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

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

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

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.

REFERENCES

Dyno Nobel

Ensign Bickford Company

Orica Mining Services

Austin Explosives, Inc.