The use of explosives in mining dates back more than 300 years, however, strict safety regulations on blasting only recently became standard when the U.S. Department of Labor created the Mine Safety and Health Administration in 1978. OSHA also has a set of requirements for safe blasting and explosives handling, transportation and storage.
Extracting deposits like coal is nothing to mess around with. Rock blasting uses various types of explosives that can cause devastating injuries, and even fatalities.
Blasting programs are designed and implemented by qualified explosives contractors, but as a support services worker, you might come in contact with these situations so it’s important to follow necessary safety practices — even if you’re not the one initiating the blast.
Many factors determine if an area is suitable for blasting, including rock strength and irregularities, nearby structures and vibration sensitivity. Drill logs document any rock conditions that could endanger workers. Even with competent contractors on site, however, serious blasting accidents can still occur.
When coal mining began 100 years ago it was a very unregulated industry. Today, nationwide regulations mandate safety standards and blasting procedures to protect workers who mine for the valuable fossil fuel. And although the majority of explosives used in coal mining is at surface coal mines rather than underground mines, safety is still vital.
Workers who load, unload or transport explosives are trained and certified to handle them and the associated fire hazards, along with the procedures to follow in the event of a fire or explosion. So unless you are certified, you should not be in contact with explosives.
A recent safety alert from MSHA cites six fatalities from blasting accidents between 2010 and 2013. Two victims were overcome by carbon monoxide after entering a mine. The other victims were struck and killed by blasting debris. You might have the it-won’t-happen-to-me mindset, but that’s wrong. It could happen to you and other workers standing too close to blasting procedures or not being aware of your surroundings.
According to MSHA.gov, blasting contractors and other job site workers should follow these best practices to avoid potential injuries and fatalities:
- Identify all hazards and take action to correct them.
- Guard or barricade all access routes to the blasting area to prevent the passage of persons or vehicles. If you arrive to a job site where blasting is in progress, make sure you are a safe distance from the detonation.
- Give ample warning to allow all persons to be evacuated before a blast is fired.
- Ensure no one is standing near blast areas unless suitable blasting shelters are provided to protect from fly rock.
- Safely dispose of damaged or deteriorated explosive material according to manufacturer recommendations.
In addition, work areas should be properly ventilated before mining or blasting begins, and air quality and gases should be monitored regularly. Supplemental lighting can also be added to elevated lift equipment to increase visibility.
The Worker’s Compensation Board of British Columbia considers safe work practices the best method for keeping everyone on the job site alive. The board recommends companies establish, review and enforce written safe work procedures for all blasting operations.
Whether your company contracts blasting services, or works as a support services company near these areas, safety is key. And above all, communicate with, and be aware of, all job site workers before a blast. It takes little time and could save your life and the lives of other crew members.
