Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-52 - Safety standards for possession, handling, and use of explosives › Part A - DEFINITIONS, PURPOSE, SCOPE, AND APPLICATION › Section 296-52-099 - Definitions Aerial blaster in charge

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
A person who:
(a) Is fully qualified, by means of training and experience
				  in explosives use;
(b) Is adequately trained, experienced, and capable of
				  recognizing hazardous conditions throughout the blast area;
(c) Is in charge of:
(i) The blast process; and
(ii) All aspects of explosives and blasting agent storage,
				  handling, and use as recommended by the manufacturer and as required by this
				  chapter.
(d) Is in a position of authority:
(i) To take prompt corrective action in all areas of the
				  blast operation; and
(ii) Over all other blasters at the blast sight.
(e) Has a minimum of five missions under the supervision of a
				  licensed aerial blaster in charge; and
(f) Successfully completes a written exam for aerial blaster
				  in charge.
Alien.
Any person who is not a citizen or
				  national of the United States.
American table of distances.
The
American Table of Distances for Storage of Explosives
as
				  revised and approved by Institute of the Makers of Explosives (IME).
Approved storage facility.
A facility for the
				  storage of explosive materials which is in compliance with the following
				  sections:
(a) Storage license (WAC
				  296-52-660 );
(b) Storage of explosive materials, Part E of this chapter;
				  and
(c) Magazine construction (WAC
				  296-52-700 ).
ATF
. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
				  and Explosives.
Attended, as attending explosives.
The physical
				  presence of an authorized person within the field of vision of explosives. The
				  said attendant shall be awake, alert, and not engage in activities which may
				  divert their attention so that in case of an emergency the attendant can get to
				  the explosives quickly and without interference, except for brief periods of
				  necessary absence, during which absence simple theft of explosives is not
				  ordinarily possible.
Authorized agent.
A person delegated by a
				  licensed purchaser, who possesses a basic knowledge of explosives handling
				  safety, to order and receive explosives on the purchaser's behalf.
Authorized agent list.
A current list of agents
				  the purchaser has authorized to order or receive explosives on their
				  behalf.
Authorized, approved, or approval.
Authorized,
				  approved, or approval by:
(a) The department;
(b) Any other approving agency; and
(c) An individual as specified in this chapter.
Authorized person.
A person approved or assigned
				  by an employer, owner, or licensee to perform a specific type of duty or be at
				  a specific location at the job site.
Avalanche.
The sliding or falling of a large
				  amount of snow down a steep slope which has a destructive force due to its
				  mass.
Avalanche control pack.
A specially designed and
				  constructed pack for carrying explosives.
Avalanche control route.
A route or specific
				  path which is used by an authorized person in order to control the occurrence
				  of avalanches.
Avalauncher.
A device like a cannon which is
				  used for avalanche control blasting. It has a rotating base calibrated for
				  pointing and the barrel is mounted on an elevating mechanism. It uses a
				  compressed gas to propel a projectile containing an explosive charge and
				  detonating means. The gas source is connected to the gun by high pressure hose
				  with inline control valves and pressure gauges ahead of the trigger
				  mechanism.
Barricades.
(a)
Barricade.
Effectively screening a building
				  containing explosives by means of a natural or artificial barrier from a
				  magazine, another building, a railway, or highway;
(b)
Artificial barricade.
A barricade of such
				  height that a straight line from the top of any sidewall of the building
				  containing explosives to the eave line of any magazine or other building or to
				  a point twelve feet above the center of a railway or highway shall pass through
				  such barrier, an artificial mound or properly revetted wall of earth with a
				  minimum thickness of three feet;
(c)
Natural barricade.
Any natural hill, mound,
				  wall, or barrier composed of earth, rock, or other solid material at least
				  three feet thick.
Blast area.
The area of a blast that is effected
				  by:
(a) Flying rock missiles;
(b) Gases; and
(c) Concussion.
Blast pattern.
The plan of the drill holes laid
				  out and a display of the burden distance, spacing distance, and their
				  relationship to each other.
Blast site.
The area where explosive material is
				  handled during loading and fifty feet in all directions from loaded blast holes
				  or holes to be loaded.
Blaster.
A person trained and experienced in the
				  use of explosives and licensed by the department.
Blaster in charge.
A licensed blaster who
				  is:
(a) Fully qualified, by means of training and experience in
				  explosives use;
(b) Adequately trained, experienced, and capable of
				  recognizing hazardous conditions throughout the blast area;
(c) In charge of:
(i) The blast process;
(ii) All aspects of explosives and blasting agent storage,
				  handling, and use as recommended by the manufacturer and as required by this
				  chapter.
