AA - GTG - 000013 - V0 AMRG 3 Expolsives Handling
AA - GTG - 000013 - V0 AMRG 3 Expolsives Handling
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1 Aim 2
2 Motivation 3
3 Application 3
4 Definitions 4
5 Requirements 6
5.1 People 6
5.2 Systems 13
5.3 Other 53
1 AIM
The aim of this Guideline is to provide additional guidance for the implementation of the Anglo
American Major Risk Standard, AA GTS 13, Explosives Handling:
This Group Technical Standard defines the minimum requirements for the safe
handing of explosives in Anglo American.
The aim of this Standard is to ensure that major risks associated with explosives
handling are identified, assessed and controlled by competent and authorised
persons such that the risk of harm to people or the environment is minimised. Where
legislation or applicable national standards contradict this standard or are more
stringent than this standard, such regulation or standard shall apply.
All text shown in boxes throughout this Guideline is a direct repeat of the content of
AA GTS 13.
Explosives have caused a number of fatalities in the past and, when not properly managed
and controlled, may result in safety, community and environmental incidents. Although
explosives are strictly regulated, incidents are likely to occur if an Explosives Safety
Management System is not available or not applied. The aim of the Standard is to manage
and control explosives in a proactive manner to prevent incidents that may cause harm to
people and the environment. The major factors contributing to explosives risk are:
2 MOTIVATION
Technical Governance is a vital component of Group Governance processes. It is
intended to be the cornerstone of achieving global leading business performance by
adding value and mitigating risk across the organisation. Concise, non-negotiable
Policies and Standards are supported by Guidelines on major technical issues and
opportunities where a common and consistent approach should be taken across
Anglo American.
This Group Technical Standard shall define the organisation and systems to support
the Technical Governance process and ensure it is applied consistently.
Explosives have the potential to cause harm to people, the community and the
environment, either in an incident involving loss of control or in normal controlled
activities during manufacturing, transportation, storage, handling and destruction.
This Standard will help control the manufacture, transportation, storage and use of
explosive materials with the intent to protect people, the environment and to prevent
the illegal sale and/or distribution of explosive materials.
This Guideline applies to all types of explosives which include, but are not limited to, all
materials such as explosives containing explosive oils, slurry, water gel and emulsion
explosives and blasting agents, ANFO and other ammonium nitrate blasting agents, initiating
devices and cords including detonating cord, shock tubes and fuses, all kinds of detonators
such as electrical detonators, electronic detonators, caps (normally attached to fuses), surface
relays, delay detonators, boosters, dynamites, nitrated organics such as PETN, TNT and
RDX. They may be packaged in various forms or in bulk form and sometimes already-
assembled forms such as shock tube systems and capped fuses.
3 APPLICATION
This Group Technical Standard is mandatory and applies to the Anglo American
corporate centre and all managed businesses and operations, including contractors
and visitors when involved in controlled activities. This Standard is authorised by the
Group Technical Standards Board.
This Standard applies to all materials classified as explosives that may be in the form
of bulk, packaged or initiating explosives and devices used as shot exploders.
4 DEFINITIONS
AN : Ammonium nitrate
Authorised Person : Person who has been appointed by the site authority and who
is in possession of any relevant or required certification of
competency
Back-break/Over-break : Rock broken beyond the limits of the last row of holes in a
blast
5 REQUIREMENTS
5.1 People
Roles and responsibilities associated with the handling of explosives shall be clearly
defined and included in the Explosives Management and Control Plan.
Clear definition of roles and responsibilities is important due to the participation and
involvement of different parties, most of them external to the Company (e.g. suppliers,
contractors, etc.).The mine management‟s key responsibility regarding the use of explosives,
as is the case with other risks, is to ensure that the work is properly managed, planned, co-
ordinated and supervised whether the work is undertaken by the mine worker or a contractor.
The following sub-sections clarify minimum roles and responsibilities to be allocated to people
in various designations within an operation.
The persons who are responsible for designing explosives facilities are required to
understand:
a) The health, safety, environmental and other statutory legislation, regulations, safe
working practices and procedures governing explosives and their implications for the
area of work
b) The relevance of personal protective equipment
c) The nature, characteristics, hazards and risks of the explosive substance or article
d) The actions to be taken in response to an unplanned event
e) The purpose for which the explosives facility is being designed
f) Security requirements
Consider at least the following criteria for the design of a successful explosives facility:
Planning the blast is essential for proper management of explosives risk whereby the amount
ordered is known and the duties and responsibilities can be assigned proactively. The
planning includes the following responsibilities:
depth, direction)
7. Comply with the blasthole drill plan
8. Identify and provide information on anomalies encountered during drilling (voids,
disruptions, discontinuity in the deposit).
b) Ground vibration, air blast, overpressure and fly-rock control by suitable design
c) Blasting plan including sketches of explosive charging plan and tie-up
d) Procedures and Standards for application of explosives:
1. Records (authority to use explosives, blast design and parameters, changing-over
shift, regulatory exemptions)
2. Safety precautions (safety equipment, handling of explosives, activities in
proximity, mobile equipment on non-electric blast, signage, communication
devices, flammable gas areas)
3. Explosives selection and application criteria for fiery mines, difficult ground
conditions, blasting in hot ground and blasting in reactive ground
4. Charging operations (clearing and measuring blastholes, priming, bulk explosives,
sleep time in blastholes)
5. Stemming criteria (tamping rods, stemming material types and loading
procedures)
6. Initiation selection criteria (i.e. non-electric firing, electric firing, electronic firing)
7. Drilling: ensure that old sockets from previous bench/face can not be drilled into.
e) Licensing and approval process plans for systems and designs such as central blasting
systems for use at the mine that must be referenced to:
1. Legal requirements of the operation (Acts and regulations)
2. Legal obligations in terms of national legislative bodies
3. Manufacturer and/or supplier
4. Testing authorities
5. Users of the system.
Ordering Explosives
There have been incidents in the past where incorrect amounts of explosives ordered by
mistake lead to fatalities, theft, etc. Therefore, the roles and responsibilities must be defined
for correct procurement of explosives. These roles and responsibilities are:
Duties of managers and people involved during the transportation of the explosives and
explosives articles are at least the following:
a) Labelling explosives articles and transporting units as per appropriate local and
international standards
b) Supporting information and descriptions of explosives such as material safety data
sheets (MSDS) and product safety data sheets (PSDS)
c) Licences and control mechanisms controlling the licences
d) Emergency procedures.
i) Ensure that the items are in good order before, during and after placement, and report
any discrepancies
j) Take prompt appropriate action to maintain quality of the stored explosives and ensure
regular reviews of the status of segregated and suspect items
k) Unlawful entry prevention, investigation and reporting
l) Manage stock levels and stock inventories
m) Audit stock levels and stock inventories.
5.1.3 Manufacturing in Plants and Mobile Manufacturing Unit (MMU)
Roles and responsibilities during manufacturing in plants and/or using mobile processing units
Typical roles and responsibilities during the application of explosives must include:
a) Drilled blastholes must be checked for correct depth and angle (misfire prevention,
detection and control plan) and instructions must be issued for re-drill, if necessary
b) Testing and analysis of explosives and explosives devices for quality
c) Firing (blast perimeter, warning procedures, radio communications, blast monitoring for
vibrations, noise and fly-rock, wall damage monitoring and analysis)
d) Training provided to people associated with the handling of explosives such as blaster
training, staff induction, knowledge of explosives and their chemical properties
e) Misfire treatment and handling:
1. Ensuring that normal working is resumed only when the blaster in charge is fully
Typical roles and responsibilities for disposal of explosives include the following:
Training
A system must be in place to provide and regularly check the competencies of people who are
actively involved in the procurement, design, security, implementation and execution of the
explosives handling processes. Some of the competencies may have been described by local
authorities, laws and regulations and those that are not covered must be identified and
minimum qualifications must be determined based on the role played by the individual.
Competency requirements at all levels must be planned in a structured manner based on the
requirements of each role. Each person‟s knowledge requirements and performance criteria
must be recorded in a structured document and regular assessments of performance will help
determine the training needs.
All blasters must possess sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge and experience to
perform their full range of duties. Blasters must not be appointed unless they have
successfully completed a suitable course of training.
A trainee blaster must work under the close personal supervision of an experienced blaster,
with the trainee following a programme of practical instruction by the blaster. A written training
programme, which is given to everyone involved, helps ensure that the training is well
structured. The training must continue until the necessary competence has been acquired and
demonstrated.
