This document provides an overview of explosives awareness for small mines. It covers explosives legislation, transportation and storage, firing of shots, post-blast inspections, misfires, and responsibilities. Key points include that only licensed personnel can handle explosives, explosives must be transported and stored properly, exclusion zones must be established for safety during blasting, post-blast inspections are required before entry, and procedures for handling misfires are important for safety. Graphic examples of explosives incidents emphasize the need for proper handling and safety precautions when using explosives.
This Mine Hazard topic is disruption of basic Mining Activity hazard occur during mining operation of Drilling,Blasting,Excavation,Transportation ,Dumping
This Mine Hazard topic is disruption of basic Mining Activity hazard occur during mining operation of Drilling,Blasting,Excavation,Transportation ,Dumping
Its a presentation about the design aspect of open cast mine. The author believes it will surely help the mining engineering students at the beginning level.
Its a presentation about the design aspect of open cast mine. The author believes it will surely help the mining engineering students at the beginning level.
The death of a truck operator in the USA in 2018 at a Peabody mine as a result of a fire highlights the importance of installing fire suppression systems. Firestorm has been involved in the world's largest retrofit of fire supression systems on buses. While buses may be considered simple for fire protection versus a mining machine, buses can carry up to 100 passengers and typically there is a lack of mechanical protection with the majority of the body made of fibreglass, wood and plastics that burn very quickly and are highly toxic. The risk for multiple deaths is therefore a much higher factor compared with a mining machine with one operator. The risk assessment required in AS5062-2016 needs to consider the egress paths available for an operator/passenger to safely evacuate the machine and consideration for actuators and fire extinguishers along this path.
Changes to laws in 2016 required the removal of PFAS and PFOS in both Queensland and South Australia with penalties noe effective for non-compliance. Several NSW mines have been put on notice by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent further contamination of waterways. Firestorm is now moving away from exposing our own people to PFAS/PFOS systems to ensure we are providing best practice even though laws are not yet in place for NSW. This presentation looks at what it means if you choose to move away from PFAS/PFOS systems.
Every organisation has a culture, and every culture is different. Every organisation has a culture around safety, which can often conflict with the culture around hydraulic systems.
Since the inception of the NSW Resources Regulator's MDG 41 - Guidleine for fluid power safety at mines there has been an explosion of interest in the safety of hydraulic systems. From the early days of MDG41 there was a significant drop in hydraulic incidents reported to the Regulator.
Recently there has been a spike in fluid power-related incidents around the industry, which suggests there is a disconnect between the perceived and real dangers of fluid power systems. As we now see the industry growing and less experienced workers joining the industry we must ensure that we demonstrate the correct culture when dealing with hydraulic systems.
A process server is a authorized person for delivering legal documents, such as summons, complaints, subpoenas, and other court papers, to peoples involved in legal proceedings.
What is the point of small housing associations.pptxPaul Smith
Given the small scale of housing associations and their relative high cost per home what is the point of them and how do we justify their continued existance
Canadian Immigration Tracker March 2024 - Key SlidesAndrew Griffith
Highlights
Permanent Residents decrease along with percentage of TR2PR decline to 52 percent of all Permanent Residents.
March asylum claim data not issued as of May 27 (unusually late). Irregular arrivals remain very small.
Study permit applications experiencing sharp decrease as a result of announced caps over 50 percent compared to February.
Citizenship numbers remain stable.
Slide 3 has the overall numbers and change.
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Up the Ratios Bylaws - a Comprehensive Process of Our Organizationuptheratios
Up the Ratios is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap in STEM education for underprivileged students by providing free, high-quality learning opportunities in robotics and other STEM fields. Our mission is to empower the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers by offering a range of educational programs that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
At Up the Ratios, we believe that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, should have access to the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today's technology-driven world. To achieve this, we host a variety of free classes, workshops, summer camps, and live lectures tailored to students from underserved communities. Our programs are designed to be engaging and hands-on, allowing students to explore the exciting world of robotics and STEM through practical, real-world applications.
