PERMANENT RULES
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Date of Adoption: January 23, 2002.
Purpose: Chapter 296-52 WAC, Safety standards for possession and handling of explosives.
Federal-initiated amendments relating to chapter 296-52 WAC, Safety standards for possession and handling of explosives, were adopted as a result of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) letter dated October 23, 1997. Upon federal review, the state standard was found to be not at-least-as-effective-as the federal rule in regard to black powder and blasting caps.
We are also adopting state-initiated amendments to chapter 296-52 WAC in response to industry request. In 1999, workers in the explosive industry formally asked the department to consider updating and revising the worker safety and health rules that regulate the explosive industry. Industry requested the department to establish the rules for air blast and ground vibration to meet the national standards and to rewrite the licensing requirements for better clarity.
The department convened a group of industry stakeholders to undertake the review of chapter 296-52 WAC. The stakeholders addressed the OSHA letter and their concerns, through assisting in the rewriting of the standard. The rule was rewritten by simplifying the language of the rules and organizing them for ease of use. The adopted amendments are at-least-as-effective-as the federal standard.
WAC 296-52-401 Scope and application.
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-600. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-60125. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-60120. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-60130. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-60040. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-61010. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-60060. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-620. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-610. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-630. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-640. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-660. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-610 through 296-52-660. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-61020. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-700. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-690. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-690. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-69095. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-69090. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-69100. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-69115. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-69120. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-69125. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-680. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-670. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-67120. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-67150. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-670. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-710. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | This section has been repealed, the requirements can be found in IME publication number 22. The department does not regulate IME regulations. |
| | The requirements in this section have been moved to WAC 296-52-67060. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
| | This section has been repealed. |
Moved requirements relating to:
| | Exemptions, |
| | State and local government jurisdictions, |
| | Basic legal obligations, |
| | Drug use, |
| | License revocation, suspension, and surrender, |
| | Basic hazard precautions, |
| | Violation appeals, |
| | Firearms, |
| | Fire, and |
| | Definitions. |
| | Requirements extending licensing periods one to two years. |
| | The licensing fees reflect the proposed two-year licensing period. |
Moved requirements relating to:
| | Types of explosive licenses, |
| | Applicant information, |
| | Fees, |
| | Verification of applicant information, |
| | Applicant participation, |
| | Criminal records, |
| | Applicant disqualifications, |
| | Term of license, |
| | License renewal, |
| | Applicant information, |
| | Prohibited sale/display areas, |
| | Verification of customer identity, |
| | Conditions of a purchaser's license, |
| | Authorized agents, |
| | Explosives order deliveries, |
| | Notification -- Blaster changes, |
| | General qualifications, |
| | Classification qualifications, |
| | Blaster in charge responsibilities, |
| | Demonstration of handling and storage experience, |
| | Conditions of storage license, |
| | Mobile storage sites, |
| | Moving, altering, or destroying a licensed magazine, |
| | Transfer or lease of a magazine or mobile storage site, and |
| | Reporting changes in conditions. |
| | Requirements for licensing, |
| | Requirements for blaster's license classifications, qualification requirements, license renewal for list A and B classifications, and renewal for list C classifications, and |
| | The option to allow a mobile storage "site" to be licensed. |
Moved requirements relating to:
| | Blaster in charge responsibilities, |
| | General use requirements, |
| | Extraneous electricity and radio frequency (rf) transmitters, |
| | Vibration and damage control, |
| | Storage at blast sites, |
| | Blast area precautions, |
| | Drilling, |
| | Loading blast holes, |
| | Initiation systems, |
| | Use of safety fuse with detonators, |
| | Use of detonating cord, |
| | Firing the blast, |
| | Precautions after firing, |
| | Excavation work in pressurized air locks, |
| | Blasting agents, |
| | Transportation, storage, and use, |
| | Fixed location mixing, |
| | Bulk delivery/mixing vehicles, |
| | Bulk storage bins, |
| | Transportation of blasting agents, |
| | Water-gel and emulsion explosives and blasting agents, |
| | Fixed location mixing, |
| | Bulk delivery/mixing vehicles, |
| | Underwater blasting operations, |
| | Underground blasting operations, |
| | Separation distance: Electrical storms, |
| | Electric initiating systems, |
| | High speed tunneling: Central primer house, and |
| | Sample format for a blast record, nonmandatory. |
| | The blaster in charge responsibilities by consolidating them into one location. Some new responsibilities are added for clarification purpose only. |
| | Requirements for vibration, flyrock, and air blast from the April 1996 Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME) safety library publication #3 are added. |
| | Requirements from the IME nonelectrical initiation-system requirements. |
| | Requirements for notifying local jurisdictions when storing explosives, this requirement is equal to BATF. |
| | Requirements to limit reporting to misfires "not cleared." |
| | Requirements in a nonmandatory appendix, which contains relevant issues that should be considered by local jurisdictions developing blasting ordinances. |
Moved requirements relating to:
| | Safety precautions, |
| | Transportation of workers, |
| | Cargo, |
| | Transportation vehicles, |
| | Open top vehicles, |
| | Vehicle placards, |
| | Vehicle fire protection, |
| | Operation of vehicles transporting explosives, |
| | Transporting detonators and explosives in the same vehicle, |
| | Underground blasting operations, |
| | Notification -- Hoist operator, and |
| | Underground transportation. |
| | Fire safety requirements for vehicles transporting explosives. |
Moved requirements relating to:
| | Detonators, |
| | Exempt explosives, |
| | Storage facilities, |
| | Quantity and distance tables, |
| | Storage within magazines, |
| | Storage limits, notification of fire safety authority, |
| | Magazine repairs, |
| | Inventory, |
| | Inspection, |
| | Surrounding area precautions, |
| | Deteriorated explosives, |
| | Explosives recovered from misfires, |
| | Theft or loss, |
| | Blast site storage, |
| | Multiple magazines, |
| | Blasting agents and supplies, and |
| | Ammonium nitrate. |
| | Requirements for Table H-20 to be identical to BATF regulations. |
Moved requirements relating to:
| | Magazine construction, |
| | Class 1 Magazine: Permanent storage facilities, |
| | Class 2 Magazine: Portable field storage, |
| | Class 3 Magazine: Indoor storage facilities, |
| | Storage facilities for detonators, |
| | Class 4 Magazine: Blasting agent, low explosive, or electric detonator storage facilities, |
| | Class 5 Magazine: Blasting agent storage facilities, |
| | Explosives day box, |
| | Detonator day box, |
| | Heating systems, |
| | NFPA heating system requirements, and |
| | Lighting. |
Moved requirements relating to:
| | Exemptions, |
| | Ammunition, |
| | Small arms smokeless propellants, |
| | Small arms ammunition primers, |
| | Black powder, |
| | Explosives at piers, railway stations, railway cars, and vessels not otherwise specified in this chapter, |
| | Railway cars, |
| | Appendix A, Sample explosives -- Blasting ordinance for local jurisdictions, nonmandatory, and |
| | Appendix B. |
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 296-52-401 Scope and application, 296-52-405 Incorporation of standards of national organizations and federal agencies, 296-52-409 Variance and procedure, 296-52-413 Equipment approval by nonstate agency or organization, 296-52-417 Definitions, 296-52-419 Basic legal obligations, 296-52-421 Licenses -- Information verification, 296-52-423 Revoking or suspending licenses, 296-52-425 Dealer's license, 296-52-429 License for manufacturing, 296-52-433 Purchaser's license, 296-52-437 User's (blaster's) license, 296-52-441 Storage magazine license requirements, 296-52-445 License and inspections, 296-52-449 Storage magazine license fee, 296-52-453 Construction of magazines, 296-52-457 Storage of caps with other explosives prohibited, 296-52-461 Storage of explosives, 296-52-465 Storage of ammonium nitrate, 296-52-469 Storage of blasting agents and supplies, 296-52-477 Quantity and distance table for separation between magazines, 296-52-481 Recommended separation distances of ammonium nitrate and blasting agents, 296-52-485 Quantity and distance tables for manufacturing buildings, 296-52-487 Low explosives, 296-52-489 Transportation, 296-52-493 Use of explosives and blasting agents, 296-52-497 Blasting agents, 296-52-501 Water gel (slurry) explosives and blasting agents, 296-52-505 Coal mining code unaffected, 296-52-509 Small arms ammunitions, primers, propellants and other black powder, 296-52-510 Explosives at piers, railways stations, and cars or vessels not otherwise specified in this standard, 296-52-550 Appendix I -- IME two-compartment transportation units (mandatory), 296-52-552 Appendix II -- Radio frequency warning signs (mandatory), and 296-52-555 Appendix III -- ATF regulations.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 01-16-145 on August 1, 2001.
Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: Housekeeping, typographical, and formatting changes have been made for clarity to the rule. The housekeeping and formatting changes did not increase requirements. For a copy of all housekeeping and typographical changes please contact Sally Elliott, WISHA Rules Coordinator, Department of Labor and Industries, P.O. Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98504-4620, phone (360) 902-5484, e-mail yous235@lni.wa.gov.
WITHDRAWN SECTIONS: WAC 296-52-60025 State and local government jurisdictions, 296-52-60040 Basic legal obligations, 296-52-60070 Basic hazard precautions, 296-52-60110 Miscellaneous, 296-52-62020 Conditions of a dealer's license, 296-52-63015 Conditions of a purchaser's license, 296-52-64010 License classifications, 296-52-64015 License classifications table, 296-52-64025 Classification qualifications, 296-52-64060 Conditions of a blaster's license, 296-52-64070 Blaster in charge responsibilities, 296-52-66025 Conditions of a storage license, 296-52-67005 Responsible person, 296-52-67015 General, 296-52-67120 Blasting agents, 296-52-67150 Water-gel and emulsion explosives and blasting agents, 296-52-67155 General, 296-52-67175 Underwater blasting operations, 296-52-67205 Underground blasting operations, 296-52-67250 Sample format for a blast record, nonmandatory, 296-52-68005 Scope, 296-52-68035 Transportation vehicles, 296-52-68070 Underground blasting operations, 296-52-69075 Theft or loss, 296-52-69100 Quantity and distance tables, 296-52-70075 Heating systems, 296-52-71005 Exemptions, 296-52-71010 Ammunition, 296-52-71030 Small arms smokeless propellants, 296-52-71050 Small arms ammunition primers, 296-52-71070 Black powder, and 296-52-71085 Explosives at piers, railways stations, railway cars, and vessels not otherwise specified in this chapter.
NEW SECTION:
WAC 296-52-60020 Exemptions.
| | The department added the explosives classes 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 to clarify the type of explosives. |
| | The department changed the word "will" to "may." |
| | The department removed the word "not" from the wording. |
| | The department changed the wording from "loaded cartridges" to "ammunition". |
| | The department removed "1.3" and added "1.4" to the wording for clarity. |
| | The department clarified the wording, by indicating storage is restricted to class B or C (1.3 or 1.4), low explosives. |
| | The department changed the wording to 62.5 gram amounts or greater for clarity. |
| | The department removed the word "proof" from the wording. |
| | The department changed the incorrect references. |
| | The department changed the incorrect references. |
| | The department changed the incorrect references. |
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 5, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 188, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 188, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making:
New 0,
Amended 0,
Repealed 0;
Pilot Rule Making:
New 0,
Amended 0,
Repealed 0;
or Other Alternative Rule Making:
New 188,
Amended 0,
Repealed 34.
Effective Date of Rule:
March 1, 2002.
January 23, 2002
Gary Moore
Director
OTS-5386.2
SAFETY STANDARDS FOR POSSESSION, HANDLING, AND USE OF EXPLOSIVES
PURPOSE, SCOPE, AND APPLICATION
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-52-60005
Implementation of the Washington State
Explosives Act.
This chapter places into effect the Washington
State Explosives Act (chapter 70.74 RCW (Revised Code of
Washington)).
[]
Protect the safety and health of the general public
Protect the safety and health of explosive industry employees covered under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (chapter 49.17 RCW)
Develop, support, and maintain safe and healthy use of explosives in Washington state.
[]
Any person, partnership, company, corporation, government agency, or other entity
All aspects of explosives, blasting agents, and pyrotechnics including:
Manufacture
Sale
Possession
Purchase
Use
Storage
Transportation
Display fireworks.
| Note: | Class A and B display fireworks are partially exempt from the requirements of this chapter (see WAC 296-52-60020(5)). |
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(a) Explosives or blasting agents transported by railroad, water, highway, or air under the jurisdiction of the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT), the Washington state utilities and transportation commission, and the Washington state patrol.
(b) Laboratories of schools, colleges, and similar institutions if confined to the purpose of instruction or research and if the quantity does not exceed one pound.
(c) Explosives in the forms prescribed by the official United States Pharmacopoeia.
(d) The transportation, storage, and use of explosives or blasting agents in the normal and emergency operations of federal agencies and departments including the regular United States military departments on military reservations and:
The duly authorized militia of any state or territory
The emergency operations of any state department or agency
Any police
Any municipality or county
(e) A hazardous devices technician when they are carrying out:
Normal and emergency operations
Handling evidence
Operating and maintaining a specially designed emergency response vehicle that carries no more than ten pounds of explosive materials
When conducting training and whose employer possesses the minimum safety equipment prescribed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for hazardous devices work
| Note: | A hazardous devices technician is a person who is a graduate of the FBI Hazardous Devices School and who is employed by a state, county, or municipality. |
(g) The transportation, storage, and use of explosives or blasting agents in the normal and emergency avalanche control procedures used by trained and licensed ski area operator personnel. However, the storage, transportation, and use of explosive and blasting agents for such use must meet the requirements in chapter 296-59 WAC, Safety standards for ski operations.
| Note: | The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public by enabling ski area operators to exercise appropriate avalanche control measures. The legislature finds that avalanche control is of vital importance to safety in ski areas and that the provisions of the Washington State Explosives Act contain restrictions, which do not reflect special needs for the use of explosives as a means of clearing an area of serious avalanche risks. This act recognizes these needs while providing for a system of regulations designed to make sure that the use of explosives for avalanche control conforms to fundamental safety requirements. |
(2) Noncommercial military explosives. Storage, handling, and use of noncommercial military explosives are exempt from this chapter while they are under the control of the United States government or military authorities.
(3) Import, sale, possession, or use of:
Consumer fireworks
Signaling devices
Flares
Fuses
Torpedoes
(4) Class C consumer fireworks. Fireworks classified as Class C explosives by U.S. DOT (Division 1.4) and regulated through the State fireworks law (chapter 70.77 RCW) and the fireworks administrative code (chapter 212-17 WAC) by the Washington state fire marshal.
| Note: | Consumer fireworks are classified as fireworks UN0336 and UN0337 by U.S. DOT (49 CFR 72.101). |
| Note: | Display fireworks are classified as fireworks UN0333, UN0334, or UN0335 by U.S. DOT (49 CFR 172.101). |
Black powder, under five pounds
Smokeless powder, under fifty pounds
Small arms ammunition
Small arms ammunition primers
Unless these materials are possessed or used illegally or for a purpose inconsistent with small arms use.
[]
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT JURISDICTIONS(2) Authority to enter, inspect, and issue penalties. The department may enter and inspect any location, facility, or equipment and issue penalties for any violation whenever the director has reasonable cause to think there are:
Explosives
Blasting agents
Explosive materials
(3) Unlicensed activities. Whenever the director requests an unlicensed person to surrender explosives, improvised devices, or their component parts, he may request the attorney general to apply to the county superior court in which the illegal practice was carried out for a temporary restraining order or other appropriate assistance.
[]
Acknowledges the legal obligation of other law enforcement agencies to enforce specific aspects or sections of the Washington State Explosives Act under local ordinances and with joint and shared authority granted by RCW 70.74.201
Will cooperate with all other law enforcement agencies in carrying out the intent of the Washington State Explosives Act and chapter 296-52 WAC
(2) Local government authorities.
(a) This chapter does not prevent local jurisdictions from adopting and administering local regulations relating to explosives. Examples of local jurisdictions/regulations include:
City or county government explosive ordinances
Other government authorities such as the Washington utilities and transportation commission, the Washington state patrol, or Washington administrative codes.
(b) Local regulations must not diminish or replace any regulation of this chapter.
| Note: | A nonmandatory sample-blasting ordinance for local jurisdictions is included in Appendix B. |
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BASIC LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
[]
[]
Alcohol
Narcotics
Prescription drugs and/or narcotics that endanger the worker or others
Other dangerous drugs
| Note: | This chapter does not apply to persons taking prescription drugs and/or narcotics as directed by a physician provided their use will not endanger the blaster, workers, or any other people. |
[]
(a) Will revoke and not renew the manufacturer, dealer, purchaser, blaster, or storage license of any person as a result of a disqualifying condition identified in WAC 296-52-61040, Applicant disqualifications.
