Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart D - Environmental Health and Safety › Article IV - Occupational Health and Safety › Chapter 211 - STORAGE, HANDLING AND USE OF EXPLOSIVES › Subchapter F - BLASTING ACTIVITIES › Section 211.154 - Preparing the blast

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(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. A
						blaster-in-charge is responsible for all effects of the blasts that the
						blaster-in-charge detonates. The blasting activity permittee is responsible for
						the effects of all blasts detonated under the blasting activity
						permit.
(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. If a written request for a lower distance
						limitation is submitted to the Department, the request must provide detailed
						information including why the lower distance limitation is necessary and how
						blast site safety will be maintained. The Department's written establishment
						for a lower distance limitation will include all necessary safety
						requirements.
(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 determine the condition of the material to be blasted from the individual
						who drilled the blast holes, from the drill log or at-the-hole communication
						prior to loading a blast. The permittee shall ensure that a written drill log
						or at-the-hole communication is available to the blaster-in-charge.
(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 must 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 loading 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 under §
													211.133 (relating to blast
						reports).
(6) A blast hole
						containing loose dynamite shall be stemmed but not tamped.
(7) The Department may specify the type and
						amount of stemming.