BS 5607:2017

BSI Standards Publication

Code of practice for the safe use of

explosives in the construction industry
BS 5607:2017 BRITISH STANDARD

Publishing and copyright information

The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document was last issued.

© The British Standards Institution 2017

Published by BSI Standards Limited 2017

ISBN 978 0 580 94323 2

ICS 71.100.30; 91.200

The following BSI references relate to the work on this document:

Committee reference B/513
Draft for comment 17/30341835 DC

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

Date Text affected

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BRITISH STANDARD BS 5607:2017

Contents Page

Foreword iv
Section 1: Preliminary processes 1
1 Scope 1
2 Normative references 1
3 Terms and definitions 2
4 Preliminary procedures 7
4.1 General 7
4.2 Legal framework 7
5 Role of the client 7
5.1 General 8
5.2 Demolition works 8
6 Risk assessment and site survey 10
6.1 Risk assessment 10
6.2 Site survey 11
6.3 Hazards from electrical sources 12
6.4 Exclusion zone and warning procedures 12
6.5 Sources of ignition and fire 12
6.6 Advance notices and consultation 12
7 Method statement 13
7.1 General 13
7.2 Preparation 13
7.3 Implementation of the method statement 14
7.4 Exclusion zone and warning procedures/systems 15
8 Supervision and responsibility 16
9 Safety and security of explosives during acquisition, transport and storage on site 18
9.1 General 18
9.2 Planning 18
9.3 Storage 19
9.4 Transport of explosives on site 22
9.5 Transport of explosives by air 23
9.6 Disposal of unwanted explosives or explosives which have deteriorated during storage 23
10 Safety when using explosives 24
10.1 General 24
10.2 Handling and charging of explosives 24
10.3 Types of explosives 25
10.4 Initiation systems 27
10.5 Misfires 30
Figure 1 — Procedure to remedy misfires 31
Section 2: Blasting operations 36
11 Tunnelling and shaft sinking 36
11.1 General 36
11.2 Method statement 36
11.3 Site survey 36
11.4 Containment measures 37
11.5 Explosives 37
Figure 2 — Exclusion zones for shaft sinking and tunnelling 38
11.6 Safety and operations 40
12 Demolition 46

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12.1 General 47
12.2 Quality assurance and auditing of the works 47
12.3 Pre-weakening 47
12.4 Site survey/risk assessment 47
12.5 Blast design 48
12.6 Independent audit of the blasting method statement and its implementation 49
12.7 Method statement 49
12.8 Explosives 53
12.9 Safety and operations 54
12.10 Misfires 55
12.11 Debris and site clearance 55
13 Underwater blasting 55
13.1 General 56
13.2 Method statement 56
13.3 Site survey 56
13.4 Exclusion zones and blast warning procedures 57
Figure 3 — Relationship of blast area and exclusion zones in underwater blasting 57
Table 1 — Recommended minimum distances from underwater blasting operations 57
13.5 Explosives 58
13.6 Safety and operations 60
13.7 Misfires 62
13.8 Seismic impulse generation 62
14 Land excavation 62
14.1 General 62
14.2 Documentation 63
14.3 Risk assessment and site survey 63
14.4 Method statements 64
14.5 Drilling 65
14.6 Exclusion zones and blast protection 65
Figure 4 — Exclusion zone for land excavation 66
14.7 Transport and storage 67
14.8 Explosives and initiation systems 67
Table 2 — Selection and use of explosives 67
Table 3 — Selection and use of initiation systems 68
14.9 Safety and operations 68
15 Other forms of blasting 69
15.1 Mini-blasting 69
15.2 Deflagrating compounds (low-velocity explosives) 70
15.3 Cardox 70
15.4 Expanding grouts 70
Annex A (normative) Competence for blasting operations 71
Annex B (informative) Qualifications for blasting 72
Table B.1 — Blasting operations competency units 73
Annex C (informative) Explosives engineering training 73
Annex D (informative) General properties of explosives 74
Bibliography 75

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BRITISH STANDARD BS 5607:2017

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, and inside front cover, pages i to vi, pages 1 to 77, an inside back cover and
a back cover.

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BS 5607:2017 BRITISH STANDARD

Foreword
Publishing information
This British Standard is published by BSI Standards Limited, under licence from The British
Standards Institution, and came into effect on 31 October 2017. It was prepared by Technical
Committee B/513, Construction equipment and plant, and site safety. A list of organizations
represented on this committee can be obtained on request to its secretary.

Supersession
This British Standard supersedes BS 5607:1998, which is withdrawn.

Information about this document

This British Standard sets out good practice for the handling, transport and storage of explosives
during the varied uses to which explosives can be put by the construction industry. Emphasis
throughout the standard is on safety, particularly the safety of those engaged in using explosives for
work on site and the safety of others who can be in the vicinity of that work.
While the importance of security is recognized, this British Standard does not give detailed
recommendations for security measures.
This is a full revision of the standard, and introduces the following principal changes:
• elements of text have been updated to reflect changes in the statutory regulations applicable to
the use of explosives;
• recommendations have been updated to reflect changes in technology since 1998; and
• greater emphasis is given to the qualifications and general competence of shotfirers and
explosives engineers.

Hazard warnings
WARNING. This British Standard calls for the use of substances and/or procedures that can be injurious to
health and safety if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to technical suitability and does not
absolve the user from legal obligations relating to health and safety or the acquisition, handling or storage of
explosives at any stage.

Use of this document

As a code of practice, this British Standard takes the form of guidance and recommendations.
It should not be quoted as if it were a specification and particular care should be taken to ensure that
claims of compliance are not misleading.
Any user claiming compliance with this British Standard is expected to be able to justify any course of
action that deviates from its recommendations.
It has been assumed in the preparation of this British Standard that the execution of its provisions
will be entrusted to people appropriately qualified, experienced and authorized people who are
competent in explosives operations, including handling explosives, blast design or approval of
blasting procedures (see Clause 8), for whose use it has been produced.

Presentational conventions
The provisions of this standard are presented in roman (i.e. upright) type. Its recommendations are
expressed in sentences in which the principal auxiliary verb is “should”.

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Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in smaller italic type, and does
not constitute a normative element.
The word “should” is used to express recommendations of this standard. The word “may” is used in
the text to express permissibility, e.g. as an alternative to the primary recommendation of the clause.
The word “can” is used to express possibility, e.g. a consequence of an action or an event.
Notes and commentaries are provided throughout the text of this standard. Notes give references
and additional information that are important but do not form part of the recommendations.
Commentaries give background information.
Where words have alternative spellings, the preferred spelling of the Shorter Oxford English
Dictionary is used (e.g. “organization” rather than “organisation”).

Contractual and legal considerations

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users are
responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.
In particular attention is drawn to the following specific regulations:
• The Explosives Act 1875 [1];
• The Explosives Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 [2];
• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 [3];
• The Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 [4];
• The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
2017 (ADR) [5];
• The Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 2015 [6];
• The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 [7];
• The Explosives Regulations 2014 (as amended) [8];
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 [9];
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 [10];
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013
(RIDDOR) [11];
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (Northern
Ireland) 1997 [12];
• The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 [13];
• The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 [14];
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 [15];
• The Quarries Regulations 1999 [16];
• The Quarries Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 [17];
• The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations
2009 (as amended) [18];
• The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations
(Northern Ireland) 2010 [19];
• The Dangerous Substances and Explosives Atmospheres Regulations 2003 [20];

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• The Ammonium Nitrate Materials (High Nitrogen Content) Safety Regulations 2003 [21];
• The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 [22];
• The Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016 [23];
• The Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991 [24];
• The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 [25];
• The Identification and Traceability of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 [26].
NOTE 1 These regulations are regularly amended, so it is necessary to ensure that the latest version of each is
applied. Attention is drawn to local regulations in overseas jurisdictions.

NOTE 2 All legislative requirements relating to explosives in Great Britain form “relevant statutory provisions” as
defined in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 [3].

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Section 1: Preliminary processes

1 Scope
This British Standard gives recommendations for the safe storage, handling, transport and use of
blasting explosives and accessories in construction and demolition operations.
Section 1 covers general recommendations for handling and safety.
Section 2 is concerned with safety in the use of explosives in special applications and situations such
as tunnelling, demolition, excavation and underwater working.
This British Standard is not applicable to:
a) blasting on offshore oil and/or gas platforms or structures, or any associated works;
b) underground works carried out for the purpose of exploiting mineral reserves and extensions to
voids left following ore extraction, which are governed by mining legislation; or
c) operations involving the use of cartridge-operated fixing tools, which are specified by
BS EN 15895 and whose use is covered by BS 4078‑1.

2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes provisions of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited
applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
Standards publications
BS 5930, Code of practice for ground investigations
BS 5975, Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design
of falsework
BS 6031, Code of practice for earthworks
BS 6164, Code of practice for health and safety in tunnelling in the construction industry
BS 6187:2011, Code of practice for full and partial demolition
BS 6472 (both parts), Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings
BS 7385‑1, Evaluation and measurement for vibration in buildings — Part 1: Guide for measurement of
vibrations and evaluation of their effects on buildings (withdrawn)
BS 7385‑2, Evaluation and measurement for vibration in buildings — Part 2: Guide to damage levels
from groundbourne vibration
BS EN 13763‑26:2004, Explosives for civil uses — Detonators and relays — Part 26: Definitions,
methods and requirements for devices and accessories for reliable and safe function of
detonators and relays
BS EN 16228 (all parts), Drilling and foundation equipment — Safety
ISO/DIS 19296, Mining and earthmoving machinery — Mobile machines working underground —
Machine Safety

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Other publications
[N1] HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. Explosives Regulations 2014. Safety provisions. Guidance on
Regulations. Approved Code of Practice L150. Sudbury: HSE Books, 2014
[N2] HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. Explosives Regulations 2014. Guidance on Regulations –
Security provisions. Approved Code of Practice L151. Sudbury: HSE Books, 2014
[N3] HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. . Health and safety at quarries. The Quarries Regulations 1999.
Approved Code of Practice L118. Sudbury: HSE Books, 2013
[N4] MINERAL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION. Positioning a shotfiring shelter: Guidance on what to
consider when positioning a shotfiring shelter, London: Mineral Products Association, 2009

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this British Standard, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1 air overpressure

production of increased air pressure as a result of an explosion

3.2 ANFO
mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil that can be used as an explosive
NOTE The preparation of ANFO is required to conform to the licensing provisions of Explosives
Regulations 2014 [8], Regulation 6.

3.3 approved
authorized for use by an authority having jurisdiction

3.4 black powder

gunpowder used in blasting

3.5 blast area

area within which all the debris from the blast is expected to fall and come to rest

3.6 blast plan

charging plan and, where applicable, the drilling pattern

3.7 blowdown
reduction and demolition of a structure by the controlled use of explosives

3.8 blowdown manual

detailed programme of tasks and their sequence developed as part of the overall project planning
NOTE The blowdown manual includes the definition of the event control team with roles and responsibilities,
planning of all activities related to the event, liaison with emergency services, exclusion zone control, evacuation of
persons at risk, placement of protection locally and remotely to the blast area, detailed sequence of events leading
up to, during and post-blast, contingency arrangements, standby services, etc.

3.9 bulk explosives

explosives that fill the complete cross section of a shot hole to provide 100% coupling with
the substrate

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3.10 burden
shortest distance between explosives and any free face

3.11 canister
portable container specifically intended and designed to carry a small quantity of explosives
or accessories

3.12 capped fuse

length of safety fuse crimped into a plain detonator

3.13 cartridge
wrapped or otherwise protected cylinder of defined size of a homogeneous explosive material

3.14 competence
combination of training, qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge and other qualities that an
organization or individual has to allow them to perform a task assigned to them properly and safely

3.15 deflagrating compounds

materials which enable the subsonic propagation of a reaction front

3.16 delay detonator

detonator (see 3.18) with a predetermined delay between initiation and detonation

3.17 detonating cord

flexible cord of spun textile fibres containing a core of high explosive [e.g. pentaerythritol tetranitrate
(PETN)], and with an extruded plastics (waterproof) coating, which, when initiated, propagates a
detonation along its length
NOTE There is a significant explosive effect outside the cord as the detonation propagates (see also 3.45). Several
strengths or explosive loadings are available.

3.18 detonator
initiator for explosives materials that contains a charge of high explosive fired by means of a flame,
spark, electric current (including an electronic signal) or shock tube
NOTE An American synonym is “cap”, which is deprecated.

3.19 electric detonator

fusehead crimped into a non-electric (plain) detonator, the fusehead being connected to two electric
leading wires
NOTE A fusehead is formed by depositing a pyrotechnic mixture over a bridge wire. When a voltage is applied to
the leading wires and an adequate current flows, the bridge wire heats up and initiates the fusehead, which in turn
causes the detonator to fire.

3.20 electronic detonator

detonator for which the user can preset the delay interval by means of a bespoke initiation system

3.21 emulsion explosive

waterproof explosive that contains sensitizers, oxidizers and fuels dispersed as an emulsion

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3.22 exclusion zone

zone from which all site personnel and the public are excluded
NOTE In certain situations the shotfirer may be positioned within the exclusion zone provided that they
are protected.

3.23 exploder
device designed for initiating detonators

3.24 explosive
article, substance or mixture of substances that is manufactured to produce a practical effect
by explosion

3.25 explosives engineer

competent engineer responsible for the design, control and on-site execution of the explosive event
NOTE An explosives engineer who meets the criteria of the Quarries Regulations 1999 [16] is referred to by the
Regulations as an "explosives supervisor".

3.26 explosives store

building, enclosed area or metal structure in which explosives are, or are to be, stored
[SOURCE: The Explosives Regulations 2014 [8]]
NOTE The licensing arrangements are set out in the Explosives Regulations 2014 [8].

3.27 explosives storekeeper

person responsible for the safe operation of an explosives store, including the receipt, issue and stock
control of the explosives in it

3.28 fly rock

material projected beyond the exclusion zone

3.29 fume characteristics

nature of fumes produced by the detonation of an explosive, particularly the noxious gases
contained therein

3.30 high explosive

explosive that detonates and produces an intense shock wave

3.31 low explosive

explosive that produces large volumes of gases without creating an intense shock wave

3.32 Misfires
3.32.1 type A misfire
misfire in which testing before firing a shot reveals broken continuity which cannot be rectified

3.32.2 type B misfire

misfire in which any shot fails to explode when an attempt is made to fire it

3.33 NG (nitroglycerine) explosive

explosive that contains nitro-cellulose

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3.34 Permitted explosives and detonators

3.34.1 permitted explosive
explosive of a type approved by the Health and Safety Executive for use in safety lamp mines

3.34.2 permitted detonator

detonator of a type approved by the Health and Safety Executive for use in safety lamp mines

3.35 plain detonator

aluminium tube open at one end and with a small charge of a mixture such as lead azide/
lead styphnate pressed on top of a slightly larger base charge such as tetryl, cyclotrimethylene
trinitramine (RDX) or pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN)

3.36 pre-splitting
blasting technique to minimize overbreak by creating a fracture plane on the perimeter of an
excavation using shot holes which are fired simultaneously before the main shot holes and which are
lightly charged and closely spaced

3.37 primary blasting

blasting by which material is dislodged from its original location

3.38 primer
cartridge or cast primer of explosive or other material into which one or more detonators or
detonating cord is inserted or attached, in order to initiate or boost a larger charge

3.39 round
group of shots fired in one operation

3.40 safety fuse

flexible cord that contains an internal burning medium by which fire is conveyed at a continuous and
uniform rate for the purpose of firing plain detonators or black powder, without initiating burning in
a similar fuse that might be in lateral contact alongside

3.41 secondary blasting

blasting to reduce oversize material to the dimensions required

3.42 sensitivity
measure of ease with which a substance or article can be made to explode, or its liability to explode,
when subjected to deliberate or accidental shock, friction or heat

3.43 shaped charge

explosive device designed to concentrate the explosive force in a particular plane or direction
NOTE A shaped charge is sometimes known as a cavity or hollow charge.

3.44 Shelters
3.44.1 blast shelter
protective structure for use below ground in which a shotfirer and others involved in the blasting
operations can shelter from blast fume

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3.44.2 shotfiring shelter

robust protective structure for use above ground, in which a shotfirer can shelter from fly rock whilst
firing shots
NOTE A shotfiring shelter can also be sufficiently large to accommodate other workers involved in the
blasting operations.

3.45 shock tube

flexible tube coated on the inside with a reactive composition that, when initiated, propagates a shock
wave along its length and initiates a detonator

3.46 shock tube detonator

length of shock tube (see 3.45) crimped into a plain detonator, possibly containing a delay element
located between the end of the shock tube and the explosive charge

3.47 shotfirer
appropriately qualified and competent person appointed to be in immediate control of the shotfiring
operations which include checking to ensure that the blasting specification is still appropriate for the
site conditions at the time blasting is to take place; mixing explosives; priming a cartridge; charging
and stemming a shothole; linking or connecting a round of shots; withdrawal and sheltering of
persons; inspecting and testing a shotfiring circuit; firing a shot; and checking for misfires

3.48 smooth blasting

blasting technique to minimize overbreak in which a number of shot holes, lightly charged and closely
spaced, are positioned on the perimeter of an excavation and fired simultaneously after the main
blast but in the same round

3.49 Signals
3.49.1 all clear signal
predetermined visual and/or audible signal given after an explosion after checking that there have
been no misfires and the area is safe to enter

3.49.2 warning signal

predetermined visual and/or audible signal prior to the initiation of an explosion

3.50 slurry explosive

waterproof explosive which contains sensitizers, oxidizers and fuels dispersed in a gel

3.51 stemming
inert, incombustible material used to confine explosives in a shot hole

3.52 tunnelling operation

works where drilling and blasting are used for the excavation of underground spaces and the means
of access thereto

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4 Preliminary procedures
4.1 General
All uses of explosives should be preceded by:
• a review of the relevant legal framework to ensure the proposed procedure is lawful (see 4.2);
• a risk assessment to identify potential hazards arising from the work (Clause 6);
• completion of a method statement (Clause 7) to address the risks identified by the
risk assessment;
• identification of those with responsibility and supervisory control of the operation and
responsibility for completing the method statement (Clause 8).
NOTE It may be decided that the use of explosives is inappropriate and an alternative approach is required.

To complete the preliminary procedures, site survey(s), blast design and development of the method
statement (Clause 7) should be carried out.

4.2 Legal framework

4.2.1 Statutory regulations
Persons responsible for the management or supervision of work with explosives should be familiar
with the requirements of the Explosives Regulations 2014 [8] and their accompanying guides [27, 28,
29, 30, 31, N1, N2].
Although Parts 2 and 3 of the Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations 2015 [6]
apply to most explosives work within the construction industry, their principles should be adopted
for all explosives work.
NOTE 1 Regulation 24 of the CDM Regulations 2015 [6] applies to all explosives work in the construction industry.

NOTE 2 Although the Quarries Regulations 1999 [16] do not apply directly to civil engineering construction,
Part V, along with the relevant section of the accompanying Approved Code of Practice [N3], contains much useful
information on the safe use of explosives.

Special regulations could apply in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the
Scilly Isles, and should be checked prior to operations in these areas.

4.2.2 Local authority powers of control

Certain local authorities have special powers of control granted under local act of parliament, from
whom permission should be obtained before blasting takes place.

5 Role of the client

COMMENTARY ON CLAUSE 5
For the purposes of this British Standard, the client is the party with overall control of the work on
site. This could be the client as defined in the CDM Regulations 2015 [6], including professional
advisers, but is more likely to be the principal contractor, including professional advisers. The role of
the client may be different for different types of explosives work as these vary in complexity and risk
potential, as shown in the following examples.
a) The use of explosives in tunnelling and land blasting tends to be characterized by repetitive,
relatively straightforward blasts of a similar and generally predictable nature each time. The
immediate client for the blasting operation is often a civil engineering contractor and the blasting

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operation can be undertaken by that contractor or by a specialist subcontractor. The purpose of the
blasting is to fragment rock for subsequent excavation and transport. The main high‑consequence
risk arises from the blasting process being inadequately conceived or undertaken.
b) The use of explosives in the demolition of structures is characterized by specifically-designed
blowdowns of a complex nature, often involving structures which have been deliberately
pre‑weakened. There can be a requirement for a specialist structural engineer, experienced and
competent to design the pre-weakening scheme. The explosive demolition contractor is likely to be a
specialist for this type of high-hazard work. The intention of the explosive demolition is to mobilize
the already pre-weakened structure and to cause it to collapse under gravity and break up.
Pre‑weakening can be achieved by different techniques, including mechanical, or using specialized
explosive cutting charges to achieve the purpose of pre-weakening the structure in part or in full
before mobilization of the structure occurs. The appropriate choice of technique should be made by
the competent shotfirer to ensure the risks are as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
The main low-frequency but high-consequence risks include the premature collapse of the
structure, a fault in the blasting operation, the failure of the blast to bring down the structure
either totally or in part, the collapse of the structure in an unplanned location and the failure of the
structure to break-up.