(d) In a position of authority:
(i) To take prompt corrective action in all areas of the
				  blast operation;
(ii) Over all other blasters at the blast area.
Blaster's license.
An individual license issued
				  by the department under the provisions of chapter 296-52 WAC.
Blasting agent.
Any material or mixture
				  consisting of a fuel and oxidizer:
(a) That is intended for blasting;
(b) Not otherwise defined as an explosive;
(c) If the finished product, as mixed for use or shipment,
				  cannot be detonated by means of a number 8 test blasting cap when
				  unconfined;
(d) A number 8 test blasting cap is one containing two grams
				  of a mixture of eighty percent mercury fulminate and twenty percent potassium
				  chlorate, or a blasting cap of equivalent strength. An equivalent strength cap
				  comprises 0.40-0.45 grams of PETN base charge pressed in an aluminum shell with
				  bottom thickness not to exceed 0.03 of an inch, to a specific gravity of not
				  less than 1.4 g/cc., and primed with standard weights of primer depending on
				  the manufacturer.
Blasting cap or cap.
When used in connection
				  with the subject of explosives shall mean detonator.
Blockholing.
The breaking of boulders by firing
				  a charge of explosives that has been loaded in a drill hole.
Buildings that are not inhabited.
A building(s)
				  which has no one in it while explosives are being made up in an adjacent
				  explosives makeup room or while explosives are being held in an adjacent day
				  box or hand charge storage facility.
Competent person.
A person who:
(a) Is capable of identifying existing hazardous and the
				  forecasting of hazards of working conditions which might be unsanitary or
				  dangerous to personnel or property; and
(b) Has authorization to take prompt corrective action to
				  eliminate such hazards.
Consumer fireworks.
(a) Any small firework device:
(i) Designed to produce visible effects by combustion;
(ii) That must comply with the construction, chemical
				  composition, and labeling regulations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
				  Commission (Title 16 C.F.R., Parts 1500 and 1507).
(b) A small device designed to produce audible effects which
				  include, but are not limited to:
(i) Whistling devices;
(ii) Ground devices containing 50 mg or less of explosive
				  materials;
(iii) Aerial devices containing 130 mg or less of explosive
				  materials.
Note:
Fused set pieces containing components,
				  which, together, exceed 50 mg of salute powder are not included.
Conveyance.
Any unit used for transporting
				  explosives or blasting agents including, but not limited to:
(a) Trucks;
(b) Trailers;
(c) Rail cars;
(d) Barges;
(e) Vessels.
Day box.
A box which:
(a) Is a temporary storage facility for storage of explosive
				  materials;
(b) Is not approved for unattended storage of
				  explosives;
(c) May be used at the worksite during working hours to store
				  explosive materials, provided the day box is:
(i) Constructed as required (WAC
				  296-52-70065 Explosives day
				  box);
(ii) Marked with the word "explosives";
(iii) Used in a manner that safely separates detonators from
				  other explosives; and
(iv) Guarded at all times against theft.
Dealer.
Any person who purchases explosives or
				  blasting agents for the sole purpose of resale and not for use or
				  consumption.
Detonating cord.
A round flexible cord
				  containing a center core of high explosive and used to initiate other
				  explosives.
Detonator.
Any device containing any initiating
				  or primary explosive that is used for initiating detonation and includes, but
				  is not limited to:
(a) Electric and electronic detonators of instantaneous and
				  delay types;
(b) Detonators for use with safety fuses, detonating cord
				  delay connectors, and nonelectric instantaneous delay detonators which use
				  detonating cord, shock tube, or any other replacement for electric leg
				  wires.
Discharge hose.
A hose with an electrical
				  resistance high enough to limit the flow of stray electric currents to safe
				  levels, but not high enough to prevent drainage of static electric charges to
				  the ground. Hose not more than 2 megohms resistance over its entire length and
				  of not less than 5,000 ohms per foot meets the requirement.
Display fireworks.
Large fireworks designed
				  primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration, or
				  detonation, and include, but are not limited to:
(a) Salutes containing more than 2 grains (130 mg) of
				  explosive materials;
(b) Aerial shells containing more than 40 grams of
				  pyrotechnic compositions;
(c) Other display pieces, which exceed the limits of
				  explosive materials for classification as "consumer fireworks";
(d) Fused set pieces containing components, which together
				  exceed 50 mg of salute powder.
Dud.
An unexploded deployed charge which still
				  has its initiation system in place.
Electric blasting circuitry.
Consists of these
				  items:
(a)
Bus wire.
