513 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 23-29

Sections

29-4. Roles and Responsibilities.

Blaster Duties

Blasters must test all blasting circuits for electric and electronic detonators using only approved instruments.
Maintain accurate, current records of explosives, blasting agents, and supplies for each blast.

Blaster-in-Charge Responsibilities

Handle the removal of electric circuits and ensure the blast site is safely illuminated.
Oversee the loading of shot holes, connection of blasting circuits, and site evacuation.
Manage the safe positioning of personnel, detonate the round, and inspect blast components post-detonation.
Ensure proper shunting/connection practices, supervise post-detonation site inspections, and develop misfire resolution procedures.
Oversee the transportation, handling, storage, and use of explosives, including supervising Blasters, directing loading and firing, and managing drilling to neutralize misfires.

Explosive Workers/Handlers Guidelines

Individuals involved with explosives must not be under the influence of substances that impair normal functioning.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

29-3. During blasting operations, who is responsible to handle the removal of electric circuits and ensure the blast site is safely illuminated?

Blaster-in-Charge

Blaster

Competent Person (CP)

Qualified Person (QP)

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 29-4.

29-4. Roles and Responsibilities.

a.  Blaster.  (29-4.a)

(1)  For electric and electronic detonators, Blasters must test all blasting circuits using only blasting galvanometers or other instruments that have been specifically designed for this purpose.

(2)  Keep an accurate, up-to-date record of explosives, blasting agents, and blasting supplies used in each blast.

b.  Blaster-in-Charge.  The Blaster-in-Charge is responsible for conducting the following: (29-4.b)

(1)  Removing electric circuits.

(2)  Ensuring safe illumination of the blast site.

(3)  Loading shot holes.

(4)  Connecting up blasting circuits.

(5)  Vacating the blast site.

(6)  Safe disposition of personnel during blasting.

(7)  Detonating the round.

(8)  Conduct a thorough inspection of the blast components after the blast connection hookup of the detonators according to the Master Blasting Plan.

(9)  Ensure that proper shunting and/or connection practices are followed and that the blasting leads are not connected to the power source, blasting machine or other initiating device until the blast is ready to be fired.

(10)  Inspecting the blast site post detonation to verify that all changes have detonated, determine it is safe, and give the all-clear signal.

(11)  Develop a procedure for resolving the misfire and communicate that plan to essential personnel before work begins.  The procedure will be detailed in the Master Blasting Plan.

(12)  Oversee transportation, handling, storage, and use of explosives, blasting agents, and blasting equipment, to include supervising Blasters, directing and supervising all loading and firing, and supervising drilling performed to neutralize misfires.  Ensure all personnel are physically fit and able to perform task as necessary.

c.  Explosive Workers/Handlers.  All persons involved in the transportation, storage, handling, or use of explosives or blasting agents must not be under the influence of intoxicants, narcotics, or other substances that reduce their ability to function normally. (29-4.c)