Blasting: Explosives (2019)

The next Steps cover Cal/OSHA safety regulations for Blasting (Explosives). Where appropriate, we have referenced the code from Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations. The CCR must be used in conjunction with this Navitent.

The topics we will cover in this Navitent are:

-Blaster’s License Requirements
-Reporting of Blasting Accidents
-Storage of Explosives
-Storage of Caps and Detonators
-Transportation Requirements
-Safety Rules for Blasting Operations

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Blaster’s License Requirements

A person must hold a valid California Blaster’s License and must be physically present when performing, directing, and supervising blasting operations.

No person under the age of 21 years shall be permitted in any explosive magazine or be permitted to use, handle, or transport explosives.

Note: the exception is persons 18 years or older and under the direct personal supervision of a licensed blaster.

Reporting of Blasting Accidents

All blasting accidents affecting worker safety must be reported to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) within 24 hours.

Note: accidents involving a serious injury or illness must be reported to DOSH immediately but not longer than 8 hours.

Storage of Explosives

Explosives must be stored in the proper type of magazine (see 5252 Table EX-1), 5251(a).

Storage of Caps and Detonators

Caps and detonators must be stored in separate magazines away from other explosives.

Transportation Requirements

Transportation requirements are discussed in Subchapter 7 Article 115 (Index).

Safety Rules for Blasting Operations

Safety rules for blasting operations are as follows:

-No smoking or open flames are permitted within 50 feet of explosives handling

-No source of ignition, except during firing, is permitted in areas containing loaded holes

-Only non-sparking tools are to be used for opening containers of explosives

-Explosives must be kept clear of electrical circuits by 25 feet

-Unused explosives must be returned promptly to the magazine

-Blasting mats must be used when flying material could damage property

-A tally sheet that records all movement of explosives must be kept at each magazine

-Holes may be loaded only after all drilling is complete

-No vehicle traffic should pass over loaded holes

-Loaded holes must be attended

-Workers must not try to quench an explosive’s fire

-Explosives at a blast site must be attended

-No one but the attendant(s), the loading/detonation crew, inspection personnel, and authorized supervisory personnel shall be allowed within 50 feet of the loaded holes

-Blasts shall not be fired without the licensed blaster- in-charge verifying the conditions listed in 5291(b), and without a warning signal/procedure. The signals shall be heard clearly in areas that could possibly be affected by the blast

How much did this Navitent help you to understand the Cal/OSHA safety regulations for Blasting (Explosives), including:

-Blaster’s License Requirements
-Reporting of Blasting Accidents
-Storage of Explosives
-Storage of Caps and Detonators
-Transportation Requirements
-Safety Rules for Blasting Operations

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Note: while you don't need to remember all the information in this Navitent, you do need to remember that it is in your Navitent library to refer to when you need it. Go to the Title 8 regulations in the CA Code of Regulations and to the CA Labor Code for detailed information regarding the scope, specifications, and exceptions of a particular regulation and for other requirements that may be applicable to their operations.