Safe Quarry - Health and Safety Authority
Safe Quarry - Health and Safety Authority
Safe Quarry - Health and Safety Authority
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PART 5<br />
EXPLOSIVES<br />
when manufacturer’s instructions <strong>and</strong> guidelines<br />
were not strictly adhered to.<br />
There should be arrangements in place to check that<br />
no explosive material remains hidden or lodged within<br />
any packaging before the disposal of any packaging<br />
commences. The disposal of packaging, surplus <strong>and</strong><br />
deteriorating explosive must be carried out in strict<br />
accordance with the manufacturers/ suppliers instructions<br />
<strong>and</strong> guidelines.These instructions <strong>and</strong> guidelines<br />
are required to be contained in the operator’s<br />
shotfiring rules in the quarry safety statement.<br />
43. SHOTFIRING RULES<br />
(Regulation 46)<br />
46. The operator shall ensure that suitable shotfiring<br />
rules are made <strong>and</strong> complied with. Such rules<br />
shall set out procedures for the following:<br />
(a) shotfiring operations at the quarry,<br />
(b) appointing explosives supervisors, shotfirers,<br />
trainee shotfirers <strong>and</strong> storekeepers,<br />
(c) authorising other persons who will be involved<br />
with the storage, transport, use or disposal of<br />
explosives,<br />
(d) dealing with misfires,<br />
(e) disposing of surplus explosives, detonators,<br />
accessories <strong>and</strong> packaging.<br />
The shotfiring rules are the practical operating<br />
procedures, which are in place to ensure that<br />
shotfiring operations take place at a quarry with<br />
regard to the safety of the workforce <strong>and</strong> the public.<br />
The rules need to take account of local circumstances,<br />
such as any risk of accidental initiation due<br />
to static electricity, radio frequency transmitters,<br />
electrical powered plant <strong>and</strong> overhead power lines.<br />
If there is such a risk, a suitable method for initiation<br />
must be chosen.Shotfiring rules should be available<br />
at the quarry <strong>and</strong> copies given to those who have<br />
duties under them. The operator must ensure that<br />
arrangements are made to monitor compliance with<br />
the rules.The rules need to cover arrangements for:<br />
(a) the appointments <strong>and</strong> authorisation of explosive<br />
supervisors, shotfirers, trainee shotfirers, storekeepers<br />
(where storage is licensed) <strong>and</strong> others<br />
working with explosives;<br />
(b) the explosives supervisor to check that:<br />
(i) the equipment provided is suitable <strong>and</strong><br />
safe; <strong>and</strong><br />
(ii) site conditions are in line with the blast<br />
specification before working with<br />
explosives;<br />
(c) times when shotfiring is permitted;<br />
(d) the determination of the danger zone likely to<br />
be created by the firing of each shot, the<br />
evacuation <strong>and</strong> control of the danger zone <strong>and</strong><br />
the provision of effective shelters when a shot<br />
is tested or fired;<br />
(e) warning systems including, as appropriate:<br />
(i) the use of flags or notices;<br />
(ii) a system of audible signals to warn people<br />
to withdraw from the danger zone <strong>and</strong> to<br />
give the all clear;<br />
(iii) the posting of sentries;<br />
(f ) inspection of the blast site after firing to check<br />
the state of the face <strong>and</strong> whether a misfire has<br />
occurred;<br />
(g) ensuring that normal working is resumed only<br />
when the shotfirer is fully satisfied that it is safe<br />
<strong>and</strong> the all clear is sounded;<br />
(h) safeguarding charged, but unfired shotholes at<br />
the end of the working day.These arrangements<br />
should ensure that someone is in attendance,<br />
or within sight of the charged holes at<br />
all times to prevent theft or unauthorised<br />
initiation of the explosives (including<br />
detonators);<br />
(i) dealing with misfires <strong>and</strong> the discovery of<br />
unfired explosives from previous operations.<br />
There must always be a competent person<br />
available, normally the explosives supervisor, to<br />
ensure that any misfire is dealt with safely;<br />
(j) safe disposal of surplus explosives (including<br />
detonators) that may remain after completion<br />
of shotfiring; <strong>and</strong><br />
(k) monitoring arrangements to ensure the rules<br />
are complied with.<br />
SAFE QUARRY GUIDELINES TO THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (QUARRIES) REGULATIONS 2008 63