Our free classes cover fundamental concepts in robotics, coding, and engineering, providing students with a strong foundation in these critical areas. Through our interactive workshops, students can dive deeper into specific topics, working on projects that challenge them to apply what they've learned and think creatively. Our summer camps offer an immersive experience where students can collaborate on larger projects, develop their teamwork skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.
In addition to our local programs, Up the Ratios is committed to making a global impact. We take donations of new and gently used robotics parts, which we then distribute to students and educational institutions in other countries. These donations help ensure that young learners worldwide have the resources they need to explore and excel in STEM fields. By supporting education in this way, we aim to nurture a global community of future leaders and innovators.
Our live lectures feature guest speakers from various STEM disciplines, including engineers, scientists, and industry professionals who share their knowledge and experiences with our students. These lectures provide valuable insights into potential career paths and inspire students to pursue their passions in STEM.
Up the Ratios relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to continue our work. Contributions of time, expertise, and financial support are crucial to sustaining our programs and expanding our reach. Whether you're an individual passionate about education, a professional in the STEM field, or a company looking to give back to the community, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
We are proud of the positive impact we've had on the lives of countless students, many of whom have gone on to pursue higher education and careers in STEM. By providing these young minds with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, we are not only changing their futures but also contributing to the advancement of technology and innovation on a broader scale.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
2. Contents
1. Explosives Legislation, Standards and Codes
2. Explosives general
3. Transport and storage
4. Firing of Shots
5. Post Blast Inspection
6. Misfires
7. Explosives Control Plan and responsibilities under Legislation
8. Responsibilities of the PCBU, contractors and shot firers
9. Licencing BEUL
10. When things go wrong
11. Graphic pictures of incidents
12. Questions
3. Legislation, Codes and Standards
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
• Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013.
• Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014.
• Explosives Act 2003.
• Explosive Regulation 2013.
• SafeWork NSW (Formerly WorkCover Authority of NSW) – Explosive Licence Requirements.
• Australian Explosive Industry and Safety Group (AEISG) Codes of Practice.
• Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail – Third edition (2009)
• Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADGC 7.3).
• AS2187.0 (1998) Explosives - Terminology
• AS2187.1 (1998) Explosive Storage, Transport and Use
• AS2187.2 (2006) Explosive Storage and Use; Use of Explosives.
• AS4326 (2008) The Storage and Handling of Oxidizing Agents.
• Explosive Suppliers Safety Data Sheets
4. What is an Explosives
Explosives Act 2003 NSW
• explosive means any article or substance prescribed by
the regulations as an explosive for the purposes of this
Act.
• explosive precursor means any article or substance
prescribed by the regulations as an explosive precursor
for the purposes of this Act.
5. High Explosives products typically used in Quarries
Boosters
Detonating Cord
Packaged Explosive
• Cast boosters and packaged contain
high explosives in a cardboard canister
or plastic sleeve as shown.
• Boosters and packaged produce large
amounts of explosive energy to set off
bulk product
• Detonating cord explodes around 7000
metres second
• It is basically a continuous detonator and
completely disintegrates on detonation
comes in all different sizes
• Detonating cord contains a high
explosives called (PETN) wrapped in
fibre or plastic.
6. Surface
Connectors
Electronic
detonators
Nonel Detonators
• Detonators are used to initiate the booster and
explosive charge and determine the sequence of
detonation of each hole
• Each detonator contains approximately 850mg of high
explosive
• A detonator is the most sensitive explosive used on a
mine site and therefore is the most dangerous
• Various types of detonators are used in blasting
• They come in various colours, including orange,
red, yellow, blue and white
• The tubing attached to each detonator
contains explosive powder mixed with aluminium (not
to be confused with det cord). Tubing can be initiated
by impact.