5.1 General
The client should ensure that the recommendation of this British Standard, the HSE guidance on the
Quarries Regulations [N3] and the Institute of Quarrying's practices, and other forms of relevant good
practice (RGP) are followed to ensure safety.
The client should ensure coordination between the parties and that the demolition project is
carried out safely.

5.2 Demolition works

COMMENTARY ON 5.2
The client is legally obligated to ensure that the works are carried out safely. This can be met by not
only discharging those legal requirements, but also ensuring that the works are undertaken in a manner
that meets the relevant good practice within the industry and as set out in this British Standard.

5.2.1 Access to professional advice

The client should be able to demonstrate that it is an "intelligent customer" and should either:
a) have access to advice from professional advisers within its own organization who are competent
in the use of explosives for demolition; or
b) if the client does not have access to such advice in-house, engage professional advisers
competent in the use of explosives appropriate to the client’s requirements for the scale of the
hazards and risk for comparable projects.
The advisers should provide the appropriate advice and guidance upon which the client should make
informed decisions and judgements to ensure the works are carried out safely.

5.2.2 Contractor selection

The client (this term includes the client's professional advisers) should produce an invitation to
tender, providing suitable and sufficient information to enable contractors who specialize in the use
of explosives for demolition to produce tenders for undertaking the works.

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The client should review the adequacy of each tender in accordance with the client's tender
assessment procedures, so as to make a judgement on the adequacy of each tender, taking account of:
a) the safety and technical adequacy of the tender, including but not limited to:
1) the design of any pre-weakening works undertaken as part of the tenderer's proposal; and
2) the tenderer's outline risk assessment, method statement and design of exclusion zone
reduce the risks to as low as reasonably practicable;
b) the tenderer's demonstration of suitability, competence and experience to undertake the type of
work required;
c) the tenderer's proposals for adequate site supervision during work on site to ensure compliance
with the design assumptions, along with technical and quality requirements;
d) the tenderer's change management procedures for addressing design changes or changes in the
method of carrying out the works on site, including independent [Category (CAT) 3] checking
before submission for approval by the client;
e) any areas of risk or topics either missing or of insufficient detail in the tender, and the
implications and potential consequences of these omissions for the safety of the works; and
f) the client's learning from experience of similar or relevant projects, the information from which
could benefit the client's judgement as to whether the works can be undertaken safely.
The client should then undertake a process of review internally and, where appropriate, involve an
independent review undertaken by a competent third party (sometimes referred to as a CAT 3 check).
Any learning experience identified by the client [see f)] should be passed on to appropriate parties,
particularly if occurring during the tender process.
The client, appropriately informed in accordance with a) to f), should then select a suitable explosive
demolition contractor based on the evidence from the tender review. The client should keep a formal
record of the selection decision-making process.

5.2.3 Post-award of contract

A project-specific risk register should be drawn up between the client, any designers and the
explosive demolition contractor, setting out all reasonably foreseeable risks arising from the
proposed works. The client, with advice from the professional advisors as necessary, should confirm
the allocation of responsibility for control of identified risks between the parties to clearly establish
which party is in control of each of the identified risks, along with the communications channels
between the parties.
NOTE It is recognized that this risk allocation might include statutory requirements, as well as contractual
obligations with some forms of contract.

The explosive demolition contractor should develop the detailed proposals for a robust technical
design, including comprehensive risk assessments and method statements that address the full scope
of the works.
The client should ensure the explosive demolition contractor’s detailed proposals are in accordance
with relevant good practice such as set out in this British Standard and in compliance with the
law. Any shortfalls should be addressed within a formal change control process (see 5.2.5) by
the explosive demolition contractor, and submitted for further review by the client and potential
acceptance before the works proceed safely on site.

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5.2.4 Supervision on site

The client should make suitable and appropriate arrangements for the supervision of the explosive
demolition contractor’s implementation of the design. This should be in addition to the explosive
demolition contractor's own arrangements for supervising their works.
The level of client’s supervision should be appropriate and proportionate to the hazards and risks
involved in the explosive demolition contractor's undertaking of the works.
Where appropriate, the client should retain access to professional advisers to provide additional
supervisory cover during the project lifetime.
Where appropriate, the client should liaise with, and develop and maintain clear lines of
communication and responsibility with, third parties such as statutory services, adjacent site owners,
the public and enforcing authorities, in order to ensure the works are undertaken safely.
The client should make suitable arrangements for managing those risks outside the responsibility
of the explosive demolition contractor, but are within the client's direct control, during the
implementation of the works.

5.2.5 Changes to the explosive demolition contractor’s proposal

The client should develop appropriate arrangements for reviewing proposed changes in the
constructor's design or methodology and for ensuring that these changes are subject to an
appropriate change management process with a robust technical peer review by the client, which
may result in additional CAT 3 checking if necessary, before the proposed change is formally
presented to the client to make a judgement on the adequacy of that change.
Any design changes should then be incorporated into an updated version of the explosive demolition
contractor’s method statement and the updated documents issued to site under both the contractor
and the client's processes and arrangements for document control.

6 Risk assessment and site survey

6.1 Risk assessment
COMMENTARY ON 6.1
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 [9] require that an assessment of
risks is carried out and that the risk mitigation measures identified by that assessment are acted upon in
any subsequent operations.
Risk assessments should:
a) identify the significant risks arising out of the work, including those to third parties not directly
involved in the blasting operation;
b) enable identification and prioritization of the measures to be taken to comply with the relevant
statutory provisions; and
c) be appropriate to the nature of the work and be such that they remain valid for a reasonable
period of time.
All risk assessments/method statements and amendments should be recorded in writing.
Risk assessments should include and take cognizance of the general considerations of 6.2 to 6.6, but
should not be limited by them.

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6.2 Site survey

6.2.1 General
Before any works involving the use of explosives are started, a detailed survey and examination
of the site, buildings or structures and adjoining areas and property should be carried out in
accordance with BS 5930. When earthworks, tunnelling or demolition are involved, the relevant
recommendations of BS 6031, BS 6164 and BS 6187, respectively, should be followed. Where
temporary works, including pre-weakening, are involved, these should be carried out in accordance
with BS 5975.

6.2.2 Geological structure

Where rock samples have been obtained during a ground investigation, the geological findings from
these samples should be incorporated into the blast design. This gives the structure to proceed with
a trial blast, and the blast parameters should then be modified depending on the outcome of the
trial blast.
The character and structure of the geological strata present on site, and how they will react to
blasting, should be established. Additionally, the interaction of the geological structure with
excavations or cuttings should be determined, and the stability and safety assessed.

6.2.3 Utilities and underground structures

The proximity of underground and overground services should be accounted for before blasting
operations are carried out. Consultations should be carried out by the client or delegated responsible
person or organization with the relevant bodies who are responsible for existing utilities on
appropriate protection and action levels, e.g. for vibration, air overpressure levels. This information
should then be passed on to the contractor during the tender period.
Care should also be taken to avoid disruptions or damage to underground features such as utilities,
wells, tunnels, storage tanks, mine workings and other voids.

6.2.4 Ground/airborne vibrations

The proximity of buildings or structures, such as bridges, retaining walls and underground services,
should be accounted for before blasting operations are carried out.
Owners and occupiers of the buildings/structures/services concerned should be consulted,
to determine the sensitivity of the buildings/structures/services/associated equipment to
ground‑borne vibration from blasting and their concerns about potential damage to their property.
NOTE Human beings are very sensitive to vibration and can perceive vibration levels of a very low order, which
can lead to complaints during production blasting operations.

Vibration levels should be minimized by appropriate explosives and collapse design. Where
necessary, a contractual limit should be specified or the recommendations of BS 7385‑1 (withdrawn),
BS 7385‑2 and BS 6472 (both parts) should be followed to minimize damage from vibration
and human exposure levels to vibration. Where ground or airborne vibrations could constitute
either a nuisance or a potential damage risk, structural surveys should be undertaken before and
after blasting.
Initial trial blasting, along with vibration monitoring, should be carried out with small isolated
charges to allow the transmission properties of the ground in that particular location to be
characterized and the vibration effects from blasting calculated with a degree of confidence.

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6.3 Hazards from electrical sources

The presence of power cables and radar, radio and television transmitting stations near intended
blasting operations should be determined, and the potential hazard posed by them assessed, since
under special conditions these can cause premature firing of electric detonators (see BS 6657).
On-site use of radio transmitters and mobile telephones should be strictly controlled during
blasting operations.
NOTE Premature initiation can also result from electrical discharges, for example, direct lightning strikes or from
resulting stray currents of sufficient magnitude. Additional hazards and risks arise from drones.

Presently, no initiation system offers complete protection against direct lightning strikes, so if a
lightning storm approaches a blast site charging should cease and the blast area should be vacated of
all personnel. If stray currents from any sources are forseeable, initiation systems offering protection
should be employed, for example, non-electric systems.
Extreme caution should be exercised when using electric detonators adjacent to public highways as
illegal over-powered transmitters could be carried on vehicles passing close to the area of blasting.
Electronic systems or other intrinsically safe means should be adopted. Where any doubt remains,
electrical means of firing should not be used.

6.4 Exclusion zone and warning procedures

The extent of the exclusion zone and the necessary blast warning procedures should be assessed as
part of the risk assessment, to ensure that the risk of injury to contractor’s personnel, third parties
and members of the public is reduced to as low as reasonably practicable.
NOTE Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013 [11], the
projection of material beyond the limit of exclusion is a reportable incident.

6.5 Sources of ignition and fire

An assessment should be made of the possible presence of sources of ignition and fire, e.g. the use of
flame or heat-producing equipment, smoking, waste paper, dry timber and vegetation in proximity to
the explosives store, and the potential need to burn rubbish on site (see 9.3.6 for control measures).

6.6 Advance notices and consultation

Prior to carrying out the works, the relevant authorities should be consulted and advance notification
given, along with periodic updates as appropriate, to:
a) owners or occupiers of any premises which are likely to be affected by the blasting events;
b) police;
c) local authority;
d) Health and Safety Executive;
e) the Office of Nuclear Regulation;
f) local residents;
g) highways and roads authorities;
h) fire authority;
i) other interested or affected parties.
Consultations should be at agreed intervals through the planning process.

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7 Method statement
7.1 General
Before any work commences on site, a method statement based on the blast design and associated
risk assessments (see Clause 6) should be prepared by the contractor. Where appropriate, the
method statement should be developed in stages, with the overall design adjusted and refined on the
basis of information gathered from structural assessments/investigations and trial blasts [see 6.2.2
and 6.2.4]. The method statement should be proportionate to the scale and complexity of the project,
and reflect the level of potential risk.
Drawing up a method statement should be seen as an essential step in demonstrating compliance
with the requirement of Section 2(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 [3] to provide a
safe system of work.
The method statement should also include procedures and practices drawn from instructions and
site rules specified by the company, to ensure compliance with current legislation, codes of practice
and guidance notes. It should identify problems and their solutions, and form a reference for site
supervision. The method statement should be easy to understand, and be known and agreed by all
levels of supervision, including shotfirers and any contractors involved on the site.
NOTE Paragraphs 319 and 320 of HSE publication L138 [32] give recommendations on the preparation of a
method statement, including its contents.

On sites where Parts 2 and 3 of the CDM Regulations 2015 [6] apply (see 4.2.1), the
method statement should be an integral part of the health and safety plan developed by the
principal contractor.

7.2 Preparation
The following points should be factored into the preparation of the method statement:
a) scope of the operation and objectives;
b) general philosophy of explosives works and intended outcome;
c) technical information;
d) risk assessment factors (see Clause 6);
e) details of key personnel, including explosives engineers, shotfirers, explosives storekeepers, and
other persons authorized to handle explosives;
f) an organization chart showing the relationship between the key personnel;
g) plant to be employed;
h) services, buildings and structures identified as potentially at risk from blasting operations;
i) factors to be considered in the determination of the potential exclusion zone and arrangements
to ensure the protection of site personnel and the public, and the placing of sentries for each
blast (see 7.4.2.4);
j) arrangements for evacuation of personnel, third parties, members of the public, pets, livestock,
etc., from the exclusion zone;
k) system of audible and visible signals giving clear warning of impending blast, actual blast event
and all clear, including personnel responsible for giving warnings (see 7.4);

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l) the arrangements to be made for the acquisition, storage (if required), transportation
and, if necessary, disposal of explosives to comply with current legislation and regulations
(see Clause 9);
m) the arrangements and timing of suitable trial blasts to confirm the way in which the target will
respond to the blasting regime being considered;
n) provision for the preparation of a blast plan for each blast to be carried out, made up of a
charging plan and (where applicable) a drilling pattern;
NOTE A number of typical blast plans might be required to indicate to what extent different situations will
affect the blast design and execution.

o) type and position of any containment measures to prevent projectiles;

p) the positioning and recording of environmental impact measurements, for example, ground
vibration and air overpressure;
q) the method of recording the information in a) to p) and the list of records needed for legal and
management purposes;
r) where applicable, a programme of blasting operations;
s) procedures for rectifying misfires;
t) contingency planning for an emergency or an unforeseen occurrence arising during the
operation, including the names and telephone numbers of the emergency services or others to
be contacted.
The method statement should be signed off by an explosives engineer other than the person who
prepared the method statement, and preferably one employed by the client.

7.3 Implementation of the method statement

Prior to finalizing the method statement, the shotfirer and the explosives engineer should be aware of
the requirements imposed by all the relevant documentation pertaining to the blasting operation.
Changes by the explosives engineer on site to the method statement should be independently
reviewed and agreed and recorded preferably before any explosives are delivered to the blast site.
Where amendments are made to the method statement, the explosives engineer should ensure that
the amended version is passed to every person who was in receipt of the original in time for their
consideration before the operation continues.
Any variations in the method statement made during charging should be subject to change
management procedures (see 5.2.5) and be recorded in detail.
NOTE It is assumed that, when the blast is planned, all other procedures and practices recommended in this
British Standard have been followed up to the stage of the explosives being available at the blast site and ready
for charging.

Any changes to the blast plan that become apparent prior to charging should be agreed by the person
responsible for approving the original design.
Charging should not commence until the shotfirer has checked that all shot holes drilled conform to
the blast plan. Where they do not conform, they should be re-drilled or permission obtained from the
designer of the blast plan to amend the plan, unless the method statement empowers the shotfirer to
make variations to the plan.
The shotfirer should ensure that each shot hole is charged in accordance with the method statement,
and that detonators, explosives and stemming are positioned in their correct location in the shot hole.

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Where the shotfirer is unable to comply with the method statement or when the exclusion zone
appears to be different from that shown in the method statement, operations should be suspended
until the differences have been resolved and independently reviewed. Revisions to the method
statement should be reviewed by an independent explosives engineer, unless the variations are
of such a nature and extent as to be within the limits of the shotfirer’s discretion as set out by the
explosives engineer in the method statement.
Detonators should not normally be inserted into explosives until the charges are about to be finally
placed. If charges are made up in advance, a safe system of work for prior priming and transport
should be implemented.
Where, because of conditions at the charging place, the explosives engineer considers that prior
priming would be a safer option, a pre-agreed method statement should be implemented for the
construction of a suitable priming station and for the transport of primed explosives to the blast site.
The method statement should extend to include the adjacent operations and equipment that might
affect the safety of the priming and transport of the primed explosives.

7.4 Exclusion zone and warning procedures/systems

7.4.1 Positioning of shotfirer/explosives engineer
The person firing the shot should be positioned outside the blast zone, but may exceptionally
remain within the exclusion zone if protected by a shotfiring shelter positioned and constructed in
accordance with the Mineral Products Association guidance, Positioning a shotfiring shelter [N4] (see
also 12.7.4) or place of equivalent safety.

7.4.2 Blast warning procedures

7.4.2.1 General
Before any blasting commences on a construction site a suitable system of signs, signals and sentries
should be established which uses fit for purpose systems, including audible and visual signalling
systems where appropriate, to give warning of blasting operations. The code of signals to be used
should be notified to all personnel involved in securing the zone and others affected by the event,
including the general public. The explosives engineer should ensure that the system is practised
before the event.

7.4.2.2 Audible warning systems

An audible warning system should be established to signify to all persons that they withdraw from
the exclusion zone. The warning should comprise a series of readily recognizable and identifiably
different signals such as a hooter or whistle with a distinctive tone.
No persons should return to any location within the exclusion zone until the “all clear” signal
has been given.
The code of signals may be varied to suit site conditions, but once established for a particular site
should not be altered without good reason and adequate communication to all personnel.

7.4.2.3 Visual warning systems

Large, clear notices should be posted on all access roads to the site and located safely outside the
exclusion zone.
NOTE 1 The notices are required to conform to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals)
Regulations 1996 [13].

Measures should be put in place to warn personnel who might fail to hear warning signals because of
noisy machinery or other diversions during blasting.

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Where control of public access to the site is difficult, additional visual signals, such as red flag(s),
should be displayed in prominent positions so that they are visible over a wide area when blasting is
in progress, e.g. on a tower, flag pole or high fence.

7.4.2.4 Sentries
At blasting times sentries should be positioned as planned and in accordance with the agreed method
statement, and should be posted at the accesses, with clear instructions as to when they have to stop
access to the site and when they can allow access. Where a public road passes close to the site, so that
there is a danger to traffic from either projected material or distraction to drivers, the assistance of
the police should be obtained in controlling traffic. Where road closures or diversions are required,
permissions should be obtained in accordance with the local highway department authority.
The sentries should be in communication with the shotfirer, either directly or indirectly. Where
standard electric detonators are used, a suitable means of communication should be introduced to
prevent premature initiation.
NOTE This may be by radio communication using hand-held radios, provided they are not taken within 10 m of
a circuit containing standard electric detonators and are switched off at the firing point, or preferably not taken
within 5 m of the firing point.

Where control of site personnel is complicated by the presence of different contractors and
progression of different jobs on the site, special shotfiring shelters with sentries should be provided.
Each sentry should check that all working groups and individuals under their control have retired
to the shelter before blasting begins. A detailed system should be in place to ensure that all parties
on site have a coordinated procedure for withdrawing from the exclusion zone and recording the
location of all personnel.

8 Supervision and responsibility

8.1 Only persons who are able to demonstrate that they are suitably trained, experienced and competent
should handle explosives, design blasts, or approve blasting procedures.
8.2 For blasting operations on a construction site there should be an explosives engineer with overall
responsibility for the acquisition, storage, handling, transport and use of all explosives, detonators
and accessories, and a clear statement in writing of their duties and responsibilities. Shotfirers or
other persons who are to assist the explosives engineer in performing these duties should also be
authorized in writing to do so.
8.3 No person other than those designated in 8.2 should be in possession of explosives on site.
8.4 Competence in explosives engineering involves the successful completion of a course of training
(including continuing professional development), which should include:
a) shotfiring (see Annex A); and
b) possession of a QCF/SQCF Level 5 Diploma in Shotfiring Supervision for the Extractive and
Minerals Processing Industries (see also Annex B),
together with the accumulation of the relevant practical and theoretical knowledge and experience
necessary to carry out the full range of explosives engineering duties, including the supervision of
others as appropriate. Membership or Fellowship of the Institute of Explosives Engineers should also
be considered as demonstrating competence in explosives engineering (see also Annex C).
8.5 Competence in shotfiring requires successful completion of a course of training (including any
refresher course as part of continuing professional development) covering the subjects referenced
in A.2, and evidence of sufficient knowledge and experience for the performance of the full range of
shotfiring operations.

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8.6 When one or more contractors are involved in work on the same site, the principal contractor should
ensure close liaison and collaboration with the explosives engineer and/or the shotfirer responsible
for the explosives work, both in the planning and in the execution of the work, so as to prevent any
hazard to personnel, materials or equipment. All site personnel present during blasting operations
should be under the control of the explosives engineer and/or shotfirer.
8.7 During the design, preparation and execution stages of events where explosives are used, a site and
task-specific quality assurance and auditing system should be implemented. The mechanics of the
system should be proportionate to and suitable for the complexity of the event, and should extend
to include all elements of the explosives operations, e.g. pre‑weakening, charging, initiation systems,
protection, public safety. The system should incorporate documented procedures for addressing
areas of nonconformity, remedial actions and re-evaluation of methodology.