Operations shall ensure that each supplier and/or contractor operates in accordance
with this Standard, considering the level of involvement of suppliers of explosives
and/or contractors in the blasting and management of the explosives process on site.
It is essential that all parties involved in the blasting activities understand their obligations and
duty of care and responsibility. Everybody involved in blasting on a mine site, including
suppliers and contractors, have a responsibility to ensure safety during all blasting activities.
Assess the suppliers of explosives as well as drilling and blasting contractors based on the
following:
Safety Communications
An overview of the safety precautions for blasting activities shall be provided as part
of the general induction for operations personnel, contractors and visitors, if
applicable, including the identification and reporting of “unsafe” situations and
conditions.
The intent is to raise awareness of the risk of explosives on site to all who might be in contact
with explosives and the effects thereof.
Behaviour-based observations must include the operation of equipment and systems handling
explosives. Re-training must include results of these observations.
5.2 Systems
The Explosives Management and Control Plan will be reviewed annually. The EMCP must
continually evolve to meet the changing requirements of the mining environment. The
management must appoint a responsible person who will:
b) Assess compliance
c) Analyse root causes of non-compliance
d) Identify areas requiring corrective action
e) Provide information to allow improved performance and increased efficiency.
A formal risk analysis shall be conducted to identify locations and activities where
explosives are handled and the associated volumes (potential energy).
Explosives risk management requires analysis of the full chain of processes for handling
explosives from planning a blast to misfires treatment as described in Figure 1.
The United Nations (UN) hazard classification system for classifying explosive materials and
explosives can be used for understanding the hazards associated with explosive materials.
The hazard class for explosives has six divisions based on potential accident effects as listed
in Table 1 below:
Hazard
Hazard Description
Class/Division
1.1 Mass explosion
The full list of explosive substances (generic names) and their UN Classification Codes are
provided in Appendix C.
Identify the most significant possible failure events in order to conduct a more detailed and
prioritised analysis and assessment.
The unwanted events (unintended explosives detonation) may occur at any of the different
stages during the usage cycle process and may arise as a result of different root causes.
Several of these may even be present during more than one stage in the cycle.
The main causes leading to these unwanted detonations have been identified as:
a) Explosive materials
b) Blasting vehicles, tools and equipment
c) Environmental factors
d) Operational contributors
e) Adequacy of design, data and assumptions
f) Consideration of security risks.
Controls must be designed to address all the identified causal factors. Good regulatory
compliance is good risk management, but the converse is also true if steps are not taken to
conduct and document proper testing on explosives. Understanding the hazards of explosives
depends on a systematic approach. An example of such a process is indicated in the following
process flow diagram (Figure 2) where the identification process of quality-related hazards of
explosives is mapped:
A formal and comprehensive risk analysis and evaluation shall be conducted for
each of the identified risks in order to determine, with the current controls in place,
whether the risk of the unwanted event occurring is at an acceptable level.
A risk assessment must be conducted to identify the operational hazards and the associated
risks that must be controlled with regard to the handling and use of explosives. It is essential
to identify and stop the causes of the untimely and uncontrolled detonation of explosives. It is
also important to track the handling of explosives, use by unauthorised people and theft.
a) Analysis of the energy stored in the explosive, including any factors that could potentially
impact on the type and size of the failure
b) Evaluation of the risk: the likelihood and consequence of the event materialising, under
the existing controls: a standardised risk matrix is used to determine the risk rating
c) Risk assessment output: a structured document that will detail the location of risk areas,
the assessed risk of the unwanted event, the existing barriers and controls in place to
mitigate the risk, and suggestions for enhanced or additional controls or barriers.
For further information, refer to relevant Anglo American SHE Risk Management Procedures
and Guidelines.
Where the application of the current controls and barriers results in a situation where
the risk is deemed to be more than ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable),
additional controls shall be implemented following the hierarchy of controls:
Eliminate, Substitute, Engineer, Separate, Administrate, Protect (PPE).
Reduce the risk level to ALARP using the most effective controls. Based on the risk
assessment process, the hard and soft barriers must be used to prevent explosive risk
through carefully-designed controls and processes.
All the control mechanisms and barriers that are designed must be managed by having a site-
specific Explosives Management and Control Plan.
This plan must incorporate the hierarchy of controls in the following order:
The following workflow shows typical processes to be followed during the handling of incidents
The site EMCP shall include an Emergency Response Plan covering potential
explosives incidents. This Plan shall include at least:
a) Impact analysis of the explosives at each level of the process, depending on the amount
of explosives involved
b) Equipment and facilities must be available in an emergency, taking into account:
1. Types of equipment and facilities available on-site
2. The maintenance of the equipment and facilities
3. Training provided for the use of equipment and facilities
4. Regular checks and inspections for orderliness of the equipment and facilities
5. Emergency drills
6. External emergency services (ambulance, hospitals, fire brigade, medical
personnel).
c) The procedures that will be followed and the measures that will be taken, such as
sounding alarms and evacuating people, should include:
1. Identifying the responsibilities of individuals during an emergency
2. Training of people to execute the emergency plan
3. Distributing the emergency management plan to people who will execute it
d) The necessity to understand and record why the incident occurred and the reports
required for regulatory bodies and management.
Anglo American Supply Chain requirements shall be considered in the development
of the EMCP to ensure that they are taken into account.
Correct material purchasing and quality of explosives materials ordered and delivered to the
site will reduce risks associated with the theft of explosives and quality defects.
A company policy is required in order to ensure that the correct amounts and the correct
quality of explosives ordered are delivered to the site. Only authorised persons may order and
receive explosives. The quantities of explosives must be determined on a monthly basis,
considering the level of the existing stock.
a) Condition of vehicles used for the transport of explosives must be checked against the
following:
1. All vehicles used for the transportation of explosives must comply with local
standards and regulations. Regular inspections must be conducted for compliance
2. Spark arrestor if vehicle is running while loading or unloading explosives
3. Tyres without excessive wear or damage
4. Rear-view mirrors on each side of the vehicle
5. Wheel locks available
6. Placards stating Explosives must be fitted on the vehicle for easy identification
7. Emergency four-way flashers
8. Fire extinguishers.
b) Material safety data sheets
Both the AA GTS 37 Drill and Blast Standard and the AA GTG 37 Guideline must be
considered in the development of the EMCP.
The equipment provided for blasting operations must be suitable and properly maintained.
Inspection and maintenance arrangements must be set out. A competent person must check
the equipment provided, before use, to ensure that it is suitable and safe. Any equipment
which is not safe must be taken out of use.
Ensure that the manufacturers/suppliers of equipment, tools and facilities used in explosives
handling and blasting activities are capable of providing directions, details, procedures, safe
working practices and certificates of compliance to standards.
Blasting Machines/Exploders/Blasters
Circuit testers must be capable of measuring the resistance of the circuit without any adverse
effect on the detonators. Where transformer-coupled electric detonators are used, an
impedance test facility is required. This often forms an integral part of the exploder.
Exploders and circuit testers must have detailed inspection, including appropriate tests, at
periods specified by the manufacturer or every six months, whichever is shorter. Such
inspection is also needed after any significant repair or an unexplained misfire.
Inspections and tests must be designed to ensure that suitable exploders, adjustable to the
resistance of the blasting circuit and circuit testers, are in good order, meet their designed
performance ratings and can fire blasts up to their rated capacities. A record of the results of
any inspections and tests must be retained for a period of three years.
Tools used for piercing cartridges, mixing explosives or in blastholes (e.g. for charging,
stemming or testing) must be made of non-sparking materials such as wood, antistatic plastic
or non-ferrous metal. Electric detonators must not be used inside blastholes where there is a
risk of premature detonation due to the build-up of a static electric charge or if an electrical
storm is expected. This presents a risk when, for example, blastholes are lined with a plastic
sleeve or where rigid plastic containers are used, unless the lining is antistatic.
To reduce this risk, stripped parts of detonator wires and the blasting cable must be short-
circuited by twisting the ends of the wires or cables. Blasting cables must be separated from
all electric cables (e.g. excavator feed cable) to avoid any risk of induction.
Delay detonators must be clearly marked with the period of delay when supplied. This period
must also be marked on the detonator shell.
A formal inspection programme shall be in place to verify the status and compliance
with key maintenance and operating procedures associated with the handling of
explosives, leading to reporting and fixing.
a) Security
b) Safety
c) Cleanliness
d) Atmosphere (temperature and humidity)
e) Identification of contents
f) Signage.