(b) May revoke the license of any person who has:
(i) Repeatedly violated the requirements of this chapter
(ii) Had a license suspended twice under this chapter
(2) Suspension. The department may suspend the license of any person for a period up to six months for any violation of this chapter.
(3) Surrender. Revoked or suspended licenses must be surrendered immediately to the department after the chapter violators have been notified.
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BASIC HAZARD PRECAUTIONS
[]
Explosives manufacturing building
Magazine
Vehicle
Other common carrier containing explosives.
[]
[]
(1) Magazine.
(2) Explosives manufacturing building.
(3) Explosives material.
[]
(2) Explosives handling.
(a) All sources of fire or flame, including smoking and matches, are prohibited within one hundred feet of the blast site while explosives are being handled or used.
(b) Explosives must not be handled near:
(i) Open flames
(ii) Uncontrolled sparks
OR
(iii) Energized electric circuits
(3) Fire incident precautions. In the event of a fire:
(a) All employees must be removed to a safe area
(b) The fire area must be guarded against intruders
(c) The fire must not be fought where there is danger of contact with explosives.
[]
[]
(1) At least twenty-four hours in advance of blasting.
(2) Of the specific location and intended time of blasting.
(3) To confirm the verbal notice with a written notice.
[]
MISCELLANEOUS(1) Explosive industry employers must comply with other applicable WISHA requirements:
Chapter 296-800 WAC, Safety and health core rules
Chapter 296-24 WAC, General safety and health standards
Chapter 296-62 WAC, General occupational health standards
Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction
Other industry specific standards that may apply
(2) Manufacturers of explosives or pyrotechnics must comply with WISHA safety standards for process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals, chapter 296-67 WAC.
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After an application for a variance is received,
After the department has conducted an investigation,
When conditions exist that make the requirement impractical to use, and
When equivalent means of protection are provided.
| Note: | Variance application forms may be obtained from and should be submitted to: Department of Labor and Industries, WISHA Services Division, Post Office Box 44650, Olympia, WA 98504-4650. |
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The edition of the standard specified in the WISHA rule must be used.
Any edition published after the edition specified in the WISHA rule may be used.
| Note: | The federal and national consensus standards referenced in the WISHA rules are available through the issuing organization and the local or state library. |
[]
Approved storage facility means a facility for the storage of explosive materials which is in compliance with the following chapter:
Storage licensing (WAC 296-52-660)
Storage of explosive materials (WAC 296-52-690)
Magazine construction (WAC 296-52-700).
Attend means the physical presence of an authorized person who stays in view of the explosives.
Authorized, approved, or approval means authorized, approved, or approval by:
The department
Any other approving agency
An individual as specified in this chapter.
Authorized agent means a person delegated by a licensed purchaser, who possesses a basic knowledge of explosives handling safety, to order and receive explosives on the purchaser's behalf.
Authorized agent list means a current list of agents the purchaser has authorized to order or receive explosives on their behalf.
Authorized person means a person approved or assigned by an employer, owner, or licensee to perform a specific type of duty or be at a specific location at the job site.
Barricades
Barricade means effectively screening a building containing explosives by means of a natural or artificial barrier from a magazine, another building, a railway, or highway.
Artificial barricade means a barricade of such height that a straight line from the top of any sidewall of the building containing explosives to the eave line of any magazine or other building or to a point twelve feet above the center of a railway or highway shall pass through such barrier, an artificial mound or properly revetted wall of earth with a minimum thickness of three feet.
Natural barricade means any natural hill, mound, wall, or barrier composed of earth, rock, or other solid material at least three feet thick.
BATF means the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Blast area means the area of a blast that is effected by:
Flying rock missiles
Gases
Concussion.
Blast pattern means the plan of the drill holes laid out and a display of the burden distance, spacing distance, and their relationship to each other.
Blast site means the area where explosive material is handled during loading and fifty feet in all directions from loaded blast holes or holes to be loaded.
Blaster means a person trained and experienced in the use of explosives and licensed by the department.
Blaster in charge means a licensed blaster who is:
Fully qualified, by means of training and experience in explosives use
Adequately trained, experienced, and capable of recognizing hazardous conditions throughout the blast area
In charge of:
The blast process
All aspects of explosives and blasting agent storage, handling, and use as recommended by the manufacturer and as required by this chapter
In a position of authority:
To take prompt corrective action in all areas of the blast operation
Over all other blasters at the blast area
Blasting agent means any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and oxidizer:
That is intended for blasting
That is not otherwise classified as an explosive
Where none of the ingredients are classified as an explosive,
Provided, the finished product, as mixed and packaged for use or shipment, cannot be detonated when unconfined by means of a Number 8 test detonator
Blockholing means the breaking of boulders by firing a charge of explosives that has been loaded in a drill hole.
Competent person means a person who:
Is capable of identifying existing hazardous and the forecasting of hazards of working conditions which might be unsanitary or dangerous to personnel or property
Has authorization to take prompt corrective action to eliminate such hazards.
Consumer fireworks means:
Any small firework device:
Designed to produce visible effects by combustion
That must comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (Title 16 CFR, Parts 1500 and 1507),
A small device designed to produce audible effects which include, but are not limited to:
Whistling devices
Ground devices containing 50 mg or less of explosive materials
Aerial devices containing 130 mg or less of explosive materials
| Note: | Fused set pieces containing components, which, together, exceed 50 mg of salute powder are not included. |
Trucks
Trailers
Rail cars
Barges
Vessels.
Day box means a box which:
Is a temporary storage facility for storage of explosive materials
Is not approved for unattended storage of explosives
May be used at the worksite during working hours to store explosive materials, provided the day box is:
Constructed as required (WAC 296-52-70065, Explosives day box),
Marked with the word "explosives"
Used in a manner that safely separates detonators from other explosives
Guarded at all times against theft
Dealer means any person who purchases explosives or blasting agents for the sole purpose of resale and not for use or consumption.
Detonating cord means a round flexible cord containing a center core of high explosive and used to initiate other explosives.
Detonator means any device containing any initiating or primary explosive that is used for initiating detonation and includes, but is not limited to:
Electric detonators of instantaneous and delay types
Detonators for use with safety fuses, detonating cord delay connectors, and nonelectric instantaneous delay detonators which use detonating cord, shock tube, or any other replacement for electric leg wires.
Discharge hose means a hose with an electrical resistance high enough to limit the flow of stray electric currents to safe levels, but not high enough to prevent drainage of static electric charges to the ground. Hose not more than 2 megohms resistance over its entire length and of not less than 5,000 ohms per foot meets the requirement.
Display fireworks means large fireworks:
Designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, and include, but are not limited to:
Salutes containing more than 2 grains (130 mg) of explosive materials
Aerial shells containing more than 40 grams of pyrotechnic compositions
Other display pieces, which exceed the limits of explosive materials for classification as "consumer fireworks"
Fused set pieces containing components, which together exceed 50 mg of salute powder
Electric detonator means a blasting detonator designed for and capable of detonation by means of electric current.
Electric blasting circuitry consists of these items:
Bus wire. An expendable wire used in parallel or series, or in parallel circuits, which are connected to the leg wires of electric detonators.
Connecting wire. An insulated expendable wire used between electric detonators and the leading wires or between the bus wire and the leading wires.
Leading wire. An insulated wire used between the electric power source and the electric detonator circuit.
Permanent blasting wire. A permanently mounted insulated wire used between the electric power source and the electric detonator circuit.
Electric delay detonators means detonators designed to detonate at a predetermined time after energy is applied to the ignition system.
Emulsion means an explosive material containing:
Substantial amounts of oxidizer dissolved in water droplets, surrounded by an immiscible fuel
Droplets of an immiscible fuel surrounded by water containing substantial amounts of oxidizer.
Explosives means:
Any chemical compound or mechanical mixture:
Commonly intended or used for the purpose of producing an explosion
That contains any oxidizing and combustible units or other ingredients in proportions, quantities or packing that an ignition by fire, friction, concussion, percussion, or detonation of any part of the compound or mixture may cause sudden generation of highly heated gases resulting in gaseous pressures capable of producing destructive effects on contiguous objects or of destroying life or limb
All material classified as Class A, Class B, and Class C explosives by U.S. DOT
For the purposes of public consumer use, the following are not considered explosives unless they are possessed or used for a purpose inconsistent with small arms use or other legal purposes:
Small arms ammunition
Small arms ammunition primers
Smokeless powder, not exceeding fifty pounds
Black powder, not exceeding five pounds
Explosive actuated power devices means any tool or special mechanized device, which is activated by explosives and does not include propellant actuated power devices.
