513 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 23-29

Sections

Chapter 29: Blasting

This chapter outlines the comprehensive guidelines and regulations for conducting blasting activities by Department of Defense civilians or contractors under the direction of the USACE, involving commercial explosives on civil and military construction projects.

Outdoor Blasting operation exploding the site

This chapter emphasizes guidelines and regulations for conducting blasting activities by DoD civilians or contractors.

It details the necessary qualifications, training requirements for personnel involved in blasting operations, the roles such as Blasters and Blasters-in-Charge, and the rigorous safety protocols for transporting, handling, and storing explosives.

The chapter emphasizes the critical importance of daily inspections, adherence to established safety plans, and the need for detailed record-keeping and planning to ensure the safety of all personnel and the integrity of the project site.

The chapter further stipulates the conditions for underground blasting, handling of misfires, post-blast procedures, and the unique considerations for underwater blasting.

It mandates the development and submission of various plans such as the Explosives Site Safety Plan (ESSP) and Master Blasting Plan to outline the comprehensive approach towards safe blasting operations. These plans are crucial for detailing the procedures for vibration monitoring, ensuring public safety, and minimizing the impact of blasting activities on the environment and surrounding structures.

29-1. References.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 29-1.

29-1. References.

a.  Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) P 5400.7, Publication of Federal Explosives Laws and Regulations (https://www.atf.gov/explosives/docs/report/publication-federal-explosives-laws-and- regulations-atf-p-54007)  (29-1.a)

b.  ANSI/ASSP A10.7, Safety and Health Requirements for Construction and Demolition Use, Storage, Handling and Site Movement of Commercial Explosives and Blasting Agents (https://webstore.ansi.org/)  (29-1.b)

c.  DA Pam 385-64, Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards (https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/PAM.aspx)  (29-1.c)

d.  Defense Explosives Safety Regulation 6055.09 (https://denix.osd.mil/)  (29-1.d)

e.  Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME) SLP-14, Handbook for the Transportation and Distribution of Explosive Materials (https://www.ime.org/products/category/safety_library_publications_slps)  (29-1.e)

f.  IME SLP-3, Suggested Code of Regulations for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, Sale, Possession and Use of Explosive Materials (https://www.ime.org/products/category/safety_library_publications_slps)  (29-1.f)

g.  IME SLP-20, Safety Guide for the Prevention of Radio Frequency Radiation Hazards in the Use of Commercial Electric Detonators (Blasting Caps) (https://www.ime.org/products/category/safety_library_publications_slps)  (29-1.g)

h.  NFPA 495, Explosive Materials Code (https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards)  (29-1.h)

i.  UFGS 31 23 00.00, Tunnel Excavation – Blasting (https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-guide-specifications-ufgs/ufgs-31-23-00-
00)  (29-1.i)
j.  27 CFR 555, Commerce in Explosives (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title27-vol3/pdf/CFR-2020-title27-vol3- part555.pdf )  (29-1.j)

k.  29 CFR 1910.109, Explosives and Blasting Agents (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title29-vol5/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol5- sec1910-109.pdf)  (29-1.k)

l.  29 CFR 1926 Subpart U, Blasting and the Use of Explosives (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title29-vol8/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol8- part1926-subpartU.pdf)  (29-1.l)

m.  49 CFR 177.835, Class 1 Materials (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title49-vol2/pdf/CFR-2020-title49-vol2-sec177-835.pdf)  (29-1.m)

28-2. Definitions.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 29-2.

29-2. Definitions.

a.  Attendant. An authorized individual who has the explosives or the use of explosives within their field of vision and with the ability to respond appropriately. (29-2.a)

b.  Blast Area.  The area of a blast within the influence of flying rock and ejecta, gases, and concussion that may cause injury to persons or property.  (29-2.b)

c.  Blast Site. The area where explosive material is handled during the loading of blastholes, including 50 feet (15.2m) in all directions from the perimeter formed by loaded holes. A minimum of 30 feet (9.1 m) may replace the 50 feet (15.2m) requirement if the perimeter of loaded holes is marked and separated from non-blast site areas by a barrier.  The 50 feet (15.2 m) or 30 feet (9.1 m) distance requirements, as applicable, apply in all directions along the full depth of the blasthole.  In underground mines, at least 15 feet (4.6 m) of a solid rib, pillar, or broken rock can be substituted for the 50 feet (15.2 m) distance.  (29-2.c)

d.  Blaster. A qualified individual who assists with the design, loading, and firing of explosives. (29-2.d)

e.  Blaster-in-Charge.  The blaster who is in charge of and responsible for the design, loading, and firing of explosives at a specific jobsite.  (29-2.e)

f.  Bootlegs.  The part of a drilled blasthole that remains when the force of the explosion does not break the rock completely to the bottom of the hole.  (29-2.f)

g.  Electric Detonator. A detonator designed for, and capable of, initiation by means of an electric current.  (29-2.g)

h.  Electronic Detonator.  A detonator that utilizes stored electrical energy as a means of powering an electronic timing delay element/module and that provides initiation energy for firing the base charge.  (29-2.h)

i.  Flyrock.  Material propelled from the blast area by the force of an explosion. (29-2.i)

j.  Qualified Person (QP).  See paragraphs 1-2 or 2-2, as applicable.  (29-2.j)

k.  Underground Blasting.  The controlled use of explosives and other methods in underground construction, shafts, and caissons.  (29-2.k)