A check list covering all safety regulations and requirements of magazine operations must be
used when conducting magazine inspections. This ensures that violations or hazards are
identified. The check list must provide an adequate and full description of any condition that is
unsatisfactory and in violation of regulatory requirements. Make sure the check list is properly
authenticated and made a part of the magazine log.
Frequency of Inspections
Some explosives are heat sensitive and need temperature control. These are identified from
the manufacturer‟s specifications of the explosives.
Report of Inspections
Each inspection must record the date and hour of the inspection in a magazine inspection log
above the signature of the person who made the inspection. Substandard or abnormal
conditions must be promptly reported to the person in charge so that these can be attended to
and corrected. The observed conditions must be annotated in the log. These reports must be
kept at least a year from the date of last entry.
Blasting operating procedures must be set out in writing to ensure that blasting operations at
the mine take place without endangering the workforce, the public or the environment. These
procedures must take proper account of local circumstances, for example any risk of
accidental initiation due to radio frequency transmitters, electrically-powered plant and
overhead power lines. If there is such a risk, a suitable method of initiation must be chosen.
The procedures must be well-publicised throughout the mine and personal copies must be
given to those who have responsibility for blasting procedures. Mine management must
monitor and ensure compliance with the operating procedures.
a) The appointment and authorisation of blasters, trainee blasters, storekeepers and others
handling and/or working with explosives
b) The explosives supervisor to check that:
1. The equipment provided is suitable and safe
2. Site conditions are in line with the blast specification before working with
explosives.
c) Times when blasting is permitted
d) The determination of the danger zone likely to be created by the firing of each blast,
evacuation of the danger zone and the provision of effective shelters before a blast is
tested or fired
e) Warning systems including, as appropriate:
1. The use of flags or notices
2. A system of audible signals, audible throughout the danger zone, to warn people
to withdraw from the danger zone and to give the all-clear
3. The posting of sentries before each blast
4. The direct and personal notification to local residents who may be affected
5. Inspection of the blast site after firing to check the state of the face and whether a
misfire has occurred.
f) Ensuring that normal working is resumed only when the blaster is fully satisfied that it is
safe and the all-clear has been sounded
g) Safeguarding charged but unfired blastholes and explosives which have been left after a
misfire and have not been recovered at the end of a working day. These arrangements
must ensure that someone is in attendance or within sight of the charged holes to
prevent theft or unauthorised initiation of the explosives
h) Dealing with misfires and the discovery of unfired explosives from previous operations.
There must always be a competent person available to ensure that any misfire is dealt
with safely
i) Monitoring operations to ensure that the operating procedures are complied with.
a) Storage and Issue: Ensure that explosives are kept safely and securely in
licensed magazines and are issued appropriately and safely to authorised
persons only.
The arrangements and responsibilities for the storage and security of explosives on site
must minimise the risk of unauthorised access, unidentified loss, sabotage, fires,
accidental initiation and deterioration of explosives during storage.
Receipt of Explosives
The person who receives the explosives has the following minimum roles:
Explosives must remain under the control of suitable and authorised people, such as a
blaster or trainee blaster.
There must be containers for detonators, which must be fitted with secure locks.
Electrically-operated detonators must be stored so that they are electrically-isolated, with
no part of any detonator or lead wires exposed. The container must be lined with shock-
absorbing, anti-static material, kept clean and used only for detonators. Containers must
be unlocked for as short a time as possible and only while detonators are actually being
inserted or removed. Other explosives must be carried in the manufacturer‟s packaging
or other suitable, robust containers, and removed from the packaging or container only
immediately before use.
Where deliveries of explosives (including detonators) are made directly to the blast site,
the blaster must check the delivery note to ensure that the quantities are correct, sign for
them and ensure that they are not left unattended. The detonators must be transferred
Care must be exercised to ensure that all explosives and detonators kept for even a
short period of time outside an explosives store are always in the care of an authorised
person.
Storage
The strategies for dealing with the hazards when storing explosives include:
When constructing a magazine, the risk management process must be carried out to
identify hazards that may arise. The following controls must be included in the risk
management process:
Public Risk
Risk acceptability must be evaluated based on the quantity of explosives stored in the
magazine (magnitude of the hazard) and the possible consequences of an unplanned
explosive incident.
When siting the magazine the risk management process must be carried out to identify
hazards that may arise from its proximity to likely ignition sources. Such sources arise
from proximity to refuelling depots, vegetation, rubbish or mineral matter. Magazines are
required to have the immediate and adjacent area cleared of any substance likely to
cause sparks or catch fire and to establish an acceptable firebreak around the
magazine.
When siting the magazine, a risk management process must be carried out to identify
hazards that may arise from proximity to vehicular access routes and roadways used on
site. The number of access routes to the magazine and the types of vehicles and the
frequency of their proximity to the magazine must be considered. Best practice is
ensuring that all vehicles perform at least one 90 degree turn to access a magazine
location thus reducing the risk of an out-of-control vehicle having direct route into the
storage area.
When siting the magazine, a risk assessment must be carried out to identify hazards
that may arise from proximity to other activities on site. Mining activities that involve
employees and equipment must be at a safe distance in the event of an explosive
incident occurring.
Weather Protection
When siting the magazine, it must be located to provide all-weather access. This
includes adequate drainage to prevent deterioration of the access roadway and prevent
water entering into the magazine. In conditions where adequate drainage cannot be
provided, catchment tanks can be utilised to protect the magazine from water ingress.
When siting the magazine, the use of natural ground features must be considered to
enhance physical protection of employees and the public. Alternatively, mounds can be
built around the magazine to provide additional protection.
Sicherheit
When siting the magazine, do not make it easy for unauthorised personnel to locate or
access the magazine. If possible, it must be located on site in a position that is not
viewable from outside the mine or quarry. Adequate security measures must be in place
to prevent accidental or unauthorised disclosure of the magazine location.
Licences
All types of magazines must be constructed in accordance with local specifications and
standards approved by the Chief Inspector of Explosives or the equivalent authority in
the respective country or region.
All bulk explosives storage facilities require a licence based on the conditions imposed
by applicable regulations. Security and safety considerations given to the bulk explosive
storage facilities must be equivalent to that of explosive magazines.
Magazine Exteriors
Persons and machinery approaching any magazine must be able to clearly distinguish
the magazine. Magazines must be painted in a light colour to maximise light reflectance
and be protected against corrosion to prevent structural damage and deterioration.
Magazine Interiors
Certain explosives are susceptible to initiation from friction and sparks caused by metal
installations. Where exposed metal is present in the interior of the magazine an inner
lining must be utilised.
Remote Security
Locking Devices
All magazines must be fitted with suitable locking devices based on the local standards
and regulations.
Holding-Down Bolts
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AA GTG 13 AMRG 3 - EXPLOSIVES HANDLING GUIDELINE ISSUE 0
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Where the possibility exists of the magazine being removed by unauthorised persons, a
provision must be made for holding-down bolts or another equivalent method to protect
external portable and re-locatable magazines.
Perimeter Fences
A perimeter fence may be installed around the magazine for additional security
purposes. In determining whether fencing is required, consideration must be given to the
magazine‟s location and security requirements. It must be noted that a perimeter fence
is not intended to provide complete security of explosives, but act as a deterrent to
unauthorised access.
Door Hinges
The strength of welds on the hinges must be monitored at each inspection or audit. Any
non-compliance found during an audit or an inspection must be fixed as soon as
practicable.
Markings
Every magazine must be marked on the door or lid with either the word „EXPLOSIVE‟ or
„DETONATOR‟, as appropriate. The markings are required in red-letter characters on a
white background and sized to make them clearly defined. In addition, an explosive
hazard-class diamond is required on the magazine door. A clearly-defined „NO
SMOKING‟ or „NO NAKED FLAMES‟ sign must be positioned at the entrance to the
magazine to warn persons entering the magazine area. A sign is also required at the
entrance of the magazine to warn persons at the magazine of their liability to penalty for
an offence if reasonable care and precautions are not taken to prevent an explosives
incident at the magazine.
Segregation
Storage sites for the explosives magazine and detonators magazine must be separately
located to reduce to acceptable levels the risk of sympathetic detonation between the
different storage facilities.
