Subchapter F. BLASTING ACTIVITIES
Sec.
211.151. Prevention of damage or injury.
211.152. Control of gasses, including carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen.
211.153. General requirements for handling explosives.
211.154. Preparing the blast.
211.155. Preblast measures.
211.156. Detonating the blast.
211.157. Postblast measures.
211.158. Mudcapping.
211.159. Electric detonation.
211.160. Nonelectric detonation.
211.161. Detonating cords.
211.162. Safety fuse.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter F adopted July 13, 2001, effective July 14, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 3751, unless otherwise noted.
Cross References This subchapter cited in 25 Pa. Code § 211.191 (relating to scope); and 25 Pa. Code § 211.194 (relating to general requirements for handling explosives on a seismic exploration operation).
§ 211.151. Prevention of damage or injury.
(a) Blasting shall be conducted to prevent injury to persons or damage to private or public property except for property owned or leased by the permittee or its customer. If damage to property or injuries to persons occurs, the blaster-in-charge shall notify the Department within 4 hours of learning of the damage or injuries occurring.
(b) Blasting may not cause flyrock. If flyrock occurs, the blaster-in-charge shall notify the Department within 4 hours of learning of the flyrock.
(c) Blasts shall be designed and conducted in a manner that achieves either a scaled distance of 90 at the closest building or other structure designated by the Department or meets the allowable particle velocity as indicated by Figure 1 at any building or other structure designated by the Department. The scaled distance and allowable particle velocity does not apply at a building or other structure owned or leased by the permittee or its customer.
Figure 1.
(d) Blasts shall be designed and conducted to control airblast so that it does not exceed 133 dBL at any building or other structure designated by the Department unless the building is owned or leased by the permittee or its customer.
(e) Except on permits issued under the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P.S. § § 1396.1—1396.19b), the Department may establish an alternative particle velocity or airblast level at a building or other structure if it determines that either:
(1) The alternative standard will provide for adequate protection of the building or other structure.
(2) The owner of the building or the other structure waives the ground vibration limit in subsection (c) or the airblast limit in subsection (d).
(f) The blasting activity permittee shall notify the Department within 24 hours of learning that the allowable particle velocity or the maximum allowable airblast level are exceeded at any building or other structure designated by the Department.
(g) All blasting activities shall be conducted in a manner which prevents damage to utility lines.
Authority The provisions of this § 211.151 amended under sections 1917-A and 1920-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 510-17 and 510-20); section 4.2 of the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P.S. § 1396.4b); section 11(e) of the Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P.S. § 3311(e)); sections 7 and 11 of the act of July 1, 1937 (P.L. 2681, No. 537) (73 P.S. § § 157 and 161); sections 3 and 4 of the act of July 10, 1957 (P.L. 685, No. 362) (73 P.S. § § 166 and 167); Reorganization Plan No. 8 of 1981 (71 P.S. § 751-35); section 2(f) of the act of May 18, 1937 (P.L. 654, No. 174) (43 P.S. § 25-2(f)); and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1975 (71 P.S. § 751-22).
Source The provisions of this § 211.151 amended June 22, 2018, effective June 23, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3711. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (281311) to (281313).
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code 25 Pa. Code § 211.102 (relating to scope); and § 211.173 (relating to monitoring records).
§ 211.152. Control of gases, including carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen.
(a) A blast shall be conducted so that the gases generated by the blast, including carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen, do not affect the health or safety of individuals. Gas migration may be prevented or minimized by taking measures such as venting the gases to the atmosphere and interrupting the path along which gases may flow. Evacuating people from areas that may contain gases could prevent their health from being affected.
(b) The blasting activity permittee shall notify the Department within 4 hours if the gases generated by the blast affect the health or safety, or both, of individuals.
