Chapter Eight - Handling and Destruction of Explosives

Handling Explosives

The handling of explosives need not scare you, but it must be handled in a very safe and professional manner:

• Cases of explosive should not be thrown around or misused
• When placing explosives at your holes, they should be placed down, not thrown hole to hole
• This rule applies to boosters, detonators, etc.
• One sharp blow and the explosive could detonate

Transportation on Job Site

• Never transport explosive in the bucket of a loader or any equipment not designed to haul explosive
• Use special tools designed for handling explosives

Explosives Requiring Destruction

Explosives to be destroyed may be:

• Fresh material from containers broken during transport
• Material that is deteriorated, damaged, or no longer needed

Deteriorated explosives are usually more hazardous than those in good condition and require special care. If competent, trained, and experienced people are not available, handling and destruction should be deferred until a manufacturer representative has been consulted.

Burning Explosives

Burning explosive is a task that should only be done by an experienced person.

Location Requirements

The burning location must be far enough from any magazine, dwelling, railroad, highway, or any other gathering place to eliminate possibility of injury or damage from explosion or missiles.

Quantity Limits

• Maximum at any one time: 45 kg
• Maximum for permissible gelatins (particularly prone to detonate during burning): 4.5 kg

Safe Distances for Burning

Multiple Piles

When burning large quantities requiring multiple piles:

1. First pile does not start burning until all people are near suitable cover
2. Piles must be at least 7.6 meters apart (for quantities up to 45.5 kg)
3. For larger quantities, consult manufacturer before burning

Destroying Different Products

Dynamite

1. Remove cartridges and slit them
2. Spread over ground with straw or wood chips underneath
3. Add kerosene or diesel fuel to help start fire
4. Start fire with train of straw or wood chips arranged downwind (fire burns several meters before reaching explosives)
5. Train should be long enough to allow person lighting fire to reach safe place
6. Everyone remains at safe distance until explosive completely burned

After burning:

• Select different site for each pile
• Bury residue (remains could harm animal life)

One of the best ways to destroy unwanted explosive is to arrange with a company with large diameter boreholes to destroy the explosives in their next blast. Contact the Environment Department first.

Slurry/Watergel and Emulsion

These contain water and are harder to burn. Much more straw or wood chips are needed to provide heat to vaporize the water.

ANFO

Three techniques for destruction:

1. Dissolve in a large body of stagnant water
2. Dig a hole and pour water over it
3. Spread over ground surface and plow into ground

Black Powder

Destroyed by pouring into a large body of stagnant water.

Recommended Methods of Destruction

Burying Detonators

To destroy detonators:

1. Tie in small bundles (not more than 10 per bundle)
2. Place a good detonator in the centre
3. Bury at least half a meter deep
4. Cover with fill and detonate

Priming Tips

General Instructions for Primers

Additional Prohibitions:

• Never use a cast primer or booster if hole for detonator is too small
• Never enlarge a hole in a cast primer or booster
• Never punch explosive material that is very hard or frozen
• Never force a detonator into explosive material

Loading the Borehole

• Always use the first cartridge as the primer where 2-inch diameter or smaller cartridges are used
• Never drop another cartridge directly on the primer

Making Primers with Electric Detonators

Small Diameter Cartridges (2 inches or less)

Steps:

1. Punch a hole straight into one end of cartridge
2. Insert the detonator into the hole
3. Tie leg wires around the cartridge using a half-hitch

Never pull the wires too tightly - this may break them or damage the insulation.

Large Diameter Cartridges (more than 2 inches)

Steps:

1. Punch a slanting hole from center of one end, coming out through side 2+ inches from end
2. Fold over leg wires about 12 inches from detonator to form sharp bend
3. Push folded wires through hole (starting at end, coming out through side)
4. Open folded wires and pass loop over other end of cartridge
5. Punch another hole straight into end beside the first, insert detonator, take up all slack

Cast Boosters

Always follow manufacturer's recommendations for attachment and use of detonators with cast or manufactured boosters.