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9 Safety and security of explosives during acquisition, transport and storage on site
9.1 General
COMMENTARY ON 9.1
The Explosives Regulations 2014 [8] require that those acquiring and/or keeping certain explosives
obtain an “acquire only” certificate from the police for the area where the applicant resides and/or an
“acquire and keep” certificate from the police for the area where the store is located.
Transfer of explosives is also covered by the Explosives Regulations 2014 [8] in terms of the
requirements to record transactions. Possession of a recipient competent authority (RCA) document
is required for civil explosives under the Regulations. However, any physical transport of explosives is
required to conform to the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure
Equipment Regulations 2009 [18] which implement the European Agreement concerning the
International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road 2017 (ADR) [5].
In Great Britain, the Explosives Regulations 2014 [8] require possession of a licence in order to
store explosives, other than exempted quantities, and compliance with the conditions of that licence.
Before certain explosives can be acquired it is necessary to obtain a certificate from the police which
certifies that a person is fit to acquire or keep explosives in accordance with the terms of the explosives
certificate. Without a certificate it is not possible to acquire relevant explosives from a manufacturer
or supplier. In addition, the certificate holder for an explosive for civil use is required to have an RCA
document, unless the explosive is used immediately at the place of manufacture.
The storage of quantities of explosive in excess of 2 000 kg will be subject of a licence issued by the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
Storage of quantities of less than 2 000 kg is licensable by the police or, in certain circumstances, the
local authority, the ONR or the HSE, e.g. on a new nuclear build site or where Schedule 1 (5) of the
Explosives Regulations 2014 [8] applies. Guidance on store construction is given in HSE Approved Code
of Practice L151 [N2].
Persons wishing to acquire and/or keep relevant explosives should apply for the necessary certificate
and RCA document in sufficient time.

9.2 Planning
The type and quantities of explosives to be used, and the techniques to be applied, should be decided
before any action is taken to arrange storage or transport. The best location for any store needed
should then be determined in consultation with the relevant licensing authority responsible for
those explosives.
NOTE 1 It might not be possible to obtain storage facilities for the required quantity of explosives because of the
proximity of structures and services which need to be protected. The licensing authority has no discretion to reduce
the safety distances required by the stores under the Explosives Regulations 2014 [8]. In the guidance accompanying
the Explosives Regulations [27, 28, 29, 30, 31, N1, N2] there are stringent requirements for the construction of stores
to ensure that they are secure.

The explosive liaison officer of the relevant police force should be consulted for detailed advice on
the standards of construction required for stores (see also 7.4.1), sources from which stores can be
purchased and the method of mounting such stores.
If ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) types of explosive (including either bulk emulsion or
emulsion ANFO blends prepared on site) are to be used, the Explosives Regulations 2014 [8]
should be consulted to determine if specific exemptions from the requirement for a manufacturing
licence apply.

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In general, the types of explosives used in Great Britain can be stored in the same place, whether they
are nitroglycerine-based or trinitrotoluene (TNT)-based explosives, slurry explosives, emulsions
or explosives of the ANFO type. Detonating cord may be stored in the same compartment, but the
detonators should be stored separately. Explosives should be stored in their original packaging. Most
commercially available explosives stores have a separate annex suitable for the storage of detonators,
but special conditions apply to explosive devices containing exposed iron or steel to prevent sparking
in the explosives store by ferrous objects. Care should be taken to ensure that the explosives store
used is licensed to do so and satisfies the conditions of the licence. Where there is any doubt, the
explosive liaison officer for the relevant police force should be consulted.
NOTE 2 Site-mixed explosives are made for immediate use and are not generally stored except in exceptional
circumstances.

As the techniques to be used and the phasing of work on a site influence both the size of explosives
store needed and the transport arrangements necessary, these should be established at the
planning stage.

9.3 Storage
COMMENTARY ON 9.3
Safety provisions for the storage of explosives are given in HSE Approved Code of Practice L150 [N1].

9.3.1 Responsibility for storage

The explosives storekeeper or shotfirer should be responsible for the explosives store, for its
cleanliness, for the proper rotation of stock, for the keeping of records (see 9.3.4) and for good
housekeeping in general.

9.3.2 Handling of explosives

Extreme caution should be exercised during the unloading of explosives. Cases containing explosives
should not be roughly handled, slid on ramps or dropped. The explosives should be handled only by
the supplier's own operatives, by the shotfirer, or by the explosives storekeeper. Unskilled operatives
should be allowed to handle such materials only under the direct supervision of the shotfirer.
During delivery of explosives to, or removal of material from, a store no grit should be allowed to
contaminate either the cases or the store (see 9.3.3).
All cases of explosives should be stored flat with their top side uppermost and in such a way as
to allow the identifying name of the explosive and its manufacturer and date of manufacture to
be clearly visible. Cases of explosive should be stacked such that any pile of boxes is stable and is
positioned such as to allow all-round ventilation.

9.3.3 Store cleanliness

The inside of an explosives store should be kept clean and free from dust or grit. Store cleanliness
should be considered during the planning stage and the store should, if possible, be located on a
concrete hardstanding and orientated so that it is protected from the prevailing wind across the site.
When inside a store, personnel should take suitable precautions as regards footwear (e.g. rubber
overshoes) to prevent contamination with grit. Boots or shoes with exposed metal studs, nails or
metal protectors should not be worn in an explosives store under any circumstances.
The cleanliness of the explosives store should be made the direct responsibility of the shotfirer or
storekeeper (see 9.3.1), though the cleaning may be carried out by someone under the personal
supervision of the storekeeper.

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The floor of the store should be thoroughly swept after any delivery or withdrawal of explosives. The
sweepings should be removed from the store itself and treated as explosives for disposal (see 9.6).

9.3.4 Records of receipts, issues and transfers

The explosives storekeeper should retain records of receipts, issues and transfers from the store,
which should be kept at the office in order to meet legal requirements to:
NOTE 1 Attention is drawn to Regulation 35 of the Explosives Regulations 2014 [8].

a) maintain an up-to-date record of all incoming and outgoing explosives and explosive items
(including detonators, detonating cords and safety and other fuses); and
NOTE 2 The bar-coding system adopted by the Federation of European Explosives Manufacturers involves
each explosives item being allocated a unique number for the purpose of tracing that item throughout its
life cycle [http://feem.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Guidance-Note-FEEM-European-Code-Structure-
Mod.1-April-2013.pdf (last viewed 25 October 2017)].

b) check that the weight of explosives in the store does not exceed the licensed quantity.
NOTE 3 For the purposes of such calculations, the weight of plain or electric detonators can be obtained
from the manufacturer. Linear cutting charges or similar explosive articles can be reckoned on net explosive
quantity or charge.

The storekeeper should complete and sign the record on a daily basis. The record should be available
on site at all times. Any discrepancy should be investigated immediately and resolved. The senior site
manager should be informed without delay of the incident and of the outcome of the investigation.
When delivered to the site, explosives should be transferred either to their place of immediate use or
to the licensed store without delay.
Explosives should be used in the order in which they have been delivered, and old stocks should not
be allowed to accumulate. Stocks of explosives should be regularly checked for signs of deterioration.
If more explosives have been issued than are required and the intention is to return them to the
licensed store, they should be examined by the shotfirer before return. If they are neither wet nor
contaminated in any way, they should be taken into store as normal, but should be kept separately
and should be the first material to be re-issued. If explosives are found to have been contaminated by
water or dirt they should be:
1) examined to make sure that detonators and blasting explosives are separated;
2) specially wrapped to ensure that contamination of the store does not occur;
3) placed in a clearly identified container within the store itself; and
4) used or disposed of within one week of being returned to store and not allowed to accumulate
over long periods (see also 9.6).
When explosives are returned to store, detonators and blasting explosives should be kept completely
separate, each in their appropriate place and appropriately repackaged, generally by returning the
explosives to the packaging in which they were classified for transport. The good practice guidance in
HSE Approved Code of Practice L150 [N1] should be followed.
NOTE 4 Requirements for transporting packaged dangerous goods are set out in the European Agreement
concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road 2015 [5] and the Carriage of Dangerous Goods
and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (as amended) [18].

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9.3.5 Flammable or explosive substances

Expert advice or help should be obtained where the following sources of danger are found or could
be expected:
a) flammable or toxic gases, liquids or dusts;
b) unexploded ordnance (see Unexploded ordnance [UXO]: A guide for the construction industry
(C681) [33]);
c) expolsives waste, including packaging;
d) degraded explosive.
NOTE For guidance on the management of waste and degraded explosives, see the HSE/CBI publication, Guidance
for the Safe Management of the Disposal of Explosives: A guide to the safe disposal of explosives, the relevant
legislation, the techniques used for disposal and associated risk control systems [34]; and the HSE publications
L150 [N1] and Explosives Regulations 2014: Guidance on Regulations – Wholesale storage of fireworks [35].
Information can also be obtained from the manufacturers of explosives.

In existing industrial plants or areas the appropriate managements should be consulted.

9.3.6 Control measures for sources of ignition and fire

Smoking materials, matches, lighters and other sources of ignition should not be taken into an
explosives store. Smoking, fires, the use of flame or heat-producing equipment, such as welding
or cutting torches, or equipment which could cause or produce sparks should not be allowed near
stored explosives or any place where explosives are being handled, transported or used.
The following should not be permitted within 25 m of any explosives store:
a) fires, naked lights or lighted cigarettes; or
b) petrol, oil, flammable solvents, wastepaper or similar inflammable material.
Grass and undergrowth in the vicinity of an explosives store should be cut regularly to minimize the
fire hazard. Precautions should be taken when using explosives in the presence of waste paper, dry
timber and vegetation, especially after a hot dry spell of weather which might increase the fire risk.
Where there is a need to burn rubbish on site, this should be done either before explosives are
brought on site or after their removal. If explosives are already present on site, predetermined
procedures should be followed to ensure that the fire produces no hazard. Any such fire should be
closely contained and well supervised. Appropriate fire-fighting procedures intended only to save life
should be established.
The guidance for managing fire hazards given in HSE Approved Code of Practice L150 [N1] should
be followed.

9.3.7 Tools and equipment

Only tools or equipment required for keeping the store clean should be kept in an explosives store.
Cleaning equipment should not incorporate parts made of iron or steel.
Where tools are required for opening cases, care should be taken to avoid friction which could
generate sparks.

9.3.8 Repairs to stores

Prior to any work being undertaken within a store, a certificate should be obtained from an
explosives engineer or shotfirer to confirm that the store is free from explosives contamination.
Before any repairs or alterations are made to a store all explosives should be removed to another
licensed store or placed under constant attendance and the police advised. If welding, flame cutting

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or cold cutting is required then the wooden lining should be carefully examined for explosives
contamination and the wood removed.
The lining and the explosives should be replaced only after careful examination for sparks and after
the cooling of any hot spots.

9.4 Transport of explosives on site

COMMENTARY ON 9.4
Explosives stored at a site that is other than the place of use are required to be transported on the road
in accordance with the provisions of ADR [5], as implemented by Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use
of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (as amended) [18]. Explosives taken from a
store at the place of use, and during any period in which they are being prepared, are no longer deemed
to be in storage.

9.4.1 General
Explosives should be moved within the site in sealed manufacturers’ cases or containers and in
vehicles clearly displaying that they are carrying explosives (see 9.4.2). Detonators should be
transported in a separate sealed and secured container designed for the purpose. Movement of
explosives or detonators should always be under the direct control of an explosives engineer or
shotfirer (see 8.2).
The safety provisions of L150 [N1], paragraphs 97 to 103, should be observed at all times.

9.4.2 Vehicles
Where practicable, vehicles used for transporting explosives on a working site should conform to the
requirements for vehicles for the conveyance of explosives by road (see Commentary on 9.1). Where
site conditions do not allow such a vehicle to be used:
a) the vehicle used should be cleaned out and clean sheeting, for example a tarpaulin, laid for
receipt of explosives boxes;
b) the vehicle should be in a safe mechanical condition and have a fixed on-board fire suppression
system, supplemented by a portable fire extinguisher;
c) the vehicle should be supervised by the shotfirer;
d) no flammable liquids or gases should be carried other than in the vehicle's fuel tank;
e) detonators should be kept in a suitable container, which should be kept locked when access to
the contents is not required;
f) detonators should be separated from explosives by at least 1 m and both should be stored in
accordance with 9.3;
g) explosives should be protected from weather during transit;
h) “No Smoking” restrictions should be observed;
i) charges of explosives which have already been fitted with detonators should not be carried in
any vehicle; and
j) the vehicle should be clearly marked.

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9.5 Transport of explosives by air

9.5.1 General
COMMENTARY ON 9.5.1
The transport of explosives by air is regulated by The Air Navigation (Dangerous Goods) Regulations
2002 (as amended) [ 36 ], which permit only low-hazard explosives, i.e. those of 1.4 or some of 1.3
division, to be transported routinely by air. Large consignments of more hazardous types are handled
generally by charter flights from specified airports under individually specified conditions.
It is also necessary to comply with both the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport
of Dangerous Goods by Air [37] and the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of
Dangerous Goods (the “Orange Book”) [38].
The advice of a forwarding agent or airline should be obtained before attempting to transport any
explosives by air.

9.5.2 Methods of air transport

Explosives should be carried as follows.

a) Passenger aircraft Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) classification 1.4S (e.g. safety fuse, safety
electric fuse, beanhole connectors)

b) Cargo aircraft CAA classification 1.4S (e.g. electronic detonators)

CAA classification 1.4G (e.g. portfires)

CAA classification 1.4B (e.g. electric detonators in special packing)

c) Charter aircraft: All classes The aircraft is dedicated solely to transport of explosives and prior
permission has to be obtained from the CAA by the airline concerned

9.6 Disposal of unwanted explosives or explosives which have deteriorated during storage
Damaged or contaminated explosives should be handled with extreme care and disposed of in a safe
manner on site if at all possible.
Extreme care should be taken when dealing with any explosives or detonators which have apparently
deteriorated. Before handling any such materials or disposing of unwanted explosives, advice should
be obtained from a supplier or the manufacturer's literature or, if this is not possible, from the local
authority or HM Inspectorate of Explosives. If the explosives are to be returned to a secure store they
should be securely packed and labelled in accordance with advice obtained from the manufacturer.
NOTE The packing and labelling of explosives is also covered by statutory regulations, e.g. The Carriage of
Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (as amended) [18] and the
European CLP Regulation [39].

Care should be taken when disposing of packing materials, such as cases, case linings, wrappers or
other materials used in cleaning up waste explosives which might have become impregnated with
explosives. Disposal operations should not be carried out within 50 m of the licensed store.
Burning on site should only be considered as a last resort and only for the disposal of very small
quantities of explosives or explosives-contaminated material, because of the possibility of an
explosion. The quantity burnt in any one fire should be limited to not more than the equivalent of
2.5 kg of blasting explosive. The quantities of explosives burnt on any one occasion should therefore
be related to the size of the disposal site and a procedure should be adopted for the safety of
personnel and the public as in any blasting operation.

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10 Safety when using explosives

10.1 General
COMMENTARY ON 10.1
This subclause gives recommendations for preparing blasts to ensure such operations are conducted
safely and efficiently. Since different blasting operations call for widely differing blasting methods and
techniques, this subclause covers general principles for various stages of the blasting process.
A decision should be taken as to whether to introduce a formal “permit to blast” system.
Clause 11 to Clause 15 should be followed for the safe handling of explosives under specific
use conditions.
Regardless of complexity, each blast design and implementation plan should be carefully reviewed:
a simple design might only require a brief input by an explosives engineer, whereas a large complex
design might require the input of several specialists.
The design of a blast should take account of the site survey/risk assessment, the exclusion zone and
the blast protection required.
The design should be formally recorded, showing the number of shot holes, their placement and their
depth and diameter. The type(s) and weights of explosives to be employed in each shot hole, and
the charge placement and stemming, should be detailed. The time delays and sequences should be
clearly shown.
In practice, the blast design drawings should become the blast charge schedule.

10.2 Handling and charging of explosives

When shotfirers are handling and charging explosives at the blast site, they should at all times avoid
shock, friction and static electricity or induced radio waves from mobile phones or other electronic
devices which can cause accidental initiation of the charges, such as
a) the over-vigorous use of stemming rods to force explosives into a shot hole;
b) the use of drill rods or other metal tools in a shot hole containing explosives;
c) drilling into sockets containing explosives;
d) the use of mobile phones or other electronic devices;
e) vehicles running over explosives and other hazards involving impact or concussion;
NOTE 1 Major concerns in this context are, for example, vehicle collisions and runaway vehicles and the
site conditions as regards, for example, traffic density, road or rail gradients and stability might prompt the
formulation of special local rules on individual sites.

f) rock, stone or similar material being projected from the blast, causing an accidental detonation
of explosives, so that excess explosives should be removed from the blast site to a place of safety
before blasting takes place;
g) shock tube detonators being initiated when subjected to “snap, slap and shoot”; and
NOTE 2 The process can occur when the shock tube is stretched to breaking point so that it snaps and recoils,
producing a high velocity whiplash action. If the exposed core of the severed tubing then impacts against a
hard surface during this motion, initiation can occur. “Snap, slap and shoot” incidents are very rare, but the
consequences of such incidents can be very serious if a detonator fires.

h) wildlife interfering with the initiation system.

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To avoid “snap, slap and shoot”, shock tubing should not be subjected to excess pulling or sudden
jerking. If explosives charging vehicles operate in a blast area all excess tubing should be coiled
compactly to prevent tangling in any moving parts, for example wheels and other rotating parts, and
extreme care should be taken when driving between shot holes to avoid the coils.

10.3 Types of explosives

COMMENTARY ON 10.3
A variety of both pressed and cast charges can be obtained based on TNT, the most common being:
a) cast mixtures of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) with TNT, which have high detonation
velocities and can perform as good primers;
b) mixtures containing TNT and cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX), sometimes with wax added.
Although detonating cord was developed as an accessory for initiating charges, it is available with a
variety of core loadings. High-energy detonating cords (above 12 g/m) may be used for smooth blasting
in tunnels, for pre‑splitting in surface excavations and for the demolition of concrete structures.

10.3.1 General
The properties of the various types of explosives which have been classified and made available to
the UK market vary, and many have been developed for specific applications (see Annex D), so care
should be taken in selecting the most suitable explosive for the particular work activity.
The shelf life of explosives and accessories, which varies according to the conditions of storage,
should be taken into account when selecting explosives. Manufacturers’ data sheets should be
consulted and the recommendations of 10.2 followed.
In certain conditions of extremes of temperature some types of explosives are unsuitable and can
be dangerous, so manufacturers should be consulted, especially where work is to take place in
pre‑frozen ground or in hot furnaces.

10.3.2 Nitroglycerine-based explosives

COMMENTARY ON 10.3.2
Nitroglycerine (NG) can be obtained in powder and gelatine form for use in small diameter and, more
commonly, in gelatine form for large diameter applications. The water resistance of gelatines is good,
but powders have little or none.
NG-based explosives are less prone to pressure desensitization and may be used where delayed action
techniques are being employed in complex, closely-spaced drill patterns.
No NG composition should be used if it shows signs of exudation, that is, a separation of the oily liquid
NG from the cartridge. This should not be confused with surface moisture of salt solutions which
can be present, especially in humid conditions. NG has an oily appearance and remains as separate
drops in water; the salt solutions dissolve immediately. If exudation is observed, the explosive is very
sensitive and has failed to an irreversibly dangerous condition, so expert advice should be sought
from the manufacturer.
Explosives should be used in accordance with the COSHH [15] assessment.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn and rotation of workforce
employed when handling NG explosives.
WARNING. Respiratory and cutaneous contact with NG/nitro-glycol explosives can cause very unpleasant
headaches. In some extreme cases the headaches are so severe that work has to be suspended for those
who have been affected.

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10.3.3 Plastic explosives

COMMENTARY ON 10.3.3
Some commercially available explosives based on RDX and PETN, which were developed for military
demolition, can be obtained for metal or linear cutting.
Priming of plastic explosives should be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE Some of these products might require boosters to ensure complete detonation.

10.3.4 Slurry explosives

COMMENTARY ON 10.3.4
Slurry explosives have one or more of a large range of sensitizers which can be either explosive or
non‑explosive, the most common ones being methylamine nitrate, “paint grade” aluminium powder, TNT
and smokeless powder.
Performance in field applications is dependent on formulation. The means of initiation is variable: some
slurries are detonator or cord sensitive; others require boosters. Slurries contain water as part of the
formulation and can be considered safer than other high explosives.
Some slurries can be affected by shock, gas or hydrostatic pressure effects, so technical advice should
be sought from the manufacturer.
Dried slurry residues, especially those with insoluble sensitizers, can burn to detonation and
should be treated as dangerous as other high explosives when handling, storing, using or
disposing by burning.

10.3.5 Emulsion explosives

COMMENTARY ON 10.3.5
Emulsion explosives contain similar ingredients to slurries, but their structure is quite different and
this is reflected in their properties and performance. Generally, emulsions have a higher velocity of
detonation than slurry explosives and better after-detonation fume characteristics than other explosives.
When gas sensitized, emulsion explosives can suffer from the same pressure effects as slurry
explosives, and should be treated as other high explosives.
NOTE Some of these products might require boosters to ensure complete detonation.

