Safety When Blasting Adapted from Information by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) In many mining projects, blasting is a key component to operations as a whole. However, the process of blasting - from storage to detonation - requires the upmost care and strict adherence to safety protocols to avoid accidents and injuries. MSHA has provided the following best practices in regard to blasting safety in mining. When it comes to general safety for handling blasting material, no one should ever smoke or use any open flame near explosives. Here are a few more practices MSHA points out such as: Never transport detonators with different explosives. Never run equipment over any loaded boreholes. Always stop blasting operations if a storm is in the area. Always ensure proper cover from flyrock. Never reenter the blast zone until the all clear is given. When it comes to storing explosives before use, it is important they are stored in a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)-approved storage containers (known as magazines). It is important to check if materials have been soaked with water, even if they appear to be completely dry they should not be used. With storage for detonators being the same as transporting, keep them separated from other explosive materials. Magazines should be securely locked when not in use. As explosive products are loaded onto a transport vehicle, it is important to place them gently in the cargo area and not thrown or dropped. Any packaging from the blasting agent should never be reused. Transporting explosives safely is just as important as any other facet of safety. Before transport can begin however, the vehicles used to move the blasting material should be inspected to ensure they are in good working order and equipped with the proper fire retardant systems and/or tools. Transporting explosives should be done in a timely manner and no passengers or sparking materials should be present while doing so. Preparing the site for blasting is another step to help keep workers safe. When making the borehole, it is imperative explosive materials are not drilled into nor put in any hole that was previously packed. Holes should be checked to ensure proper depth and clear of obstructions. When the boreholes are ready for loading, always follow proper loading processes and never prepare primers until they are ready for use. Never force blasting products using tamping tools or otherwise into a blocked borehole. The use of tamping tools can generate sparks or heat which can lead to accidents. With boreholes loaded, it is time to blast it. Before doing so, clear the blast area of workers and equipment. Make sure to use an audible warning signal to warn workers a blast is about to happen and ensure all access roads are guarded. When all smoke, fumes, dust, and the lead line have been disconnected, as well as the signal of “all clear” has sounded it is safe to enter the blasting zone. Inspect faces, muck piles, and highwalls for loose debris before returning to work. To help reduce blasting-related incidents, like fatalities and injuries due to flyrock, misfires, and toxic fumes, follow these best practices mentioned above. AEM and CGA Join Forces for Safety Adapted from Information by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) announced a Statement of Shared Principles affirming the organizations’ commitment to advancing safe digging awareness, supporting consistent industry guidance, and promoting best practices for contacting 811 before digging and operating equipment around underground infrastructure. AEM and CGA, in their first tangible action under the plan, are recommending nonhighway equipment manufacturers add an 811-reminder decal to equipment which may unintentionally dig into underground utilities. These incidents can cause power outages, utility service interruptions, and lead to serious injury or death of the operator or innocent bystanders. The decal would act as a reminder to operators of the importance of contacting 811 to have underground utilities marked before starting a job. Under the recommendation, the decal could appear on all applicable new equipment sold into the U.S. market by August 2027. “Our members build the machines that build, feed, and power the world, and safety is central to that work,” said Megan Tanel, AEM President and CEO. “Adding an 811 AEM & CGA Cont’d on page 4. 2 AUGUST 2026 E-News Flash by WorldWide Drilling Resource by WorldWide Drilling Resource®
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