Explosives classifications. Explosives classifications include, but are not limited to:
Class A (Division 1.1) explosives (possessing detonating hazard):
Dynamite
Nitroglycerin
Picric acid
Lead azide
Fulminate of mercury
Black powder (exceeding 5 pounds)
Detonators (in quantities of 1,001 or more)
Detonating primers
Class B (Division 1.2 and Division 1.3) explosives (possessing flammable hazard):
Propellant explosives
Smokeless propellants (exceeding fifty pounds)
Class C (Division 1.4) explosives.
Certain types of manufactured articles, which contain Class A and/or Class B explosives as compounds (but in restricted quantities)
Detonators (in quantities of 1,000 or less)
Explosives exemption. The exemption for small arms ammunition, small arms ammunition primers, smokeless powder, not exceeding fifty pounds, and black powder, not exceeding five pounds:
Applies to public consumer use only
Does not apply to the employer employee relationship covered under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.
Explosives international markings.
The department will accept U.S. DOT and/or BATF international identification markings on explosives and/or explosives containers or packaging
This exception is under the authority of RCW 70.74.020(3) and in lieu of Washington state designated markings (as defined by RCW 70.74.010(4) (Class A, B, or C) and required by RCW 70.74.300).
Explosives manufacturing building means any building or structure, except magazines:
Containing explosives where the manufacture of explosives, or any processing involving explosives, is conducted
Where explosives are used as a component part or ingredient in the manufacture of any article or device.
Explosives manufacturing plant means all lands with buildings used:
In connection with the manufacturing or processing of explosives
For any process involving explosives
For the storage of explosives
To manufacture any article or device where explosives are used as a component part or ingredient in the article or device.
Fireworks means any composition or device:
Designed to produce a visible or an audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation
Which meets the definition of "consumer fireworks" or "display fireworks."
Forbidden or not acceptable explosives means explosives which are forbidden or not acceptable for transportation by common carriers by rail freight, rail express, highway, or water in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT).
Fuel means a substance, which may react with oxygen to produce combustion.
Fuse (safety). See "safety fuse."
Fuse lighters means special devices used for the purpose of igniting safety fuses.
Handler means any individual who handles explosives or blasting agents for the purpose of transporting, moving, or assisting a licensed blaster in loading, firing, blasting, or disposal.
| Note: | This does not include employees of a licensed manufacturer engaged in manufacturing process, drivers of common carriers, or contract haulers. |
Highway means roads, which are regularly and openly traveled by the general public and includes public streets, alleys, roads, or privately financed, constructed, or maintained roads.
Improvised device means a device, which is:
Fabricated with explosives
Fabricated with destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals, and designed to disfigure, destroy, distract, and harass.
Inhabited building means:
A building which is regularly occupied, in whole or in part, as a habitat for human beings
Any church, schoolhouse, railroad station, store, or other building where people assemble.
| Note: | This does not mean any building or structure occupied in connection with the manufacture, transportation, storage, or use of explosives. |
Black powder, safety fuses, igniters, igniter cords, fuse lighters, and display fireworks defined as Class B explosives by U.S. DOT (49 CFR Part 173).
| Note: | This does not apply to bulk salutes. |
| Note: | This does not apply to an explosive manufacturing building. |
| EXEMPTIONS: | The following exemptions are restricted to materials and components, which are not classified (by U.S. D0T) as explosives until after they are mixed. With this restriction, the definition of manufacturer does not include: |
| Inserting a detonator into a cast booster or a stick of high explosive product to make a primer for loading into a blast hole | |
| The act of mixing on the blast site, either by hand or by mechanical apparatus, binary components, ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and/or emulsion products to create explosives for immediate down blast hole delivery. |
Mudcap (also known as bulldozing and bodying) means covering the required number of cartridges that have been placed on top of a boulder with a three or four-inch layer of mud, which is free from rocks or other material that could cause a missile hazard.
Nonelectric delay detonator means a detonator with an integral delay element in conjunction with and capable of being detonated by a:
Detonation impulse
Signal from miniaturized detonating cord
Shock tube.
Oxidizer means a substance that yields oxygen readily to stimulate the combustion of organic matter or other fuel.
Permanent magazines means magazines that:
Are fastened to a foundation
Do not exceed permanent magazine capacity limits (RCW 70.74.040)
Are approved and licensed
Are left unattended.
Person means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, or joint stock association or trustee, receiver, assignee, or personal representative of that entity.
Person responsible, for an explosives magazine, means:
The person legally responsible for a magazine that actually uses the magazine
The person is responsible for the proper storage, protection, and removal of explosives, and may be the owner lessee, or authorized operator.
Portable (field) magazines means magazines that are:
Designed to be unattended
Not permanently fastened to a foundation
Constructed or secured to make sure they cannot be lifted, carried, or removed easily by unauthorized persons
Limited to the capacity of explosives required for efficient blasting operation
Approved and licensed.
Possess means the physical possession of explosives in one's hand, vehicle, magazine, or building.
Primary blasting means the blasting operation that dislodged the original rock formation from its natural location.
Primer means a unit, package, cartridge, or container of explosives inserted into or attached to a detonator or detonating cord to initiate other explosives or blasting agents.
Propellant actuated power device means any tool, special mechanized device, or gas generator system, which is actuated by a propellant and releases and directs work through a propellant charge.
Public utility transmission systems means:
Any publicly owned systems regulated by:
The utilities and transportation commission
Municipalities
Other public regulatory agencies, which include:
Power transmission lines over 10 kV, telephone cables, or microwave transmission systems
Buried or exposed pipelines carrying water, natural gas, petroleum, or crude oil or refined products and chemicals
Purchaser means any person who buys, accepts, or receives explosives or blasting agents.
Pyrotechnics, commonly referred to as fireworks, means any combustible or explosive compositions or manufactured articles designed and prepared for the purpose of producing audible or visible effects.
Qualified person means a person who has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to explosives, explosives work, or explosives projects by:
Possession of a recognized degree or certificate
Professional standing
Extensive knowledge, training, and experience.
Railroad means any type of railroad equipment that carries passengers for hire.
Safety fuse (for firing detonators) means a flexible cord containing an internal burning medium by which fire is conveyed at a continuous and uniform rate.
Secondary blasting means using explosives, mudcapping, or blockholing to reduce oversize material to the dimension required for handling.
Shock tube means a small diameter plastic tube:
Used for initiating detonators
That contains a limited amount of reactive material so energy, transmitted through the tube by means of a detonation wave, is guided through and confined within the walls of the tube.
Small arms ammunition means any shotgun, rifle, pistol, or revolver cartridge, and cartridges for propellant actuated power devices and industrial guns.
| Note: | This does not mean military type ammunition containing explosive bursting incendiary, tracer, spotting, or pyrotechnic projectiles. |
Smokeless propellants means solid chemicals or solid chemical mixtures that function by rapid combustion.
Special industrial explosive devices means explosive actuated power devices and propellant-actuated power devices.
Special industrial explosives materials means shaped materials and sheet forms and various other extrusions, pellets, and packages of high explosives, which include:
Dynamite
Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN)
Hexahydro-1, 3, 5-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX)
Other similar compounds used for high-energy-rate forming, expanding, and shaping in metal fabrication, and for dismemberment and quick reduction of scrap metal.
Springing means the creation of a pocket in the bottom of a drill hole by the use of a moderate quantity of explosives so that larger quantities of explosives may be inserted.
Sprung hole means a drilled hole that has been enlarged by a moderate quantity of explosives to allow for larger quantities of explosives to be inserted into the drill hole.
Stemming means a suitable inert incombustible material or device used to confine or separate explosives in a drill hole or cover explosives in mudcapping.
Trailer means semi-trailers or full trailers, as defined by U.S. DOT, which are:
Built for explosives
Loaded with explosives
Operated in accordance with U.S. DOT regulations.
U.S. DOT means the United States Department of Transportation.
Vehicle means any car, truck, tractor, semi-trailer, full trailer, or other conveyance used for the transportation of freight.
Water-gels or emulsion explosives. These explosives:
Comprise a wide variety of materials used for blasting. Two broad classes of water-gels are those which:
Are sensitized by material classed as an explosive, such as TNT or smokeless powder
Contain no ingredient classified as an explosive which are sensitized with metals, such as aluminum, or other fuels
Contain substantial proportions of water and high proportions of ammonium nitrate, some ammonium nitrate is in the solution in the water, and may be mixed at an explosives plant, or the blast site immediately before delivery into the drill hole.
