# Chapter 17: Blaster Checklists

## SAMPLE PREBLAST CHECKLIST

*Figure 17.1 – Sample preblast checklist. (Courtesy: D. Rensari)*

| ✓ | Item |
|---|------|
| | Post warning signs prior to loading |
| | Establish a blast safety zone on the bench near highwalls |
| | Check for stray current, if applicable |
| | Stemlight on and lit |
| | Blast area cleared |
| | Ensure proper stemming is on site and available on the bench as needed |

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## SAMPLE LOADING CHECKLIST

Loading inspections ensure the loading process proceeds according to the blast plan and per adjustments necessary due to the preblast inspection and information discovered at the drill log. They are also helpful to assure that all measures are taken to clear the blast area, secure and warn the blast area of the blast.

*Figure 17.2 – Sample loading checklist.*

### Sample Loading Checklist

| ✓ | Item |
|---|------|
| | Ensure the blast crew understands the loading plan designed |
| | Relevant shift log for loading considerations |
| | Blast area security meeting with blast crew to assess security duties |
| | All personnel datasourcing proper environmental work technique |
| | Tying and tie-in design prepared and assigned to owner |
| | Delay at stack |
| | Loading plan with in-hole delay plan to blasters |
| | Tying and tie-in design prepared and assigned to owner |
| | Initiation system check prior to loading |
| | Establish setback markers and record setback distance |
| | Maintain security and blast area control during loading |
| | Periodically calibrate bulk trucks |
| | Ensure boreholes are properly stemmed |
| | Limit people to only those required to be in shot on blast site during tie-in |
| | Dispatching/notifying personnel checks |
| | Conduct bulk explosives density checks |
| | Boreholes primed as planned |
| | Shot loaded according to plan |
| | Check initiation system hookups (electric, visual, electronic) |
| | Shot loaded according to plan |
| | Tying design executed by blast crew (delay) |
| | Wet or corer ties as applicable |
| | Two people conduct final inspection to verify initiation system hookup |
| | Blaster-in-charge assures that all personnel and equipment are cleared from blast area |
| | Verify shot/assigned planned and set to weather holds |
| | Blast area guards are posted prior to clearing the blast area |
| | Blast area guards have adequate communication with Blaster-in-charge |
| | Security set up and seal |
| | Blast warning signals sounded according to blast plan |
| | Count down |
| | Blaster uses adequate shelter at a safe distance during initiation |
| | Initiate blast |

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## SAMPLE POST BLAST CHECKLIST

Post blast inspections are important to ensure the blast has performed as planned and confirm any blasting related hazards are identified and remedied before allowing people to return to the blast area. At the Blaster-in-charge's direction the "All Clear" is given.

*Figure 17.3 – Sample post blast checklist.*

### Sample Post Blast Checklist

| ✓ | Item |
|---|------|
| | Wait for fumes to clear prior to inspection |
| | Blaster-in-charge inspects the blast site for un-detonated explosives and unsafe ground conditions prior to giving the "All Clear Signal" |
| | Review smoke, dust, expected areas, actual |
| | Complete Blast Report |
| | Ensure all unused explosives are returned to proper magazine storage |
| | Accounted for returned explosives in inventory |

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## STATIC ELECTRICITY PRECAUTION

When handling explosives, appropriate precautions should be taken to prevent static discharge that could cause accidental initiation. Personnel should ground themselves before handling electric detonators and other sensitive initiation devices.

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## REFERENCES

Dyno Nobel

Ensign Bickford Company

Orica Mining Services

Austin Explosives, Inc.