Only authorized and qualified persons should handle and use explosives. Smoking, firearms, matches, open flames, or heat- producing devices are prohibited near explosive magazines or where explosives are being mixed, handled, transported, or used. No one should be allowed to handle explosives while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Explosives must be accounted for at all times. Explosives not being used shall be kept in a locked magazine. Notify appropriate authorities of any loss, theft, or unauthorized entry into a magazine. Detonators and other explosives should be in their original containers or in Class II magazines when being taken from storage to the blasting area. Only authorized persons should issue explosives or deliver them to an authorized magazine or approved storage or handling areas. Employers should inventory and record the use of all explosives.

Competent, experienced persons should direct and supervise all loading and firing. Employees authorized to prepare explosives or conduct blasting operations shall use every reasonable precaution to ensure safety. This may include, but is not limited to, visual and audible warning signals, flags, or barricades. Blasting operations above ground should be done between sunup and sundown. In congested areas or in proximity to a railway, highway, or other structures that could be damaged, the blaster shall take special precautions in the loading, delaying, initiation, and confinement of each blast with mats or other methods to control the throw of fragments and prevent injury.

Precautions must be taken to prevent accidental discharge of electric blasting caps from current induced by radar, radio transmitters, lightning, adjacent power lines, dust storms, or other sources of extraneous electricity. Detonators shall be short-circuited in holes, which have been primed and shunted until wired into the blasting circuit. Blasting operations should be suspended and people should be removed from the area during the approach and progress of electric storms. Mobile radio transmitters less than 100 feet away from electric blasting caps shall be deenergized and effectively locked. Adequate signs should be prominently displayed, warning against the use of mobile radio transmitters on all roads within 1,000 feet of blasting operations. If adherence to the 1,000-foot distance creates an operational handicap, a competent person shall evaluate the particular situation and determine whether alternative provisions may be made to prevent premature firing of electric blasting caps. A written description of any such alternatives must be certified as meeting the purposes of OSHA standards, maintained at the construction site during the duration of the work and be available for inspection by representatives of the secretary of Labor.

Do not reuse for any purpose empty boxes and paper and fiber packing materials that have previously contained high explosives. Destroy them by burning at an approved location. Do not use explosives, blasting agents, or blasting supplies that are deteriorated or damaged. Do not use prohibited black powder. Do not blast near overhead power lines, communication lines, utility services, or other services and structures unless the owners have been notified and safety measures have been taken.

Buildings used for the mixing of blasting agents or water gels should be of noncombustible construction, have floors made of concrete or another nonabsorbent material, and be well ventilated. Any fuel oil storage facilities shall be separate and located so that the oil will drain away from the mixing plant building in case of a tank rupture. Properly designed and located heating units that do not depend on combustion processes may be used in the building, but all direct sources of heat must be kept outside. Internal combustion engines used for electric power should be outside or be properly ventilated and isolated by a firewall. Exhaust systems on any engines must be located so that spark emissions are not a hazard to any material in or near the plant.

If a fire does occur and is in imminent danger of contact with explosives, do not attempt to fight the fire. Remove all employees to a safe area and guard the fire against intruders.
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