10.3.6 ANFO mixes

COMMENTARY ON 10.3.6
Ammonium nitrate is used with solid fuels and sensitizing agents in a variety of products. The cheapest
explosive available is a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil blended together on site and then
loaded in bulk into the shot hole. A site mix ANFO licence is not required to carry out this operation
legally, provided it is for immediate use at a mine or quarry and is not cap sensitive [see the Explosives
Regulations 2014 [8], Regulation 6(2)(h)]. Alternatively, factory-made ANFO is available both in bulk
and in packaged form.
The sensitivity of ANFO is best achieved by creating an intimate mix and, to this end, a blasting grade
porous ammonium nitrate prill with high specific surface area should be used. In order to reach
the correct oxygen balance a mixture containing about 5.5% by weight fuel oil should be added to

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ammonium nitrate. The ANFO should be thoroughly mixed so that the fuel oil is uniformly distributed
throughout the ammonium nitrate.
NOTE 1 If ANFO is underoiled, excess oxides of nitrogen are produced (brown fumes), whereas overoiling produces
excess carbon monoxide in post-detonation fume. In both cases performance is adversely affected, and in the former
case the sensitivity is increased.

When site-mixing takes place, periodic checks should be undertaken to determine the fuel ratio
calibration.
NOTE 2 Manufacturers of ANFO sometimes add aluminium to their compositions, which has the effect of raising the
temperature of the reaction and increasing available energy.

NOTE 3 ANFO has minimal water resistance; it has a reasonable weight strength, but because of its low density its
bulk strength is very low.

10.3.7 Bulk emulsion ANFO blends

When added to and mixed with ANFO, emulsion adheres to the prills, coats them and starts to fill the
voids between the prills. As further emulsion is added, the water resistance and bulk density increase.
If the product is to be loaded into wet shot holes, a mixture containing more emulsion should be used,
which may then be pumped into the bottom of the shot holes where it displaces the water.
NOTE Benefits include high shot hole loading and efficient coupling with the rock.

The combination of emulsion explosive and ANFO increases its bulk strength and waterproofs the
ANFO. Adequate priming should be used with these compositions.

10.3.8 Permitted explosives and permitted initiation systems

Permitted explosives and permitted initiation systems are approved for use in coal and other safety
lamp mines and should only be used for applications where explosive gases could be present.
NOTE A range of products specially formulated and designed for use in gas or flammable environments is known
as permitted explosives (see 3.34). Permitted NG explosives, slurries and emulsions are available.

A permitted initiation system should also be used.

10.4 Initiation systems

10.4.1 General
In order to release the energy available in an explosive charge, sufficient energy should be delivered
to cause detonation. A detonation wave passing through an explosive becomes a shock wave in
whatever medium lies outside the explosive. As the intensity of a shock wave falls off very quickly
with distance, any gaps between any one explosive component and another should be avoided.
NOTE Detonation usually originates in a detonator. The charge available in the detonator might be sufficient
to initiate explosives, but an additional “primer” or “booster” may be used in order to initiate less sensitive
compositions.

Detonators should be handled with care and not subjected to mechanical shock, high temperatures or
stray electrical discharges.
Electric or electronic detonators from different groups should not be used in the same round as this
can cause misfires since the different groups have different electrical properties. For the same reason,
detonators from different manufacturers should not be used in the same round.
Non-primary explosive detonators are available which contain only secondary explosive. Shock tube
detonators of this kind are less sensitive to heat, friction and shock than detonators which contain
primary explosive, but such detonators should always be handled with care.

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The risk of cut-off with non-electric circuits should be taken into account and action taken to
incorporate redundant circuitry (for example, parallel or twin path initiation) when planning
large circuits.
It is common blasting practice in some sectors to double up on initiation systems for out of reach
charges in deep shot holes. Where charges cannot be safely retrieved because, for example, ground
conditions are difficult, two detonators per charge should be used if circumstances require.

10.4.2 Programmable electronic detonators

The use of programmable electronic delay electronic detonators should be considered where precise
timing is required to reduce ground vibration and air overpressure or to optimize fragmentation.

10.4.3 Electric detonators

COMMENTARY ON 10.4.3
Some electric detonators are instantaneous; others have delay elements incorporated into them
between the fuse head and the explosive charge, and different delay ranges are available. Short delay
detonators are supplied in ranges which typically have increments of 25 ms between adjacent delay
numbers. These have been developed for use in surface blasting and have many other applications. Long
period delay detonators typically have delays of 500 ms between adjacent delay numbers. These have
been developed for use in underground operations. Detonators with different electrical characteristics
can be used to suit different circumstances, but not mixed in the same round. High firing current
detonators give added protection against induced currents.

10.4.3.1 Use in presence of flammable gas

Where a flammable gas such as methane is likely to be present, only a permitted initiation system
should be used.

10.4.3.2 Electric detonator circuits

Electric detonators in a single round are normally connected in series, but parallel and series in
parallel circuits should be used:
a) where there is an increased likelihood of misfires due to current leakage if large numbers of
detonators are simply connected in series;
b) to fire a number of rounds at one instant using a single energy source.
All firing lines should be short-circuited and insulated immediately after they are rolled out of the
storage drum.
Care should be taken to ensure that the voltage drop across a single detonator does not exceed 50 V
when firing from the mains. To achieve this in parallel circuits a short circuit should be positioned in
parallel with the detonators.
Electrical and electronic initiation systems should be pre-checked for electrical continuity, whereas
non-electrical systems should be visually checked.
All surface detonators, including those in connectors, should be covered to mitigate the risk of
misfires through shrapnel.

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10.4.4 Exploding bridgewire detonators

In applications where simultaneity is important, exploding bridgewire detonators should be used.
These detonators should be used where high security and simultaneity are paramount. The exploder
selected for firing should be designed for the purpose.
NOTE In this technique a condenser is discharged through a short wire in a low inductance circuit, causing it
to vaporize and explode. The exploding wire detonator is designed to initiate fine PETN. Exploding bridgewire
detonators are free from radio frequency (RF) or stray current hazards because of the large firing impulse required.

Good insulation should be ensured because of the high voltages and the large amounts of electrical
energy inherent in such systems.

10.4.5 Shock tube initiation

COMMENTARY ON 10.4.5
Non-electric initiation systems of this variety can be used where extraneous sources of electricity
pose a hazard.
Ranges of short delay and long period delay detonators are available. A widely used version of this
system in the UK employs a long period delay detonator downhole with short delay period surface
connectors for short delay surface blasting.
Multiple shots may be fired with non-electric systems, connectors being used to introduce a delay at
each junction. The system is extremely versatile, as a large number of shots can be fired together and
there is the advantage of variable delay intervals.
Although electrical continuity checking cannot be carried out on non-electric systems, these are
robust, highly visible, and the connectors are large and protected by plastic. A visual check should,
though, be carried out on the completed circuit.

10.4.6 Detonating cord

Where many charges are connected up for initiation using detonating cord by the formation of branch
and trunk lines, care should be taken to ensure that cords are connected properly. Detonating cord
should never be cut with devices such as scissors, plier-type cutters, cap crimpers, wire cutters, or
similar instruments that produce metal-to-metal contact. Where necessary or appropriate, cord ends
should be protected against ingress of moisture. Care should be taken to prevent:
a) unwanted cross-initiation, which causes premature firing of some charges; and
b) “cut-off” in which the cord is severed before the arrival of the detonation wave, which results in
charges being isolated from the initiation sequence and not being fired.
NOTE Detonating cord (10 g/m, 12 g/m) may be used as a general purpose initiator, and low‑energy detonating
cord (2.5 g/m, 5 g/m) can be used to initiate large rounds of shock tubes. Detonating cord, when used to fire large
rounds of shots, is simple to install and is robust. The connections are highly visible and checks on the circuitry are
relatively simple.

Because the use of detonating cord on the surface is extremely noisy and produces air overpressure,
surface connections should be covered whenever possible. The air blast effect of surface cord should
be accounted for even in underground excavations.

10.4.7 Capped fuse and safety fuse

Only safety fuses whose covering is of such a quality that the rate of burning does not vary more
than 10 s above or below the rate of 100 s/m should be used, and only where sources of extraneous
electricity make the use of electric blasting detonators dangerous.

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10.4.8 Arrangements for multiple firing

Blasts may be fired as a round of several charges. The need for firing simultaneously or, alternatively,
in a precise sequence, with controlled delays between charges in the round, should be established.
Detonators should be selected to give the accuracy in timing required, and the system should
incorporate the principle of advanced initiation. When firing a round of shots by delayed action
shotfiring techniques, the charges and initiators should, where possible, be arranged in such a fashion
that the firing impulse is transmitted to each of the initiators before any detonation occurs.
NOTE A detonation which occurs before all the initiators are activated can cause disruption of the initiation
circuitry before it has become redundant and result in misfires.

Some systems have no provision for advanced initiation, for example, detonating cord and detonating
relays. Others have the principle incorporated to some degree, for example, multi-channel electric
detonator systems and, to a greater degree, non-electric detonator systems. Some systems provide
total advanced initiation, for example, delayed action electric detonators when fired in single circuits.
Whichever system is employed, sufficient advanced initiation should be provided to minimize the
possibility of misfires caused by cut-off.
Storage of explosives at the work face, explosives waiting to be fixed and those in use should not be
left unattended and should be kept in one area to minimize the risk of loss.

10.4.9 Multi-channel exploders

Multi-channel exploders may be used to enable more charges to be fired successively than there are
detonator delays available. The minimum delay interval between charges should be selected to avoid
compounding the vibration levels from different charges. Ideally, all channels should be activated
before any detonator fires to avoid misfires due to cut-offs. If this is not possible, the distance
between the detonating point of the blast and surface connections in uninitiated channels should be
as large as possible.

10.5 Misfires
10.5.1 General
Specific procedures should be followed to safely resolve any misfire (see Figure 1).
Where a misfire is identified, the shotfirer in charge of the shot should:
a) disconnect from the shotfiring apparatus the removable handle or key, together with the
shotfiring cable;
b) short or ground the bared wires together;
c) consult the site manager, who should ensure so far as is reasonably practicable that:
1) except for the manager, no person other than the shotfirer, trainee shotfirer or any other
person authorized by the manager enters the exclusion zone:
• until a period of 30 min has elapsed since the misfire, where the shot was fired by
means of safety fuse; or
• until a period of 5 min has elapsed since the misfire and any electrical shotfiring
apparatus has been disconnected from the shot, where the shot has been fired by
other means;
2) appropriate steps are taken to determine the cause of, and to deal with, the misfire;
3) a suitable record is kept of the misfire (which is a statutory requirement); and

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NOTE All misfires are required by RIDDOR [11] to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive on Form
2508. A suitable record includes a written report to site management, a special book provided for the purpose,
or the blasting/charging pattern endorsed with details of any misfire.

4) appropriate steps are taken to prevent theft of the explosives and detonators or their
initiation by an unauthorized person; and
d) erect danger notices giving warning of the location of the misfire, and such barriers as are
necessary to prevent any person approaching the location.
Until the misfire has been remedied, no drilling or any other site work should be carried out in the
vicinity of the misfire, unless this is directly involved in the treatment of the misfire.

Figure 1 — Procedure to remedy misfires

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10.5.2 Dealing with problems before firing

Where a type A misfire is detected, the shotfiring cable should be disconnected from the blasting
ohmmeter and the exposed ends of the conductors, including the round to be fired, shorted together.
A visual examination should then be made of the complete circuit to identify any obvious defect,
such as a broken wire or connection. If this fails to identify the fault, the shotfiring cable should be
disconnected from the detonator part of the circuit and retested for continuity.
If the shotfiring cable is found to be satisfactory, the fault is probably due to a broken wire within a
shot hole or an incomplete circuit within the detonator. To identify where the fault lies, the detonator
circuit should be split into two halves at the face and each connected in turn to the shotfiring cable.
The faulty half of the circuit should then be halved again, the tests repeated and the faulty quarter of
the circuit identified. This procedure should be repeated until the individual shot hole containing the
fault is found.
All circuit testing should be carried out from the firing point with all personnel in a place of safety.
Testing should not be undertaken at the face, even if the blasting ohmmeter is specially designed for
this purpose.
NOTE In deep, large-diameter shot holes where two detonators are used to prime each charge, the faulty
detonator may be isolated from the circuit and the blast fired using normal shotfiring procedures, the faulty unit
being consumed in the blast.

When detonators are attached to downlines of detonating cord at the surface and a faulty detonator
is traced, it should be replaced with another and the blast fired using normal shotfiring procedures
after the circuit has been tested again.
If a visual inspection of the shotfiring circuit reveals a faulty shock tube connector it should be
replaced before the round is fired.

10.5.3 Dealing with misfires before firing

Where a single detonator is used to prime each charge in a blast, the faulty unit should again be
isolated. A number of options exist to deal with such a situation. The most appropriate option for
dealing with such a situation should be selected according to the particular set of circumstances
encountered, and may involve:
a) firing all the detonators up to the delay number of the misfire in a single round – if the misfire is
not dislodged, the rest of the round should be fired singly or in groups if it is safe to do so (often,
the face adjacent to the misfire is disturbed and the burden may be reduced);
b) firing the whole round at once;
c) removing the stemming with water where this is possible, inserting a second primer cartridge in
direct contact with the existing charge and firing the round in the normal manner.
If options a) or b) fail to dislodge the misfire, a relieving shot hole may be drilled parallel to the hole
containing the unexploded charge (see 10.5.5). This should then be charged and fired using normal
shotfiring procedures.
Any debris containing a misfired charge should be carefully examined for explosive and detonators.
NOTE If a round or part of a round is fired containing a misfire it might help to locate the detonator and primer
cartridge in the debris if the leading wires of the detonator are attached to a distinctive marker.

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10.5.4 Dealing with misfires after firing

10.5.4.1 Initial actions

In the event of a misfire no one should be allowed to approach a misfired shot until it is safe to do so.
The shotfirer should inform the site management of the misfire and erect notices giving warning of
the location of the misfire, and such barriers as are necessary to prevent any person approaching
the location.
Where a partial or non-planned collapse has occurred, prior to approaching the structure, advice and
instruction should be obtained from a suitably qualified and experienced structural engineer with
experience of comparable events.
At this point any exposed explosives should be collected before further action is taken. Following
collection, the “all clear” may be sounded.
Until the misfire has been remedied, no drilling or any other site work should be carried out in the
vicinity of the misfire, unless this is directly involved in the treatment of the misfire.
To deal with a misfire the shotfirer should:
a) disconnect from the shotfiring apparatus any removable handle or key and the shotfiring cable,
and short-circuit or ground the bare wires together;
b) when safe to do so, examine the cable and connections for any defects, and remedy any defect
so found; and
c) make a further attempt to fire the shot.
The appropriate blasting practices and procedures should be adopted according to the nature of the
work in progress.

10.5.4.2 Written instructions

The method of dealing with misfires depends on the blasting technique in use, but in all cases the
procedures to be adopted should be set out in the method statement before blasting operations
take place. These procedures should be specified in the form of written working instructions to the
shotfirer and any other personnel involved, and may be based on the following.
a) After notifying the site management determine whether it is safe to attempt to re-fire the
misfired shot, bearing in mind that the rock surrounding the misfired charge will have been
loosened by the explosion of adjacent shot holes and much of the rock burden will probably have
been swept away.
NOTE This is likely to be the situation where the primary purpose was to fragment and displace the rock in
preparation for excavation. As a result, the distance over which rock might be projected in re-firing a misfired
shot hole in this condition will be much greater than anticipated from the original blast; an increase in the
distance of rock projection by a factor of ten is not abnormal. Remedial action of this kind can therefore only
be considered where private properties, site installations, public roadways, etc. are outside the likely range of
projection, or where the risk of damage can be accepted.

b) Re-prime the shot, either by attaching a new detonator to any remaining line of detonating fuse
leading to the charge, or by trying to expose the charge so that another primer can be inserted.
c) Where necessary to ensure the safety of the general public and site personnel, inform the police
or other local authority about the action to be taken.

10.5.4.3 Attempts to re-fire

Attempting to re-fire could be precluded by an inability to regain access to the charge. In most cases
this requires the safe removal of the stemming to allow re-priming. However, where a misfired shot

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hole contains a detonator, removal of the stemming should not normally be attempted, as this might
subject the detonator to maltreatment and set off the charge. Where the misfired shot hole cannot
be re-primed, or where it would be dangerous to attempt to re-fire it, the next approach should be
to drill and fire relieving holes placed so as to work away the rock surrounding the stemming and
charge of the misfired shot holes (see 10.5.5).
In surface blasting operations the procedure should vary according to the circumstances. Where
the normal primary blasting technique involves the use of relatively shallow (up to approx. 4.5 m),
small‑diameter shot holes, the firing of lightly‑charged 55 g to 115 g relieving holes of 1 m to 1.2 m
depth, drilled not less than 0.3 m away from the misfired shot hole, will eventually remove sufficient
rock to expose the charge. At this stage, a decision should be taken on whether to insert a new primer
and attempt to fire the charge.
In deep faces, and with large‑diameter shot holes, this procedure has its limitations, but again it might
be possible, through the successive firing of relieving holes, to gain access to the misfire so that it can
be re-primed. Because of the heavy charge concentration in a large‑diameter shot hole, widespread
rock projection can be expected, especially as the charge will not be effectively stemmed. It might be
possible to contain or reduce this by removing part of the misfired charge by hand if the cartridges
are relatively loose in the shot hole. Removal of explosives from a misfired shot hole in this manner
should only be undertaken as a last resort. The possible consequences of each course of action should
be carefully considered as part of the contingency plan for misfires before deciding upon the most
appropriate action in the circumstances prevailing.
NOTE 1 The only situations in which this procedure may be relaxed are in demolition or tunnelling operations
where shot holes are normally concentrated in a tight and closely spaced pattern.

Conditions can be hazardous for drilling relieving holes because of the danger of drilling into
a charged shot hole, or because of the risk of disturbing loose rock at the tunnel face. The use
of compressed air should be avoided in shot holes containing detonators since the release of
compressed air down a tube, accompanied by the motion of particles of grit or similar substances, can
generate charges of static electricity capable of initiating either electric or plain detonators. Instead,
water should be used to clear the stemming from a shot hole.
Where the misfired shot hole does not contain a detonator, the stemming may be removed by means
of compressed air or water under pressure. The air or water should be fed only through a tube made
of plastics or rubber. Metal tubes should not be used for this purpose.
NOTE 2 Removal of the stemming by these means is only likely to be effective, however, if the stemming material is
sand or grit. If it consists of compacted material such as clay, it is virtually impossible to remove by compressed air
or water, and other remedial action becomes necessary.

During the process of removing the stemming from a misfired shot hole, care should be taken to
avoid rough treatment of the explosives as the compressed air or water pipe approaches close to the
charge. After the stemming has been cleared from the shot hole, another primer may be inserted and
the shot hole fired in the usual manner.
NOTE 3 ANFO charges are liable to be desensitized by water, so that re-priming in this manner is unlikely to be
satisfactory.

10.5.5 Drilling relieving holes

COMMENTARY ON 10.5.5
The object of a relieving hole is to break the rock close to the charged hole to allow undetonated
explosives and perhaps primers and detonators to be recovered.
A relieving hole should only be drilled when stemming or explosives cannot be safely removed by,
for example, flushing the charged hole. To safely expose explosives that have misfired, the relieving

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hole should be drilled 300 mm away from the charged hole in the stemming area. The relieving hole
should then be fired to enable access to the misfired hole.
As shot hole diameters and depths can vary considerably the following should be addressed as part of
a revised risk assessment before commencing to drill a relieving hole.
a) How accurately can the direction of the misfired shot hole be determined? The objective is to
drill the relieving hole parallel to the misfired shot hole.
b) How accurately can the relieving hole be drilled? This, to some extent, determines the stand-off
distance of the relieving hole. Whilst 300 mm might be sufficient stand-off distance in a tunnel
where, for example, 38 mm holes are drilled to a depth of 2 m, it would be very unwise to use
such a stand-off distance on 15 m holes drilled at a diameter of 100 mm.
c) Can the relieving hole be safely fired? The shotfirer should consider whether the relieving hole
will have sufficient burden so that it does not create a danger when fired. The possibility of
sympathetic detonation occurring when firing a shot hole very close to another should also be
taken into account.
The drilling of a shot hole into any charge or socket remaining from a previous shot can result in loss
of life and should be prohibited.
NOTE The underlying tenet is that very careful planning and execution are required to ensure that the misfire
can be safely recovered.

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Section 2: Blasting operations

11 Tunnelling and shaft sinking

11.1 General
BS 6164 should be consulted for guidance on all aspects of health and safety related to tunnelling and
shaft sinking.
Where the excavated face is advanced by means of a repeating cycle of drilling, blasting and loading
out the rock, time should be allowed within the cycle of operations for essential activities and
functions, e.g. fume clearance after blasting, and extension of rail track, compressed air and water
pipes, ventilation ducts and lighting cables. In addition, scaling of loose rock along with the erection
of any necessary rock support should be undertaken after each blasting operation.
NOTE Rock excavation underground can be carried out in a variety of conditions from large caverns to small
tunnels and shafts; some dry, some wet. All require artificial light.

