DRILL & BLAST
to ensure that all working crew are not only adequately trained and follow the appropriate safety procedures but also to have an emergency action plan in place. Tese guidelines should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they are effective.
TRAINING Proper training of workers involved in blasting activities is another critical aspect of ensuring safety. It is also important for efficiency since delays might result in millions of euros in losses per blast, compliance and quality. Only authorised and trained personnel can handle explosives and need to know all aspects of their sensitivity, stability and detonation velocity to handle them safely. Tey must be stored in secure, designated areas, and transported in a manner mitigating the risk of accidental detonation. One important aspect is the design of an
effective blast pattern with proper drilling of the holes and setting charges. Everyone working in the mine needs to understand how to properly use personal protective gear. It’s also essential to provide ongoing training and education to keep workers up-to-date on the latest blasting techniques and safety procedures.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT Since hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs and other parts of protective clothing are a no- brainer, there is plenty of other equipment which can be used to ensure the reduction of accidents. Blasts shelters are one of them. Tey are made out of steel or concrete and are used to protect the crew from the force of an explosion and potential flying debris. Tey work best in combination with the blast mats. Made out of heavy-duty rubber or woven materials, being placed over explosives minimise mentioned fly rock and ground vibration. Past usage of seismographs will also help to indicate the safe distance for miners from the blast site. Before beginning any blasting work, it is essential to have clear warning signs and signals in place to alert workers of the impending danger. Tey could include sirens, flashing lights, verbal warnings or message notifications directly to the personal devices or radios of all crew. Blasting can generate a lot of dust and fumes, which can be harmful to workers. What’s also important is proper ventilation equipment. Dust collectors or exhaust fans should be used to remove harmful particles from the air. If all those measures are in place, perfect. But still, preparation for an emergency is pivotal. If something really
went sideways, the availability of first aid kits, fire extinguishers and other rescue equipment is a must.
PRE- AND POST-BLAST INSPECTION & BLAST MONITORING Inspecting the site before and after the explosion as well as monitoring it during the event is also crucial to ensure safety measures for the personnel, all assets and the mine itself. Before conducting a blast, a pre-blast inspection should be carried out including checking the blast area for any obstructions or hazards, verifying that the blast design is appropriate, and confirming that all equipment is in good working condition. During and after the explosion check are critical to measuring vibrations and noise levels as well as air quality with the level of toxic gases and dust that doesn’t pose a health hazard to workers and nearby communities if the operation is performed in an open pit mine. Post-blast inspection should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the blast and ensure that there are no unexploded charges or other hazards in the area together with checking for any damages to nearby structures or the environment. Tose assessments might be
Blasting is a high-risk activity that needs to be properly managed
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