• Surface connectors
surface timing, low
impact
Explosives products typically used in Quarries
• Electronic and electric
detonators have wires
attached to them
7. Basic Explosives Safety
• No Smoking or naked flames within 10m of explosives or explosives
vehicles as per Australian Standards or site procedures
• Only authorized trained and licenced personnel are to handle, transport
and use explosives
• Never approach a fire that involves explosives or explosives equipment
• Stay clear of parked explosives vehicles
• Never pick up or handle explosives without appropriate authorisation
• Do not run over explosives and explosives boxes
• Never drive or walk onto a blast pattern unless under the direction of a
shotfirer
• Be aware of all explosives vehicles on site at all times.
8. Explosive: Examples:
Plain (open) detonator Lead azide
Closed detonators Non-electric. det.
Detonating cord
Cast Booster
Non Electric tubing Lead-in line
ANFO
Det. sensitive emulsion Packaged
Emulsions
Bulk pumped emulsion Watergels
SENSITIVITYSensitivity of Explosives
9. Storage of Explosives – Explosives Magazines
What good looks like What bad looks like
10. Transport Explosives
Key points:
Transporting explosives – on road
• Licence to transport
• Vehicle compliance - explosive boxes, signage etc -AEC
• Emergency procedure in place
• Overnight security (late delivery)?
Private road – consider requirements of AEC or equivalent
• Site systems
• Suitable containers
• Local emergency plan
11. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
Detonator in a can
13. • Ammonium Nitrate Prill is white in colour
• Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) class 1
Explosives has a smell of diesel and can be different
in colours this is due to the dye that is used to
ensure consistency of blend – Dry hole explosive.
• Heavy ANFO is a sticky with a greasy/oily feel.
• Emulsion blends ammonium nitrate solution
combined with diesel and emulsifiers – for wet hole
explosives.
• At no stage should you touch any of these products
without permission from the Shotfirer and be
authorized.
Bulk Explosives
Ammonium Nitrate prill
Emulsion
14. Bulk Explosives
• There are different types of bulk explosives used in Quarry Blasting
• The main ingredient is Ammonium Nitrate
• They are transported around in Mobile Processing Units (MPU’s)
15. Bulk Explosives Mobile Processing Unit MPU
Bulk Emulsion and AN
Prill is stored in separate
bins
Fuel Oil
Special
sensitising
chemicals
Emulsion rich products are delivered
through the discharge auger into a pump.
This pump delivers the product through a
hose to the bottom of the blast hole
16. Blast Delineation
• The blast area is to be delineated by warning signs and a suitable and clearly
visible barrier, this will depend on site procedures.
Barricades are visible both day and night and may be in form of physical barrier, safety bund,
flagging tape, red flashing lights or series of witches hats.
18. Blast Boards
Blast boards contain information about the date and time that the
next blast will take place on that site. Blast boards should be
located at the Quarry entrance.
19. Exclusion Zones
• All blasts must have exclusion zones in order to minimise the potential
damage that may be caused by the effects of the blast. The primary
hazards from a blast are:
• Fly rock – due to poor face burden, overloaded holes, drill holes off design
and multiple free faces etc
• Exposure to dust and fumes
• Prior to any blast a risk assessment should be conducted as per the (site
Explosives control plan) regarding the possible outcomes of the blast.
From the risk assessment exclusion zones may be implemented at varying
distances from the blast depending on the expected outcomes
20. Ejection of Material from the Exclusion Zone (Fly rock)
In accordance with Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014
Schedule 2, clause 4 (1)
“An Explosives Control Plan must set out the control measures for risks to health and safety
associated with explosives at the mine or petroleum site taking into account:
(g) The potential for the ejection of fly rock or other material as a result of the detonation of an
explosive.
As required under this regulation and pursuant to clause 179(f) a Dangerous Incident:
(f) Ejection of rock from blasting that falls outside the blast exclusion zone (being the area from
which persons are excluded during the blasting),”
21. Post Blast Inspection
• Once the shot is fired it must first be inspected by the Shotfirer.
