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Safe Handling Of Explosives

The document outlines the safe use of explosives in construction and tunneling, detailing their types, applications, and regulatory frameworks. It emphasizes the importance of risk management, safety planning, and advanced techniques to mitigate hazards associated with blasting operations. Additionally, it discusses future trends in explosives, including eco-friendly alternatives and digital technologies for improved safety.

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5 views4 pages

Safe Handling Of Explosives

The document outlines the safe use of explosives in construction and tunneling, detailing their types, applications, and regulatory frameworks. It emphasizes the importance of risk management, safety planning, and advanced techniques to mitigate hazards associated with blasting operations. Additionally, it discusses future trends in explosives, including eco-friendly alternatives and digital technologies for improved safety.

Uploaded by

santoso.budi.pray
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Fz/ Safety In Specialized Scenarios /Revision/Day64

 Safe Use Of Explosives In Construction And Tunneling

(Minimizing Risks In High-Risk Industries)

1. Introduction To Explosives In Construction And Tunneling

1.1 What Are Explosives?

Explosives Are Chemical Compounds Or Mixtures That Store Potential Energy, Which Is Rapidly Released
In The Form Of Heat, Gas, And Pressure Upon Ignition.

1.2 Industrial Applications

 Rock Blasting – Road, Dam, And Tunnel Construction.


 Quarrying And Mining – Extracting Valuable Minerals.
 Demolition – Controlled Structure Removal.
 Seismic Exploration – Oil And Gas Industry Applications.
 Military And Defense Applications – Not Part Of Civilian Use But Relevant For Certain Tunneling Projects.

1.3 Classification Of Explosives

1.3.1 Based On Sensitivity

 Primary Explosives – Highly Sensitive (E.G., Lead Azide).


 Secondary Explosives – Less Sensitive But Powerful (E.G., TNT, RDX).
 Blasting Agents – Require External Initiation (E.G., ANFO).

1.3.2 Based On Detonation Velocity

 High Explosives – Detonate At Speeds >1000 M/S.


 Low Explosives – Burn Progressively (E.G., Black Powder).

1.3.3 Common Industrial Explosives

 Dynamite – High Power, General-Purpose Use.


 Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) – Widely Used In Mining And Construction.
 Emulsion Explosives – Water-Resistant And Safer Alternatives.
 Slurry And Water Gel Explosives – Used For Deep Underwater Or Wet Conditions.

2. Regulatory Framework And Standards

Explosives Are Heavily Regulated Due To Safety, Security, And Environmental Concerns.

Prepared by: Syed Feroz , EHS Officer


Disclaimer: This data is prepared based on research and is not to be followed blindly. Variations may occur across
different documents. Please apply your own knowledge and judgment. Thank you.
2.1 International Regulations

 ILO Code Of Practice On Safety In Construction (ILO).


 United Nations Model Regulations On Transport Of Dangerous Goods (UN Recommendations).
 International Society Of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) Best Practices (ISEE).

2.2 U.S. Regulations

 OSHA 29 CFR 1926.900-1926.914 – Safety Rules For Construction Blasting.


 ATF (Bureau Of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, And Explosives) – Licensing Requirements.
 MSHA 30 CFR Part 56 – Mining Explosives Safety Rules.
 NFPA 495 – Explosives Materials Code (NFPA).

2.3 European And Other Global Standards

 EU Directive 2014/28/EU – Explosives For Civil Uses.


 BS 5607:1998 – British Standard For Safe Use Of Explosives.

3. Blasting Design And Execution

3.1 Pre-Blast Planning

1. Site Inspection – Geology, Weather Conditions, And Nearby Structures.


2. Explosive Selection – Based On Fragmentation Needs And Safety.
3. Safety Zone Setup – Evacuation Plans And Signage.

3.2 Drilling And Loading

 Drilling Patterns – Parallel, Staggered, Or Inclined Boreholes.


 Charging Explosives – Correct Placement And Stemming Material Selection.
 Blasting Mat Use – To Reduce Flyrock Hazards.

3.3 Initiation Systems

 Electric Detonators – Controlled Ignition, Prone To Electrical Interference.