An expendable wire used in
				  parallel or series, or in parallel circuits, which are connected to the leg
				  wires of electric detonators;
(b)
Connecting wire.
An insulated expendable
				  wire used between electric detonators and the leading wires or between the bus
				  wire and the leading wires;
(c)
Leading wire.
An insulated wire used between
				  the electric power source and the electric detonator circuit;
(d)
Permanent blasting wire.
A permanently
				  mounted insulated wire used between the electric power source and the electric
				  detonator circuit.
Electric delay detonators.
Detonators designed
				  to detonate at a predetermined time after energy is applied to the ignition
				  system.
Electric detonator.
A blasting detonator
				  designed for and capable of detonation by means of electric current.
Electronic detonator.
A detonator that utilizes
				  stored electrical energy as a means of powering an electronic timing delay
				  element/module that provides initiation energy for firing the base
				  charge.
Emulsion.
An explosive material
				  containing:
(a) Substantial amounts of oxidizer dissolved in water
				  droplets, surrounded by an immiscible fuel;
(b) Droplets of an immiscible fuel surrounded by water
				  containing substantial amounts of oxidizer.
Explosive actuated power devices.
Any tool or
				  special mechanized device, which is activated by explosives and does not
				  include propellant actuated power devices.
Explosives.
(a) Any chemical compound or mechanical mixture:
(i) Commonly intended or used for the purpose of producing an
				  explosion;
(ii) That contains any oxidizing and combustible units or
				  other ingredients in proportions, quantities or packing that an ignition by
				  fire, friction, concussion, percussion, or detonation of any part of the
				  compound or mixture may cause sudden generation of highly heated gases
				  resulting in gaseous pressures capable of producing destructive effects on
				  contiguous objects or of destroying life or limb.
(b) All material classified as Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4,
				  1.5, or 1.6 explosives by U.S. DOT;
(c) For the purposes of public consumer use, the following
				  are not considered explosives unless they are possessed or used for a purpose
				  inconsistent with small arms use or other legal purposes:
(i) Small arms ammunition;
(ii) Small arms ammunition primers;
(iii) Smokeless powder, not exceeding fifty pounds;
(iv) Black powder, not exceeding five pounds.
Explosives classifications.
Explosives
				  classifications include, but are not limited to:
(a) Division 1.1 and Division 1.2 explosives (possess mass
				  explosion or detonating hazard):
(i) Dynamite;
(ii) Nitroglycerin;
(iii) Picric acid;
(iv) Lead azide;
(v) Fulminate of mercury;
(vi) Black powder (exceeding 5 pounds);
(vii) Detonators (in quantities of 1,001 or more);
(viii) Detonating primers.
(b) Division 1.3 explosives (possess a minor blast hazard, a
				  minor projection hazard, or a flammable hazard):
(i) Propellant explosives;
(ii) Smokeless powder (exceeding fifty pounds).
(c) Division 1.4 explosives:
(i) Explosives that present a minor explosion hazard;
(ii) Includes detonators that will not mass detonate in
				  quantities of 1,000 or less.
(d) Division 1.5 explosives:
(i) Explosives with a mass explosion hazard but are so
				  insensitive that there is little probability of initiation;
(ii) ANFO and most other blasting agents are in this
				  division.
(e) Division 1.6 explosives, which are explosives that are
				  extremely insensitive and do not have a mass explosion hazard.
Explosives exemption.
The exemption for small
				  arms ammunition, small arms ammunition primers, smokeless powder, not exceeding
				  fifty pounds, and black powder, not exceeding five pounds:
(a) Applies to public consumer use only;
(b) Does not apply to the employer employee relationship
				  covered under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.
Explosives international markings.
(a) The department will accept U.S. DOT and/or ATF
				  international identification markings on explosives and/or explosives
				  containers or packaging;
(b) This exception is under the authority of
				  RCW
				  70.74.020(3) and in lieu of
				  Washington state designated markings (as defined by
				  RCW
				  70.74.010(4)  (Division 1.1,
				  1.2, and 1.3) and required by
				  RCW
				  70.74.300 ).
Explosives manufacturing building.
Any building
				  or structure, except magazines:
(a) Containing explosives where the manufacture of
				  explosives, or any processing involving explosives, is conducted;
(b) Where explosives are used as a component part or
				  ingredient in the manufacture of any article or device.
Explosives manufacturing plant.
All lands with
				  buildings used:
(a) In connection with the manufacturing or processing of
				  explosives;
(b) For any process involving explosives;
(c) For the storage of explosives;
(d) To manufacture any article or device where explosives are
				  used as a component part or ingredient in the article or device.
Fireworks.