• Be Patient This may take extra time to allow for the clearing of
toxic fumes (NOx etc)
• DO NOT proceed into the area until the shotfirer announces the
“ALL CLEAR” and Blast Controller releases the guards
22. Exclusion Zones
• For example, these zones may be identified as the following:-
• Equipment exclusion zone – in which all equipment likely to be damaged
from the blast will be withdrawn to a safe area.
• Personnel exclusion zone – in which personnel likely to be harmed by
the effects of the blast be withdrawn to a safe area
• Fume management zone – in which personnel will be removed to a safe
area based on the likelihood and potential from the blast fume to extend
past the nominal personnel exclusion zone .
• Note:- Blast guards will be placed outside these zones. This depends
on the outcomes of the blast risk assessment prior to blasting
24. Face and bore hole Checks – Physical or Laser
Profile Examples to reduce flyrock.
Note:- Shot risk assessment and processes for shotfirer or blast controller to increase exclusion
zone in consultation with design engineers if face and bore holes are off design.
25. Misfires
• In accordance with Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation
2014 Schedule 2, clause 4 (2) “An Explosives Control Plan must also set out the
following:
• (b) The procedures for finding, recovering and disposal of explosives that misfire,”
• As required under this regulation and pursuant to clause 128 – High Potential
Incident:
• “(j) A misfire or unplanned explosion of an explosive or explosive precursor (but not in
the case of a misfire at a mine or petroleum site other than a coal mine if the misfire
explosives can be fired without and significant risk to a person).
26. Handling a misfire
• In the event of finding explosives material during the mining process it is
important to immediately stop all mining activity in the immediate vicinity of
the product location. You must assume that all material found is live and
has the potential to detonate
• Prevent others from approaching the misfire until a shotfirer arrives
• DO NOT TOUCH Remove or withdraw all personnel and equipment to a
safe distance (determined by site procedures and or risk assessment)
• The Quarry Manager and or shotfirer will ensure the area is made safe,
possibly relocate the mining equipment away from the threat area and
contact the site explosives personnel to investigate and treat the product in
accordance with the relevant site work practices.
• Notify the Regulator of the misfire
Note:- When Re-firing Misfires , Larger exclusion zones may be necessary
this will depend on the sites procedure under the Explosives control plan.
27. Explosives Control Plan
• With regard to the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites)
Regulation 2014 (NSW).
• “The mine operator of a mine in which there is a risk to health and safety
associated with explosives or explosive precursors at the mine must
prepare an Explosives Control Plan for the mine that sets out the means
by which the mine operator will manage those risks in accordance with
clause 9”.
• Pursuant to clause 26, “the Principal Control Plan must be documented
and so far as reasonably practicable, be set out and expressed in a way
that is readily understandable by persons that use it.”