Care should be taken to avoid unsafe or undesirable practices creeping in through increasing
familiarity with the day-to-day handling of explosives in the cyclic operations, which can continue
over periods of several months or more.

11.2 Method statement

Rock is usually heterogeneous and a method statement (see Clause 7) for one location in a shaft or
tunnel might not be relevant to the full length to be excavated, so basic method statements should
be produced for each anticipated rock type prior to the commencement of blasting, and updated as
blasting proceeds.
The arrangements for security and supervision of the explosives underground should be detailed in
the method statement.

11.3 Site survey

An assessment of the geological structure, particularly bedding, jointing and faulting, in the vicinity
of a shaft and along the route of a tunnel should be carried out to determine the possible effects of
blast‑induced vibrations on underground and surface structures.
NOTE 1 Recommendations for site survey and ground investigation for tunnel construction purposes are
given in BS 6164.

Notification of the work to be carried out should be given to all owners and occupiers of properties
along the tunnel route.
NOTE 2 Tunnelling operations could commence some distance away and the owners/occupiers might be unaware
that a tunnel is to pass beneath their property.

All buildings along and adjacent to the tunnel route should be surveyed and appropriate
blast‑induced vibration limits should be determined for each one.
In each situation a test blast, along with appropriate vibration monitoring, should be conducted with
small charges to produce a regression line the contractor can work to. This should occur when the
tunnel is near to vulnerable surface structures.
The nature of the work to be carried out in a tunnel passing below any building should be
determined. Discussions should be held with building occupiers to ascertain if equipment or activities
undertaken in the buildings could be adversely affected by vibration. Limits on vibration should be

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agreed with building occupiers. Where necessary, special restrictions on blast-induced vibrations
should be specified for particularly sensitive locations.

11.4 Containment measures

COMMENTARY ON 11.4
In shaft sinking, containment measures are normally required to limit fly during blasting operations,
particularly in urban areas.
When initiating the sinking of shafts, an exclusion zone identical to that for land excavation [see
Figure 2a) and 6.4] should be used. In addition, a substantial shaft cover/blast mat should be placed
over the top of the shaft prior to the initiation of explosives.
The drop zone for the fly rock should be inside the shaft.
Once the shaft has been established, the exclusion zones shown in Figure 2b) and Figure 2c)
should be used, and the distance that the exclusion zone extends from the excavated face should be
determined in consultation with the principal contractor.
In tunnel breakouts at shaft bottoms, containment measures should be applied where necessary, such
as blast mats and blast doors, which are frequently designed to provide noise attenuation, as well
as prevent damage to adjacent structures from fly rock. Blast mats should be secured against lifting
when the charge is fired.
Blast mats and doors may be constructed from steel reinforcement fabric mesh, heavy duty netting,
conveyor belting, or combinations of these materials. Where noise attenuation is required, blast mats
and/or doors may be filled with sand or similar non-combustible material. Where blast mats are
loaded with sand or similar soil material, these should be structurally robust enough to withstand the
additional loading.
When excavating portals and the tunnel beyond, the exclusion zone and means of containment of fly
rock should be determined as for surface blasting for land excavation purposes (see Clause 14) until
the tunnel face has been advanced sufficiently that fly rock is routinely contained within the tunnel.

11.5 Explosives
11.5.1 Types
Where necessary due to wet conditions, waterproof explosives, cartridge or pumped, should be used.
As the working area can be very confined and emphasis is placed on advancing the face as rapidly
as possible, the type(s) of explosive to be used should be selected on the basis of good fume
characteristics and with due regard to the effectiveness of the method(s) of ventilation.
In tunnels where flammable gases could be present, only explosives and detonators suitable for use in
these conditions should be used.
NOTE 1 This is most likely to occur in sedimentary strata but could also arise, for example, as a consequence
of spillage of hydrocarbons in surface installations above the tunnel route or damage to utility services
adjacent to a shaft.

NOTE 2 Information about appropriate explosives and detonators is given in the Mines Regulations 2014 [40].

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Figure 2 — Exclusion zones for shaft sinking and tunnelling

a) Shaft sinking

b) Tunnelling from a shaft

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Figure 2 (continued)

c) Tunnelling from a portal

NOTE Drawings are diagrammatic and not to scale.
Key
1 Boundary of external exclusion zone 7 Shelter
2 Shaft cover blast mat 8 Ground profile
3 Ground level 9 Portal structure
4 Exclusion zone 10 Section
5 Excavated face 11 Plan
6 Shaft bottom

11.5.2 Transport on site

On construction sites where tunnelling operations are conducted, the following recommendations
should be followed in addition to the recommendations for transport in 9.4 and 9.5.
NOTE 1 Normal systems of transportation in tunnel driving are by locomotive and mine cars or
rubber‑tyred vehicles.

Explosives and accessories should be transported to the tunnel face ideally still in their original
packaging, in separate, lockable wood-lined containers. These containers should always be placed
within the skip of the vehicle or secured to it in the case of flat wagons. Explosives or accessories
should never be carried within the cab of the vehicle or placed on the locomotive itself.

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With all systems of tunnel transportation precautions should be taken to prevent explosives spilling
on to the tunnel floor.
NOTE 2 Not only can packages of explosives and accessories or their contents fall on to the track and be detonated
by mine cars in the train or later journeys of the locomotive, but, particularly with detonators, there is a risk of
accidental ignition by stray electric currents on the locomotive due to devices such as batteries or accumulators,
electric motors, generators and lights.

From the inbye terminus of the transport system, the explosive should be transported manually to the
tunnel face.
NOTE 3 The conditions are often cramped and confined, which introduces difficulty in handling.

Where possible, the explosive packages should be kept in a wooden transport box so as to provide
some protection to the explosives cases, particularly from water lying at the tunnel face.

11.5.3 Storage
Unused, primed cartridges should not be put back into store, unless the detonators have been
removed and stored separately.
Unused, unprimed cartridges remaining after charging a round should be carefully collected, packed
into a portable container, ideally their original packaging, and conveyed out of the tunnel to a licensed
store or an attended place of safety. Surplus explosives should not be left unattended underground.
NOTE Where the length of the tunnel, or some other similar factor, would render this difficult or unreasonable
during a shift, the site management may permit the temporary storage of surplus blasting materials in reserve
stations underground between blasting events.

Where reserve stations are permitted they should preferably be excavated in the tunnel wall
and fitted with lockable steel doors to protect the contents and to prevent unauthorized access.
They should be located on the opposite side of the tunnel from electric cables, not close to any
transformers or switchgear, and not nearer than the distance to the tunnel face or any other location
where blasting is taking place determined as safe by risk assessment.
A reserve station should not be used for long-term storage of explosives. Any explosives remaining
in it at the end of the shift should be returned to the licensed explosive store. A log of explosives
deposited and removed for use or returned to surface should be maintained within the reserve
station to complement the licensed explosives store log and the face charging records.
Detonators should not be stored in any reserve station with explosives.

11.6 Safety and operations

11.6.1 Drilling and blasting methods
Explosives, detonators and delay sequences for use in tunnels and shafts should be selected
with reference to the rock types to be excavated and on the basis of fume characteristics and
water resistance.
NOTE 1 Tunnelling methods using explosives involve the placement and charging of shot holes so as to form a “cut”
or entry into the rock face, followed by the successive firing of shot holes placed so as to break into the initial cavity
formed. In sinking shafts, the technique is basically similar, and in circular shafts, for example, the drilling patterns
commonly used are based on concentric rings of shot holes, with the innermost ring being a grouping of shot
holes forming a conical or diamond “cut”. Ground vibrations can be minimized by careful design of the charge and
delay pattern.

In most operations, the rate of driving is an important consideration. It is normal practice to drill a full round of
shot holes in the face, so that the complete face area can be blasted in a single operation, and the full cross section of
the tunnel or shaft advanced a planned distance each time. This practice may vary according to tunnel cross section,
ground conditions and other operational constraints.

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Shot holes should be drilled by a machine-mounted drilling rig conforming to BS EN 16228 (all parts).
Where there is insufficient space for a machine-mounted rig to operate safely, shot holes may be
drilled using airleg-mounted drills or, as a last resort, by hand-held drills. The noise, vibration and
manual handling risk from drilling should be assessed and normal risk mitigation measures put in
place. Wet drilling or dust capture at source should be undertaken. A regular pattern of shot holes
should be drilled for each round. The design of the drilling pattern, utilizing a wedge cut, burn cut,
fan cut or drag cut, should be informed by the rock type, the tunnel size and shape and the planned
rate of advance.
Blast initiation can be by means of electrical, electronic and non-electrical systems. Selection of the
initiation system should take account of the high risk of stray electrical currents in the often wet
conditions in shafts and tunnels. Initiation of the blast should be via a single path if electrical or
non‑electrical bunch blasting methods are used.
NOTE 2 Non-electrical harness blasting provides two paths of initiation, thereby reducing the risk of misfires.

The shot hole pattern and delay sequence should be designed, and drilled accurately, to avoid the
possibility of sympathetic detonation or desensitization of charges in adjacent shot holes.

11.6.2 Precautions during drilling

Explosives and blasting accessories should not be conveyed to the face until all drilling operations on
the round to be charged have been completed.
NOTE This eliminates the hazards of heavy drilling equipment striking explosives or blasting accessories as a
result of accidental mishandling and of drill rods being inserted either deliberately or inadvertently into a shot hole
containing an explosive charge.

In tunnels and shafts, shot holes often do not break to their full depth and sockets are left which
potentially contain residual explosive that could be detonated by the hammering effect of a drill if
it enters the socket during drilling for a subsequent round. The blast design should be adjusted to
prevent sockets being left. If sockets are left they should all be identified and washed out or marked
and sealed with substantial wooden plugs as a precaution against a drill accidentally slipping into one
during collaring of a new shot hole.
Direct drilling into sockets remaining from a previous shot can result in loss of life and should be
prohibited. In shafts all loose rock should be removed after each round and the floor should be kept
as free of standing water as possible to ease the location of sockets.

11.6.3 Access for charging

When shot holes cannot be charged from ground level, appropriate access equipment should be used
to give a safe place of work from which to charge the face. The access equipment should be suitable
for use in the tunnel environment.
NOTE 1 Suitable equipment includes the basket or platform mounted on tunnel drilling rigs, “jumbos”, or similar
mobile elevating work platforms built specifically for the tunnel environment.

Access equipment should be fitted with a falling object protection system (FOPS) on the
working platform.
NOTE 2 Scaffold towers are not normally suitable for underground use.

11.6.4 Safety of machinery underground

Plant and equipment for use underground should be fitted with fixed on-board fire-fighting systems,
utilize HFDU hydraulic fluids, display white lights in the direction of travel, with red to the rear, etc.
Alternatively, it should conform to ISO/DIS 19296.

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11.6.5 Bulk explosives chargers

Only approved bulk explosives chargers should be used in tunnels.
NOTE In the UK, approval is given by the HSE.

11.6.6 Precautions during charging operations

The precautions and safety procedures in Clause 6 and Clause 7 should be followed in tunnelling and
shaft sinking operations. The exclusion zone should be designed in accordance with Figure 2.
In the context of tunnelling and shaft sinking the shot holes are relatively long but of small
diameter, and particular attention should be paid to the following points during charging and
associated operations.
a) The shot holes should be thoroughly cleaned out before charging commences.
NOTE 1 Cleaning out the shot holes has two purposes: to remove the sludge formed by drill cuttings and the
water applied for dust suppression and to dislodge and remove any stones or chippings which could break off
from the sides of the shot hole and obstruct the insertion of the charge. If such obstructions are not removed
they might also fall or build up between cartridges as they are inserted into the shot hole. This creates a risk of
part of the charge failing to explode.

b) Stemming rods should be made from wood, anti-static plastic or soft, non-ferrous metal, and
should be used to check the shot hole for depth and clearance before the primed cartridge
is inserted.
c) After inserting the charge, each shot hole should be stemmed with approved inert material so as
to give the charge maximum confinement.
NOTE 2 This helps the explosive to perform the most effective work and also helps to minimize the amount of
fume or smoke produced.

d) Great care should be taken during the charging operation to avoid damaging the insulation of the
leading wires of electrical or electronic detonators. If the insulation is split or abraded through,
or stripped of even a very short length of the leading wires, short circuits and current leakage
from the blasting circuit are likely in wet conditions, and misfires could result. Kinks in the
leading wire should be carefully loosened and removed before inserting the primed cartridge
into the shot hole.
Over-vigorous use of the stemming rod should also be avoided, as this can cause damage to the
non-electric detonator or abrasion of the leading wire insulation against the sides of the shot
hole, particularly if particles of sand or grit have become embedded in the stemming rod.
NOTE 3 Non-electric wiring misfires if it is abraded to such an extent that, in wet conditions, water
penetrates the explosive core.

11.6.7 Precautions against faults and hazards

Non-electrical and electronic initiation systems should be used where necessary to protect against
the following hazards.
a) Dissolved mineral salts in ground water greatly increases its electrical conductivity,
increasing the risk of short circuiting or current leakage from the circuit to the earth where
conditions are wet.
b) Lightning discharges can strike surface objects which connect with, for example, pipes or rails
inside the tunnel and also give rise to powerful electrical currents circulating in the earth's crust,
potentially causing premature detonation of tunnel rounds.

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c) In certain circumstances, in tunnels and shafts dangerous accumulations of static electricity can
occur, particularly when atmospheric conditions are dry, and charges can be built up sufficient to
fire an electric detonator.
d) Dangerous charges can be built up in plastic ventilation ducting by compressed air discharging
along pipes and hoses, and in processes which involve the discharge of granular or powder
materials such as ANFO along pipes and hoses. All such equipment should be securely earthed.
All shotfiring operations in tunnels should be stopped during electrical storms (thunderstorms),
even when using non-electric systems. Where these are liable to be sudden or at frequent intervals,
regardless of whatever blasting method is being employed, shotfiring (including all operations
involving handling and charging explosives) should be suspended when notice is given of an
approaching storm.
Shotfiring cable should conform to BS EN 13763‑26:2004, Clause 8. Where the shotfiring cable
is a permanent installation and liable to be damaged by fly rock in the confinement of a tunnel or
shaft, the connection between the firing cable and the charged round at the face should be made by
insulated copper connecting wire so that the permanent firing cable can be kept out of the damage
zone. Where copper connecting wire is used in this way or to replace the shotfiring cable, or is added
to the main cable in round, it should have a resistance of 27.1 Ω/km, i.e. 2.71 Ω/100 m. In addition,
the shotfirer should carry out an open and closed circuit test each day and record the resistance
of the circuit from a place of safety. The connecting wire used in this way should not be reused in
subsequent rounds. Where rock projection from a blast is greater than normal, the shotfiring cable
should be examined for damage, and any damaged portion should be discarded and not used for any
other purpose.
Spare cables should be available at the shot firing point.
The suspension points for the firing cable should be wooden or non-conducting stakes secured into
the side walls. Care should be taken not to suspend the shotfiring cables close to electric cables. Both
ends of the firing cable should be shorted out at all times until firing is due to take place.
Before standard electric detonators and explosives are taken to the face or shaft bottom in
preparation for charging, all lights and other electrical equipment, such as drill rigs and pumps,
should be withdrawn a safe distance from the face.
As a general rule, electrical equipment should not be allowed within 10 m of the face when preparing
or charging blasts. Lighting suitable for zone 1 conditions should be provided, e.g. protected cap
lamps or LEDs. At the same time, in order to avoid unnecessary activities in the vicinity of a charged
face, all mobile equipment should be withdrawn to a distance where it is safe from damage from fly
rock, and barriers or protective coverings should be erected to protect permanent fixtures such as
manifold pipe fittings.

11.6.8 Blast shelter

In any tunnel of sufficient size to accommodate a shelter, and where evacuation to the surface would
be excessively disruptive to production, consideration should be given to the provision of a blast
shelter to house those in the tunnel, including the shotfirer, whilst the tunnel atmosphere remains
irrespirable due to the presence of fume following blasting.
A blast chamber should be of sufficient size to provide at least 0.5 m2/person of floor area, a
minimum headroom of 1.5 m and a minimum volume of 0.75 m3/person. Wherever practicable, the
headroom should be 2 m and the volume should be 1.0 m3 per person. Sufficient seating should be
provided for everyone normally working at the tunnel face being blasted. The shelter should be fitted
with a door capable of excluding external atmospheric contamination.

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A blast shelter should normally be housed in a cross passage or specially-created niche in the
tunnel for protection against fly rock. Where the shelter is in direct line of sight of the blast it should
be sufficiently far from the blast not to be at risk of impact from fly rock. The door should not
face the blast.
Where located on a vehicle route, the shelter should be protected from vehicle impact.
The shelter should:
a) be sufficiently robust to withstand any shock loading from the blast;
b) be capable of being supplied with fresh air at a rate of 0.3 m3 per person per minute for 2 h;
c) have the capability to maintain a positive pressure of 50 mbar to 100 mbar in the shelter whilst
in use and to flush the shelter with fresh air; and
d) be lit internally to a level of 100 lux at floor level.
Temperature in the shelter should be controlled below 28 ˚C whilst it is in use. The shelter can be
used as a mess/welfare unit, but should be kept clean.
Exceptionally, a refuge chamber conforming to ITA Report 14 [41] may be used as a blast shelter
provided it has been specifically intended for such use by its manufacturer. Its use as a blast shelter
should not detract from its availability and use as a refuge chamber. The refuge chamber should be
cleaned and inspected daily to ensure it remains immediately ready for use as a refuge chamber and
that the equipment and stores in it are not compromised in any way by its use as a blast shelter. A
foam fire extinguisher and first‑aid kit should be provided in the blast shelter.
The following should be taken into account when providing a blast shelter:
1) the blast shelter is not intended to provide protection against fly rock;
2) type, size and location necessary for the tunnel being excavated;
NOTE Typically, a blast shelter is constructed to similar dimensions of standard shipping containers, with a
length of either 3 m or 6 m.

3) maximum number of people to be accommodated;

4) ambient temperature;
5) reliable respirable air and power supply;
6) means to maintain a positive internal pressure;
7) duration of occupation; and
8) first‑aid and welfare requirements.
Where the tunnel is not large enough to contain a blast shelter, either in the tunnel itself, at
a crossover, or in a specifically created recess, then all blasting should be conducted from
outside the tunnel.

11.6.9 Firing the blast

On completion of charging operations, the round should be connected up in preparation for firing. A
set procedure and pattern should be followed in connecting the detonators to avoid errors such as
missing out a detonator or group of detonators from the circuit. A final visual check should be carried
out. This is the only check possible for non-electric initiation systems. If electric detonators are being
used, the last operation at the face before connecting the detonator circuit to the shotfiring cable
should be for the shotfirer to check the electrical continuity of the shotfiring cable.
Before leaving the tunnel face or shaft bottom the shotfirer should ensure that all personnel have
retired to a blast shelter either outside the exclusion zone or above ground.

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The firing station should be not less than the distance from the face determined as safe by risk
assessment. The possibility of ricochet should be taken into account when deciding the appropriate
safe distances.
Electric detonator circuits should be checked at the firing station for continuity of resistance before
any attempt is made to fire them.
NOTE 1 Rounds normally include relatively large numbers of detonators, and any irregularity in the blasting
circuit can cause partial firing of the round and complete failure to achieve the desired advance.

After firing the blast, no one should be allowed to enter the tunnel until sufficient time has elapsed
for the blasting fumes to be diluted and dispersed or extracted and the tunnel atmosphere shown
to be fit for respiration. At that point the shotfirer should re-enter the tunnel carrying a portable
gas detector to confirm the tunnel atmosphere is fit for respiration. The go-back shotfirer should
be observed from a distance by another person. The recommendations of BS 6164 for atmospheric
monitoring and ventilation should be followed.
WARNING. Blasting fumes contain toxic or asphyxiating gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
and oxides of nitrogen. Such gases can only be reliably detected by atmospheric monitoring equipment.
Exposure limits are set out in BS 6164 and in EH40 [42]. Exposure to blasting fumes can be injurious to
health and can lead to unconsciousness or death in extreme cases.

Contamination levels should be monitored systematically.

NOTE 2 In long tunnels an extraction system can result in more rapid removal of fume from the tunnel atmosphere
and hence reduce down time.

Sequencing operations so that the blast is initiated immediately before a meal break or shift handover
should be considered as a further way of reducing unproductive time.
Immediately following the blast, and before work recommences, the shotfirer should remove the
exploder handle and disconnect the cable from the exploder. Once the tunnel atmosphere has been
declared fit for respiration, the shotfirer, along with the tunnel shift engineer, should examine the
shaft bottom or the tunnel face for misfires and the general face area for dangerous rock overhangs,
loosened, damaged or dislodged supports and loose roof rock.
No one should enter below unsupported or loose rock until scaling of the intrados has been
completed and rock support installed.
Throughout mucking operations the debris pile should be carefully examined for undetonated
explosives and detonators.