 Non-Electric Shock Tube Systems – Safer And Widely Used In Modern Blasting.
 Electronic Blasting Systems (EBS) – Highly Precise And Programmable Timing.

4. Blasting Safety And Risk Management

4.1 Identifying Hazards

 Flyrock – Dangerous Ejection Of Rock Fragments.


 Ground Vibrations – Can Cause Structural Damage To Nearby Buildings.
 Air Overpressure – Sudden Air Shockwaves Affecting Nearby Areas.
 Toxic Fumes – Carbon Monoxide And Nitrogen Oxides Exposure Risk.
4.2 Risk Mitigation Techniques

 Pre-Blast Surveys – Assessing Potential Structural Damage Risks.


 Controlled Timing – Delayed Detonation To Minimize Vibration.
 Use Of Blast Containment Barriers – Reducing Air Overpressure And Flyrock.

4.3 Emergency Response Plans

 Misfire Handling Procedures


o Wait 30-60 Minutes Before Investigating.
o Never Attempt To Extract Unexploded Charges Manually.
o Only Authorized Personnel Should Clear Misfires.
 Fire And Chemical Spill Response
o Fire Suppression Systems Must Be In Place.
o Spill Containment Kits For Explosive Chemical Leaks.

5. Advanced Blasting Techniques And Innovations

5.1 Controlled Blasting Methods

 Pre-Split Blasting – Creating Controlled Fractures To Prevent Overbreak.


 Smooth Blasting – Used In Tunnel Construction For Clean-Cut Openings.
 Cushion Blasting – Reduced Vibration Method For Urban Blasting.

5.2 Technological Advancements

 AI-Powered Blast Optimization – Reducing Environmental Impact.


 Wireless Detonation Systems – Increased Safety And Precision.
 Blast Vibration Monitoring Sensors – Real-Time Safety Data Collection.

6. Environmental And Legal Considerations

6.1 Environmental Impact

 Water Contamination – Nitrate-Based Explosives Can Seep Into Groundwater.


 Dust And Air Pollution – Proper Ventilation Is Crucial In Tunnels.
 Wildlife And Ecological Protection – Adjusting Blast Timing For Conservation Areas.

6.2 Legal Liabilities And Compliance

 Blasting Licenses And Permits – Required In Most Jurisdictions.


 Community Notification Requirements – In Urban And Residential Areas.
 Post-Blast Documentation – Compliance With Safety Inspections.

Prepared by: Syed Feroz , EHS Officer


Disclaimer: This data is prepared based on research and is not to be followed blindly. Variations may occur across
different documents. Please apply your own knowledge and judgment. Thank you.
7. Training And Certification Requirements

7.1 Who Can Handle Explosives?

 Certified Blasters
 Explosive Engineers
 Licensed Storage And Handling Personnel

7.2 Industry Training Programs

 ISEE Blaster Certification


 MSHA Blasting Training
 ATF Federal Explosives License (FEL)
 Institute Of Makers Of Explosives (IME) Risk Assessment Training

8. Future Trends In Explosives And Blasting Safety

8.1 Green Explosives

 Eco-Friendly Blasting Agents – Non-Toxic And Biodegradable Alternatives.


 Water-Based Emulsions – Reduced Harmful Emissions.

8.2 Digital Blasting Technologies

 Drone-Assisted Blast Planning – Advanced Site Surveys For Precision.


 Real-Time Blast Simulation Software – Predicting Outcomes For Safety Improvements.

9. External Resources And Reference Materials

�"ISEE Blasters' Handbook" – Standard Industry Reference.


�"Explosives Engineering" By Paul W. Cooper – Advanced Knowledge Guide.
�International Society Of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) – Www.Isee.Org
�Institute Of Makers Of Explosives (IME) – Www.Ime.Org

Conclusion

Safe Use Of Explosives In Construction And Tunneling Requires Rigorous Planning, Adherence To
Regulations, And Modern Safety Practices. Through Technological Advancements, Risk Assessment, And
Environmental Considerations, Blasting Operations Can Be Conducted Efficiently While Minimizing
Hazards.

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