28. Explosives Control Plan
• Must set out the control measures for risks to health and safety associated with
explosives taking into account:
• the potential for unintended or uncontrolled detonation of explosives
• the characteristics of relevant explosives and the purposes for which they are to be
used
• the characteristics of the places in which the explosives are to be used
• the full set of phases for the use of relevant explosives such as the charging and firing
phases
• the potential for explosives to deteriorate
• the potential for the theft or misuse of explosives
• the potential for the ejection of flyrock or other material as a result of the detonation of
an explosive
29. Explosives Control Plan
• An explosives control plan must also set out the following:
• the procedures for inspecting, reporting, isolating and disposing of deteriorated or
damaged explosives
• the procedures for finding, recovering and disposal of explosives that misfire
• the inspection, testing, reporting and maintenance procedures in relation to the
equipment used at the mine for manufacturing, storing, transporting and delivering
explosives
• the procedures and equipment used in storing and transporting explosives at the
mine
• the procedures used for the accounting of explosives at the mine
• the arrangements for the keeping of a register identifying persons who are identifying
persons who are licenced under the Explosives Act 2003 to transport, use, store or
handle explosives at the mine
30. Explosives Control Plan (cont’d)
• An explosives control plan must also set out the following:
• the procedures for ensuring that any person transporting, using, storing or handling
explosives at the mine has any licence necessary under the Explosives Act 2003
• the procedures in relation to consultation and co-operation to ensure that any
transportation, use, storage or handling of explosives at the mine is conducted safely
and in accordance with any conditions attached to the licence under which that
transportation, use, storage or handling takes place
31. Responsibilities of Mine Operators
• Must ensure that explosives and explosive precursors handled at the mine
are handled only by persons who are authorised under a licence under the
Explosives Act 2003
• Must ensure the keeping of a register identifying those persons currently
at, or providing a service to, the mine who are authorised under a licence
under the Explosives Act 2003 to handle explosives or explosive
precursors at the mine.
• The operator of a mine must ensure that, with respect to the handling of
explosives and explosive precursors at a mine, arrangements are
coordinated between the operator and any person authorised under a
licence under the Explosives Act 2003 to handle explosives, so as to
ensure the safety and security of such explosives.
32. LICENSES – Explosives Regulation 2013
• There are 11 types of licenses under these Regs.
The ones that we are interested in are:
• License to Supply
• License to Transport
• License to Store
• Blasting Explosives User’s License
• License to Manufacture
• Security Clearance
33. BEUL – Blasting Explosive User’s Licence
example only
Additional information on the back
34. Blasting Activities allowed under BEUL
A blasting explosives user’s licence authorises the licensee to carry out
the following activities:
• use explosives at the type of mines specified in the licence, the explosives or explosive
precursors specified in the licence
• manufacture explosives for immediate use (if that activity is specified in the licence)
• possess explosives or explosive precursors for the purpose of using or disposing them under
the licence
• transport explosives or explosive precursors for the purpose of using them under the licence
• store the explosives or explosive precursors at the premises — if premises are specified in the
licence
35. When Things Go Wrong…
• These four incidents are simple examples of what can happen when
explosives handling goes wrong!
• Snap – Slap & Shoot
Discuss briefly the current legislation, codes and standards to doe with explosives
A discussion on what type of explosives used in the mining industry and there use.
Transport of and storage of explosives – Licenced shot fires vehicles, mobile processing units and magazines
Firing of shots including exclusion zones
Post blast inspection – fume
What to do with misfires
Explosives control plan – what must be included
Responsibilities of the PCBU, contractors a and shotfirers
Licensing BEUL requirements
When things go wrong
Quick look over the legislation, codes and standard used
Cast Boosters and other Hi Explosives can be found during the mining excavation process.
Cast boosters or primers (a booster assembled with a detonator) can be uncovered during the excavation mining operation.
Boosters and other hi explosives used in the blasting process are similar to the example(s) pictured.
Booster wrapping can come in many different colours in accordance with the manufacturing specifications. The colours of the booster wrapping can be Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, Pink or White.
High Explosives such as Det Cord (Detonation Cord) or Packaged Product (Sausage Explosives) may also be found during the mining excavation process and may be classified as misfired explosives.
Any booster / primer recovered during the mining operation must be considered to be live and pose a significant risk to personal safety if handled by un-trained or un-authorised persons.
Boosters / primers recovered during the mining process may have damaged components leading to increased sensitivity and should only be handled by personnel who are deemed to be competent, licensed and authorised by the site management to conduct such activities.
PETN – Pentaerythritol tetranitrate – High explosives compound.
Detonators can be found during the mining excavation process.
Detonators can be uncovered during the mining excavation operation.
Detonators used in the blasting process are similar to the example(s) pictured.
Detonators in this state are to be considered to be live and pose a significant risk to personal safety if handled by un-trained or un-authorised persons.