11.6.10 Misfires
COMMENTARY ON 11.6.10
All misfires are individual and unique, and the recommendations of this subclause are generic.
In addition to the recommendations of 10.5 for the avoidance, recognition and treatment of misfires,
the following recommendations should be followed.
The means of dealing with each misfire should be subject to a bespoke risk assessment, and be
supported with a robust method statement for dealing with the problem. Advice should be sought
from as wide a pool of expertise as possible, but as a minimum involve the explosives supplier, the
shotfirer and the explosives engineer.
NOTE Blasting operations in tunnels are normally conducted by delay blasting rounds, each round comprising a
comparatively large number of closely spaced shots, and each individually primed with a delay detonator.

Due to the close shot hole spacing, the interdependence of the shots in a round and the fact that
successive rounds are drilled in the face left by the immediately previous blast, the procedure

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laid down for the recognition and treatment of misfires should be appropriate to the tunnelling
environment. Particular care should be taken to avoid drilling into misfired shot holes.
To identify potential misfires with electric initiation systems before firing the round, once the tunnel
round has been charged and connected up, all personnel removed to a place of safety, and all other
preparations for blasting completed, the shotfirer should return to the firing station and make
the test for circuit continuity and resistance in preparation for firing the round. If this identifies a
down‑the‑hole fault, the procedure in 10.5.3 should be followed. If the stemming is capable of being
readily removed with water, the shotfirer may remove it by this method, insert a second primed
cartridge in direct contact with the existing charge and fire the round in the normal manner. The
detonator leads from the redundant primed cartridge should be anchored with string or cord to a
secure place, to assist recovery of the charge in case it fails to detonate.
Where the stemming cannot be removed the shotfirer should isolate that shot and fire all the
detonators up to the delay number of the misfire. If the misfire is not dislodged the rest of the round
should be fired singly or in a group. In some circumstances it might be preferable to fire the whole
round at once. In either case the detonator leads of the misfired shot should be anchored with string
or cord to a secure place to assist recovery of the charge in case it fails to detonate.
If this procedure fails to dislodge the misfire a relieving shot hole should be drilled not closer than
300 mm at any point to any unexploded charge and the normal shotfiring procedures followed.
Where misfires are encountered after firing a round, potentially leaving the rock at the face in a
fractured and weakened state, the shotfirer should call upon the shift engineer for the assistance
required to render conditions safe from falls of rock, so as to secure their own safety when dealing
with the misfires. The shotfirer should then, after assessing the situation with regard to safe
procedures, reconnect the misfires to the cable and attempt to fire them by the normal procedure. If
any misfires remain after this procedure, the shotfirer should attempt to fire them singly. Any misfire
which fails to explode should be dealt with either by washing out the stemming and re-priming, or its
recovery attempted by the use of relieving holes.
Throughout mucking operations the muck pile should be carefully examined for undetonated
explosives and detonators. Any misfired electronic detonator discovered in a blast pile should not be
handled and should be destroyed in situ as shock damage might have disrupted the internal wiring,
which might have not allowed the capacitor to discharge so that the detonator could still be live.

12 Demolition
COMMENTARY ON CLAUSE 12
Explosives can be used in demolition, including partial demolition, for the:
a) deliberate collapse of:
• concrete and masonry structures;
• steel structures; and
• structures containing combinations of steel, concrete and masonry;
b) breaking or shattering of objects such as concrete blocks and foundations; and
c) full or partial removal of structural elements.
Explosives are used to weaken a structure sufficiently to engineer a collapse. Explosives are placed
either in shot holes for shattering, or as surface-mounted charges for cutting or kicking. Most frequently
the explosives are of the nitroglycerine or emulsion type, but occasionally high-energy detonating cord is
used as the primary explosive, usually in shot holes.

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The charges may be initiated by electric detonators, electronic detonators, non-electric detonators,
detonating cord or a combination of these systems.
Explosives can be used as cutting and felling charges on steel or iron structures where other methods
would be uneconomical, impracticable or dangerous.
Demolition of certain types of structure might best be carried out by explosives because of some
elements in their design, time constraints on the duration of the demolition or simply because it is the
safest method.
Such structures include, for example:
1) precast concrete panel and framed buildings;
2) pretensioned or post-tensioned prestressed structures;
3) slung structures;
4) large span roofs;
5) stressed skin or shell structures;
6) bridges; and
7) chimneys.
Demolition work is covered by the CDM Regulations 2015 [6].

12.1 General
Demolition involving the use of explosives should be in accordance with BS 6187.

12.2 Quality assurance and auditing of the works

As an integral part of the overall project management control systems, a detailed quality plan and
auditing regime should be developed. This process should be applied to all aspects of the preparatory
works, including pre-weakening, drilling, and installation of explosives charges, initiation systems,
protection, etc. The explosives engineer and, where applicable, the structural engineer should
ensure that each stage of the project is checked for conformity with the method statement and that
accurate, dynamic records are collated for reference. In addition, a system for identifying areas
of nonconformity should be rigidly maintained by which any such instances are reviewed by the
explosives engineer and, where applicable, the structural engineer, with appropriate remedial
action taken.

12.3 Pre-weakening
Pre-weakening can involve complex structural analysis, along with an understanding of the collapse
mechanisms required. To avoid premature or unintended collapse of the pre‑weakened structure,
structural engineering expertise, with relevant experience of comparable projects, should be available
to those managing the demolition project. The recommendations for weakening and pre-weakening
structures in BS 6187 and BS 5975 should be followed.

12.4 Site survey/risk assessment

A risk assessment and site survey should be carried out prior to the introduction of blasting
operations, particularly where demolition is to be carried out in congested areas. The risk assessment
and site survey should examine the risks from blasting and potential hazards to adjacent properties
from projected debris and falling parts of the building, and determine whether blasting techniques
are appropriate.

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The following should be taken into account:

a) any sites/buildings adjacent to the site of work;
b) any need for access points to the site to be sealed off or guarded;
c) how the structure due for demolition was constructed;
d) structural inspections (intrusive where necessary), to determine existing reinforcement, joint
details and verification with as-built information;
e) the complexity of the structure, including the potential for the removal of individual members to
result in progressive collapse of large sections;
f) the identification of potential unknown/undefinable factors or uncertainties;
g) any adjoining installations, machinery, etc., and their vulnerability to vibration;
h) any existing services, e.g. gas, electricity, volatiles, acids;
i) the necessary control measures for the work area;
j) the need for warning signals to be audible over the general noise level;
k) properties adjoining the site and the potential for processes in these buildings to be affected
by blasting;
l) stores for explosives and security measures;
m) the potential for weakening of the structure, foundations and supports;
n) the likelihood of objection to blasting from neighbours to the site;
o) the presence of hazardous materials, e.g. asbestos;
p) the need for sufficient room to collapse the structure safely;
q) the effect of impact of the structure on the ground;
r) the potential for obstruction of access for public roads and railways; and
s) any other structures that need to be protected.

12.5 Blast design

A planned sequence of demolition should be established. The operation should be under the close
control of an explosives engineer with experience of demolition using explosives as defined in
BS 6187:2011, Annex A, using this methodology on comparable projects.
Each blast should be designed taking into account such factors as:
a) the effect to be achieved, such as cutting, kicking and shattering of structures and their members;
b) the nature and condition of the structure and its suitability for demolition by explosives;
c) techniques appropriate to the structure and location;
d) the appropriate explosives types and system;
e) results of trial blasts;
f) the number and weights of charges;
g) the method(s) of installation;
h) the locations of charges and the means of access for their placement;
i) the mass, types and strengths of materials to be displaced;
j) the sequential nature and effects of collapse initiation on other parts of the charged structure;

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k) the probability, amount and extent to which debris will be projected;

l) types and extent of blast protection (see 12.7.6), including exclusion zones; and
m) impact on the environment, infrastructure, adjacent occupiers, third parties and others who
could be affected by the process.
The extent of the exclusion zones should be determined taking into account the factors in
items a) to m).
The design should be optimized for the most efficient use of explosives, e.g. by structural
pre‑weakening. The design should also be engineered to minimize ejection of material, rather than
relying solely on blast protection.
Trial blasts [see 6.2.2 and 6.2.4] should be made to:
1) increase knowledge of the materials to be blasted and to allow the blast design and method to be
confirmed or modified as required; and
2) assess the optimum charge weight and the effectives of the ejecta containment measures.
Where trial blasts are considered inappropriate, the reason for this should be justified and formally
recorded in the risk assessment.

12.6 Independent audit of the blasting method statement and its implementation
On a large, complex project involving a large number of individual charges an independent audit
of the blasting method statement and its implementation should be carried out by a person(s)
with sufficient experience and knowledge of the overall process, and preferably not involved in the
day‑to‑day implementation of the specific project, to check compliance/non-compliance with the
method statement. The independent auditor should produce a report confirming implementation
meets with method statement and identifies any areas of non-compliance.
NOTE Independent audit can include:

a) checking the pre-weakening process is fully following the design and sequence of cuts;

b) detonators are of the correct type and delay;

c) protection is installed precisely as designed in the method statement; and

d) identifying unexpected behaviour, e.g. distortion of the structure.

12.7 Method statement

12.7.1 Method statement development
The method statement (see Clause 7) should typically comprise the following elements, unless risk
assessments indicate otherwise, refined to accommodate the particular circumstances:
a) collapse mechanisms;
b) pre-weakening;
c) drilling;
d) a detailed quality assurance and auditing system to monitor all preparatory work, including
the pre-weakening implementation, sequence of work, compliance with the definitive design,
identification of any non-compliant works, with review and documented rectification procedures
to be approved by the explosives engineer;
e) charging and delay sequences;
f) installation of protection, including that to be applied to, for example, underground services and
nearby properties and infrastructure;

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g) source protection: placement of shielding materials to the individual charges and surrounding
area to minimize the expulsion of projectiles, with the design and placement of such protection
developed, where possible, from the results of trial blasts and the placement of protection
in such a manner that it does not itself become a projectile or prejudice the desired effect of
the explosives;
h) remote protection: placement of materials at locations to mitigate the potential for damage from
projectiles, air overpressure and other effects of the event, with the design and placement of
such protection developed by the explosives engineer and other professional with experience of
comparable events;
i) measures to protect vulnerable services and structures, including those in the ground, from
direct debris impact and potential damage from air overpressure and ground vibration, with
predicted air overpressure and ground vibration measured in decibels and peak particle
velocity (PPV), respectively, used as criteria to determine the protection and mitigation measures
to be applied;
j) appropriate event control documentation and procedures, which should include:
1) management structure, with defined roles and responsibilities;
2) fit-for-purpose blowdown manual;
3) exclusion zone (see 12.7.4);
4) exclusion zone control and security;
5) evacuation procedures for the site and overall area affected by the event, covering:
i) able-bodied and disabled persons;
ii) elderly and infirm persons;
iii) pets and livestock to be rehoused;
iv) pets that cannot be removed (e.g. fish ponds);
v) non-planned event (emergency at another location taking up police resource); and
vi) security of properties during evacuation and repopulation of the exclusion zone);
6) crowd control and personnel control;
7) road closures;
8) defined safe access routes;
9) sequence of events;
10) misfire procedures (see 12.10);
11) contingency plans (see 12.7.2);
12) arrangements for environmental monitoring (see 7.2); and
13) communications methods and procedures.
The method statement should be developed between the explosives engineer, structural engineer
and project manager, as necessary, to ensure safety at all stages in the demolition procedure. For the
demolition of structures, the explosives engineer should consult the structural engineer to agree
amendments to the pre-weakening plan and charging plan.
The statement should be signed off by the qualified explosives engineer and the structural engineer
employed by the client.

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12.7.2 Contingency plan

A contingency plan or suite of plans should be established and included as a part of the method
statement. This plan(s) should address the possibility of the “blowdown” not proceeding as intended
or being aborted as a result of direct or indirect influences. The contingency plan should be agreed
in advance and in sufficient detail by all those with authority in order to minimize the impact of any
changes to the intended sequence of events.
A clear statement should be included in the plan, indicating the organizational structure of those
involved and who is to manage the execution of contingency measures if they are required. The plan
should be developed in such a manner that it can be efficiently activated when needed.
In the case of a misfire or an attempted firing when the planned results were not achieved, the plan
should provide for an initial cooling-off period after the firing. During this period the exclusion zone
should remain secured and nobody should be permitted to approach the structure. The implications
of the failure should be considered and a revised strategy, including timescales, should be developed,
agreed and implemented. This should follow reassessment and consultation by the explosives
engineer based on the site conditions and needs of those affected by the situation at that time.

12.7.3 Consultation
Prior to carrying out the works, a project steering group should be established. The size and
composition of this group should be determined by the nature, scale and location of the project, and
should comprise individuals and representatives of parties that have the potential to influence or
be affected by the works, e.g. client, contractors, local authority departments, landowners, adjacent
occupiers, statutory undertakers, emergency services, public transport providers, sports venues and
places of worship. These parties should be involved from an early stage in the process in order that all
reasonable requirements can be accommodated within the blowdown event planning.

12.7.4 Exclusion zone

An exclusion zone should be established for demolition work in accordance with 7.4. Weather
conditions prevailing at the time should be taken into account and, if necessary, the size of the
exclusion zone should be adjusted to give a new boundary.
In urban situations where high-rise buildings are to be demolished, the design of the exclusion
zone should, if necessary, involve special additional considerations, for example, the nature of the
building to be collapsed, the method of collapse, the position of explosive charges, the likely weather
conditions, the degree of blast protection to be used, and the safety of the general public. If the
blowdown is a media event with members of the public in attendance, the calculated exclusion zone
should reflect any associated risk.
The dimensions of exclusion zones should be determined by the person directly in charge of the
explosives operation, usually the explosives engineer, taking account of the results of test blasts,
existing conditions and the method of work. No individuals should be in an exclusion zone at the time
of detonation. In exceptional circumstances where members of the explosives engineering team or
personnel manning essential and uninterruptible supplies have to remain within the exclusion zone,
they should be located in a place of safety and not within the predicted debris zone. The explosives
engineer should be entirely responsible for the determining of safe refuges or locations.
The distance from the blasts to the exclusion zone boundary should be established following a risk
assessment. Details of at-source protection and remote protection to surrounding properties should
be taken into account when defining the exclusion zone.
The exclusion zone should be established after taking account of the risk of flying debris and air
overpressure arising from detonation of the explosives, material projected as a result of the structure

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breaking up, and logistical local constraints such as road junctions, access to hospitals, ability to
secure and police the area, etc.
Account should also be taken of the ground onto which the structure is to be dropped. This area
should be clear of debris, mud or any other material that can be projected by the impacting structure.
In addition, assessments of the impact effect of the structure should be carried out to determine
both the ground vibration frequencies and magnitude that will be generated. These factors should be
taken into account when the explosives engineer designs the blast. If ground conditions change out
of acceptable parameters, due for example to heavy rain or flooding, the explosives engineer should if
appropriate adjust the exclusion zone and viewing areas or postpone the blast.

12.7.5 Pre-weakening of structure

Where pre-weakening is to be undertaken, the design should be developed by a structural engineer
and also be subject to a Category 3 check prior to any work being carried out.

12.7.6 Blast protection

Blast protection may include one or more of the following as appropriate:
a) sand, both loose and in bags or containers that do not fragment or produce projectiles;
b) nets: geotextile, rope and steel;
c) wire and steel mesh;
d) corrugated steel sheets and steel plate;
e) timber;
f) rubber belting;
g) straw;
h) tyres;
i) water filled bags placed to absorb energy and/or dust; and
j) any combination of a) to i).
NOTE 1 Materials which can absorb energy give better results than hard materials, such as steel sheets and
sleepers, which can themselves become missiles.

The protection materials selected by the explosives engineer should be verified by trial blast(s).
NOTE 2 Protection may either be placed directly over the blast to give protection at source, or be of the stand-off
variety, or a combination of both.

When close protection is used it should be designed to allow for the expansion of the material being
broken until the gas expansion phase of the blast is over.
When stand-off protection is used, such as blocking windows in high-rise flats, it should be
constructed so that it can resist not only material being projected at it but also air blast which can be
several seconds in front of the main blast. If it is required during part of the collapse sequence of the
building, it should be designed to stay in place.

12.7.7 High-rise structures

Because the demolition of high-rise structures, particularly blocks of flats and offices, is likely to take
place in an urban environment, the method statement should take account of the potential for:
a) the works to directly affect public services and local authority bodies, as well as the
general public;
b) the media, including radio and television, becoming involved; and

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c) the demolition becoming a public spectacle.

Where a project steering group is set up to monitor the project and to assist in preparations for the
blowdown, a comprehensive management structure should be set up to properly control all aspects
of the demolition.
Where structural engineering advice was obtained for calculating the strength of the building, the
effects of pre-weakening and the effects of blasting concerning the mode of collapse, the calculations
should be subject to a Category 3 check, as they were for the erection of the building.
Full proposals should be prepared in advance of drilling and blasting, detailing where and how shot
holes are to be placed and charged, primed, coupled and delayed. All adjustments to the method
statement proposed should be noted and major changes should be notified immediately to the
site manager.
The blasting of high-rise flats or offices normally involves the placing of charges at several levels
in the building. This means that large quantities of explosives might be detonated at considerable
heights. Thus, in a normal urban environment, a considerable amount of blast protection is required
and this should be adequately designed, taking account of both the effect of blasting and perhaps
movement of the building prior to a particular blast area detonating.
The method statement should therefore contain adequate details of blast protection. Trial blasts
should be fired early on in the preparation of a building for demolition. These blasts should be
designed to test both the adequacy of the blasting method proposed and the efficiency of the blast
protection. If a trial blast proves to be unsatisfactory a further trial blast(s) should be performed
before proceeding further. Trial blasting should be performed well in advance so that adjustments
to the method statement can be fully considered. Where possible, witness boards or other recording
mechanisms should be used to provide tangible data from the trial blast. A report should be produced
evidencing the results of the trial blasts.

12.7.8 Metal structures

In any work involving the blasting of metal, particular care should be taken to assess the exclusion
zone. The degree of blast protection should be carefully determined when blasting cut sections
from structural metal elements. The sections should be firmly anchored so that they do not become
projectiles.
The use of shaped/cutting charges to cut steel work is a specialized operation and should only be
carried out by an explosives engineer with appropriate training and experience.
Where shaped/cutting charges are used to complete cuts on pre-weakened structures, the explosives
engineer should work in close cooperation with a structural engineer to ensure the integrity and
fitness for purpose of the overall design and ensure the stability of the structure in its temporary
state. Where appropriate, a system should be introduced to monitor movement in the structure
during the pre-weakening and charging process. Where movement is detected, the works should
cease and the advice of a structural engineer sought.
Metal fragments from either explosive demolition or cutting charges can travel very long distances at
extremely high velocities. This should be taken into account when designing at source protection and
exclusion zones.

12.8 Explosives
12.8.1 Transport
Explosives should be transported from a licensed store, or directly from the manufacturer in
accordance with Clause 9.

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12.8.2 Storage
Explosives should be stored in accordance with 9.3.
Only the amount of explosive which can be readily charged in one day should be taken into the
structure. Uncharged explosives should be removed to a location where they can be stored legally
until the following day.
Where conventional electrical detonating systems are being used they should be split and
short‑circuited to prevent unintentional initiation. Contact with moisture should be avoided.

12.8.3 Security
Security needs to be effective when explosives are on site, including when they are in position in the
structure, so provision should be made for the following:
a) an adequate number of authorized security guards with the ability to perform personnel and
vehicular searches, to be on duty;
b) a system of communications with the police explosive liaison officer or security control centre;
c) a system of communications with the explosives engineer or delegated deputy, who should be
able get to the site in a reasonable time period in the event of an emergency; and
d) floodlights to light the areas, as appropriate.
Arrangements should be made to ensure that explosives cannot be prematurely detonated, including
unintentional initiation, e.g. when positioning floodlights or using mobile telephones and radios (see
HSE Approved Code of Practice L151 [N2]).
A contingency plan should be in place to make safe the explosives and surrounding area where there
is a potential for lightning strikes.
On large demolition sites where structures such as high-rise flats are to be brought down, security
should be carefully planned as it could take a week or more to charge up the structure and at any
time there can be thousands of shot holes ready primed. The site of such a building(s) should be
fully fenced to prevent unauthorized access to the site and, if possible, the building itself should
be protected.
Police and fire authorities should be made aware of the charged status of the building.
The building should be guarded 24 h per day until blowdown.
If possible, the number of entrances to the building should be limited to restrict entry and make
control easier.