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PART BEXPLOSIVE LICENSING
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-52-61005
Types of explosive licenses.
| Type of License | Where to Look for Requirements |
| Dealer's | WAC 296-52-620 |
| Purchaser's | WAC 296-52-630 |
| Blaster's | WAC 296-52-640 |
| Manufacturer's | WAC 296-52-650 |
| Storage | WAC 296-52-660 |
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An individual must provide:
Their name, address, and citizenship.
A partnership must provide:
The name, address, and citizenship for each partner
The name and address of the applicant.
An association or corporation must provide:
The name, address, and citizenship for each officer and director
The name and address of the applicant.
(2) Applicants must:
Meet the requirements of WAC 296-52-610, Explosives licensing
Meet any license specific requirements
Provide their Social Security number (RCW 26.23.150)
Provide any information requested by the department before a new or renewal license will be issued.
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License application forms may be obtained from and submitted to:
Department of Labor and Industries, WISHA Services Division
Post Office Box 44655,
Olympia, WA 98504-4655.
| Note: | Purchaser and blaster license applications may also be obtained from explosive dealers or department service locations. (You will find a complete list of L&I service locations at www.lni.wa.gov.) |
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| Type of License | Fee |
| Dealer's License | 50.00 |
| Purchaser's License | 10.00 |
| Blaster's License | 10.00 |
| Manufacturer's License | 50.00 |
| Storage License | (See table below) |
| Explosive Materials STORAGE LICENSE FEES RCW 70.74.140 applies |
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| EXPLOSIVES | DETONATORS | FEE (for each magazine or mobile site) |
|
| Maximum Weight (pounds) of explosives permitted in each magazine or mobile site. | Maximum Number of detonators permitted in each magazine or mobile site. | Annual | Every Two Years |
| 200 | 133,000 | 10.00 | 20.00 |
| 1,000 | 667,000 | 25.00 | 50.00 |
| 5,000 | 3,335,000 | 35.00 | 70.00 |
| 10,000 | 6,670,000 | 45.00 | 90.00 |
| 50,000 | 33,350,000 | 60.00 | 120.00 |
| 300,000 | 200,000,000 | 75.00 | 150.00 |
| Note: | License fees will not be refunded when a license is revoked or suspended for cause. |
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Must cooperate and assist the department in all aspects of the application review
Must provide all information requested by the department to:
Verify application statements
Help with any questions
Must furnish their fingerprints to the department on department forms
Fingerprinting and criminal history record information checks are required for management officials directly responsible for explosives operations
May be required to pay a fee to the law enforcement agency providing fingerprint research services (RCW 70.74.360).
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Under twenty-one years of age
Whose license is suspended or revoked, except as provided in this section
Convicted in this state or elsewhere of:
A violent offense (RCW 9.94A.030)
Perjury
Providing false information (false swearing)
Bomb threats
A crime involving a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance (chapter 69.50 RCW)
Any other drug or alcohol related offense (unless the offense is not related to drug or alcohol dependency).
| Note: | A license may be issued to an applicant with a drug or alcohol dependency history: |
| Who is participating in, or has completed, treatment in an alcohol or drug recovery program | |
| Has established control of their alcohol or drug dependency | |
| Provides proof to the department of participation in a recovery program and control over their dependency |
Mentally ill
Insane
Incompetent due to any mental disability or disease at the time of application
| Note: | The department will not reissue a license until competency has been legally restored. |
Blindness
Deafness
Epileptic or diabetic seizures or coma.
| Note: | The department will not reissue a license until the applicant's physical ability is verified by a qualified physician through the appeal process (WAC 296-52-60065, Violation appeals). |
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DEALER'S LICENSE
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Give the reason they want to participate in the business of dealing in explosives
Provide information required by WAC 296-52-610, Explosives licensing
Provide other pertinent information required by the department.
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Highway
Street
Sidewalk
Public way
OR
Public place.
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Name
Address
Driver's license number or valid identification
Social Security number (as required by RCW 26.23.150)
Place of birth
Date of birth.
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(a) An order for explosives can be placed:
In person
By telephone
OR
In writing
(b) The dealer must receive proper authorization and identification from the person placing the order to verify the person is either the:
Purchaser
OR
Purchaser's authorized agent
| Note: | This requirement does not apply to licensed common carrier companies when the common carrier: |
| Is transferring explosive materials from the seller to the purchaser | |
| AND | |
| Complies with transfer practices of the state and federal U.S. DOT regulations. |
(a) Not distribute explosive materials to an unauthorized person.
(b) Make sure the recipient is the purchaser or the purchaser's authorized agent.
(c) Verify the recipient's identity from a photo identification card (for example, driver's license).
(d) Obtain the:
(i) Purchaser's magazine license number when explosives are delivered to a storage magazine.
(ii) Legal signature of the purchaser or the purchaser's authorized agent on a receipt documenting the explosives were received.
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Date explosive materials were sold
Purchaser's name and license number
Name of the person authorized by the purchaser to physically receive the explosive materials
Kind of explosive materials sold
Amount of explosive materials sold
Date code
| Note: | Black powder sales less than five pounds are not required to be reported to the department. |
Signed receipts for a minimum of one year from the date explosives were purchased
Records of explosives purchased and sold for a minimum of five years
(3) Monthly report.
A monthly report of the dealer's records must be submitted to the department at the following address:
Department of Labor and Industries
WISHA Services Division
Post Office Box 44655
Olympia, WA 98504-4655
Dealer records must be received by the 10th day of each month.
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PURCHASER'S LICENSE
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The reason explosives or blasting agents will be used
The location where explosives or blasting agents will be used
The kind of explosives or blasting agents to be used
The amount of explosives or blasting agents to be used
An explosives storage plan:
Documenting proof of ownership of a licensed storage magazine
OR
With a signed authorization to use another person's licensed magazine
OR
With a signed statement certifying that the explosives will not be stored
An authorized agent list, if the purchaser chooses to authorize others to order or receive explosives on their behalf
The identity and current license of the purchaser's blaster
Information required by WAC 296-52-610, Explosives licensing
Any other pertinent information requested by the department.
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The purchaser must provide the following written information for people on their authorized agent list:
Legal name
Address
Driver's license number or other valid identification
Date of birth
Place of birth.
(2) List distribution. The purchaser must provide a current authorized agent list to:
The department when applying for a new or renewal license
Any dealer the purchaser plans to order explosive materials from, prior to placing the order.
(3) Notification of list changes. The purchaser must make sure the dealer's and department's authorized agent lists are updated as changes occur.
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Provide proper identification and prove to the satisfaction of the dealer that they are:
The purchaser
OR
Their authorized agent
Sign their legal signature on the dealer's receipt.
(2) Delivery locations. Explosives must be delivered into:
Authorized magazines
Approved temporary storage
OR
Handling areas.
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Notify the department when the licensed blaster changes
Provide their current blaster's license number to the department.
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BLASTER'S LICENSE| Note: | A blaster's license is not required for a "hand loader." |
Classification list assignment. Classification list assignment is determined by the use of single or multiple series charges; and the knowledge, training, and experience required to perform the type of blasting competently and safely.
Multiple list applications. When an applicant wants to apply for multiple classifications and the classifications desired are from two or more classification table lists:
All classifications must be requested on the application
Qualifying documentation for all classifications being applied for must be included in the applicant's resume (WAC 296-52-64050, Applicant information). Training and experience may fulfill qualification requirements in multiple classifications.
Request classifications not lists. Applicants must request specific classifications (not list designations) on their blaster application. Licenses are not issued or endorsed for Classification Table lists A, B, or C.
License additions. To add a classification to an existing license, see WAC 296-52-64085, Changes to a blaster's license classification.
| License Classifications Table | |||||
| LIST A | LIST B | LIST C | |||
| AG | Agriculture | DE | Demolition | LE | Law Enforcement* |
| AV | Avalanche Control | SB | Surface Blasting* | UL | Unlimited* |
| ED | Explosives Disposal* | UB | Underground Blasting | ||
| FO | Forestry* | UW | Underwater Blasting | ||
| IO | Industrial Ordnance | ||||
| SE | Seismographic | ||||
| TS | Transmission Systems | ||||
| WD | Well Drilling | ||||
Explosives disposal. Disposal of explosive materials by licensed blasters.
Forestry. Includes logging, trail building, and tree topping.