Water Installations
If water is required within the vicinity of the magazine, the location of the installation
must be such that it prevents water coming into contact with the explosives. It must be
positioned to ensure that it does not cause erosion or degradation to the access or
foundations of the magazine. If necessary, a sump must be used to prevent water from
accumulating in areas close to the magazine.
Lighting
Lighting in magazines may be either natural or artificial. Electrical fittings inside the
magazine should be avoided. However, if no alternative option is available, wiring must
be suitable for electrical equipment in hazardous areas. Alternatively, lighting can be
located outside the magazine and positioned to shine into the magazine.
Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment and installations should be avoided if possible, due to the inherent
risks associated with their presence. Professional advice should be sought before
installing electrical equipment in magazine areas.
Lightening Protection
Ventilation
Ventilation must be adequate to ensure that, with the magazine doors closed, there is no
accumulation of dangerous vapours or excessive heat build-up. Air vents must be
designed suitably to provide sufficient circulation of fresh air but ensure protection from
the weather and prevent access of persons and foreign objects.
Shade Roof
The magazine must be designed to keep within the limits of the prescribed temperature
storage range specified by the explosives manufacturer. Explosives and initiators are at
risk of burning or exploding at elevated temperatures as initiation sensitivity increases
with temperature. Where the external environment conditions are likely to cause
excessive internal temperature fluctuations, a shade roof or similar device must be
provided.
As required, fire hydrants and on-site fire installations must be positioned at the
magazine access or immediately inside the magazine. It must be noted that, in the case
of an actual explosive burning, no attempt must be made to fight the fire. Best practice is
to alert the local fire brigade and emergency services and advise them of the location of
the magazine.
b) Explosives security
A written procedure is required to manage any attempted forced entry into magazines,
theft and unaccountable shortage of an explosive.
Explosives, once received by the store keeper or the licensed/authorised person, must
be moved to the working face at the mine by means of various conveyance modes
(utility vehicles, trains, cages, etc.). It is necessary to shorten the time required to
transport as well as minimise the number of people in proximity in order to reduce the
risk to an acceptable level.
Some aspects that must be considered for the safe transport of explosives are:
1. Mode of transport
2. Suitability of vehicles
3. Competency of driver in the transporting of explosives
4. Routes
5. Temporary/unmanned stoppages
6. Emergency response.
The vehicles‟ surfaces on which explosives are carried must be kept clean and free of
grit.
Any apparatus which creates a fire or detonation risk must not be carried on a vehicle
containing explosives or ammonium nitrate. Anything other than the explosives or
ammonium nitrate being transported must be safely stored, normally in suitable separate
compartments or containers. It is good practice to ensure that only essential blasting
equipment (e.g. circuit testers, stemming rods and blasting cable) is carried on such
vehicles.
All vehicles transporting explosives in a quarry must be provided with sufficient, suitable
fire extinguishers. They must also be easily-recognisable from a distance (e.g. by means
of signs, distinctive flashing lights or flags). Trailers must have efficient brakes and a
properly-designed rigid tow bar with a safety chain which will cause the brakes to be
applied in the event of separation.
Strategies for dealing with the hazards when transporting explosives include:
1. Vehicles used for transport to have a cargo space free of metal surfaces capable
of creating a spark
2. Warning signs advising presence of explosives and suitable fire protection
equipment fitted to the vehicle
3. Transport only the quantity required for the shift
4. Where explosives and detonators are transported in the same vehicle, they must
be kept away from each other by separating them into different containers
5. Vehicles must be inspected for residues of explosives prior to any servicing or
repair. Slurry containers must be thoroughly washed out
6. Vehicles containing explosives are not to be left unattended.
d) Drilling Blastholes: Ensure blastholes are drilled safely, according to design, to
create safe and effective blasts.
The drilling risk must be managed properly since there is a direct risk posed to the
drillers by possible sockets and misfires near to the drill holes. Incorrect drilling practices
may lead to cut-offs (misfires) and fly-rock.
Drilling
Surface Mines
1. Prior to loading activities, a site security inspection must be conducted of the blast
area and access to the blast zone is restricted to vehicles and authorised
personnel
2. A blaster must be nominated as being in charge of the shot
3. Where the nominated blaster is changed, this must be recorded in the daily log
and a reconciliation of product must be conducted on changeover
4. The load plan, including dewatering and backfill requirements, must be made
available before starting to load blastholes
5. All persons involved must be made aware of the plan, hazards, work flow and any
particular unique factors in the blast
6. Every effort must be made to prevent vehicles running over or damaging down-
lines and leads
7. Where there are hazardous overhangs, a spotter is required and these holes will
be loaded last
8. Holes requiring dewatering or backfilling must be identified by dipping and
measuring holes with a measuring tape
9. A competent and experienced person must operate the de-watering units
10. Holes must be backfilled prior to accessories being laid out for the hole
11. Any damaged or blocked holes must be reported to the blaster who then makes
the decisions for a re-drill or backfilling or to abandon the damaged hole and place
a sign on it
12. Pegs must be distributed and pushed into the ground to secure the down-lines,
ensure that these are out of the way during stemming operations and minimise the
risk of peg and down-lines being driven over
13. Accessories must be laid carefully beside the peg so that they are visible and do
COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL APPROVED Page 31 of 60
AA GTG 13 AMRG 3 - EXPLOSIVES HANDLING GUIDELINE ISSUE 0
30 September 2011
COPYRIGHT
Underground Mines
All blastholes should be checked to ensure that they are clear of any debris prior to
loading and must be measured for correct depth of hole with a pole or a steel bar.
The primer must be placed correctly by making sure the explosives train is continuous,
with no extraneous matter between cartridges if a decoupled charge is being used.
If bulk is being used as the main load, the following points must be noted:
1. Prevent damage to the signal tube or leading lines during loading with a lance
2. Excessive spillage of explosives must be prevented
3. Make sure of the charge continuity
4. No overfilling of holes
5. When pneumatic charging is used, it should be effectively earthed
6. Pneumatic charging requires antistatic footwear
7. Explosives charging vehicles must be in a safe condition suitable for underground
operations. These following checks must be completed:
A. Prestart check on basic systems
B. Check that the leading wires/detonating cords/fuses/shock tubes of initiating
systems are out of way of the vehicle
C. Personnel operating the charging car or vehicle must be aware of pressure
gauges and the emergency stop.
8. The mixing and delivery of the explosive product must be conducted from a
position where the operator has full view of the explosives entry point on the face
9. Secure harness must be worn by the operator if a basket is being used on the
loading machine
10. Regular sampling of emulsion explosives is required to ensure that the correct mix
is delivered to the hole at all times
11. Tamping of holes should be done with care to prevent damage to the down-lines
by ensuring that the holes are of correct size with no large rocks or loose pieces
12. Do not tamp before the emulsion product is fully gassed
13. Check that primer is in place (in the explosive) by feeling the tension on the cords
14. Do not use plastic liners or sleeves if they are not conductive.
f) Initiation System and Tie-up: Initiation system selection, tie-up and safety
precautions required during the handling of detonators, primers and detonating
cords.
Safe use of initiation systems requires expert knowledge and systems must be in place
for correct handling of detonators and connecters. The risks that are immediately
identifiable are unwanted and untimely detonation of the detonators and detonating
cords, leading to loss of life and equipment damage. In order to prevent these types of
incidents the following must be understood by people who handle these explosives:
A possible danger in the use of electric detonators is premature firing from lightning or
stray electric currents in the ground arising from leakage of heavy conductors or from
the static electricity of TV transmitter towers. Certain types of high-powered frequency-
modulated radio transmitters could be a source of danger if electric detonators are used
in close proximity. When detonator leg wires are stretched out about 150mm above the
ground, they may provide receiving antennae for the radio-transmitted current.
In the event of emergency vehicles such as Fire Service driving into the danger area, the
safety supervisor must ensure that they are kept at a safe distance from an electrically-
initiated firing circuit. Although tests have shown that – under job conditions – a mobile
transmitter set, when operated in the normal manner, cannot fire an electric detonator, it
is wise to shut down mobile transmitters and transfer the equipment if the set is closer
than 100 metres to the firing circuit. Fences or overhead power lines are also possible
sources of extraneous electricity on a blast site.
A. The firing lead lines must be disconnected from the blasting machine and
must be short-circuited (shunted) by twisting the wires together
B. Lock power switches in the open or off position.
4. Blasting machines must be secured in a manner that prohibits any unauthorised
use
5. Current leakage to earth can occur from the firing cable through un-insulated joints
or bad connections, even though the exploder has sufficient capacity. Keep all
joints properly insulated and use only insulated firing cables in good condition.
