38 JUNE 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Flyrock Dangers and Best Practices Compiled by Sophia Henline, Editorial Assistant, WorldWide Drilling Resource® Surface mining operations use blasting to extract minerals and ores. Flyrock is a common hazard associated with blasting that has resulted in numerous surface blasting accidents and injuries caused by excessive rock fragmentation beyond the predicted blast area. Communication with the drill operator is essential in understanding the geology of the area. Geology is a factor in preventing flyrock situations. To ensure safety in drilling and blasting operations, it is essential to perform detailed mapping of the area before commencing work. Identifying potential hazards with drills equipped with modern performance monitoring equipment may provide information, like mud seams and voids, so operators can take necessary precations such as modifying explosive loads or altering blasthole locations. Drill logs must detail any exceptional circumstances observed during drilling to ensure proper blast design and safety protocols are followed. Blast design is crucial in preventing excessive flyrock by taking into account the range of initial velocity associated with incident angles at the top and face of burial. Proper scaled depths are required to avoid such occurence. Before loading explosives, review and follow the site-specific blast plan, develop a drill pattern appropriate for the location, and adjust stemming depth and/or decking to maintain adequate burden for the blast. To prevent fatalities, all mine operators, independent contractors, and miners must follow strict explosives safety procedures. Safety and best practices include: j Train all miners on potential hazards and emergency procedures, including evacuation processes. j Prohibit entry to the blasting area by guarding or barricading all entries, to safeguard against unauthorized access by people or vehicles. j Employ multiple communication channels including sirens and radio broadcasts to notify personnel of approaching blast operations. Alternatively, implement an automated blast control mechanism that schedules detonations for times outside regular working periods. j Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for storing, handling, transporting, and using explosives safely. j Maintain clean, dry, and orderly explosive storage areas. Rotate inventory to use oldest materials first. j Never utilize explosive materials that are damaged, deteriorated, or outdated. Contact the manufacturer if you discover such materials. j Ensure the safety of the blast area by conducting a post-blast inspection before reentry. EXB How much would you weigh on the moon? Just multiply your weight by 0.165. You’d weigh about 80% less! Did you know? The spin time of the moon on its own axis is identical to the time it takes the moon to revolve around earth, which is why the moon always keeps almost exactly the same face toward us.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk4Mzk=