Authority The provisions of this § 211.152 amended under sections 1917-A and 1920-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 510-17 and 510-20); section 4.2 of the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P.S. § 1396.4b); section 11(e) of the Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P.S. § 3311(e)); sections 7 and 11 of the act of July 1, 1937 (P.L. 2681, No. 537) (73 P.S. § § 157 and 161); sections 3 and 4 of the act of July 10, 1957 (P.L. 685, No. 362) (73 P.S. § § 166 and 167); Reorganization Plan No. 8 of 1981 (71 P.S. § 751-35); section 2(f) of the act of May 18, 1937 (P.L. 654, No. 174) (43 P.S. § 25-2(f)); and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1975 (71 P.S. § 751-22).
Source The provisions of this § 211.152 amended June 22, 2018, effective June 23, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3711. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (281313).
§ 211.153. General requirements for handling explosives.
(a) Only a nonferrous, nonsparking tool shall be used to open containers of explosives.
(b) Matches, lighters and smoking are prohibited within 100 feet (30.48 meters) of the blast site and areas where explosives are used or stored.
(c) If it becomes necessary to destroy damaged or deteriorated explosives, the permittee shall immediately contact the manufacturer for technical advice and assistance.
(d) Detonators may not be forced into cartridges of explosive or cast boosters. Detonators shall be completely inserted into a hole in an explosive cartridge made with an approved powder punch or into the detonator well of a cast booster.
(e) Explosives may not be left unattended. They are to be stored in a licensed magazine or kept under the permittee’s supervision and control.
(f) A loaded blast shall always be under the continuous observation of the blaster-in-charge or a designee.
(g) Shooting or carrying ammunition or firearms on a blast site and in areas where explosives are used or stored is prohibited, except for material needed to initiate the blast.
(h) If blasting activities are conducted in the vicinity of electric lines such as transmission lines or electrified railways, a test shall be made for presence of stray electric currents. Electric blasting caps may not be used if stray electric currents in excess of 50 milliamperes are present.
(i) A package of explosives may not be thrown, slid along floors or over other packages of explosives, or handled roughly.
(j) If an electrical storm approaches an area where there is an activity involving explosives, the area shall be cleared by the permittee or licensee, who shall post guards at all approaches to prevent trespass of unauthorized persons.
(k) Explosives and equipment that are obviously damaged or deteriorated may not be used.
(l) Explosives may not be abandoned.
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 211.194 (relating to general requirements for handling explosives on a seismic exploration operation).
§ 211.154. Preparing the blast.
(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.
(g) Before connecting one loaded blast hole to another, all activity within the blast area shall cease, and all nonessential persons shall retreat to a safe place. The blaster-in-charge shall determine the blast area.
(h) Primers shall be prepared only at the hole to be loaded, immediately prior to loading. The components of the primer are to be kept separated at the collar of the blast hole. The primer may not be slit, dropped, deformed or carelessly handled and may not be tamped or forced into the blast hole.
(i) Immediately upon completing the loading of a blast hole, any wood, paper or other materials used to pack explosives shall be inspected for the presence of explosives and removed to an isolated area. These materials may be burned after the blast has been fired. Persons may not be within 100 feet (30.48 meters) of these burning materials.
(j) Measures shall be taken to reduce the chance of flyrock including:
(1) The use of blasting mats or other protective devices, if, in the opinion of the blaster-in-charge, the measures are necessary to prevent injuries to persons or damage to property.
(2) When blasting to an open, vertical face, checking the face for loose, hanging material or other faults prior to loading the blast holes.
(k) Explosives may not be brought to a blast site in greater quantities than are expected to be needed for that blast. Surplus explosives may not be stored in the blast area.
(l) Before a blast hole is loaded, it shall be checked to ensure that it is cool and does not contain any hot metal or smoldering material remaining from drilling the hole.
(m) The use of abrasive or sharp-edged constituents in stemming material shall be avoided if tamping is necessary and the tamping may sever blasting cap leg wires, shock tubes or detonating cords.
(n) The permittee shall ensure that public highways and entrances to the areas where blasting will occur are barricaded and guarded if the highways and entrances to areas where blasting will occur are located within 800 feet of a point where a blast is about to be fired. The permittee may use an alternative measure to this requirement if the permittee demonstrates, to the Department’s satisfaction, that the alternative measure is at least as effective at protecting persons and property from the adverse effects of a blast. Alternative measures are measures such as:
(1) Slowing or stopping traffic in coordination with appropriate State or local authorities, including local police.