Irrespective of the conditions, all electrical joints must be properly insulated with
insulation tape or another insulating device
6. Faulty exploder operation: A properly-maintained exploder, capable of giving the
correct charge, will do so only when correctly operated.
7. Damaged firing cable: As the firing cable can become damaged during use, it must
be inspected regularly for damage to the insulation or conductors. Tests must be
carried out regularly for continuity and resistance
8. Incorrectly-connected circuits: Care must be taken to keep connections separated
so that no detonator is short-circuited, causing a misfire. Misfires can be caused
by loose or dirty connections introducing high resistance and these can be avoided
by careful and systematic checking of all connections, together with the testing of
the circuit by the use of an ohmmeter.
There are various electronic initiation systems in the market, all of which utilise some
type of stored electrical energy (e.g. capacitor) to provide energy for their firing or timing
circuits. All users must be fully educated on the products, procedures and recommended
practices prior to use.
These detonators may look the same, and it may be difficult to differentiate between
them. The following are key factors that distinguish these systems:
communication with the detonator (either prior to loading, after loading, or just prior to
firing) for the proper delay time and subsequent blast design. In general, these systems
will utilise some type of electronic memory, which allows them to be reprogrammed at
any time up until the fire command is given.
1. All persons using electronic detonators must immediately review their blasting
procedures to ensure that the blast exclusion zone is a mandatory requirement
prior to the connection of electronic detonators to a power source
2. All persons using electronic detonators must ensure that their blast procedures
address potential hazards associated with extraneous electricity
3. The safety management systems, including blasting procedures, must be checked
to ascertain that the systems are being followed
4. All sites using electronic detonators must undertake physical checks to ensure that
all persons are outside the blast exclusion zone prior to the connection of
electronic detonators to a power source.
Since the technological systems of manufacturers are different, the following NEVER
and ALWAYS instructions must be observed at all times:
Shock tube electronic detonators may be handled in the same manner as other shock
tube devices.
If a misfire occurs involving the use of cap and fuse, no one must return to the blast area
for at least 30 minutes. If electric or non-electric (shock tube) detonators or detonating
cord systems are involved in a misfire, the waiting period must be at least 15 minutes. If
electronic detonators are involved in a misfire, ALWAYS wait a minimum of 30 minutes
before entering the blast area, unless the manufacturer recommends additional time.
The blast area must be cordoned off during the waiting period. If electric initiation has
been used, the lead-in-line must be disconnected from the blasting machine, the lines
If the blast was fired electrically, a check must be made of all apparently-unfired circuits.
Electric detonator circuits must be checked for continuity by use of a blasting
galvanometer, blasting ohmmeter, blaster‟s ohmmeter or blaster‟s millimetre. Electronic
detonator circuits must be checked for continuity with equipment recommended by the
manufacturer of the electronic system. Misfires attributable to malfunctions of the
electrical circuit may be reconnected and fired if the holes have sufficient burden. When
entire holes or groups of holes have failed to fire, the problem may have been failure of
the initiation systems. In this case, the primers may still be functional and the holes can
be re-fired.
A thorough investigation must always be made of all misfire incidents so the cause can
be determined and corrective action can be taken to prevent recurrence. Some of the
more frequent causes of misfires are:
1. Improperly-made primers
2. Use of non-water-resistant explosive materials in wet work
3. Improper loading practices
4. Damage to leg wires of electric or electronic detonators
5. Failure to light fuse or to connect the delay detonators into the blasting circuit
6. Improper electric or non-electric connection
7. Insufficient or excessive electric current
8. Damage to the fuse powder train
9. Improper programming of electronic delay detonators.
The shock tube (also known as a signal tube) initiation system consists of a small
diameter plastic tube that contains a thin coating of a reactive chemical on the inside
surface. When initiated, this coating reacts and transmits a shock wave at a speed of
1800 to 2000 metres per second through the tube and initiates a detonator (electronic or
non-electric) attached to it.
1. Where electronic detonators are used, they must be used in accordance with the
supplier‟s safe operating procedures approved on site by the site engineer
2. Before tie-up begins, all unnecessary personnel, equipment and explosives must
be removed to its appropriate location
3. All entrances to the shot must be blocked off from entry by vehicles
4. Surface connectors must be laid out at their respective holes in accordance with
Detonating Cords
Detonating cord is a flexible cord containing a centre core of high explosives that is used
to initiate other explosives. Detonating cord may be initiated with electric, electronic or
non-electric in-hole or surface detonators. Always check with the manufacturer for
compatibility.
Wherever possible, connections to detonating cord must be made at right angles to the
trunk line. . When connected, the connection shall not be tight. Only 5 gram cord
or less may be used to initiate non-electric down-lines,
g) Firing: Ensure that shots are fired without risk to persons, equipment,
community and environment.
Procedures which provide for the safety of personnel carrying out firing of explosives
must also provide for the safety of all people on the mine who could be affected by
blasting activities. A competent blast firer must control the blast.
Blasters must ensure that blasting operations are conducted in accordance with the
operating procedures and the blasting specification. Explosives mixed on site must be
mixed where they are to be used and only in sufficient quantities for immediate use.
The blaster must be fully satisfied that each blasthole has been drilled and charged in
accordance with the blasting specification. The rise of explosives in holes must be
checked at regular intervals to ensure that the blasthole is being correctly charged.
The blaster must only connect a tester to a blasting circuit when ready to test or fire the
blast. The exploder must be disconnected immediately after firing or in the event of an
unsatisfactory test on the firing circuit. No one but the blaster should be able to operate
the exploder. Workers must obey any relevant instructions in relation to blasting
operations, for example from the blaster or sentry. Sentries are there to keep people out
of the danger zone and must not leave their post until the all-clear signal has been
given, or until the person who posted them releases them.
Should an approaching storm pose a risk to the blast, the area around the blast shall be
evacuated to normal firing clearance distances.
and vibration limits are not exceeded during blasting, and that fly-rock incidents
are minimised.
There is a need to protect structures and buildings containing explosives within the
vicinity or inside the magazines from lightning.
j) Misfires: The procedure for dealing with misfires shall ensure that risks
associated with misfires are controlled.
The objective of this requirement is to prevent incidents when part or all of a blast did not
initiate. Pieces of rocks or bucket teeth may be projected during the loading of the
material due to an accidental initiation of the misfired hole leading to potential harm to
people and environment.
When misfires occur, they are defined into two categories: Type A and Type B
Type A: Testing before firing the blast reveals broken continuity which cannot be
rectified (this type of testing is not possible with shock tube systems)
The Explosives Management and Control Plan must include a misfire management
system providing for the responsible and safe management of misfires that addresses
as a minimum:
1. Minimising the possibility of misfires during the planning and design phase
A. Location of detonator above the toe level
B. System integrity checks (i.e. circuitry checks, visual qualitative checks)
C. Covering the surface lines with sand in surface mines.
2. The identification of indicators of misfires and/or possible misfires
3. Methods for locating misfires
4. The marking and identifying of possible misfire locations
5. The establishment and maintenance of any exclusion zones relative to misfires
Every effort must be taken to identify and treat misfires. However, it is still possible for
misfires to go undetected until excavation activities are conducted. It is necessary to
ensure that equipment used in excavating previously-blasted areas is adequately
designed and maintained to provide a high level of protection for the operators. A
competent risk assessment of the equipment and the activity, with due consideration of
the risks and the hierarchy of risk control measures, should lead to the appropriate and
adequate protective measures required.
Handling misfires
When a misfire is suspected after the initiation of the blast, the blaster must disconnect
the firing lines from the blasting machine and wait at least 10 minutes for electrical firing
and 30 minutes when safety fuse is used before permitting anyone to enter the danger
area. The blaster may extend the waiting period, depending on the circumstances. If a
blaster sees continuous smoke arising from the muckpile and suspects that explosive
may be burning, the blaster must wait until all the smoke clears and then wait 1 hour
longer before going back into the blast site. During this time, the blast site must be
guarded. If the explosive‟s manufacturers impose additional waiting times because of
the features of their product, such waiting times must be adhered to.
unexploded material.