Making Primers with Fuse or Nonelectric Detonators

Side Priming Method

Steps:

1. Punch hole in side of cartridge (deeper than detonator length, pointed downward)
2. Insert the detonator
3. Tape safety fuse or plastic tubing to cartridge to prevent detonator pullout

Reverse Primer Method

Steps:

1. Punch hole straight into one end (deeper than detonator length)
2. Insert the detonator
3. Fold back fuse or tubing over the end along cartridge length
4. Tape fuse or tubing to cartridge

CAUTION: If miniaturized detonating cord is used, the explosives must be insensitive to initiation by the detonating cord for this method to work.

Making Primers with Detonating Cord

Detonating Cord with Cast Boosters

Always follow manufacturer's recommendations for using detonating cord with cast or manufactured boosters.

Using Explosive Materials: General Precautions

Protecting Yourself

Protecting Others

• Always clear the immediate area of persons
• Always post guards to prevent access to blast area
• Always sound adequate warning prior to blast
• Always use blasting mat when blasting close to residences or occupied buildings

Protecting the Blast Area

• Always clear area of vehicles, equipment, and extra explosive materials
• Always design blast to avoid excessive airblast, ground vibration, and flyrock
• Never allow any ignition source within 50 feet except approved safety fuse lighters

Using Explosive Materials: Electric Initiation

Preparing the Electric Blasting Circuit

Protecting Against Extraneous Electricity

Never handle or use electric detonators:

• When stray currents are present
• During electrical storms
• If static electricity is present
• Near radio-frequency transmitters (see IME SLP No. 20)

Never:

• Load boreholes near power lines unless firing line and detonator wires are anchored or too short to reach
• Have electric power wires near detonators except at time of firing

Using Explosive Materials: Detonating Cord Initiation

Using Explosive Materials: Nonelectric Initiation

General

Hangman's Knot (Attaching Detonator Fuse to Detonating Cord)

1. Lay fuse detonator against cord
2. Wrap cord around detonator at least 4 times
3. Place remaining cord tail through loop
4. Hold knot and pull outgoing cord
5. Pull knot tight

(Fuse detonator can also be taped to cord)

Miniaturized Detonating Cord System

• Always use explosives insensitive to initiation by the miniaturized cord
• Never join two sections (detonation will not pass through connection)

Gas Initiated System

• Always stay away from blast area after connections are prepared unless system is properly purged
• Always use tube protectors or specially designed boosters
• Never kink tubing
• Never smoke or allow open flame within 50 feet of blasting machines

Shock Tube System

Using Explosive Materials: Fuse Detonator and Safety Fuse

General

Steps for Assembling Fuse Detonator and Fuse

1. Wait until ready to insert fuse before cutting
2. Cut off an inch or two to ensure dry end
3. Measure correct length and cut squarely with fuse cutter (not knife)
4. Visually inspect inside of detonator for foreign material or moisture
5. Put safety fuse gently against powder charge
6. Crimp end of fuse detonator using cap crimper

Lighting Safety Fuse

Steps:

1. Make sure you can reach safe location after lighting
2. Place sufficient stemming over explosive to protect from fuse heat and sparks
3. Have a partner (one lights, one times and monitors)
4. Light with specially designed lighter

Approved lighters:

• Single-fuse: Hot wire lighters, pull-wire lighters, thermalite connectors
• Multiple-fuse: Igniter cord with thermalite connectors

Using Explosive Materials: After-Blast Procedures

Disposal of Explosive Materials

• Always treat deteriorated or damaged explosives with special care
• Always dispose using proper methods (consult supervisor or manufacturer)
• Never reuse explosive packaging
• Never burn packaging in confined space

Misfires

• Always wait at least 30 minutes with fuse detonator
• Always wait at least 15 minutes with electric and other nonelectric detonators
• Never drill, bore, or pick out misfired explosives
• Misfires should ONLY be handled by competent, experienced persons

Blast-Generated Fumes

• Always assume toxic fumes are present from all blasts or burning
• Always stay away until fumes have dissipated
• Always comply with applicable laws for safe fume levels

Reducing Post-Blast Fume Hazard

Using Explosive Materials: Seismic Prospecting

• Always secure explosive material at safe depth (use shot anchors when needed)
• Always secure any casing that might blow out
• Always place detonator/primer near top of explosive column
• Never approach explosive thrown out by explosion until sure it's not burning
• Never drop seismic charge containing primer cartridge

Destruction of Commercial Explosive Materials

At times it may be necessary to destroy commercial explosive materials. These may be:

• Fresh material from containers broken during transportation
• Materials believed to be deteriorated or no longer needed

Deteriorated or damaged explosives may be more hazardous than those in good condition and require special care. All handling and destruction should be deferred until a manufacturer has been consulted.