(2) Using mats to suppress flyrock.
(3) Designing the blast to prevent damage or injury to persons and property located on the public highways or at the operation’s entrances by using design elements such as:
(i) Orienting the blast so that the direction of relief is away from public highways or operation entrances.
(ii) Adjusting blast design parameters including:
(A) The diameter of holes.
(B) The number of rows.
(C) The number of holes.
(D) The amount and type of explosive.
(E) The burden and spacing.
(F) The amount and type of stemming.
(G) The powder factor.
(o) The permittee shall post signs at access points of all approaches to a blast site which clearly warn of explosive use. If there are no specific access points, a minimum of four signs shall be posted on all sides of the blast site at a distance of 100 feet from the blast site. Posting of signs shall comply with 29 CFR 1926.905(p) (relating to loading of explosives or blasting agents), 30 CFR 56.6306(a) (relating to loading, blasting, and security) or 30 CFR 77.1303(g) (relating to explosives, handling and use), as applicable.
Authority The provisions of this § 211.154 amended under sections 1917-A and 1920-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 510-17 and 510-20); section 4.2 of the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P.S. § 1396.4b); section 11(e) of the Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P.S. § 3311(e)); sections 7 and 11 of the act of July 1, 1937 (P.L. 2681, No. 537) (73 P.S. § § 157 and 161); sections 3 and 4 of the act of July 10, 1957 (P.L. 685, No. 362) (73 P.S. § § 166 and 167); Reorganization Plan No. 8 of 1981 (71 P.S. § 751-35); section 2(f) of the act of May 18, 1937 (P.L. 654, No. 174) (43 P.S. § 25-2(f)); and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1975 (71 P.S. § 751-22).
Source The provisions of this § 211.154 amended June 22, 2018, effective June 23, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3711. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (281314) to (281315).
§ 211.155. Preblast measures.
Prior to detonating a blast, the blaster-in-charge shall:
(1) Ensure that all excess explosives have been removed from the blast area and are located in a safe area.
(2) Inspect the blast site to ensure that connections are proper and adequate.
(3) Ensure that the blast area is cleared and safeguarded.
(4) In addition to the warning signal, notify all persons who may be in danger.
(5) Ensure that the necessary precautions are in place to protect the public on public roads.
(6) At least 1 minute but no more than 2 minutes prior to detonation, sound a warning signal of three blasts, each lasting approximately 5 seconds. The warning signal shall be of sufficient power to be heard 1,000 feet (304.80 meters) from the blast site.
§ 211.156. Detonating the blast.
(a) A blast may be detonated only between sunrise and sunset unless the Department authorizes a blast at another time of day.
(b) Only the blaster-in-charge may detonate a blast.
§ 211.157. Postblast measures.
(a) After a blast has been detonated, no one may return to the blast area until all smoke and fumes have dissipated.
(b) After the smoke and fumes have cleared, the blaster-in-charge shall return to the blast site and closely inspect the blast site to ensure that it is safe with respect to the blasting activity.
(c) After the blaster-in-charge has determined the blast area is safe, the blaster-in-charge shall sound an all-clear signal, consisting of one long blast, lasting approximately 10 seconds. This all-clear signal shall be of sufficient power to be heard 1,000 feet (304.80 meters) from the blast site.
(d) The blaster-in-charge shall determine if a misfire occurred and shall take all actions necessary to render the blast site safe. The blast site shall be made safe before drilling or muck removal begins.
(e) If the blaster-in-charge suspects that undetonated ammonium nitrate/fuel mixture remains in the muck pile, the muck pile shall be thoroughly wetted down with water before any digging is attempted. Special attention shall be given to determine if primers, other explosives or detonators are present in the muck pile.
(f) The blaster-in-charge shall immediately complete the blast report as required by § 211.133 (relating to blast report).
(g) The blaster-in-charge shall notify the Department within 24 hours of the occurrence of a misfire. A copy of the blast report shall be forwarded to the Department.