Post Firing
1. After the shot is fired, the blaster will lift radio silence and request that guards stay
in position
2. The blaster shall wait until the dust and fumes have cleared and it is safe to return
to the blast
3. The blaster shall then inspect the shot for any visible misfires. If there is no
evidence of misfires, the blaster shall announce “All Clear”
4. The blast controller shall announce the All Clear and release the blast guards from
their positions.
k) Hot Holes/Reactive Ground: A procedure shall be in place to identify hot and/or
reactive ground and to stipulate an operating practice for dealing with blasting
in such ground.
What is considered a hot hole is often changing and therefore it should be based on a
risk assessment per operation since the run-away temperature depends on the coal type
and quality.
Coal tends to oxidize in ambient temperatures and, when confined, the resultant heat
accumulates at a rate which depends entirely on the geology, coal type and quality,
previous mining activities, voids and cracks.
Coal‟s natural tendency to self-heat must be closely monitored, based on the risk
assessment conducted at operations.
Operations that have coal or reactive mineralogy should ensure the following are in
place:
Out-of-date explosives are considered to be explosives that have not detonated during
blasting. These explosives are normally retrieved during the loading, transport and
processing of the material in the blasted area. The purpose of this procedure is to
provide a methodology for the temporary storage and destruction of old explosives as
well as the packaging of the explosives.
Ammonium nitrate:
Blasting caps:
Cortex:
A. Personnel must be informed of the correct area where the empty carton
containers must be disposed of
B. The person responsible for the blast must remove the empty carton
containers
C. The person responsible for the blast must collect all the empty carton
containers in which there were explosives and/or explosive-related
equipment, during his working shift
D. The empty carton containers must be burned in the same manner as the
igniter cord and safety fuse
E. The empty carton containers will be burned in the designated area
F. The empty carton containers are burned inside a cage designed to prevent
the occurrence of field fires.
14. Avoid soil contamination with explosives
15. Records and logbooks must be used to record the date and type and amount of
explosives destroyed.
m) Miscellaneous Blasting: The procedure for miscellaneous blasting such as
secondary blasting, blasting in hoppers, bins and chutes and in cases where
blasting is taking place on or near public roads and infrastructures shall ensure
that risks associated with these types of blasting are controlled.
In cases where different types of blasting, which requires controls that differ from normal
production blasting, is to be carried out, these must be specifically addressed and the
risks associated with these blasts must be managed.
Secondary Blasting
Holes should be drilled to ⅔ the thickness of the rock. Flat or oddly-shaped rock may
require several holes.
A charge weight of between 50gm and 100gm per cubic metre of rock can be used.
Blistering or plaster shooting may be considered where drilling holes are impractical.
Consideration shall be given to fly-rock and air overpressure from both types of blasting.
Blasting Toe
Use a charge weight of around 100gm per cubic metre of rock. Holes should be spaced
closely together.
1. Wherever possible, holes shall be drilled into the obstructing rock to place the
explosives into
2. The responsible person familiar with the isolation procedures for the area must
assist the blaster in locking out all equipment energy sources
3. Only an appointed blaster (or person under their direct supervision) may conduct
blasting in the plant
4. A blast plan shall be prepared for each blast
5. People working in the area shall be informed of the blast and cleared from the
area at the time of the shot
6. The area around the blast must be watered down to prevent a coal dust explosion
in coal mines
7. Only permitted explosives shall be used to blast in the plant
8. Explosives shall never be placed where they may come into contact with metal
9. The blaster and plant supervisor must determine a safe distance for clearing of
personnel and equipment for the blast
10. Where blasting is required to remove large rocks stuck in dump trucks, the truck
must be taken to a remote location for the blast
11. Isolate the truck, remove all non-essential personnel and charge as per a plaster
shot
12. Place guards on all access points before firing the shot. Safety distance is that
determined by the blaster.
1. Holes must be drilled so that all holes are parallel to each other
2. Wherever possible, pre-splits should be deck charged
3. Check for hole depth and water content prior to loading
4. Demarcate the blast area as for a normal blast
5. Where possible, dewater pre-split holes; place an gasbag down the blasthole at
the specified location for the first deck charge
6. Place bottom primer and charge
7. Lower the second gas bag to designated location for second deck and repeat the
process
8. Where possible, fire all pre-splits instantaneously
9. For mid split, tie the split line in so that the split line fires before the production
holes in front.
1. Public Roads
Where the blast clearance zone includes public roads, the following must be
adhered to:
Where blasting takes place near railway lines, power facilities, telecommunication
points, etc, that is controlled and serviced by persons not associated with the
mine; notification shall be made to the local representative.
Where blasting takes place in close proximity to houses and buildings, the drill and
blast engineer must make every effort to minimise environmental effects including
vibration, air overpressure, fly-rock, dust and fumes.
General requirements
1. Smoking shall be prohibited on the plant site, except where notices permitting
smoking are posted. Smoking must be prohibited by individuals whose clothing is
contaminated with explosive materials or other materials to the degree that safety
of personnel is endangered
2. No individual shall carry matches or other flame-producing devices into explosive
materials areas without a written permit signed by an authorised supervisor. Such
a permit shall apply only to matches or other flame-producing devices of the kind
approved by plant management
3. All employees in explosive materials operations must be subjected to periodic
searches. Searches must include all clothing, lunch boxes, lockers and vehicles
brought into the explosive materials operation
4. Intoxicating beverages and narcotics or dangerous drugs shall be prohibited on
the premises. Any person under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or dangerous
drugs shall not be permitted on the premises
5. Lunch containers, food, tobacco products and chewing gum (except tobacco
products and chewing gum placed in the mouth prior to entering) shall not be
taken into the explosive materials manufacturing buildings unless approved by
management
6. No person shall carry or have in his possession firearms, ammunition or articles of
a similar nature on the premises without written permission from management
7. Whenever a new explosive material manufacturing location is established, local
authorities such as law enforcement agencies, fire departments and local
emergency planning committees shall be notified of explosive materials on site
8. All normal access routes to explosive material manufacturing facilities must clearly
display warning signs
9. Fires involving explosive materials shall not be fought, except where special
instructions have been issued for fighting fires involving explosive or highly-
flammable materials at specific locations. Employees wearing clothing
contaminated with ignitable materials shall not go near any fire
10. Each employee involved in explosive materials operations must wear clothing of a
type approved by management
11. When required for hygienic reasons, employees must take a shower/bath at the
end of each shift
12. A set of procedures, or a disaster plan, shall be developed to handle emergency
conditions at explosive materials operations
13. Manufacturing buildings on explosive materials plant sites shall be located away
from inhabited buildings, public highways and passenger railways in accordance
with the local standards regarding the Table of Distances based on the maximum
quantity of explosive materials contained in the building at any one time
14. The land within 25 feet (7.6 metres) of any manufacturing or mixing plant must be
kept clear of rubbish, brush, dried grass, leaves, dead trees, all live trees less than
10 feet (3 metres) high and other combustible materials
1. A risk assessment must be conducted to determine the best location for the reload
site
2. The reload site must be at least 250 metres from active digging equipment
3. The reload site must not be below highwalls
4. The site should be located so that people can evacuate the area without placing
themselves in danger
5. Where the site is at risk of objects intruding from activities above, signage shall be
placed on the bench above, restricting activity within 10 metres of the edge
6. The site shall be demarcated to a distance no less than 10 metres and access
restricted to authorised persons only
7. There shall be no smoking within the mixing compound
8. Where PPAN (Porous Prilled Ammonium Nitrate) is kept at the reload site, an
authorised person must be in attendance or the containers must be sealed or
locked
9. Security seals shall be checked off by an authorised person prior to removal and
the seals retained and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
This section covers the guidelines for the pumping of bulk, water-based explosive
products from mobile bulk pumping equipment. The products are limited to emulsions,
slurries, water gels and blends classified as (1.5 D blasting agent) explosive or oxidizer.
Please refer to IME (International Manufacturers of Explosives) Guidelines for the
Pumping of Bulk and Water-Based Explosives for more information
1. Emulsions, slurries, water gels and blend-type bulk explosive materials are
generally incompatible with strong acids, bases and some elastomers. Care must
be exercised to ensure that products are kept separated from materials with which
they are incompatible
2. Products to be pumped must possess adequate stability for their intended use
3. Products must not break down during the stability period for which they were
designed. Breakdown could result in loss or gain in viscosity or significant changes
in sensitivity, density or critical diameter
4. Once a pumping system is approved for use, safeguards must be in place with
suppliers to ensure compliance with design specifications. Avoid the use of copper
or copper alloys in the pumping systems
5. Pump rotors must have a solid shaft to prevent undetected accumulation of
explosive product which could occur in a hollow shaft. To protect against wear
from exposure, the product rotors may be chrome plated. Also, rotors on gear
pumps are covered with an elastometer to prevent metal-to-metal contact. Certain
elastometers degrade with time and proper maintenance and storage are required.