IME Member Company Assistance

The member companies of the Institute of Makers of Explosives have agreed to supply advice or assistance in destroying commercial explosives to:

• Law enforcement agencies
• Fire departments
• Inspection and regulatory bodies
• Users of explosives

If manufacturer is known, seek their assistance. If not known, contact an IME member company.

Note: This policy relates only to commercial explosive materials. It does not include improvised explosive devices, bombs, military ordnance, military explosives, or homemade explosive materials.

Notice: Permissible Explosives

An explosive certified as permissible by MSHA is permissible only when meeting these requirements (30 CFR, Section 15.19):

1. Conforms with basic specifications within MSHA tolerances; cartridges are of approved diameters
2. Is stored in surface magazines under conditions maintaining original product character; used within 48 hours after being taken underground
3. Remains in original wrapper throughout storage and use
4. Is initiated with copper or copper-based alloy shell, commercial electric detonator (not cap and fuse) of not less than No. 6 strength
5. Is used in complete conformance with The Explosive Act of Energy Mines and Resources Canada

Recommendations for Atlas Detonators

General

Atlas SF Electric Detonators

Normal Resistance of Electric Detonators

Resistance of Staticmaster Electric Detonators is approximately 0.4 ohm less than copper legwire values.

Resistance of Electric Detonators (Metric)

Atlas Nonelectric Detonators

Use of Nitroglycerin Gelatin Explosives in Cold Weather

All nitroglycerin gelatin explosives can gradually stiffen and become hard when stored at subzero temperatures.

Recommendations for Atlas Emulsions

High Explosive Emulsions - General

Small Diameter (1" - 1-3/4") High Explosive Emulsions

• Always tamp all cartridges (except primer) so emulsion expands to fill borehole
• Always use largest diameter loading/tamping pole that fits

Medium Diameter (2" - 3-1/2") High Explosive Emulsions

• Always double prime boreholes more than 30 ft deep
• Always use adequate stemming length to separate powder decks when deck loading

Blasting Agent Emulsions - General

• Always have cartridge-to-cartridge contact throughout column
• Always consult Atlas before using detonating cord or miniaturized cord
• Always use adequate stemming to separate powder decks

Medium Diameter (2" - 3-1/2") Blasting Agent Emulsions

• Always double prime boreholes more than 30 ft deep
• Always lower cartridges into boreholes partially filled with water

References

Chapter One

1. Cook, M.A. Explosives - A Survey of Technical Advances. Ind. and Eng. Chem., v. 60, No. 7, July 1968
2. Damon, G.H., Mason, C.M., Hanna, N.E., and Forshey, D.R. Safety Recommendations for Ammonium Nitrate-Based Blasting Agents. BuMines IC 8746, 1977
3. Dannenberg, J. Blasthole Dewatering Cuts Costs. Rock Products, v. 76, No. 12, December 1973
4. Dick, R.A. Factors in Selecting and Applying Commercial Explosives and Blasting Agents. BuMines IC 8405, 1968
5. Dick, R.A. The Impact of Blasting Agents and Slurries on Explosives Technology. BuMines IC 8560, 1972
6. Drury, F., and D.G. Westmaas. Considerations Affecting the Selection and Use of Modern Chemical Explosives. Proc. 4th Conf. on Explosives and Blasting Techniques, 1978
7. E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. Blaster's Handbook. 16th ed., 1978
8. Johanson, C.H., and U. Langefors. Methods of Physical Characterization of Explosives. Proc. 36th Internat. Cong. of Ind. Chem., Brussels, 1966
9. Monsanto Co. Monsanto Blasting Products AN-FO Manual. September 1972
10. Porter, D.D. Use of Fragmentation To Evaluate Explosives. January 1974
11. Robinson, R.V. Water Gel Explosives - Three Generations. Canadian Min. and Met. Bull., v. 62, No. 692, December 1969
12. U.S. Bureau of Mines. Apparent Consumption of Industrial Explosives and Blasting Agents in the United States, 1981
13. U.S. Department of Treasury; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Explosive Materials Regulations. Federal Register, 1977, 1980
14. U.S. Mine Enforcement and Safety Administration. Active List of Permissible Explosives and Blasting Devices. MESA Inf. Rep. 1046, 1976