Any composition or device:
(a) Designed to produce a visible or an audible effect by
				  combustion, deflagration, or detonation;
(b) Which meets the definition of "consumer fireworks" or
				  "display fireworks."
Forbidden or not acceptable explosives.
Explosives which are forbidden or not acceptable for transportation by common
				  carriers by rail freight, rail express, highway, or water in accordance with
				  the regulations of the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT).
Fuel.
A substance, which may react with oxygen
				  to produce combustion.
Fuse (safety).
See "safety fuse."
Fuse igniter.
A special pyrotechnic device
				  intended to be used to ignite safety fuses.
Hand charge.
An explosive charge with a cap and
				  fuse assembly inserted in place.
Handler.
Any individual who handles explosives
				  or blasting agents for the purpose of transporting, moving, or assisting a
				  licensed blaster in loading, firing, blasting, or disposal.
Note:
This does not include employees of a
				  licensed manufacturer engaged in manufacturing process, drivers of common
				  carriers, or contract haulers.
Hand loader.
Any person who engages in the
				  noncommercial assembly of small arms ammunition for personal use; specifically,
				  any person who installs new primers, powder, and projectiles into cartridge
				  cases.
Highway.
Roads, which are regularly and openly
				  traveled by the general public and includes public streets, alleys, roads, or
				  privately financed, constructed, or maintained roads.
Improvised device.
A device, which is:
(a) Fabricated with explosives;
(b) Fabricated with destructive, lethal, noxious,
				  pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals, and designed, or has the capacity to
				  disfigure, destroy, distract, and harass.
Inhabited building.
(a) A building which is regularly occupied, in whole or in
				  part, as a habitat for human beings;
(b) Any church, schoolhouse, railroad station, store, or
				  other building where people assemble.
Note:
This does not mean any building or
				  structure occupied in connection with the manufacture, transportation, storage,
				  or use of explosives.
Low explosives.
Explosive materials, which can
				  be caused to deflagrate when, confined. This includes black powder, safety
				  fuses, igniters, igniter cords, fuse lighters, and display fireworks defined as
				  Division 1.2 or Division 1.3 explosives by U.S. DOT (49 C.F.R. Part
				  173).
Note:
This does not apply to bulk
				  salutes.
Magazine.
Any building, structure, or container
				  approved for storage of explosive materials.
Note:
This does not apply to an explosive
				  manufacturing building.
Manufacturer.
Any person engaged in the business
				  of manufacturing explosive materials for purposes of sale or distribution or
				  for his or her own use.
EXCEPTIONS: The following exemptions are restricted to
				  materials and components, which are not classified (by U.S. DOT) as explosives
				  until after they are mixed. With this restriction, the definition of
				  manufacturer
does not
include:
* Inserting a detonator into a cast booster or a stick of
				  high explosive product to make a primer for loading into a blast hole.
* The act of mixing on the blast site, either by hand or by
				  mechanical apparatus, binary components, ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and/or
				  emulsion products to create explosives for immediate down blast hole
				  delivery.
Misfire.
The complete or partial failure of an
				  explosive charge to explode as planned.
Mudcap (also known as bulldozing and
				  dobying).
Covering the required number of cartridges that have been
				  placed on top of a boulder with a three- or four-inch layer of mud, which is
				  free from rocks or other material that could cause a missile hazard.
No-light.
The failure of a safety fuse to
				  ignite.
Nonelectric delay detonator.
A detonator with an
				  integral delay element in conjunction with and capable of being detonated by
				  a:
(a) Detonation impulse;
(b) Signal from miniaturized detonating cord;
(c) Shock tube.
Oxidizer.
A substance that yields oxygen readily
				  to stimulate the combustion of organic matter or other fuel.
Permanent
				  magazines.
Magazines that:
(a) Are fastened to a foundation;
(b) Do not exceed permanent magazine capacity limits
				  (RCW
				  70.74.040 );
(c) Are approved and licensed;
(d) Are left unattended.
Person
. Any individual, firm, partnership,
				  corporation, company, association, person or joint stock association or
				  trustee, receiver, assignee, or personal representative of that entity.
Person responsible.
For an explosives magazine,
				  means:
(a) The person legally responsible for a magazine that
				  actually uses the magazine;
(b) The person is responsible for the proper storage,
				  protection, and removal of explosives, and may be the owner lessee, or
				  authorized operator.
Portable (field) magazines.
Magazines that
				  are:
(a) Designed to be unattended;
(b) Not permanently fastened to a foundation;
(c) Constructed or secured to make sure they cannot be
				  lifted, carried, or removed easily by unauthorized persons;
(d) Limited to the capacity of explosives required for
				  efficient blasting operation;
(e) Approved and licensed.
