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Mining Publication: Monitoring and Removal of CO in Blasting Operations
Keywords: Blasting fumes Carbon monoxide Monitoring
Original creation date: December 2008
Authors: ML Harris, RJ Mainiero
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - December 2008
Download PDF Document (0.39 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20034672
Saf Sci 2008 Dec; 46(10):1393-1405
Toxic fumes produced by detonating explosives in surface mining and construction operations pose potential hazards to workers and the public. Blasting operations produce both toxic and nontoxic gaseous products; the toxic products are mainly carbon monoxide (CO) and the oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Since 1988, there have been 17 documented incidents in the United States and Canada in which carbon monoxide (CO) is suspected to have migrated through ground strata into occupied enclosed spaces as a result of proximate trench blasting or surface mine blasting. These incidents resulted in 39 suspected or medically verified carbon monoxide poisonings as well as one fatality. At worst people may be fatally poisoned and the least to be expected is increased public objections to blasting. Local and state agencies could demand a cessation of the blasting requiring more expensive mechanical means to break the rock. This paper discusses the most feasible means of preventing CO migration, mitigating CO that has migrated, and detecting CO in an underground enclosed space and may help reduce the exposure of unsuspecting area residents to carbon monoxide and help prevent the implementation of unnecessary regulations and limitations on blasting. Single-hole shots and small-scale multiple-hole blasts were performed that indicate promising means of prevention and mitigation.
Image of publication Monitoring and Removal of CO in Blasting OperationsPeer Reviewed Journal Article - December 2008
Download PDF Document (0.39 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20034672
Saf Sci 2008 Dec; 46(10):1393-1405
See Also
Blasting and Explosives
CO Migration from Trench Blasting in Amherst, New York
Dangers of Toxic Fumes from Blasting
Factors Affecting ANFO Fumes Production
Field Studies of CO Migration from Blasting
Hybrid Fiber-Optic Electrochemical Carbon Monoxide Monitor
Remote Monitoring of Mine Seismicity and Earthquakes Using Radio Telemetry, Computers, and the Internet
Safer Mine Hoisting With Conveyance Position and Load Monitoring
Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrogen Chloride Production from the Pyrolysis of Conveyor Belting and Brattice Cloth
Technology News 488 - Migration of Blasting Fumes into a Western Pennsylvania Home
Toxic Fume Comparison of a Few Explosives Used in Trench Blasting
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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