Detonators recovered during the mining process may have damaged components leading to increased sensitivity and should only be handled by personnel who are deemed to be competent, licensed and authorised by the site management to conduct such activities.
Sensitivity of explosives – main thing to remember here is a detonator is the most sensitive.
1. Licensing
All magazines must have the appropriate licence under the Explosives Act 2003.
The location and construction of all new magazines and magazine facilities will be carried out in such a way as to meet the requirements of AS2187.1-1998 Explosives- Storage, transport and use Part 1: Storage.
2. Storage of Explosives
The Quarry Manager shall not permit any explosive to be stored at the mine other than in a licensed magazine. This does not prohibit the temporary storage of explosives required during the course of Shotfiring duties.
3. Housekeeping and Maintenance
The following work procedure details the requirements relating to housekeeping and maintenance in and around the magazines:
Packaging of explosives stored in magazines shall comply with the Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail.
4. Record Books
In each magazine, a book shall be kept for the purpose of recording the movements of explosives into and out of the magazine.
5. Stocktaking
The magazine keeper must:
a) Periodically (usually monthly but at least once every 3 months) carry out an audit of the explosives kept, received or issued from the magazine during the audit period,
b) Keep a written record of each audit, and
c) Immediately notify the Quarry Manager and licence holder of any discrepancies discovered during an audit and if necessary notify relevant authorities as required by Explosive Regulation 2013 clause 102
Compliance with the Australian Explosives Code
1. The conveyance of dangerous goods of Class 1 must comply with any applicable provisions of the Explosives Act 2003, The Explosive Regulation 2013 and the Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail (Australian Explosives Code).
2. Loading Explosives for on-site Transport
A person, before loading explosives into or onto a vehicle for carriage, must ensure that the part of the vehicle in or on which the explosives are to be carried has been swept clean.
3. Transport of Detonators and Boosters
Only persons with a Security Clearance and who have been nominated as Magazine Keepers, Shotfirers or Trainee Shotfirers are permitted to drive vehicles carrying explosives.
Only vehicles designed and constructed for the purpose of transporting explosives will be used. Different explosive types (1.1D & 1.1B) are placed in separate compartments during loading and Transportation No person shall, unless charging a blasthole, carry any detonator (otherwise than in a magazine) except in a securely fastened detonator case or in the original packaging in which the detonators are contained.
This Video Clip demonstrates a Nonel Detonator being fired in a can.
Note the shrapnel from the detonator around the can.
This video clip demonstrates the power of a single 400 gram booster when fired in a surface blast environment.
These types of explosives should never be underestimated, mis handled or handled without due care and attention.
All high explosives are to be considered impact sensitive and subject to uncontrolled initiations from:-
F – Friction
I – Impact
S – static electricity / sparks (fires)
H - heat (fires / conducted heat).
These types of explosives are never to be handled by persons not competent in explosives handling techniques.
The loading of bulk explosives products is completed by the use of Mobile Processing Units (trucks) which will deliver the bulk products by an auger delivery system of by a hose (pumped product)
All products delivered by an explosives company need to be approved and registered for use with the regulatory body.
A delineated blast bench is a demarcated area in which explosives loading operations are conducted prior to blasting
A delineated blast bench (similar to the areas pictured above) shall be demarcated by the use of a combination of the following:-
appropriate signage and cones;
earth bunds;
delineation tape and
flashing lights and
to indicate that the area has been or will be loaded with explosives.
Under no circumstances are unauthorised persons or machines to enter the delineated area without the approval of the appointed Shotfirer.
Only competent and authorised persons are to be within the delineated area at any time.
Lghts should be located along the boundary and in the corners of any delineated blast area for definition of the area at night if the blastholes have been loaded or partially loaded (Sleeping Shot)
Explosives Loading Process
The loading of explosives should always be done in accordance with a explosives plan, designed for each particular blast.