Law enforcement. Law enforcement bomb disposal and illegal fireworks and explosives disposal.
Surface blasting. Includes construction, quarries, and surface mining.
Unlimited. Includes all classifications except underground blasting and law enforcement.
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(2) Drug use. An applicant cannot be addicted to narcotics, intoxicants, or similar types of drugs.
| Note: | This rule does not apply to physician prescribed drugs and/or narcotics when taken as directed if their use will not place the blaster, or other employees in danger. |
Have working knowledge of state and local explosives laws and regulations
Have adequate blaster training, experience, and knowledge
Be able to:
Safely perform the type of blasting to be used
AND
Recognize hazardous conditions
Be competent in the use of each type of blasting method to be used
Have the ability to understand and give written and oral directions.
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The training must include a minimum of one of these three requirements:
Eight hours basic blaster safety classroom training and thirty-two hours classification specific field training experience under a qualified blaster
Sixteen hours basic blaster safety classroom training and twenty-four hours classification specific field training experience under a qualified blaster
Twelve months classification specific field training experience.
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Eighteen months of documented blasting experience which includes a minimum of twelve months of documented experience in List A and six months documented blasting experience in each classification being applied for in List B
Twelve months of documented blasting experience in the past six years in the specific classification being applied for in List B.
| Note: | Up to eighty hours of classroom training may be substituted for experience. |
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Experience in the majority of the classifications in Lists A and B
A minimum of five years of continuous full time blasting experience in the explosives industry where blasting has been the applicant's primary responsibility during the previous five years.
(2) Law enforcement. To be considered for a law enforcement classification, the applicant must submit a certificate of graduation from the FBI Redstone Arsenal Training Center at Redstone, Alabama.
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The application must be signed by the blasting course instructor and the qualified blaster the applicant trained under
A detailed resume of blasting training and experience
Satisfactory evidence of competency in handling explosives
Information required by WAC 296-52-610, Explosive licensing.
| Note: | The department may request additional information for the classification being applied for upon review of a blaster's resume. |
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(a) The classifications the blaster is authorized to perform
(b) Any limitations imposed on the licensee.
(2) The licensee cannot:
(a) Perform blasting for which they are not licensed
OR
(b) Exceed the limits specified on the license.
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Submit a detailed resume which documents blasting experience in the specific classification being applied for
Pass a written exam prepared and administered by the department.
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General applicant qualifications, WAC 296-52-64020, General qualifications, apply.
Renewal qualifications include the requirements of WAC 296-52-64090 License renewal, through WAC 296-52-64100, List C renewal qualifications.
Training, experience, and responsibility requirements must be accrued during the two years before the application is submitted
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(1) An application for a license renewal must include documentation of:
Blasting experience, by providing a minimum of two blast records
OR
Successful completion of sixteen hours of basic blaster's classroom training. The blasting course instructor must witness the submitted documentation.
(2) List A or B applicants who do not meet the minimum classification qualifications must pass a written exam administered by the department.
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(1) Unlimited classification. To be considered for a renewal of an unlimited license, an applicant must submit a detailed resume documenting:
Experience in the majority of classification in List A and B
Full-time blasting experience in the explosives industry, where blasting has been the applicant's primary responsibility.
(2) Law enforcement classification. To be considered for a renewal of the law enforcement classification, an applicant must submit a detailed resume documenting:
Continuous employment as a law enforcement bomb technician accrued during the previous two years
Successful completion of sixteen hours of bomb technician classroom training. The course instructor must sign the submitted documentation.
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The reason the applicant wants to manufacture explosives
The manufacturing or processing location
The kind of explosives manufactured, processed, or used
The distance that the explosives manufacturing building is located, or intended to be located, from other buildings, magazines, inhabited buildings, railroads, highways, and public utility transmission systems
A site plan. The site plan must:
Include the distance each manufacturing building is located from:
⧫ Other buildings on the premises where people are employed
⧫ Other occupied buildings on adjoining property
⧫ Buildings where customers are served
⧫ Public highways
⧫ Utility transmission systems
Demonstrate compliance with:
⧫ Applicable requirements of the Washington State Explosives Act
⧫ The separation distance requirements of this chapter
Identify and describe all natural or artificial barricades used to influence minimum required separation distances
Identify the nature and kind of work being performed in each building
Specify the maximum amount and kind of explosives or blasting agents to be permitted in each building or magazine at any one time
Information required by WAC 296-52-610, Explosive licensing
Other pertinent information required by the department.
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Inspect all manufacturing or processing locations:
Before they are placed in operation or service
AND
Prior to licensing
Schedule inspections:
Once a complete application is received
At the earliest available and mutually agreeable date.
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(1) The required inspection confirms that the site plan is accurate and the facilities comply with applicable regulations of the department.
(2) The applicant(s) or operating superintendent and employees are sufficiently trained and experienced in the manufacture of explosives.
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(1) A copy of the site plan and manufacturer's license must be posted in the main office of each manufacturing plant.
(2) The site plan must be maintained and updated to reflect the current status of manufacturing facilities, occupancy changes, or other pertinent information.
(3) Notifying the department:
When a significant change occurs in the site plan
For a consultation before changing operations if the change is of such nature or magnitude that compliance with requirements of this chapter is questionable.
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The address or a legal description of the existing or proposed magazine or mobile storage site must be clearly identified
The reason explosive materials will be stored
The kind of explosives or blasting agents that will be stored
The maximum quantity of explosive materials that are or will be stored
Identify the total weight, in pounds, of all explosive materials to be stored on site
The distance that the magazine is located or intended to be located from other magazines, inhabited buildings, explosives manufacturing buildings, railroads, highways, and public utility transmission systems
How long the storage license is needed
Information required by WAC 296-52-610, Explosive licensing
Any other pertinent information requested by the department.
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Inspect magazines, mobile-storage sites, and manufacturing plants:
Before being placed in operation or service
Prior to licensing
Will schedule inspections:
Once a complete application is received
At the earliest available and mutually agreeable date.
| Note: | See WAC 296-52-66040, Annual storage inspection, for mobile storage site qualifications. |
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Handling explosives
The storage requirements for any type of explosive materials to be stored.
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(1) Be permanently affixed on the inside and outside of each storage magazine.
(2) Stay with each magazine throughout its life.
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(1) U.S. DOT requirements for transportation of blasting agents.
(2) The requirements of Table H-20, Table of Distances for Storage of Explosives with respect to inhabited buildings, passenger railways, and public highways.
(3) The requirements of Table H-22, Separation Distances of Ammonium Nitrate and Blasting Agents from Explosives or Blasting Agents with respect to one another.
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(1) When a magazine is moved, altered, or destroyed, the licensee must:
(a) Notify the department
(b) Provide the license number of the magazine
(c) Identify the specific alterations made to the magazine
(2) A magazine may be moved on a job site within a reasonable distance from the original location stated on the application without notifying the department, provided the:
(a) New location complies with the requirements of this chapter and the Washington State Explosives Act
(b) Magazine can be quickly located for an inspection.
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(1) Notification. When a licensed magazine or mobile storage site is leased or transferred to another person, the owner must:
(a) Notify the department.
(b) Provide the magazine license number to the department.
(2) New user obligations. A new magazine or mobile storage site user:
(a) Is responsible for the safe operation of the magazine.
(b) Must:
Submit a magazine storage application to the department
Pay the license fee for a minimum of one year
Obtain a storage license prior to storing explosive materials in the magazine or at the mobile storage site.
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(1) Construction of occupied buildings.
(2) Public utilities transmission systems.
(3) Roads or railroads that have been built closer to the manufacturing plant or magazine.
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PART CUSE OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-52-67010
Blaster in charge responsibilities.
The
blaster in charge is responsible for all aspects of explosives
use and must:
(1) Carry a current license with the correct blaster classification for the type of blasting being performed.
(2) Comply with all federal, state, and local government regulations.
(3) Meet the general license qualifications identified in WAC 296-52-64020, General qualifications.
(4) Use every reasonable precaution to ensure the safety of the general public and workers. Reasonable precautions include the use of:
(a) Blast area surveys.
(b) Warning signal posters, which must be posted in suitable locations. Table T-1 shows the information that must be on the poster.
| TABLE T-1 | |
| WARNING SIGNAL | A 1 minute series of long blasts 5 minutes prior to blast signal. |
| BLAST SIGNAL | A series of short blasts 1 minute prior to the shot. |
| ALL CLEAR SIGNAL | A prolonged blast following the inspection of the blast. |
(d) Blasting mats or other suitable protective material.