Chapter Two

1. Ash, R.L. The Mechanics of Rock Breakage, Parts I-IV. Pit and Quarry, v. 56, 1963
2. Atlas Powder Co. Handbook of Electric Blasting. Rev. 1976
3. Chironis, N.P. New Blasting Machine Permits Custom-Programmed Blast Patterns. Coal Age, v. 79, No. 3, March 1974
4. Condon, J.L., and J.J. Snodgrass. Effects of Primer Type and Borehole Diameter on AN-FO Detonation Velocities. Min. Cong. J., v. 60, No. 6, June 1974
5. Dick, R.A. New Nonelectric Explosive Initiation Systems. Pit & Quarry, v. 68, No. 9, March 1976
6. Dick, R.A. Puzzled About Primers for Large Diameter AN-FO Charges? Coal Age, v. 81, No. 8, August 1976
7. E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co. Blaster's Handbook. 16th ed., 1978
8. Ensign Bickford Co. Primacord Detonating Cord. 9th printing, 1963
9. Grant, C.H. Metallized Slurry Boosting: What it is and How it Works. Coal Age, v. 71, No. 4, April 1966
10. Hagan, T.N. Optimum Priming for Ammonium Nitrate Fuel-Oil Type Explosives. Proc. Southern and Central Queensland Conf., 1974
11. Institute of Makers of Explosives. Safety Guide for the Prevention of Radio Frequency Radiation Hazards. Pub. No. 20, October 1978
12. Junk, N.M. Overburden Blasting Takes on New Dimensions. Coal Age, v. 77, No. 1, January 1972
13. Junk, N.M. Research on Primers for Blasting Agents. Min. Cong. J., v. 50, No. 4, April 1964
14. Sengupta, D.G., French, M., Heydari, and K. Hanna. The Impact of Eliminating Safety Fuse From Metal/Nonmetal Mines. BuMines OFR 61-81, August 1980

Chapter Three

1. Atlas Powder Co. Pneumatic Loading of Nitro-Carbo-Nitrates; Static Electricity, Fumes, and Safe Handling
2. Dannenberg, J. How To Solve Blasting Materials Handling Problems. Rock Products, v. 74, No. 9, September 1971
3. Dick, R.A. Explosives and Borehole Loading. SME Mining Engineers Handbook, 1973
4. E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co. Blaster's Handbook. 16th ed., 1978
5. Langefors, U., and N.A. Kihlstrom. The Modern Technique of Rock Blasting. John Wiley & Sons, 1963
6. U.S. Mine Enforcement and Safety Administration. Active List of Permissible Explosives and Blasting Devices. MESA Inf. Rep. 1046, 1976

Chapter Four

1. Atlas Powder Co. Handbook of Electric Blasting. Rev. 1976
2. D'Andrea, D.V. and L.R. Fletcher. Safeguarding of Blast-Affected Areas. J. Explo. Eng., v. 2, No. 1, 1984
3. Dick, R.A., and J.G. Gill. Metal and Nonmetal Mine Blasting Accidents During 1975-1976. Min. Eng., v. 29, No. 11, November 1977
4. Dick, R.A., and J.G. Gill. Recent Blasting Fatalities in Metal-Nonmetal Mining. Pit and Quarry, v. 67, No. 12, June 1975
5. Fletcher, L.R. and D.V. D'Andrea. A Study of Misfires in Mining. J. Explo. Eng., v. 2, No. 5, 1985
6. Fletcher, L.R. and D.V. D'Andrea. Control of Flyrock in Blasting. Proc. 12th Conf. on Explo. and Blast. Technique, 1986 7-20. Various IME Safety Library Publications, NFPA Standards, and CIL technical publications