12.9 Safety and operations

12.9.1 Before charging
Small-scale demolition or work that can be completed in a single day should be carried out in
accordance with Clause 5 to Clause 8.
In large, complex projects such as high-rise flat demolition, the method statement on charging
procedures should be followed.
The method statement should include a plan showing each floor of the building to be charged and
should be detailed so that each individual panel or column can be identified. The plan for each section
should show the shot hole location, the weight of charge per shot hole and the detonator delay
sequence and timing to be used.
Each panel or column in the building should be marked with its own identification to prevent
confusion and make control of charging much simpler.

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A rigid and fit for purpose system should be in place to ensure quality assurance and auditing of
the charging process is in full compliance with the explosives engineer’s design and the authorized
method statement. Any non-compliance should be immediately reported to the explosives engineer
and, where applicable, the structural engineer for consideration and further instruction in relation
to remedial action. Any changes to the method statement should be clearly recorded and all involved
personnel and parties notified.

12.9.2 During charging

Charging should be carried out in a systematic manner, preferably from one end of the building to the
other and from the top of the building to the bottom. Unauthorized access to previously charged areas
should be prevented at all times.
The working area should be kept clean and free of obstructions at all times.
Large sections of explosive charges should not to be wired up or connected together as charging
proceeds. The connection of individual charges, and sections and floors, should be left to the closing
stages of the charging process to reduce the risk of accidental initiation of the explosives.

12.9.3 After charging

After the charging sequence is complete all connections should be checked to ensure that they are
complete and secure. Where electric detonators are being used, the resistance of each circuit should
be checked to ensure electrical continuity.
Where an explosives engineer, independent of the engineer in control of the charging procedure,
checks all circuits prior to the time the blast takes place, they should submit a log prior to the blast
that these checks have been carried out.
Where a blast is to be left overnight it should be broken up into separate elements and electric
detonators should be short-circuited for safety.
On the day of the blast a detailed procedure and programme should be followed and copies should be
given to all who need to be aware of these. The procedure should include the steps to be taken in the
event of a misfire (see 12.10).

12.10 Misfires
In the aftermath of a misfire, the situation should be thoroughly analysed and a new risk assessment
carried out. Where necessary, the exclusion zones should be maintained and site security kept at a
high level until the situation has been satisfactorily resolved.

12.11 Debris and site clearance

When demolishing structures with explosives, the method statement should include a procedure
for ensuring that any undetonated explosives or explosives components are identified and safely
recovered. Where appropriate, personnel engaged in the clearance works should be adequately
trained to recognize explosives and components and to have a safe system for their recovery.
NOTE This could require the explosives engineer to be available on site during the process or some other suitably
trained and qualified individual.

13 Underwater blasting
COMMENTARY ON CLAUSE 13
Underwater blasting for rock excavation ranges from small‑scale operations conducted in shallow
water for the deepening of rivers or the excavation of foundations and foreshore trenches, to major
harbour works involving the extension or construction of deep water berth facilities for large ships.

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Underwater blasting might also be required for the levelling of the sea bed or for the demolition or
clearance of offshore obstacles and structures.
Underwater blasting can also cover blasting in heavily waterlogged ground.
Further guidance is given in the Marine Technology Directorate Ltd. publication, Guidelines for the
safe use of explosives under water [43], and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee's Guidelines for
minimising the risk of injury to marine mammals from using explosives [44].

13.1 General
COMMENTARY ON 13.1
Water is an excellent transmitter of shock, and the compression wave set up by underwater explosions
can cause severe injury to divers or swimmers in the vicinity. Even if the peak pressure transmitted
through the water is below the injury threshold, it could cause temporary discomfort and alarm to a
diver or swimmer.
Even when small charges of a few kilograms are being fired in underwater blasting, all personnel,
including the divers who place the charges, should be out of the water.
The severity of the shock wave at a distance from an underwater blast should be assessed using the
parameters of peak overpressure and impulse.
NOTE The strength of the shock wave is reduced with increasing distance from the blast. It is also affected by
other factors, such as type of explosive, the degree of burial of the explosive within the sea bed, the depth of water
at the location of the blast, the blast geometry, and depth of the water at the measuring point. Any reflection from a
solid surface can increase the severity of the shock wave.

Blast vibrations are more easily transmitted through waterlogged ground than dry ground so that
vibration levels at a given point might well be higher than expected, so suitable instrumentation
should be employed to measure vibrations so that the site characteristics can be determined.

13.2 Method statement

The method statement for underwater drilling and blasting should take account of any submerged/
buried cables, power or service lines, ducts or pipes in the proximity of the works. The location and
route of these should be precisely identified prior to commencement of the works.
The method statement should be signed off by a qualified explosives engineer employed by the client.

13.3 Site survey

The following should be determined when carrying out the survey:
a) the effect that climatic and sea conditions, such as prevailing wind direction and strength, tidal
range and current, and wave and swell heights, might have on the operations, and the possibility
of ice or debris in the water damaging or breaking initiation lines;
b) the frequency of shipping and pleasure vessel movements, and whether there are any water
sports activities in the area, including diving operations;
c) site geological conditions, including the presence and type of any overburden overlying the rock;
d) environmental conditions, including protection of marine life; and
e) the proximity of structures, residential buildings and the location of any submarine cables and
pipelines which could be affected by the works.

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13.4 Exclusion zones and blast warning procedures

A blast area should be established to exclude all vessels, plant and personnel, including those of the
blasting contractor, when blasting is about to take place. Where necessary, two separate exclusion
zones should be defined and established in the immediate vicinity of the blast area (see Figure 3):
a) an inner exclusion zone for commercial shipping a distance from the blast site sufficient to
avoid any damage to vessels’ hulls or machinery from the effect of the blast; and
b) an outer exclusion zone for swimmers in accordance with Table 1, which gives recommended
minimum distances for swimmers from underwater blasting operations in open water.
All relevant parties should be consulted, and operational limits agreed, when establishing an
exclusion zone.
Figure 3 — Relationship of blast area and exclusion zones in underwater blasting

Key
1 Boundary of outer exclusion zone 3 Blast area
2 Boundary of inner exclusion zone
NOTE Diagrammatic and not to scale.

Table 1 — Recommended minimum distances from underwater blasting operations

Size of charge Minimum distance

kg m
Up to and including 10 600
Over 10 and up to and including 20 750
Over 20 and up to and including 30 900
Over 30 and up to and including 40 1 050
Over 40 and up to and including 50 1 200
NOTE The minimum distances are based on freely suspended TNT explosive charges. Considerably less water
shock is produced for a given charge when the explosives are contained in shot holes.

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For charges greater than 50 kg it is not possible to reliably predict the safe distances because of the
compounding factors mentioned in 13.1, so until more conclusive information is available, swimmers
should never be permitted close enough to an underwater blast to be exposed to a shock wave whose
impulse at that point is greater than 14 Pa·s (2 psi·milliseconds) or whose peak overpressure is
greater than 170 kPa (25 psi).
Where work is to be carried out in the vicinity of bathing beaches, arrangements should be made with
the relevant authorities to establish and maintain these exclusion zones. Within any such zone, all
swimming, diving, boating and other sports should be prohibited during blasting operations.
The extent of the blast area and exclusion zones should be informed by the size and type of the shot
being fired. In intertidal areas and in water depths where fly rock is possible, the land excavation
exclusion zone (see 14.6.2, Figure 4) should also be applied.
If there is any doubt, pressure and impulse measurements should be taken at representative locations
using suitable instrumentation.
A code of signals should be established in accordance with 7.4.2. Adequate warning systems should
be set up to ensure that during blasting operations no swimmers are within the exclusion zone, that
all vessels are clear of the blast area and that all divers are out of the water.

13.5 Explosives
13.5.1 Explosives types
The explosives used in underwater blasting should:
a) have adequate resistance against water for the likely period of immersion, backed up with a
robust, non-pressure sensitive booster and appropriate initiation;
b) be capable of detonating completely in long narrow columns (simulating a shot hole charge)
under water; and
c) be desensitized in water after an extended period of time so that they are rendered safe if any
misfires occur.
When emulsions and slurries are used, the manufacturer’s data sheet should be checked to determine
if the product is detonator or booster sensitive. The explosives manufacturer should be consulted
about suitable explosives and accessories for the particular operation.
Where a more water-resistant type of explosive that is not desensitized by pressure is used for deep
water operations (greater than 30 m), its long immersion life should be taken into account when
considering misfires.
When using delay blasting techniques in wet or waterlogged ground, explosives of low sensitivity
should be used to reduce the possibility of sympathetic detonation.
NOTE 1 Two-part liquid explosive mixtures are also available for use in specialized charges, in which neither of
the components are explosive in themselves until they are mixed together. The main advantage of using this type of
explosive is the ease of handling, transporting and filling the special cutting charges.

The use of lay-on charges creates a larger waterborne shockwave than when explosives are placed
in shot holes, so the charges should be positioned accurately. Once they are placed, weights or
holding‑down devices should be used to prevent the charges being moved by tidal action or
strong currents.
Multiple charges should be used when a large area is to be blasted by this method. A rigid frame
should be used for the assembly of the charges prior to lowering. A relatively large deck area, which is
kept free from other operations, should be used to carry out this assembly with due care and proper
regard to safety. A lifting crane of adequate capacity, and with sufficient reach, should be used to raise

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the frame and charges clear of the deck and fixtures, and to swing the frame for lowering into the
correct position.
NOTE 2 The attachment of the charges might be such that they can be manoeuvred into position by the divers.

For larger groups of charges a rope mesh might be a more convenient method of stringing charges
together and, particularly where the water is not deep, it could facilitate charging by a method of
paying out the roped assemblies over the stern of the barge. For these methods, attention should
be given to firmly securing the charges in place and to making reliable connections of initiating
mechanism between charges, to ensure satisfactory results and freedom from misfires.

13.5.2 Initiation systems

COMMENTARY ON 13.5.2
The blasting accessories most commonly used in underwater blasting are detonators, either electric,
electronic or non-electric, and detonating cord.
Plain detonators and safety fuse methods of initiation should not be used because these devices can
be desensitized by water.
In extremely arduous conditions, for example deep water in which divers in heavy equipment
or submersibles are to handle the detonators, special detonators designed for use in deep water
should be used. Information on the suitable types available should be obtained from the explosives
manufacturer.
Electric detonators are normally designed to have a high degree of water resistance, but when the
depth exceeds 30 m or the period of immersion exceeds 24 h the manufacturer should be consulted.
NOTE Detonating cord is normally finished with an outer plastic sheath which is sufficiently waterproof to
prevent water penetrating to the internal explosive core. Moisture can, however, penetrate down the core of the cord
from a cut or abrasion and impair its sensitivity to initiation.

Any cut ends which could become submerged should be sealed against moisture entry by means
of sealing compounds, blanking-off tubes and waterproof taping. When using detonating cord all
connections should be directional.
The same measures should be applied when using the shock tube method of initiation, where
again water can penetrate into the explosive core through any cut or abrasion in the outer tube. All
connections should be above the waterline and protected from shrapnel.
Initiation lines linking individual charges can be subjected to tension by tidal or current action that
exceeds the levels the wire or cord are designed to withstand and lead to breakage, with consequent
misfires and possible loss of a charge(s). Where such forces are likely to be encountered, charges
should be linked by rope or by a rigid framework arranged to take the strain.

13.5.3 Transport
Explosives should be transported in accordance with 9.4 and 9.5.
NOTE The movement of explosives within a harbour or harbour area is controlled by the Dangerous Goods in
Harbour Area Regulations 2016 [23], which are supported by Approved Code of Practice L155 [45]. If a harbour is
not licensed for loading or unloading of explosives these regulations allow the movement of quantities of less than
1 t intended for immediate use in connection with harbour works in the harbour or harbour area, provided that the
written consent of the harbour master has been obtained.

13.5.4 Storage
Adequate land-based licensed storage accommodation should be provided for all underwater blasting
operations requiring the regular use of explosives. Explosives should be stored and handled in
accordance with 9.3 to 9.5.

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When drilling and blasting operations are conducted from a pontoon, floating barge or other small
craft close to land, explosives and blasting accessories should not be taken onto the craft until
required immediately for blasting. Surplus explosives should be removed as soon as practicable after
completion of charging and before firing the blast.
Where the system employed requires that each shot hole is charged immediately after it has been
drilled, so that it is necessary to keep a stock of explosives on the drilling barge, wood‑lined steel
containers should be used for separate storage of explosives and detonators until they are required
for immediate use.
NOTE The main purpose of this on-deck storage is to protect the explosive from accidental maltreatment, such
as impact from drill rods, bits and spanners thrown down onto the deck. In the constricted conditions on deck there
is also a risk of loose explosives cases or cartridges being washed overboard by a sudden swell or movement of the
barge, with subsequent problems of recovery.

Provision should be made for the containers to be jettisoned in an emergency, such as fire, and to be
suitably buoyed for eventual recovery.

13.6 Safety and operations

13.6.1 Before charging
Every shot hole should be drilled in accordance with a predetermined pattern, and positioned
using a system of such accuracy that does not permit the possibility of drilling into the previously
charged area.
Before charging, each shot hole should be checked for depth and clearance using a stemming
rod(s). Charging should not proceed until the depth corresponds to the planned depth and the shot
hole is clear.
In all underwater blasting operations, charging of shot holes is liable to be much more difficult than
working in the dry. Soft deposits varying from silt to sand or clay containing boulders can over-lie
the rock to be blasted, so the top of the shot hole should be cased. Where necessary, a system which
forms a hole in the soft material sufficient for a casing to be fixed should be used. Whatever method
is used for casing soft material, it should be of a sufficient strength to allow the shot hole to be drilled
within it and into the rock below. Where such tubes are used they should extend above the maximum
water or tide level, so that they can subsequently be used as a loading tube, through which the shot
hole is charged.
Each shot hole location should be carefully recorded, together with the rock level and charging
quantities for the shot hole, on record sheets intended for such a purpose.

13.6.2 During charging

When charging underwater shot holes, the safe handling recommendations of Clause 10 should
be followed.
As charging proceeds, frequent checks with the stemming rod(s) should be made on the shot hole
depth, to ensure that each cartridge has been pushed fully home.
If detonators are used in the shot holes, particular care should be exercised to prevent breakage of
the wires or tubes.
Where conditions are severe, heavy duty wire or tubing should be used.
The detonators should be inserted in the first cartridge loaded in the shot hole. The use of two
detonators and two primers should be considered as in quarrying.
All connections between detonators, and elsewhere in the blasting circuit, should be well insulated so
as to prevent current leakage and short circuits.

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Great care should be taken to prevent stray electric currents anywhere on the craft. All equipment
should be properly earthed and high standards of wiring and maintenance should be maintained to
ensure that these conditions prevail.
NOTE 1 The use of detonators, either electric or shock tube, on drilling barges fitted with electrically operated
machinery and equipment, for example pumps, winches or lights, can be hazardous if proper precautions
are not taken.

All work with explosives should cease and special precautions taken to isolate the detonators when
an electric storm occurs.
NOTE 2 An electric storm can cause accidental initiation of detonators of either the electric or shock tube type.

Strict rules should be laid down concerning the handling and use of electric detonators. Risks of
premature ignition should be minimized by using high-resistance fuse heads. As an additional
precaution, each electric detonator should be shorted by connecting together the bare ends of the
leading wires until immediately prior to connection into the blasting circuit. Shock tube detonators
should only be used for underwater works if they are fitted with tubing of sufficient strength.
Detonating cord should not be used to initiate emulsions and slurries. If detonating cord is used for
the initiation of other types of charges, it should be threaded through the first cartridge inserted in
the shot hole with the open end sealed in accordance with 13.5.2. Where conditions are exceptionally
severe, the detonating cord should be protected by taping, or by lengths of non-metallic tubing to
prevent abrasion through the outer plastic covering. After the shot hole depth has been checked, the
length of detonating cord required should be cut from the reel, leaving sufficient slack to allow for the
motion of the barge in swell or tidal movements.
Detonating cord lines from groups of charged shot holes should not be connected together until the
final preparation for firing the blast.
When the shotfiring cable is connected to the detonators, the cable should be firmly attached in such
a way that it is not possible to pull the detonating lead wires from the detonators, as this could cause
premature ignition.
Detonating cord is a high explosive, which can be initiated by impact, so care should be taken to
protect it from impact.

13.6.3 After charging

When withdrawing to fire a blast, the firing cable or detonating cord line should be paid out
slowly to avoid stretching it to breaking point, and floats should be used at intervals to support the
cord or cable.
Accurate means of locating the firing point relative to the blast area should be adopted (e.g. distance
measuring instrument) so that there is no hazard to personnel due to the firing craft or barge being
too close to the blast when it is fired. For blasts in shallow water, the potential for rock or stones
to be thrown clear of the water surface and projected for considerable distances should be taken
into account.
Immediately prior to firing, a final check should be carried out to ensure that all blast warning
procedures have been complied with and that the exclusion zones are being maintained.
As soon as practicable after firing a blast an examination should be made for misfires (see 13.7).
After the blast has been successfully fired the “all clear” should be given and normal
operations resumed.

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13.7 Misfires
Misfires in underwater blasting can cause exceptional problems, so the charging and firing operation
should be designed to ensure, as far as possible, that misfires do not occur. For example:
a) double lines of detonating cord or other initiating system should be led to each charge;
b) detonating systems that minimize the risk of misfires due to earth leakage should be
employed; and
c) precautions should be taken to avoid lines of detonating cord or lead wires becoming entangled
or subjected to excessive strain.
A regular routine of drilling, charging and firing small blasts should be followed rather than
attempting to blast large areas in one operation, where the explosives, detonators and other
detonating devices could be immersed for long periods before blasting takes place.
NOTE The following guidance is appropriate to different circumstances.

1) If a whole blast has misfired, then with the aid of divers it might be possible to re-prime each shot hole and
attempt to fire the blast again.

2) If a blast has partially misfired and the ground remains relatively undisturbed, again, re‑priming of the
misfired shot holes might be possible.

3) Where a minority of shot holes in a blast has misfired, the ground might be extensively disturbed and
re‑priming of charges is likely to be extremely difficult. However, attempting to re-prime and re-fire the
misfired holes is again the only reasonable option available.

4) If, after taking action to remedy a misfire, a suspicion remains that the charge has not fired, markers can be
placed to indicate the location of the possible misfire so that subsequent digging or dredging operations can
proceed cautiously in the suspect area.

5) Because of the relatively close spacing of shot holes and the difficulty of accurately locating the drilling barge
and precisely spotting the shot holes, the re-drilling of an area where misfires have occurred is extremely
hazardous. The placing and firing of heavy lay-on charges might rectify poor breakage in areas affected by
misfires or inadequate blasting results and could also help in detonating misfired charges.

13.8 Seismic impulse generation

The use of explosives to generate shock waves as part of seismic survey work on land and in water
should be undertaken in accordance with Clause 5 to Clause 10.

14 Land excavation
14.1 General
COMMENTARY ON 14.1
Land excavation covers the use of explosives to assist in the fragmentation and excavation primarily of
rock for trenches, pipelines, roads, bridges, etc. The scale of material to be blasted can vary from a few
cubic metres for small drainage ditches and site levelling, to millions of cubic metres for major road or
infrastructure projects.
In every situation drilling is required in order that the explosives can be accurately positioned and
distributed through the volume to be excavated.
The safety and well-being of anyone in the vicinity of land excavation sites is paramount and, where
blasting is required, there exists a close synergy with the requirements of safe blasting on mineral
extraction sites. The Quarries Regulations 1999 [16] are highly prescriptive in their requirements for

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the shotfirer and explosives supervisor, and as such the extractives industry has developed Vocational
Qualifications (VCs) that are minimum requirements to allow personnel to carry out blasting operations.
Both in the terms of best industry practice and the fact that most shotfirers operate within both
blasting locations it is not overly onerous to expect that shotfirers in land excavation hold the current
VCs as a minimum.
The training requirements that form the relevant VCs are described in Annex A and Annex B .
Where large volumes of rock are to be excavated the operation becomes akin to major quarrying
activity and the requirements of Part V of the Quarries Regulations 1999 [16] should be followed
when developing safe systems of work (see Commentary on 14.9), unless there are specific reasons
for not doing so.
Blasting operations that take place outside a recognized rock excavation site (e.g. a quarry) can
create a sense of alarm within the local community, and are categorized as a high risk, irrespective
of control measures and site parameters. The site operator should address these issues with the
local community and provide a means of communication and discussion to manage the concerns of
local residents.

14.2 Documentation
With most projects being operated under BIM (Building Information Management), the quality and
style of blasting records should reflect the system set out in the Quarries Regulations 1999 [16]. As a
minimum the following should be kept, preferably in electronic form:
a) location of the blast;
b) volume extracted;
c) depth, diameter pattern of blast holes;
d) type and amount of explosives;
e) type and amount of initiation; and
f) location of track and trace data.