(5) Exercise and apply independent professional judgment regarding blasting activities, when following instructions from others could result in an illegal act or affect the outcome of a blast.
(6) Blast operation activities. The blaster in charge must:
Have authority over all blasters and be able to promptly correct all actions taken in any area of the blast operation
Manage the blast operation properly for any type of blasting being performed
Control blast activities associated with a blast
Supervise explosive material activities, which include:
Keeping a running inventory of all explosives and blasting agents stored at the blast area
Supervising all on-site transportation, storage, loading, and firing of explosives
Notify local jurisdictions when blasting may affect them
Designate safe locations for personnel during the blast
Designate a method to determine when all personnel are accounted for in designated safe locations
Make sure blast observers are able to communicate with the blaster in charge
Make sure all possible exits to the blast site are observed immediately prior to each blast
Distribute explosives in the shot
Be present when a charge is detonated
Personally detonate the charge or give an order to a designated blaster to detonate the charge
(7) Notification - Blast incidents. The blaster in charge must notify the department within twenty-four hours when:
(a) A misfire is not cleared
(b) Vibration and air blast limits cause injury or property damage
(c) Flyrock causes injury or property damage
(8) Blast records. The blaster in charge must:
(a) Keep an accurate inventory of all explosives and blasting agents stored at the blast operation
(b) Keep a blast record with the following information:
Name of the company or contractor
Exact location of the blast
Date and time of detonation
Name, signature, and license number of the blaster in charge
Type of material blasted
Type of explosives used
Number of holes, burden, and spacing
Diameter and depth of holes
Total amount of each type of explosives used
Maximum amount of explosives per delay period within eight milliseconds
Maximum number of hole per delay period within eight milliseconds
Method of firing
Type of circuit
Direction, distance in feet, and identification of the nearest dwelling, house, public building, school, church, or commercial/institutional building not owned or leased by the blaster in charge conducting the blasting
Weather conditions
Type and height (or length) of stemming
A statement indicating whether blast mats or other flyrock protection were used
Type of initiation system used
Type of delay periods used
Seismograph records and readings, if required or used, must accurately identify the:
Name of the person and business analyzing the record
Exact location of the seismograph
Distance of the seismograph from the blast
Sketch of the blast pattern. The sketch must include the:
Number of hole
Burden
Spacing distance delay pattern
Sketch of the hole profile if decking was used
General comments which include:
Unusual conditions/situations during the blast
The calculated scale distance number
Misfires
Complete and sign each blast record
Retain blast records for a minimum of three years
Make sure blast records are available for department inspection.
| Note: | A nonmandatory sample blast record can be found in Appendix B. You may use this format or create your own but all the information in this section must be included. |
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GENERAL EXPLOSIVES RULES
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(1) Constructed in accordance with WAC 296-52-70065, Explosives day box and WAC 296-52-70070, Detonator day box.
(2) Fire, weather, and theft resistant.
(3) Marked with the word "EXPLOSIVES."
(4) Safely separates detonators from other explosives.
(5) Attended to at all times against theft.
(6) On ground which slopes away from the day box for proper drainage.
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(1) Physically present.
(2) Awake.
(3) Alert.
(4) Able to see the explosives at all times.
(5) Able to reach the explosives quickly, without interference.
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Be handled by only competent and authorized personnel
Be delivered and issued only to a purchaser or a purchaser's authorized agent
Be delivered into authorized magazines, approved temporary storage, or handling areas
Be carried to the blast site from the main storage magazines by the blaster or blaster's helper in special insulated containers, day boxes, or original U.S. DOT shipping containers
Never be carried in pockets or clothing, including detonators.
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Blasting method
Safety procedures
Blasting signals.
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(2) Thunderstorms. Blasting operations must stop and all personnel be removed from the blast area if a thunderstorm approaches or is present.
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(1) Extraneous electricity. Common hazardous sources of extraneous electricity include:
Adjacent power lines
Dust storms
Lightning storms
(2) RF transmission sources. Common hazardous sources of RF transmissions include:
Mobile transmitters
Citizen band (CB)
Side band radio
VHF (FM) radio
UHF cellular telephones
Radar
Fixed location transmitters
Base stations for CB
Side band or FM radio communications
UHF cellular telephone transmitters and service extension repeater systems
AM and FM (commercial) radio broadcast transmitters
TV broadcast transmitters and repeater system transmitters
Surface scan and radio navigation beacons
Low flying aircraft (in particular military aircraft) create the most common serious RF exposures. These highly unpredictable mobile transmitters are very powerful and transmit on a broad spectrum of frequencies, which include, but are not limited to:
Radar
Laser
All common communications bands
| Note: | The two most dangerous examples are: |
| Low flying automatic terrain following guidance systems | |
| Airplanes which are equipped to jam all common radar and communications frequencies for a distance of several miles around the airborne transmitters. |
Public highways. The Washington utilities and transportation commission (UTC) and Washington state department of transportation (WSDOT) require compliance with ANSI D6.1-1988, Uniform Traffic Control Devices
Private roads. You do not have to comply with ANSI on private roads under department jurisdiction if required warning signs are properly placed when electric detonators are present
(4) Site survey. The blaster in charge must conduct or assign a designated appointee to conduct an accurate survey of the entire blast area, to determine:
The clearance points where roads or right of ways enter and exit the required clearance zone
If the one thousand-foot clearance zone needs adjusting to maintain the permissible clearance zone at all times, if the blast area moves as the job progresses
(5) Clearance zones.
| Required clearance zones for: | Number of feet |
| Construction operations | 1000 feet |
| Demolition operations | 1000 feet |
| General industry operations, not subject to construction requirements | 350 feet |
| Place illustration here. |
Signs must:
Be a specific size. See the signs above for sign dimensions
Have a "construction" orange background
Have black letters and borders
Use all upper case letters that are at least the size shown above
| Note: | Larger signs may be required where the highway speed limit is more than fifty-five miles per hour. |
Be adequately placed to warn:
All transmitter users against the use of:
Radio frequency transmitters
CBs
Mobile phones
Two-way radios
All users of routes into the electric detonator clearance zone
Be prominently displayed when an electric detonator initiation system is being used during blasting operations and when the electric detonators have been removed from the original U.S. DOT approved shipping container
Be posted at the beginning of the blast zone minimum clearance point saying:
The "BLAST ZONE 1,000 FEET" sign must be posted one thousand feet before the "TURN OFF CB, MOBILE PHONE, 2-WAY RADIO" sign
The one thousand-foot separation distance limit may be reduced (not less than three hundred feet) in very slow vehicle travel zones (such as off-road construction right of ways, rock pits, or quarries)
(d) An "END BLAST ZONE" sign must be posted outside the blasting zone clearance limits.
(e) Signs must be covered or removed when blasting operations are not being conducted.
(7) Voltage identification. Electrical transmission and distribution line voltage must be accurately identified.
(8) System clearance identification. The required clearance for each system must be accurately identified.
(9) RF transmitters. Mobile RF transmitters must be deenergized or disconnected when they are less than one hundred feet from electric detonators that are not fully contained in their original U.S. DOT shipping containers.
| Note: | Fixed location RF transmitters represent a higher level of hazard to both storage and blasting operations involving electric detonators because the transmitters are more powerful and transmit dangerous levels of RF exposure over much greater distances. |
(a) Electric detonators in storage or at blasting operations must meet the appropriate distance table requirements published in the IME Publication Number 20, 1988, "Safety Guide for the Prevention of Radio Frequency Hazards in the Use of Commercial Electric Detonators (Blasting Caps)."
(b) If it is necessary to conduct blasting operations inside the required separation distances specified in the IME Pamphlet Number 20, 1988:
Storage and use of electric detonators is prohibited on the site
Only detonating cord, safety fuse, shock tube, or other approved nonelectric systems can be used.