The plan should incorporate (but is not limited to):
The location of the blast
A detailed risk assessment of the blast
A layout of the drill pattern including hole depths
Denotation sequence and powder factors
Explosives types and quantities
Method on initiation
Various procedures (loading, firing etc)
Security of the balst
Sleep times
Traffic management
Warnings and notifications
Firing schedule
Exclusion zones
Some of the tasks involved in the explosivs loading process will include:-
Area preparation
Drilling
Area clean up
Dewatering of the blastholes
Priming
Bulk product loading
Stemming
Firing and inspection
Handover
The equipment and personnel used to load the products will be competent and authorised to perform the explosives handling on site, within the nominated explosives company and where applicable by a regulatory body.
The loading of bulk explosives products is completed by the use of Mobile Processing Units (trucks) which will deliver the bulk products by an auger delivery system of by a hose (pumped product)
All products delivered by an explosives company need to be approved and registered for use with the regulatory body.
Product density testing is essential to ensure the quality of the products being delivered.
Managing the Blast Zones
All blasts must have exclusion zones in order to minimise the potential damage that can be caused by the affect of the blast. The primary hazards from a blast are
Fly rock and
Exposure to dust and gasses
What's in the Post Blast Debris Cloud?
All blasting explosives produce large volumes of gas in very short time spans (milliseconds) which is the basis for the energetic work they are used for.
Blasting explosives predominantly use ammonium nitrate based agents in the form of ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) or emulsions/water gels. In an ideal ammonium nitrate explosive reaction the following by-products are produced.
H2O water, in the form of steam,
CO2 carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
Dust (particulate matter / rock debris)
Explosives that include ammonium nitrate as the main ingredient, can under non ideal conditions produce oxides of nitrogen which are toxic. The two main gases within the oxides of nitrogen gas group are:
Nitric oxide (NO) and
nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
(Nitric oxide in air is unstable and gains an extra oxygen atom from the atmosphere and becomes nitrogen dioxide)
While oxides of nitrogen is created in varying amounts when blasting, these gases are mainly generated from all high temperature combustion processes, predominately the internal combustion engines found in motor vehicles. The largest contributor to NOx fumes in the atmosphere is the automotive industry. Some cities have a haze that is often coloured brown – this is in fact NOx pollution, predominantly from motor vehicles.
Some nitrogen dioxide is formed naturally in the atmosphere by lightning and some is produced by plants, soil and water. However, only about 1% of the total amount of nitrogen dioxide found in our cities' air is formed this way. The most important sources of NO2 are internal combustion engines, thermal power stations and, to a lesser extent, pulp mills. Butane gas heaters and stoves are also sources. The excess air required for complete combustion of fuels in these
processes introduces nitrogen into the combustion reactions at high temperatures and produces nitrogen oxides (NOx).
The application of blasting explosives in the field, under variable conditions, results in non ideal explosive reactions that can produce three main toxic gases (in order of toxicity):
NO2 nitrogen dioxide,
NO nitric oxide and
CO carbon monoxide.
The most harmful is nitrogen dioxide, which in higher concentrations, is identifiable by the generation of yellowish, orange to reddish brown clouds.
Some of the key factors in the development of these gasses in an open cut mining / blasting environment include:
Under or over fuelled ammonium nitrate (AN),
Poorly mixed fuel, AN mixture,
Density of loaded explosives,
Degree and confinement of explosives (ground types),
Water damage to explosives,
Ground conditions e.g. fissures, voids,
Blast including product formulation,
Blast design and
Non optimal loading practices on bench
While it is highly unlikely that exposure to these gasses will result in a fatality or serious personal injury due to the concentration of the gasses in an outdoor / well ventilated mining area, there have been at least one reported death from exposure to these gasses as a result of pooling in ground cavities after blasts.
