Chapter 5: Project Communication

Typically, the blaster is not in charge of public relations or overall project communications, especially on large projects or operations. However, in the end, it is he or she who is ultimately responsible for the safe conduct of each blast as well as its effectiveness.

Blasters must communicate with many different entities before, during and after the detonation process. We will review some types of communication, but first some general principles need to be understood. The 3-C's that form the basis of effective communication are clarity, consistency, and credibility.

• Clarity means that blasters say exactly what they intend to convey and they do it in terms understandable to the listener or reader. Ambiguous blasting terms should be explained if the blaster believes that the listener or reader may not understand them, without insulting their intelligence. In particular, types of explosives and initiation systems are often not well understood by the public or the press.

Some terms that may seem obvious may have several meanings. For example, "deck" may mean either an explosives column or the inert stemming material, so that a "two-decked hole" may mean two or three explosives columns. It is incumbent on blasters, using tact any/or assess the surface delays, or exclude the downhole delay. These and any other phrase-possible point of confusion should be clarified as simply as possible.

• Consistency and reliability are related. Consistency generally indicates that once a given method or procedure is communicated to someone else, changes will not be made without well-defined procedures. If a blaster is not consistent, credibility is likely to be damaged. This does not mean being inflexible, it just means that such changes are not done arbitrarily and without notification.

Establishing and maintaining credibility should always be taken seriously. Untenable results should not be promised. Proclamations such as, "You won't feel the vibration", or that an excavation can be completed in two days, if that is known not to be the fact, should not be made.

Always remember that there is a potential for legal consequences with any blasting operation. After a blast, all that may remain is a hole in the ground and the paperwork. Make sure that the paperwork is done accurately and completely. Add although emails are useful for communication they can be subpoenaed and should not be sent without careful consideration of content.

• Credibility Finally, a professional attitude is important for you, whether you are the blaster-in-charge, a journeyman, a driller, or one of many others involved in the blasting process. Mutual respect is crucial with all parties when you communicate.

Preblast: Project Preparation

Before drilling, designing any explosive products, or even bidding a project, some basic communications are necessary. Those listed below, as well as others that may be specific to your blasting project, are important for optimum results.

Remember, particularly in the post-9/11 world, explosives and blasting are considered an ultra-hazardous activity. Blasting becomes more hazardous when precautions and proper procedures are not followed. Never, ever forget this.

Project Definition: Specifications and Blast Plan

Crucial to a successful blasting operation is an understanding of what is to be done. The "means and methods" are often not described in detail, i.e. the blaster's job, but the desired end result will be specified explicitly or implicitly. Make sure that all of the requirements are understood. If there is uncertainty, vagueness, or unrealistic expectations, the best time to address these issues is before any work begins.

Although formal or informal discussions can certainly be helpful, it is always best to have the final understandings in writing.

Regulatory Authorities

It is imperative that any restrictions or limitations that may be placed on the project are understood well in advance. These may seriously affect any bidding and scheduling, and knowing these restrictions certainly will make things run smoother.

The appropriate regulatory authorities may have developed the regulations, or they may just administer them. However, in most cases, your only recourse in normal operations is to work with these authorities and develop a cordial and professional relationship.

You should understand what the priorities are, and if there are any regulations that are potential concerns. When appropriate, inquire if there is any possibility of variance to regulations, if such variance will help in executing the project without jeopardizing safety or liability.

You may know in advance that some regulations are unduly restrictive. For example, some local governments have started with United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) vibration recommendations, and then reduced the limits "to be safe". Remember that, in most cases, the regulatory authority is only administering what someone else has mandated. If you have a strong case, get some professional, credentialed backing, and obtain a hearing with all interested parties well in advance.

In all cases, make sure that you understand what the final resolution is on all regulatory questions, and who the appropriate contacts are. Make sure you have a list of the relevant phone numbers.

Suppliers

You need the right products to be able to do your job cost-effectively. Make sure that you know the products by reading the specification sheets and talking to the field representatives. Know well in advance who is available to supply the products needed, and whether there are specific suppliers or products mandated for the project.

Use the suppliers as a valuable resource. Since they see many different operations, and see what works and what does not, they can often provide a fresh perspective.

Neighbors: Those Potentially Affected

Again, blasters are not hired as public relations professionals. Even so, courtesy and a habit of respectful communication is certainly the best way to stave off problems. Appropriate use of resources is helpful, such as seismologists or others who deal with neighbors on a regular basis.

Issues Around Time Of The Blast

When drilling and blasting operations commence, there is an understandable desire to focus on the job at hand and ignore distractions: get the explosives in the holes, stem, wire, and shoot. It is just as important, particularly for the blaster-in-charge, to communicate effectively at the time of the blast. Awareness is of course critical and open communication must be maintained.

Several issues are important during this critical period.

Normal Security

The blaster must understand the transportation and storage issues, even if others are responsible. The list of regulations can be very long, and can vary significantly from site to site. Get to know and talk to the people who are responsible for these issues, and make sure you thoroughly understand what duties they have.

Accounting for all explosive products is a critical safety and security issue. Very severe (including felony) penalties can be incurred for what might seem to be a minor violation — one missing cap or booster for example. Make sure everyone understands this.

Safety

Unless local authorities deem otherwise, the blaster is generally responsible for safety procedures, including warnings through placards and other signage, as well as audible warnings (sirens or horns) at the blast area and the blast site. Make sure that these important signals are understood by all concerned.

Driller and Blaster Communication

Often the driller and blaster are on the same team, and communication has been established during prior work. However, this is not always the case, and since the explosive loading is dependent on the rock conditions, the blaster should clearly understand the information provided by the driller. Drill logs, markings, and core placement need to be clearly understood. Furthermore, the blaster must clearly communicate the blast configuration, including borehole size, burden, spacing, and depth. The way this information is shared should be mutually agreed upon well before any drilling begins. Chapter 6 contains a discussion of what information the blaster should communicate to the driller, and chapter 18 contains a discussion of what information the driller should communicate to the blaster.

Emergency Response

Naturally, one hopes that emergency response will not be needed. As is often said, "forewarned is forearmed". Aside from having a list of the emergency contact phone numbers and a sequence of responder contacts (See chapter 31), it is wise to establish a relationship with at least the first responders before blasting begins.

Post Blast: Clean Up And Review

After a blast, either preparation for the next blast begins, or the project is wrapped up. In both cases, communication about what has happened and what will happen next should be maintained.

Normal Review

Communication regarding a normally performing blast is usually restricted to the appropriate paperwork. This should be done as soon as possible, preferably immediately following the blast.

The blaster-in-charge must recall communication that occurred before the blast to know: (1) the project was done according to specifications, (2) the safety and security procedures were carried out properly, and (3) whether neighbors and regulatory authorities are satisfied, and if not, why? A "lessons learned" attitude is certainly worthwhile and should be documented.

Misfire/Problems

There should be a prescribed procedure for dealing with misfires and other anticipated problems. It does not help to try to hide a problem. Follow the appropriate procedures and document the likely causes, the effects, and what needs to be done the next time to maintain your safety as well as your credibility.

An Important Communication You Should Not Forget

As evidenced by the changes in this 18th Edition of the Blasters' Handbook, blasting has changed substantially in recent years. While you may feel that you are on your own at firing time, remember that there are resources that you can avail yourself of. The International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) is a resource on many levels, from the sponsored conferences and local chapter meetings, to the Journal and website, and newsletters. Most of all, the Society is composed of people who understand the issues you face, and are willing and eager to communicate with you. The Blaster's Toolkits is also an invaluable reference (See the ISEE website).