Possess.
The physical possession of explosives
				  in one's hand, vehicle, magazine, or building.
Primary blasting.
The blasting operation that
				  dislodged the original rock formation from its natural location.
Primer.
A unit, package, cartridge, or container
				  of explosives inserted into or attached to a detonator or detonating cord to
				  initiate other explosives or blasting agents.
Propellant actuated power device.
Any tool,
				  special mechanized device, or gas generator system, which is actuated by a
				  propellant and releases and directs work through a propellant charge.
Public utility transmission systems.
(a) Any publicly owned systems regulated by:
(i) The utilities and transportation commission;
(ii) Municipalities.
(b) Other public regulatory agencies, which include:
(i) Power transmission lines over 10 kV, telephone cables, or
				  microwave transmission systems;
(ii) Buried or exposed pipelines carrying water, natural gas,
				  petroleum, or crude oil or refined products and chemicals.
Purchaser.
Any person who buys, accepts, or
				  receives explosives or blasting agents.
Pyrotechnics (commonly referred to as
				  fireworks).
Any combustible or explosive compositions or manufactured
				  articles designed and prepared for the purpose of producing audible or visible
				  effects.
Qualified person.
A person who has successfully
				  demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to explosives,
				  explosives work, or explosives projects by:
(a) Possession of a recognized degree or certificate;
(b) Professional standing;
(c) Extensive knowledge, training, and experience.
Railroad.
Any type of railroad equipment that
				  carries passengers for hire.
Safety fuse (for firing detonators).
A flexible
				  cord containing an internal burning medium by which fire is conveyed at a
				  continuous and uniform rate.
Secondary blasting.
Using explosives,
				  mudcapping, or blockholing to reduce oversize material to the dimension
				  required for handling.
Shock tube.
A small diameter plastic
				  tube:
(a) Used for initiating detonators;
(b) That contains a limited amount of reactive material so
				  energy, transmitted through the tube by means of a detonation wave, is guided
				  through and confined within the walls of the tube.
Small arms ammunition.
Any shotgun, rifle,
				  pistol, or revolver cartridge, and cartridges for propellant actuated power
				  devices and industrial guns.
Note:
This does not mean military type
				  ammunition containing explosive bursting incendiary, tracer, spotting, or
				  pyrotechnic projectiles.
Small arms ammunition primers.
Small percussion
				  sensitive explosive charges encased in a detonator or capsule used to ignite
				  propellant power or percussion detonators used in muzzle loaders.
Smokeless powder.
Solid chemicals or solid
				  chemical mixtures that function by rapid combustion.
Special industrial explosive devices.
Explosive
				  actuated power devices and propellant-actuated power devices.
Special industrial explosives materials.
Shaped
				  materials and sheet forms and various other extrusions, pellets, and packages
				  of high explosives, which include:
(a) Dynamite;
(b) Trinitrotoluene (TNT);
(c) Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN);
(d) Hexahydro-1, 3, 5-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX);
(e) Other similar compounds used for high-energy-rate
				  forming, expanding, and shaping in metal fabrication, and for dismemberment and
				  quick reduction of scrap metal.
Springing.
The creation of a pocket in the
				  bottom of a drill hole by the use of a moderate quantity of explosives so that
				  larger quantities of explosives may be inserted.
Sprung hole.
A drilled hole that has been
				  enlarged by a moderate quantity of explosives to allow for larger quantities of
				  explosives to be inserted into the drill hole.
Stemming.
A suitable inert incombustible
				  material or device used to confine or separate explosives in a drill hole or
				  cover explosives in mudcapping.
Trailer.
Semi-trailers or full trailers, as
				  defined by U.S. DOT, which are:
(a) Built for explosives;
(b) Loaded with explosives;
(c) Operated in accordance with U.S. DOT regulations.
U.S. DOT.
The United States Department of
				  Transportation.
Vehicle.
Any car, truck, tractor, semi-trailer,
				  full trailer, or other conveyance used for the transportation of
				  freight.
Water-gels or emulsion explosives.
These
				  explosives:
(a) Comprise a wide variety of materials used for blasting.
				  Two broad classes of water-gels are those which:
(i) Are sensitized by material classed as an explosive, such
				  as TNT or smokeless powder;
(ii) Contain no ingredient classified as an explosive which
				  is sensitized with metals, such as aluminum, or other fuels.
(b) Contain substantial proportions of water and high
				  proportions of ammonium nitrate, some ammonium nitrate is in the solution in
				  the water, and may be mixed at an explosives plant, or the blast site
				  immediately before delivery into the drill hole.