1. All hoses must be made of materials that are compatible with the product being
pumped. Discharge hoses must have the capability to withstand the temperature
and pressure requirements of the pumping system. In addition, suction hoses must
be constructed in such a manner to prevent collapse. Always maintain full flow to
pump inlet
2. Refer to the IME Guidelines for pump selection criteria as well as operating
principles and possible problems.
1. All pump/blend units must be checked for the presence of foreign material
(welding slag, gasket material, metal filings, trash or grit) in tanks, bibs and lines.
Do not use the pump to flush the system
2. Check system with water to ensure that all pipe and hose connections are tight
and free of leaks
3. Check and test the following:
A. Pump lubrication must be compatible with products being pumped
B. All guards must be in place and secure
C. Hydraulic fluid levels
D. Pressure relief system must be in place and of specified failure rating
E. Alarms must be in working order and adjusted to proper setting
F. Water ring spray system.
4. Operators must be trained in proper procedures of troubleshooting and
maintenance and must not attempt to operate any pumping equipment until they
have received adequate training
5. Pumps must be calibrated at the time of installation and recalibrated periodically in
accordance with manufacturer‟s recommendations
6. Only properly-trained and supervised personnel must load blastholes
7. Care must be taken when manoeuvring pump or blend trucks on a blast site
8. Bulk explosive materials must not be loaded into a blasthole unless the hole has
been properly checked and prepared and is ready for loading
9. Product removed from a pumping unit prior to or after shutdown must be inspected
and disposed of properly in accordance with the explosives manufacturers‟
recommendations and local regulations
10. Suction piping to the pump must be disassembled and cleaned
11. It may be necessary to clean the interior walls of the hose to remove any product
build up. A special plastic sponge or pig designed for cleaning interior walls, piping
or hose may be used for this purpose. This practice must be conducted regularly,
especially in cold weather when product viscosity increases
12. To ensure safe and proper operation of a pumping unit, all systems must be in
efficient working order. All components must be in accordance with design
specifications, be properly installed and maintained and operated within their
design limits
13. Maintenance must be an integral part of standard operating procedure
All storage areas and/or magazines must be in a safe zone away from general traffic and
easily recognisable as an explosives storage facility. The keys of these facilities must not be
left unattended on magazines or storage boxes and they should be kept by the relevant
person in charge who is the licence holder.
Blast reviews shall be undertaken by an appropriate Blast Review Team, which shall
include as required the person responsible for designing the blast, the person
responsible for drilling and blasting operations, the Blaster and Site Environmental
Officer.
Every mine must ensure that drilling and blasting activities are monitored by competent
persons who have proven skills in drilling and blasting operations.
Each site must conduct an audit against one or more standard operating procedures per
month by an on-site audit team which must contain at least one security authorised person.
An audit must be conducted every 12 months to check compliance against the SOPs
(Standard Operating Procedures).
If the contractors are responsible for receiving, storage and transport of explosives, the mine
has the responsibility to check on the quality of the services by the contractors. The supply
chain personnel must set the frequency of these checks at each site.
The mine must make sure that contractors are made aware of Explosives Handling Standards
and Guidelines and they must be incorporated in future contracts.
The Baseline Risk Assessment as well as the associated EMCP and Emergency
Response Plan shall be kept current and updated considering operational
performance, actual or potential incidents, inspections and reviews. Reviews and
potential updates are to be conducted on an annual basis.
a) Objectively evaluate the effectiveness of the EMCP and Emergency Response Plan.
b) Analyse root causes of non-compliance
c) Assess compliance
d) Identify areas requiring corrective action
e) Provide information to allow improved performance and increased safety.
The effectiveness of the Explosives Management Control Plan and Emergency Response
Plan for each site will be audited by an independent person at intervals not exceeding three
years, or when there is a change of technology or method or when there is a major incident
relevant to this Standard.
This section must be updated after the EMCP is practised for three years of issue.
5.3 Other
A change management process shall be in place to identify the risks associated with
changes in explosives. The process shall define the magnitude of change required
before an update of the EMCP is triggered.
When the nature of the operation changes, a change management process must be
undertaken to ensure that the safety and security management issues are properly addressed
and to assess any changes in the explosives management standard.
A licence holder must review the safety management system and security plan regularly to
ensure that obligations are being covered for any operational changes for the licence.
All safety management systems must include change management arrangements for the
closure or alteration of the activities.
Management must consider authorised persons; control of keys and access and training of
personnel.
When activities using explosives cease, the management of explosives stockholding must be
assessed under the risk control hierarchy.
All modifications to explosives handling equipment must be done in accordance with the
change management protocol.
Self explanatory.
A system of warning signals must be used on the mines to ensure that personnel and
equipment are safely away from the blasting effect.
Operations and maintenance personnel must be aware at all time of the products/materials
they are handling and access must be restricted to an “as needed” basis so the risk of
mishandling and exposure are both minimised.
Danger notices with the blasting signal code must be erected on all roads and tracks leading
to the blast area beyond the danger area limits. It is possible that, due to noise in the working
place, people may not hear the warning sirens, horns, etc. The blaster and safety supervisor
must make a visual check that all personnel, including those in sheds or machinery, are
cleared out of the danger area.
Before a blast is fired, guards or sentries with red flags must be posted at all strategic points
and entries to the area to prohibit any person from entering the danger area until the blast is
fired and the all-clear is given. Red flags must be at least 600x600mm. Sentries must clearly
understand their duties.
Demarcation is required at each blast location to identify the exclusion zone for general mining
activities. This includes:
Magazines must be clearly signposted to prevent unwanted hazards from being introduced.
This includes the following signs:
a) No Smoking
b) Authorised Personnel Only
Explosives handling risks shall be clearly communicated to employees, contractors,
visitors or other persons who are identified as at risk during the explosives usage
cycle.
Any concerns can be raised in time by communicating the risks to all who are identified as at
risk. The intent is to deliver messages on-time, proactively and correctly and to the right
destination.
Plans for communications must take into account the need for multiple methods of
communication. The methods selected must be reliable in the complexity of the mining
environment. Each mine‟s requirements would be different, depending on the size and type of
COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL APPROVED Page 54 of 60
AA GTG 13 AMRG 3 - EXPLOSIVES HANDLING GUIDELINE ISSUE 0
30 September 2011
COPYRIGHT
operations. Underground mine communication systems are different from those at surface
mines.
a) How to reach the intended audience, to make the risk comprehensible and relatable to
other risks
b) How to pay appropriate respect to the audience's values related to the risk
c) How to predict the audience's response to the communication.
Proper analysis of incidents where explosives are involved is critical to reducing the impact
and preventing future incidents. The “No Repeats” policy within Anglo American operations
must be practised by sharing the analyses of the incidents as they happen.
Data analysis may take different forms. Some data is purely for statistical analysis. Other data
analysis is based on experience and knowledge to identify developing trends. Nevertheless,
careful analysis can identify risk mitigation actions.
a) Report and provide data on all reportable incidents that involve explosives
b) Support collection, aggregation and analysis of reportable incident data for use in
validating and improving the EMCP
c) Ensure that lessons learned from incidents are being disseminated and, as appropriate,
incorporated in training programmes and operating procedures
d) Review incidents for trends and determine whether corrective action is required
e) Submit annual incident data summaries and lessons learned
f) Based on explosives safety trends and analysis, recommend changes to the EMCP that
will enhance explosives safety awareness and practices
Hazard
UN Serial
Article Classification
Number
Code
354 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.1 L
355 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.2 L
356 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.3 L
350 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.4 B
351 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.4 C
352 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.4 D
353 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.4 G
349 ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.4 S
224 BARIUM AZIDE, dry or wetted with less than 50 percent water, by weight. 1.1 A
28 BLACK POWDER (GUNPOWDER) COMPRESSED or BLACK POWDER 1.1 D
(GUNPOWDER) IN PELLETS.