It is important to remember that these gasses are naturally occurring and only pose a threat to humans in extreme concentrations. With the formation of NOx in particular:-
They are broken down rapidly in the atmosphere by reacting with other substances found in the air.
The reaction of nitrogen dioxide with chemical produced by sunlight can lead to the formation smog in the air we breather, ozone and acid rain.
Small amounts of NOx may evaporate from water, but mostly it will converted to a weak nitric acid or other naturally occurring compounds.
Nitrogen oxides do not build up in the food chain.
Prior to any blast a risk assessment should be conducted regarding the possible outcomes of the blast. Several exclusion zones may be implemented at varying distances from the blast pattern depending on the expected blast outcome. For example, these zones may be identified as:-
An equipment exclusion zone – in which all equipment likely to be damaged from the blast will be withdrawn to a safe area
An personnel exclusion zone – in which all personnel likely to be harmed by the affects of the blast will be withdrawn to a safe area
A fume management zone – in which all personnel will be removed to a safe area based on the likelihood and potential for blast fume to extend past the nominal personnel exclusion zone as dictated by known contributing factors.
Explosive product materials can be found during the mining process.
Bulk explosives materials are often uncovered during the mining operation. The material may include any of the explosives blends used on the site including ANFO, Heavy ANFO blends , Pumped product and Low Density Explosives .
Some of the reasons that product may be found may include – geological deformations during the blast sequence, product material column dislocation, inadequate blast design, human error during the explosives tie in phase.
Explosives found in this condition may or may not include initiating explosives (primers) that have been through the blast process altering their sensitivity.
Any product column found must be considered potentially dangerous until assessed by a competent, licensed and (site) appointed shotfirer, to determine the correct course of action to handle the product.
Any leads or other products uncovered during the excavation process must be considered live and extremely dangerous.
Halt all mining activity and withdrawn to a safe distance.
In the event of finding explosives material during the mining process it is important to immediately stop all mining activity in the immediate vicinity of the product location. You must assume that all material found is live and has the potential to detonate.
Do not attempt to dig or disturb the material.
Remove or withdraw all personnel and equipment to a safe distance (determined by site procedures and or risk assessment)
Contact your shotfirer.
Immediately contact your shotfirer or Quarry Manager for directions.
The Quarry Manager will ensure the area is made safe, possibly relocate the mining equipment away from the threat area and contact the site explosives personnel to investigate and treat the product in accordance with the relevant site work practices.
Talk through these elements – basically this is what a explosives control plan should have.
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Ensure they understand the responsibilities – could ask the audience what is a PCBU – Person conducting business or undertaking
Same here responsibilities of the mine operators
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Discuss the incident at Albury Quarry – example of holding the mine and the contractor accountable.
Focus on the main licence which will be the BEUL and Security clearance.
This is an old example – the licence front has changed
These four incidents are simple examples of what can happen when explosives go wrong!
Each of these incident has a direct link to the inappropriate use of explosives in some way. The incidents include:-
A snap, slap and shoot incident where the operator of the truck ran over a down line lead. The resulting tangle lead to the HMX powder in the lead firing and initiating the blast hole just meters from the operators position. While the equipment operator survived the incident and the extent of his injuries are unknown, this is a very high potential incident.
Damage to the excavator was a result of a fly rock incident resulting from a face burst and the blasted material travelling further than expected. The equipment was unmanned at the time but the damage is significant.
The roll over of an MPU on a mine site road spilling a significant amount of explosives material on the ground which became cross contaminated. The equipment operator suffered minor injuries but again this is a very high potential incident.
A light vehicle was destroyed when the explosives being carried back to a magazine initiated from exposure to a cigarette being thrown out of the drivers window. The vehicle operator was out of the vehicle unlocking the gate at the time and survived the incident and again the extent of his injuries are unknown and again, this is a very high potential incident.
Power of a detonator held in the hand
Booster being held in the hand
Orica MMU truck explosion – simulates a truck driving over a box of 400 gram boosters