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 211.133 (relating to blast reports).
§ 211.158. Mudcapping.
Mudcapping in blasting activities is allowed only if the blaster-in-charge determines that drilling the material to be blasted would endanger the safety of the workers. If mudcapping is necessary, no more than 1 pound (0.454 kilogram) of explosives shall be used for a blast.
Authority The provisions of this § 211.158 amended under sections 1917-A and 1920-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 510-17 and 510-20); section 4.2 of the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P.S. § 1396.4b); section 11(e) of the Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P.S. § 3311(e)); sections 7 and 11 of the act of July 1, 1937 (P.L. 2681, No. 537) (73 P.S. § § 157 and 161); sections 3 and 4 of the act of July 10, 1957 (P.L. 685, No. 362) (73 P.S. § § 166 and 167); Reorganization Plan No. 8 of 1981 (71 P.S. § 751-35); section 2(f) of the act of May 18, 1937 (P.L. 654, No. 174) (43 P.S. § 25-2(f)); and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1975 (71 P.S. § 751-22).
Source The provisions of this § 211.158 amended June 22, 2018, effective June 23, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3711. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (281317).
§ 211.159. Electric detonation.
(a) Electric blasting caps shall be tested for continuity with a blaster’s galvanometer or blaster’s multimeter specifically designed for testing blasting circuits. Testing shall be done:
(1) Before the primers are made up.
(2) After the blast hole has been loaded but prior to stemming.
(3) As the final connecting of the circuit progresses.
(b) When a shunt is removed from electric blasting cap leg wires, the exposed wires shall be reshunted.
(c) Electric blasting caps may not be employed in a blast if there is any possibility of wires from the circuit being thrown against overhead or nearby electric lines.
(d) An effort may not be made to reclaim or reuse electric blasting caps if the leg wires have been broken off near the top of the cap.
(e) Leg wires on electric blasting caps shall extend above the top of the blast hole. Wire connections and splices are not allowed in the blast hole.
(f) Only solid wire shall be used in a blasting circuit. The use of stranded wire is prohibited.
(g) When electric detonation is used near public roads, signs shall be erected at least 500 feet (152.40 meters) from the blast areas reading: ‘‘BLAST AREA - SHUT OFF ALL TWO-WAY RADIOS.’’
(h) A blasting machine is the only permissible source of electrical power for a detonation.
(i) The blasting circuit shall remain shunted until the time for detonation unless the circuit is being tested or connections are being made.
(j) A sticker shall be displayed on blasting machines that shows they have been tested within the last 30 days by procedures recommended by the manufacturer or supplier to ensure performance at rated capacity. If blasting caps are used in the test, they shall be covered with earth or sand.
(k) When electronic detonation is used, the blaster-in-charge shall determine that adequate current, as specified by the manufacturer of the detonators, is available to properly energize the detonators in the circuit.
§ 211.160. Nonelectric detonation.
Nonelectric initiation systems shall be checked and tested for secure connections in accordance with recommendations of the manufacturer of the system in use.
§ 211.161. Detonating cords.
(a) Detonating cord shall be cut from the supply roll immediately after placement in the blast hole. A sufficient length of downlines shall be left at the top of the blast hole for connections to trunk lines. The supply roll shall be immediately removed from the site. Scrap pieces of detonating cord shall be destroyed after connections are made.
(b) A trunk line shall be covered with at least 12 inches (0.30 meter) of earth or sand, unless otherwise authorized by the Department.
(c) Detonating cord may not be spliced if the resulting splice will fall within a blast hole.
§ 211.162. Safety fuse.
(a) When safety fuse is used in blasting, it shall be long enough to provide a burn time of 120 seconds or longer.
(b) Prior to using safety fuse, the blaster-in-charge shall conduct a test burn. The test burn will utilize at least a 12-inch (0.30-meter) section of fuse which is lit, then timed to determine actual burn time.
(c) A blasting cap shall only be crimped to a safety fuse with a proper crimping tool. A blasting cap may not be attached to a safety fuse in or within 10 feet (3.05 meters) of a magazine.
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.
This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Code full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