27 BLACK POWDER (GUNPOWDER) granular or as a meal. 1.1 D
268 BOOSTERS WITH DETONATOR. 1.2 B
225 BOOSTERS WITH DETONATOR. 1.1 B
42 BOOSTERS without detonator. 1.1D
283 BOOSTERS without detonator. 1.2 D
48 CHARGES, DEMOLITION. 1.1D
444 CHARGES, EXPLOSIVE, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.4 D
445 CHARGES, EXPLOSIVE, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.4 S
443 CHARGES, EXPLOSIVE, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.2 D
442 CHARGES, EXPLOSIVE, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.1 D
59 CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.1D
441 CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.4 S
439 CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.2 D
440 CHARGES, SHAPED, COMMERCIAL without detonator. 1.4 D
288 CHARGES, SHAPED, FLEXIBLE, LINEAR metal clad. 1.1D
237 CHARGES, SHAPED, FLEXIBLE, LINEAR metal clad. 1.4 D
60 CHARGES, SUPPLEMENTARY, EXPLOSIVE. 1.1D
383 COMPONENTS, EXPLOSIVE TRAIN, N.O.S. 1.4 B
382 COMPONENTS, EXPLOSIVE TRAIN, N.O.S. 1.2 B
384 COMPONENTS, EXPLOSIVE TRAIN, N.O.S. 1.4 S
249 CONTRIVANCES, WATER-ACTIVATED with burster, expelling charge or propelling 1.3 L
charge.
248 CONTRIVANCES, WATER-ACTIVATED with burster, expelling charge or propelling 1.2 L
charge.
102 CORD (FUSE), DETONATING, metal clad. 1.2 D
290 CORD (FUSE), DETONATING, metal clad. 1.1D
104 CORD (FUSE), DETONATING, mild effect, metal clad. 1.4 D
65 CORD, DETONATING, flexible. 1.1D
289 CORD, DETONATING, flexible. 1.4 D
66 CORD, IGNITER. 1.4 G
226 CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN), WETTED with not 1.1 D
less than 15 percent water, by weight, or
Hazard
UN Serial
Article Classification
Number
Code
CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN), DESENSITISED
with not less than 10 percent phlegmatiser, by weight.
391 CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX) AND 1.1 D
CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN) MIXTURES,
WETTED with not less than 15 percent water by weight, or
CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX) AND
CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX; OCTOGEN) MIXTURES,
DESENSITISED with not less than 10 percent phlegmatiser, by weight.
72 CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX), WETTED 1.1 D
with not less than 15 per cent water, by weight, or
CYCLOTRIMETHYLENETRINITRAMINE (CYCLONITE; HEXOGEN; RDX),
DESENSITISED with not less than 10 percent phlegmatiser, by weight.
630 DETONATOR, ASSEMBLIES, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.1 B
361 DETONATOR, ASSEMBLIES, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.4 B
255 DETONATORS, ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.4 B
30 DETONATORS, ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.1 B
267 DETONATORS, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.4 B
29 DETONATORS, NON-ELECTRIC for blasting. 1.1 B
74 DIAZODINITROPHENOL, WETTED with not less than 40 percent water, by weight (or 1.1 A
mixture of alcohol and water).
81 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE A. 1.1 D
331 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE B. 1.5 D
82 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE B. 1.1 D
84 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE D. 1.1 D
332 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE E. 1.5 D
241 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE E. 1.1 D
83 EXPLOSIVE, BLASTING, TYPE C. 1.1 D
99 FRACTURING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE, for oil wells, without detonator. 1.1 D
103 FUSE, IGNITER, tubular, metal clad. 1.4 G
101 FUSE, INSTANTANEOUS, NON-DETONATING. 1.3 G
105 FUSE, SAFETY. 1.4 S
408 FUZES, DETONATING with protective features. 1.1 D
410 FUZES, DETONATING with protective features. 1.4 D
409 FUZES, DETONATING with protective features. 1.2 D
107 FUZES, DETONATING. 1.2 B
257 FUZES, DETONATING. 1.4 B
106 FUZES, DETONATING. 1.1 B
367 FUZES, DETONATING. 1.4 S
113 GUANYL NITROSAMINOGUANYLIDENE HYDRAZINE, WETTED with not less than 30 1.1 A
percent water, by weight
114 GUANYL NITROSAMINOGUANYLTETRAZENE (TETRAZENE), WETTED with not less 1.1 A
than 30 percent water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water)
79 HEXANITRODIPHENYLAMINE (DIPICRYLAMINE; HEXYL). 1.1 D
392 HEXANITROSTILBENE. 1.1 D
393 HEXATONAL, CAST. 1.1 D
118 HEXOLITE, dry or wetted with less than 15 percent water, by weight. 1.1 D
325 IGNITERS. 1.4 G
Hazard
UN Serial
Article Classification
Number
Code
315 IGNITERS. 1.3 G
314 IGNITERS. 1.2 G
121 IGNITERS. 1.1 G
124 JET PERFORATING GUNS, CHARGED, oil well, without detonator. 1.1D
129 LEAD AZIDE, WETTED with not less than 20 percent water, by weight (or mixture of 1.1 A
alcohol and water).
130 LEAD STYPHNATE (LEAD TRINITRORESORCINATE), WETTED with not less than 20 1.1 A
percent water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water).
133 MANNITOL HEXANITRATE (NITROMANNAITE), WETTED with not less than 40 percent 1.1 D
water, by weight (or mixture of alcohol and water).
135 MERCURY FULMINATE, WETTED with not less than 20 percent water, by weight (or 1.1 A
mixture of alcohol and water).
147 NITRO UREA. 1.1 D
340 NITROCELLULOSE, dry or wetted with less than 25 percent water (or alcohol), by weight. 1.1 D
343 NITROCELLULOSE PLASTICISED with not less than 18 percent plasticising substance 1.3 C
by weight.
341 NITROCELLULOSE unmodified or plasticised with less than 18 percent plasticising 1.1 D
substance by weight.
342 NITROCELLULOSE, WETTED with not less than 25 percent alcohol, by weight. 1.3C
143 NITROGLYCERIN, DESENSITISED, with not less than 40 percent non-volatile water- 1.1 D
insoluble phlegmatiser, by weight.
144 NITROGLYCERIN, SPIRIT OF, with more than 1 percent but not more than 10 percent 1.1D
nitro-glycerine in solution in alcohol.
282 NITROGUANIDINE, (PICRITE), dry or wetted with less than 20 percent water, by weight. 1.1 D
146 NITROSTARCH, dry or wetted with less than 20 percent water, by weight. 1.1 D
266 OCTOLITE, (OCTOL), dry or wetted with less than 15 percent water, by weight. 1.1 D
150 PENTAERYTHRITE TETRANITRATE (PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE; PETN), 1.1D
WETTED with not less than 25 percent water, by weight, or PENTAERYTHRITE
TETRANITRATE (PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE; PETN), DESENSITISED with
not less than 15 percent phlegmatiser, by weight.
411 PENTAERYTHRITE TETRANITRATE (PETN) with not less than 7 percent wax, by 1.1 D
weight.
151 PENTOLITE, dry or wetted with less than 15 percent water, by weight. 1.1D
159 POWDER CAKE (POWDER PASTE), WETTED with not less than 35 percent water, by 1.3 C
weight.
433 POWDER CAKE, WETTED with not less than 17 percent alcohol, by weight. 1.1 C
161 POWDER, SMOKELESS. 1.3 C
160 POWDER, SMOKELESS. 1.1 C
173 RELEASE DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE. 1.4 S
190 SAMPLES, EXPLOSIVE, other than initiating explosive. As appropriate
374 SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE. 1.1 E
204 SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE. 1.2F
375 SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE. 1.2 E
296 SOUNDING DEVICES, EXPLOSIVE. 1.1F
357 SUBSTANCES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.1 L
358 SUBSTANCES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.3 L
359 SUBSTANCES, EXPLOSIVE, N.O.S. 1.3 L
Hazard
UN Serial
Article Classification
Number
Code
208 TRINITROPHENYLMETHYLNITRAMINE (TETRYL). 1.1 D
388 TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) AND TRINITROTOLUENE MIXTURES OR 1.1 D
TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) AND HEXANITROSTILBENE MIXTURES.
389 TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) MIXTURES CONTAINING TRINITROBENZENE AND 1.1 D
HEXANITROSTILBENE
209 TRINITROTOULENE (TNT), dry or wetted with less than 30 percent water, by weight. 1.1D
390 TRITONAL. 1.1 D
220 UREA NITRATE, dry or wetted with less than 20 percent water, by weight. 1.1 D