14.3 Risk assessment and site survey

14.3.1 General
COMMENTARY ON 14.3.1
As excavations are almost entirely associated with works of civil engineering or building construction,
they might necessarily be close to existing or new structures and/or be carried out in locations where
the general public are at risk. The topography of the area and the volume to be excavated might also be
very irregular.
A thorough and professional risk assessment and survey (see Clause 6) should be carried out. This
professionalism and attention to detail should be carried through to the execution of the blasting
operation by way of detailed method statements (see 14.4) and blast design.
The blast design should involve all possible measures to eliminate fly rock from the site operations
and prevent potential damage and complaints as a result of ground or airborne blasting vibrations.
Appropriate monitoring should be undertaken on and around the site to ensure the results on site
reflect the requirements of the design.

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14.3.2 Survey

14.3.2.1 General
The survey should cover the following:
a) ground conditions/geotechnical properties;
b) response of structures to ground vibration/air overpressure;
c) operational limits for ground vibration and air overpressure as required by the licensing
authorities;
d) detailed survey of blast site; and
e) third party/public interaction.

14.3.2.2 Ground/rock conditions

Prior to any blasting, and afterwards on an ongoing basis, all available information on the
geotechnical properties, e.g. strength, fracturing and stratification, of the material to be blasted
should be investigated and assessed. This assessment should also take into account the groundwater
conditions. This information may be collated from any ground investigation that has already been
carried out. Where no such information is available, the explosives engineer should take account of
this in the risk assessment and take appropriate action.
As more information becomes available, e.g. from drilling, previous blasts and excavation operations,
all relevant observations should be collated and any necessary amendments made to the method
statement or blast plan.

14.3.2.3 Detailed survey

The proximity of sensitive buildings or structures to the blast site should be accurately determined
prior to preparation of the blast plan. A plan of the area surrounding the blasts at a suitable scale
should be provided for this purpose.
At the blasting site, however, more detailed survey information should be provided. The
commencing level, pattern and depth of boreholes should be accurately fixed in relation to the
initial and proposed excavation level such that the true burden and spacing of each shot hole can be
accurately determined.
NOTE Depending on the particular conditions on site this might necessitate the use of laser face and borehole
survey systems.

14.3.2.4 Third parties/general public interaction

The survey of the blast site should take into account the potential hazard to other contractors and
third parties in the exclusion zone (see 6.4 and 14.6).
NOTE See also the CDM Regulations 2015 [6].

The survey should also identify any potential hazard to the general public. The blast design and
designated exclusion zone should take account of these factors.

14.4 Method statements

COMMENTARY ON 14.4
General recommendations for the preparation of method statements are given in Clause 7. When a
series of blasts is carried out, it is common for changes in ground conditions and blast geometry to be
encountered. In most cases, a single method statement is not appropriate to accommodate the effect of
these changes.

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The method statement should, as a minimum, address the following:

a) identification of the blast area and boundary of the exclusion zone (see also 14.6);
b) the procedure and responsibility for identifying the blast area and the limit of the exclusion zone;
c) how the volume to be blasted has been measured with sufficient accuracy in three dimensions,
i.e. topography, face position(s) and orientation(s) (if relevant) and the shot hole positions and
orientation;
d) adherence to the charging plan by those authorized to charge blasts and their allowable
deviations from the plan (see 7.3);
e) storage of explosives on site (see 9.3);
f) transport of explosives to and from site if there is not site storage (see Clause 9);
g) transport and handling of explosives on site (see Clause 9);
h) measures to ensure that all third parties are aware of blasting events and are prevented from
exposure to any hazard or risk (see 14.3.2.4);
i) visual and audible warning systems (see 7.4);
j) management and control of sentries in ensuring the integrity of the exclusion zone;
k) misfire procedures (see 10.5);
l) indicative blast design detailing maximum charge per delay, distance to sensitive structures and
expected vibration limits; and
m) any requirements for blast protection or methods of containment.
The method statement should be signed off by an explosives engineer employed by the client.

14.5 Drilling
Shotholes should be formed by drilling rigs conforming to BS EN 16228 (all parts). Appropriate dust
capture at source techniques should be implemented to minimize occupational and environmental
exposure to dust. Appropriate steps should also be taken to minimize occupational and
environmental noise exposure from drilling.

14.6 Exclusion zones and blast protection

14.6.1 General
The exclusion zones and blast protection should be signed off by an explosives engineer employed
by the client.
Blast protection or containment should only be used as added insurance against fly rock when
blasting is to take place in close proximity to structures and/or the general public. The containment/
protective measure should not be used to justify a higher risk blast design.

14.6.2 Exclusion zones

The explosives engineer or shotfirer responsible for designing the blast should apply the following
methodology to the risk of rock movement or projection from the blast (see Figure 4 and also 7.4):
a) identify an immediate zone around the blast to the limit of expected rock displacement, so that
all plant and equipment can be removed from this area prior to blasting;
b) identify an area in which some scatter might be possible;

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c) identify the limit of an exclusion zone from which all personnel other than the shotfirer are
excluded, and which allows for a margin of safety outside the potential scatter area and may be
enlarged to take into account natural barriers or features (see Figure 4).
NOTE The shotfirer may fire from within this area provided that he uses a shotfiring shelter.

Figure 4 — Exclusion zone for land excavation

Key
1 Boundary of exclusion zone 3 Potential scatter area
2 Blast area
NOTE Diagrammatic and not to scale.

14.6.3 Containment measures

14.6.3.1 General
Containment measures should be applied to prevent scatter or fly rock and where blasting is being
carried out in close proximity to structures and/or the general public.
Any containment measures should not incorporate materials which might themselves be projected by
the force of the blast.

14.6.3.2 Netting/meshing
Where netting/meshing is to be used for containment, the appropriate type should be used in the
correct configuration for the conditions.
NOTE Netting types used as containment can vary from standard steel mesh net, through polypropylene rope
nets to very heavy duty “submarine” netting. These nets can be hung or draped over vertical or sub-vertical faces
to prevent sub‑horizontal projection of material, or placed over sub-horizontal surfaces to prevent vertical or
sub‑vertical projection. In extreme circumstances netting/meshing may also be used as overnetting to provide
complete aerial coverage to a blast site.

14.6.3.3 Matting
Where blasts have only the surface as a free face (for example, sinking or ramping excavations, or
more typically trenching and pipeline excavations), scatter should, where necessary, be controlled by
matting and/or covering.
NOTE This may take the form of used conveyor belting or similar material laid directly on the blast surface and
weighted down to provide containment by the addition of locally available inert material, for example, topsoil,
sand or gravel.

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14.6.3.4 Protective measures

Protective measures should only be utilized to prevent or limit damage to structures.
Such measures should be designed to absorb and/or dissipate some of the energy and movement of
the displaced materials, and may take the form of a protective bund of sand or similar material.
NOTE More specific protection may be achieved by the use of straw bales, which can be very effective in
certain situations.

14.7 Transport and storage

14.7.1 Transport
COMMENTARY ON 14.7.1
The transfer and transport of explosives is governed by legislation and regulations (see 9.4).
Delivery to site is normally in road vehicles and is covered by legislative requirements.
Transport on site should be in boxes or containers (see 9.4.1 and 14.7.2) and in clearly marked
vehicles (see 9.4.2).

14.7.2 Storage
Temporary daytime storage, if required, should be in secure containers or boxes and should be under
the direct control of the shotfirer.
Longer term storage should only be permitted in a licensed store, the construction and security of
which are prescribed by the Explosives Regulations 2014 [8].

14.8 Explosives and initiation systems

14.8.1 Explosives
Explosives for the different tasks to be undertaken should be selected and used in accordance
with Table 2.
Table 2 — Selection and use of explosives

Explosive type Conditions of use

Small diameter nitroglycerine Close proximity to properties

Heavy water

Trenches less than 1.5 m wide

Packaged slurry or emulsion Shallow holes, less than 4.0 m deep

Where a high degree of loading control is required

Where vibration needs to be managed

Trenches greater than 1.5 m wide

Bulk or pumped emulsion Bulk holes greater than 4.0 m deep

Blast sites not constrained by close proximity properties

Blast sites that require little or no vibration control

Site-mixed ANFO Bulk holes that are dry

Blast sites not constrained by close proximity properties

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14.8.2 Initiation
The selection of initiation system used in any particular application should be informed by
such factors as:
a) the maximum allowable charge which may be detonated per time delay;
b) the presence of any electrical hazard; and
c) the number of individual charges which need to be fired in one blast.
NOTE See 10.4 for more detailed recommendations on initiation systems. Table 3 gives guidance on the selection
of initiation systems.

Table 3 — Selection and use of initiation systems

Initiation type Advantages Disadvantages

Electric Simple sequences only available Limited delay sequence
detonators
Evidence of continuity prior to blasting Numbers limited to capacity of exploder
Shock tube Unlimited blast size Limited to a set number of delay sequences
Easy to use/visualize on the surface Delay sequence difficult on non‑standard
drill patterns

Susceptible to surface cut offs due to

shrapnel

No means of continuity checking

Electronics Unlimited delay sequences Additional training and equipment required

Non-standard initiation timings

Evidence of continuity prior to blasting

Detonating cord Flexible initiation system Environment – Noise and air overpressure

14.9 Safety and operations

COMMENTARY ON 14.9
The majority of blasting in the UK takes place in quarries and, in recognition of the risks involved, Part
5 of the Quarries Regulations 1999 [16] prescribe:
• the means of accurately locating the rock and relative position of the explosives contained therein;
• the method of recording the blasting operations, both at design stage and during charging;
• the specific site rules for the use of explosives; and
• the training of the personnel involved in the use of explosives.
Adherence to these protocols goes a long way to avoiding incidents when blasting on civil
engineering projects.

14.9.1 Before charging

All preliminary procedures, method statements and blast warning procedures should be in place
before charging.
Shot holes should be checked to ensure that the intended pattern has been drilled, that they are open
and unobstructed to the depths required, and that their orientation and inclination are as intended.
If the blasting is to a free face, then its position relative to the shot holes should be known
with sufficient accuracy to ensure a safe and efficient blast and thus avoid fly and excessive air
overpressure.

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The charging regime and intended firing pattern should be planned and calculated before charging
commences to ensure that the blast ratios and actual burdens and spacings are as intended and will
lead to a safe and efficient blast.

14.9.2 During charging

Only sufficient explosives for the blast should be on site and under the direct control of the appointed
shotfirer. Boxes of packaged explosives should not be opened before their intended use and in no
circumstances should explosive cartridges be lying loose around the blast site. Charging should
take place in accordance with the charging plan and the rise of explosives in the shot hole should
be checked at regular intervals to ensure that cartridges are not stuck at a high level or that bulk
explosives such as ANFO or site-mixed two-part emulsions are not being lost into cavities or voids
in the ground.
If down-the-hole initiation methods are employed, the shotfirer should ensure that the planned
initiation sequence is implemented in accordance with the prepared blast plan.
On completion of charging the shot holes should be stemmed to the surface, ideally with single size
crushed rock aggregate, except for pre-split shot holes which require special stemming arrangements.
Any blast initiation products on the surface should be covered to prevent potential misfires and
minimize air overpressure.
If charging has been completed well in advance of the proposed blasting time, or if the blast is
delayed, the shotfirer should ensure that any electrical circuits remain open and unconnected and
that a responsible person is in charge of the blast site until blasting takes place.
Immediately prior to blasting the shotfirer should ensure that the agreed blast warning procedures
are implemented and that sentries are in place to maintain the integrity of the designated exclusion
zone (see 14.6).

14.9.3 After the blast

Following initiation of the blast the shotfirer should check that it has been successfully fired, as far as
can be determined by visual inspection, before giving the all-clear.
A complete misfire should be evaluated on the spot, taking account of the type and method
of initiation.
NOTE 1 For example, it might be possible to reconnect and fire an electrically initiated blast again if the problem
can be located with a degree of certainty.

Partial misfires might not become immediately apparent, but all misfires should be treated in
accordance with the misfire procedures identified in the method statement [see 7.2, item q)], which
normally as a minimum require a shotfirer to be present during excavation to assist and advise the
excavator operator on safety.
NOTE 2 See 10.5 for further guidance on misfires, their identification, reporting and remedial action.

15 Other forms of blasting

15.1 Mini-blasting
COMMENTARY ON 15.1
This is a system of blasting small structures or parts of structures where full-scale blasting is unlikely to
be acceptable. Shot hole sizes and drill patterns and amounts of explosive can all be very much reduced.
Whilst the dangers with mini-blasting might be very much reduced because of scale, this type of
blasting should still be subjected to the same criteria as full-scale blasting.

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BS 5607:2017 BRITISH STANDARD

15.2 Deflagrating compounds (low-velocity explosives)

COMMENTARY ON 15.2
These are fireworks type compounds which burn rather than detonate.
Deflagrating compounds may be used like a low-powered explosive, and in use should be treated as
any other explosive.

15.3 Cardox
COMMENTARY ON 15.3
This system utilizes the rapid release of gas (often carbon dioxide) from a previously charged or
pressurized shell or container placed in a borehole. The rapid release of energy can be used to
break out rock.
A cardox system should follow the same procedures in use as for conventional explosives.

15.4 Expanding grouts

COMMENTARY ON 15.4
In this system a grout powder is suitably mixed with water and placed in shot holes. As the grout sets it
expands and, given the correct configuration, breaks rock or concrete.
The grout setting times vary with temperature and manufacturing, but results are normally expected
within 24 h, except in cold weather.
The unpredictability of the grout setting time should be allowed for when considering any protective
or control measures.
Care should be taken with fast setting grouts as they can cause an explosive-like ejection from the top
of the shot holes.

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BRITISH STANDARD BS 5607:2017

Annex A (normative)
Competence for blasting operations

A.1 Appointment of a shotfirer

The responsibilities involved in shotfiring should be taken into account when assessing a candidate’s
suitability for appointment.
An appointment as a shotfirer should be made only after appropriate training and a period of
practical experience assisting an experienced shotfirer resulting in the award of an appropriate
qualification.
NOTE A periodic reassessment of competence may be required.

A.2 Course topics

The course should cover the areas set out in Appendix 1 of HSE Approved Code of Practice L118 [N3].
Where necessary, employers should consult training providers to ensure that training course
content is relevant to the type of shotfiring activities likely to be carried out by persons selected to
become shotfirers.

A.3 On-site training and experience

In addition to attendance at “off the job” training courses, the trainee shotfirers should receive
training “on the job” until such time as they are able to demonstrate consistently that they have the
competence to enable them to carry out a full range of shotfiring duties in their own specialist fields.
Trainee shotfirers should work under the direct supervision of a shotfirer, to a training programme
devised by or agreed with their employer.
Trainee shotfirers should not be required to fire, except under the supervision of their supervising
shotfirer, until they are deemed to be sufficiently competent.
The shotfirer should confirm that a trainee under their supervision can demonstrate
consistently that:
a) shotfiring operations are carried out in accordance with the rules and the blasting specification;
b) any explosives mixed under licence on site conform to conditions set out in the licence;
c) each shothole has been drilled and charged in accordance with the blast plan;
d) responsibility is taken for suspending shotfiring if it is not possible to conform to the blast plan
or irregularity arises, and not continuing until authorized by the author of the blast plan or other
designated person;
e) they only connect the tester to a shotfiring circuit when ready to test/fire shot, and disconnect
the exploder immediately after firing or in event of unsatisfactory test on circuit;
f) they give instructions to workers, informing them that shotfiring is about to commence, and can
post sentries and keep people out of the danger zone until the all clear has been given following
firing of shot(s);
g) they check the integrity of the system before shotfiring to minimize risk of misfire; and

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BS 5607:2017 BRITISH STANDARD

h) they check the blast area to confirm there are no misfires before allowing people to
enter work area.

Annex B (informative)
Qualifications for blasting

B.1 General
The Quarries Regulations 1999 [16], Part 5, provide extensive guidance on explosives operations,
intended to maximize safety during blasting, and this guidance is also applicable to surface blasting
operations (see Clause 14).
NOTE These Regulations also provide guidance on shotfiring training and, when combined with formal
qualifications, for example those provided by Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC), provide a robust
grounding in the understanding of explosives operations.

B.2 to B.6 set out the range of relevant qualifications within the NVQ/SVQ and QCF/SQCF frameworks
which go towards demonstrating competence in various aspects of explosives operations.

B.2 Shotfirer
Appropriate qualifications for shotfirers are a Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in Blasting Operations or a Level 3
Diploma in Shotfiring for the Extractive Minerals Processing Industries.

B.3 Explosives storekeeper

Appropriate qualifications for an explosives storekeeper are an NVQ/SVQ – Blasting Operations –
unit certification or a QCF/SQCF Level 2 Award in Explosives Storage for the Extractive and Minerals
Processing Industries.

B.4 Explosive supervisor

An explosives supervisor is expected to achieve a minimum of the MPQC Level 5 Diploma in Shotfiring
Supervision for the Extractive and Minerals Processing Industries.
Where appropriate, an explosives supervisor could also have attained the MPQC:
• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Shotfiring in the Extractives and Mineral Products Industries;
• Level 5 NVQ Certificate in Blast Design for the Extractives and Minerals Processing Industries;
• Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Face Profiling for the Extractives and Mineral Processing Industries (or
their NVQ equivalents); and
• where an explosives store is under the supervision of the explosives supervisor, the MPQC
Level 2 NVQ Award in Explosives Storage for the Extractives and Mineral Processing Industries
(or its NVQ equivalent).

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BRITISH STANDARD BS 5607:2017

B.5 National occupational standards (NOS)

Table B.1 sets out the NOS units relevant to blasting, with the competency standards necessary for
particular roles. To cover all the activities associated with a particular role it might be necessary to
complete more than the minimum NOS, e.g. the shotfirer may also be the explosives storekeeper.
Table B.1 — Blasting operations competency units

NOS Title Roles for which units are essential

unit
Shotfirer Explosives Explosives Blast
supervisor storekeeper designer
BL2 Contribute to health and safety in the × × × ×
blasting workplace
BL3 Receive, store and issue explosive ×
materials
BL4 Receive and handle explosives ×
materials on site
BL5 Charge blast holes to specification ×
BL6 Blast to specification ×
BL7 Deal with misfires ×
BL8 Determine the blast requirements ×    ×
BL9 Design and arrange for authorization × ×
of the blast specification
BL11 Supervise the blasting operation ×
BL 16 Contribute to an efficient and × × × ×
effective blasting environment

B.6 Continuing professional development (CPD)

Everyone involved in blasting operations is expected to undertake and record CPD. Courses are
available in quarry shotfiring and explosive supervising, which are validated by MPQC and meet the
requirements of the Quarries Regulations 1999 [16].

Annex C (informative)
Explosives engineering training
The explosives engineer is expected to be able to hold a QCF/SQCF Level 5 Diploma in Shotfiring
Supervision for the Extractive and Minerals Processing Industries, or demonstrate that they have
successfully completed a course of training covering:
a) duties of the “explosives supervisor” under the Quarries Regulations 1999 [16];
b) hazard assessment and safety management;
c) legislation and codes of practice relating to the acquisition, carriage by road, transfer in
harbour areas, storage, use and disposal of explosives in as much as it relates to that part of the
construction industry in which they operate;
d) legislation relating to the packaging and labelling of explosives;
e) characteristics and types of explosives;

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BS 5607:2017 BRITISH STANDARD

f) the advantages and limitations of various initiation systems available;

g) blast calculations and design;
h) production of plans and method statements, their application and amendment;
i) effects of explosives and their applications, including throw, fragmentation, ejection of material,
vibration and air overpressure; and
j) shotfiring (see Annex A).

Annex D (informative)
General properties of explosives
The strength of an explosive is its energy content and this gives an indication of its
potential to do work.
The power of an explosive is the rate at which it can do work and this is effectively the speed at which
the energy content is delivered.
The potential energy of a high explosive is released by detonation, an extremely rapid process
whereby the explosive is converted to gases by the passage of a detonation wave. The speed of travel
of this detonation wave is the velocity of detonation; that is, the speed at which the conversion of
potential energy takes place.
The detonation pressure of a high explosive is the force per unit area exerted on surrounding matter
by the passage of a detonation wave. This pressure is related by a scaling factor to the square of the
velocity of detonation and the density of the explosive through which the detonation wave travels.
The sensitivity to initiation of an explosive is an indication of the amount of energy which has to be
provided in order to achieve the required initiation. This is normally provided by a relatively small
charge called a detonator which converts a given signal or flame front into a detonation wave. If
the main charge is sensitive to this detonation wave, initiation of the main charge takes place. The
main charge would be referred to as “detonator sensitive”. Not all explosives can be initiated in this
way. Some main charges have a lower sensitivity and require a larger impulse than that which can
be provided by a detonator. The additional impulse is provided by the introduction of a “booster”
or “primer” whose function is to pick up the detonation wave from the detonator and increase the
energy available by detonation of the primer. The new level of energy now released is (by correct
selection of size and type of primer) sufficient to cause initiation of the main charge.

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