designated blaster to detonate the charge.
(7) Notification - Blast incidents. The blaster in charge must notify the department within twenty-four hours when:
(a) A misfire is not cleared;
(b) Vibration and air blast limits cause injury or property damage;
(c) Flyrock causes injury or property damage.
(8) Blast records. The blaster in charge must:
(a) Keep an accurate inventory of all explosives and blasting agents stored at the blast operation;
(b) Keep a blast record with the following information:
(i) Name of the company or contractor;
(ii) Exact location of the blast;
(iii) Date and time of detonation;
(iv) Name, signature, and license number of the blaster in charge;
(v) Type of material blasted;
(vi) Type of explosives used;
(vii) Number of holes, burden, and spacing;
(viii) Diameter and depth of holes;
(ix) Total amount of each type of explosives used;
(x) Maximum amount of explosives per delay period within eight milliseconds;
(xi) Maximum number of hole per delay period within eight milliseconds;
(xii) Method of firing;
(xiii) Type of circuit;
(xiv) Direction, distance in feet, and identification of the nearest dwelling, house, public building, school, church, or commercial/institutional building not owned or leased by the blaster in charge conducting the blasting;
(xv) Weather conditions;
(xvi) Type and height (or length) of stemming;
(xvii) A statement indicating whether blast mats or other flyrock protection were used;
(xviii) Type of initiation system used;
(xix) Type of delay periods used.
(c) Have seismograph records and readings, if required or used, that must accurately identify the:
(i) Name of the person and business analyzing the record;
(ii) Exact location of the seismograph;
(iii) Distance of the seismograph from the blast.
(d) Have sketches of the blast pattern. The sketch must include the:
(i) Number of hole;
(ii) Burden;
(iii) Spacing distance delay pattern.
(e) Have sketches of the hole profile if decking was used;
(f) Have general comments which include:
(i) Unusual conditions/situations during the blast;
(ii) The calculated scale distance number;
(iii) Misfires.
(g) Complete and sign each blast record;
(h) Retain blast records for a minimum of three years;
(i) Make sure blast records are available for department inspection.
Note: | A nonmandatory sample blast record can be found in Appendix B. You may use this format or create your own but all the information in this section must be included. |