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Either Table 8-A or Table 8-B can be used to determine the maximum limits of ground vibration for any dwelling, public building, school church, commercial site, cofferdams, piers, underwater structures, or institutional building nearby the blasting site. The methods used for monitoring vibration and calculating frequency must be included in the blast plan.
| Table 8-A PEAK PARTICLE VELOCITY LIMITS |
|
| Distance from blasting site | Maximum allowable peak particle velocity1 |
| 0 to 300 ft (91.4 m) | 1.25 in/sec (31.75 mm/sec) |
| 301 to 5000 ft (91.5 m to 1524 m) | 1.00 in/sec (25.4 mm/sec) |
| 5001 ft (1525 m) and beyond | 0.75 in/sec (19 mm/sec) |
| 1 Peak particle velocity must be measured in three mutually perpendicular directions and the maximum allowable limits must apply to each of these measurements. | |
| Place illustration here. |
| Place illustration here. |
Table 8-B
SCALED-DISTANCE EQUATIONS
| Distance from Blasting Site | Scaled Distance Equation |
| 0 to 300 ft (91.4 m) | W (lbs) = (d (ft)/50)2 or W (kg) = (d (m)/22.6)2 |
| 301 to 5000 ft (92 m to 1524 m) | W (lbs) = (d (ft)/55)Z or W (kg) = (d (m)/24.9) |
| 5001 ft (1524 m) and beyond | W (lbs) = (d (ft)/65) or W (kg) = (d (m)/29.4)Z |
| Key: | ||
| W = The maximum weight of explosives in pounds (or kilograms) that can be detonated per delay interval of 8 milliseconds or greater. | ||
| d = The distance in feet (or meters) from the blast to the nearest dwelling, public building, school, church, commercial, or institutional building not owned, leased, or contracted by the blasting operation, or on property where the owner has not given a written waiver to the blasting operation. | ||
|
| Table 8-C AIR-BLAST LIMITS |
||||
| Lower Frequency of Measuring System in Hz (+ or - 3 decibels) | Measurement Level in Decibels | |||
| 0.1 Hz or Lower | Flat Response | 134 Peak | ||
| 2 Hz or Lower | Flat Response | 133 Peak | ||
| 6 Hz or Lower | Flat Response | 129 Peak | ||
| C-Weighted | Slow Response | 105 Peak dBC | ||
(a) Uncontrolled flyrock. Flyrock traveling in the air or along the ground cannot be cast from the blast area in an uncontrolled manner, which could result in personal injury or property damage. Uncontrolled flyrock (airborne or along the ground), that could cause personal injury or property damage, is not allowed from the blast area.
(b) Contract or written waiver. Flyrock cannot be propelled from the blast area onto property where the blasting operation has not contracted or received a written waiver from the owner.
(c) Use of protective material. When blasting in congested areas or close to a structure, railway, highway, or any other installation that could be damaged, the blast must be covered, before firing, with a mat or other protective material that will prevent fragments from being thrown.
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Disposed of in a safe manner
OR
Reused in accordance with U.S. DOT hazardous materials regulations
(2) Opening fiberboard cases. Nonsparking metallic slitters may be used for opening fiberboard cases.
(3) Deteriorating explosives. Deteriorating explosives must be carefully set aside and disposed of according to the manufacturer's specifications.
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(a) Be set up at all entrances to the blast area.
(b) Have lettering a minimum of four inches high and on a contrasting background.
(2) Loaded stumps. All loaded stumps must be marked for identification.
(3) Lock out. Cables close to the blast area must be deenergized and locked out by the blaster in charge.
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(a) Drilling cannot begin:
(i) When there is danger of drilling into a charged or misfired hole.
(ii) Until all remaining butts of old holes are examined for unexploded charges.
(b) Unexploded charges must be refired before work proceeds.
(2) Distance limits during drilling. Blasters cannot load or use explosives closer than:
(a) The length of the steel being used for drilling.
(b) Fifty feet of drilling operations.
(3) Prior to loading drill holes.
(a) Holes must be checked prior to loading to determine depth and conditions.
(b) Drill holes that have contained explosives or blasting agents cannot be deepened.
(c) Drill holes must be large enough to allow unobstructed or free insertion of explosive cartridges.
(4) Enlarging or springing a drill hole.
(a) A drill hole cannot be sprung when it is near a loaded hole.
(b) A minimum of two hours must pass after a charge has exploded in a drill hole that was enlarged or "sprung," before loading another charge of explosives into the hole.
| Note: | You do not have to wait two hours if the sprung hole is thoroughly wet down with water before it is loaded. |
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(2) Equipment, machinery, and tools.
Any machine or tool not being used to load holes must be removed from the immediate loading area
Equipment cannot be operated within fifty feet of loaded holes except when:
It is needed to add burden or mats
Tracking drills out of the loading area
(3) Holes that may be loaded. Only holes that will be fired in the next blasting round may be loaded.
(4) Tamping.
(a) A primer must never be tamped.
(b) Tamping must be done with wood rods or approved plastic tamping poles that do not have exposed metal parts.
(c) Nonsparking metal connectors may be used for jointed poles.
(d) Violent tamping must be avoided.
(5) Pneumatic loading. When loading blasting agents pneumatically over primed boosters:
A semiconductive delivery hose must be used
Equipment must be bonded and grounded
(6) Stemming. All blast holes in open work must be stemmed to:
(a) The collar.
OR
(b) A point, which will confine the charge.
(7) Attendance of holes. Loaded holes must be attended or protected.
(8) Unused explosives. After loading, all remaining explosives and detonators must be immediately returned to an authorized magazine or day box.
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(a) Training and supervision.
(i) The blaster in charge must provide adequate on-the-job training and supervision in the safe use of initiation systems.
(ii) All members of the blasting crew must be instructed, by the blaster in charge, in the safe use of the initiation system to be used and its system components.
(b) Manufacturer recommendations. All initiation systems and system components must be used in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and instructions.
(c) Vehicle use precautions.
(i) Explosives bulk trucks or other vehicles operated on a blast site cannot tread on:
(A) Tubing
(B) Connectors
OR
(C) Any surface delay component
(ii) If a vehicle must pass over loaded blast holes. Precautions must be made to consolidate tubing, connectors, or any surface delay component at the collar of the hole to prevent vehicle contact.
(d) Connecting the firing line. Firing lines cannot be connected to the blast initiating device until all personnel are:
(i) Accounted for
(ii) Removed from the blast danger area
OR
Are in a blast shelter or other location that provides equivalent protection
(e) Visual inspection. The blaster in charge must visually inspect the initiation system to make sure it is assembled according to the manufacturer's recommendations, before firing the shot.
(f) Explosives not used:
(i) Unused detonators or short capped fuses cannot be placed in holes that may be used for blasting.
(ii) Unused detonators must be removed from the work area and disposed of or stored in a licensed magazine.
(iii) Loose cartridges of explosives, detonators, primers, and capped fuses that are not used by the end of the work shift must be returned to and locked in their magazines.
(2) Nonelectric initiation systems.
(a) Shock tube lines. When a nonelectric shock tube initiation system is used:
(i) Spools of shock tube lines cannot be spooled from trucks or equipment.
(ii) The shock tube line must:
(A) Be free of knots and tight kinks
(B) Be free of cuts or abrasions that could expose the core to moisture
(C) Not be stretched
(D) Be neat and orderly
(iii) Tie ins must be kept neat and clean.
(iv) Unused lead line must be sealed to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the tube.
(v) Care must be taken to avoid hitting the tube with a shovel when the shock tube is being covered.
(vi) The end of the detonator must be pointed toward the front of the shot to minimize the chance of shrapnel flying to the rear of the blast where the shock tube will be lit.
(b) Surface connector blocks. Nonelectrical tubes must:
(i) Be secured properly in surface connector blocks.
(ii) Never exceed the rated capacity of tubes in surface connector blocks.
(c) Splicing line. A knot must be tied in the tubes to take the strain off of the splice.
(d) Detonator cord. If a detonator cord is used for surface tie in:
(i) All lines must be kept taut.
(ii) Connections to nonelectrical units must be at ninety degree angles.
(e) Equipment and personnel.
(i) Equipment cannot roll over shock tubes.
(ii) All unnecessary equipment and personnel must be removed from the blast area during loading.
(3) Electric initiating systems.
(a) Survey of extraneous currents. A survey to evaluate extraneous currents must be conducted:
(i) By the blaster in charge before adopting any system of electrical firing.
(ii) To eliminate all currents before holes are loaded.
(b) Detonator compatibility, style, function, and manufacture. In any single blast using electric detonators, all detonators must be:
(i) Compatible with each other.
(ii) Of the same style or function.
(iii) From the same manufacturer.
(c) Wire capacity and gauge.
(i) Connecting wires and lead wires must:
(A) Be insulated single solid wires with sufficient current carrying capacity
(B) Not be less than twenty gauge (American wire gauge) solid core insulated wire
(ii) Firing line or lead wires must:
(A) Be made of solid single wires with sufficient current carrying capacity
(B) Not be less than fourteen gauge (American wire gauge) solid core insulated wire
| Note: | Bus wires, depends on the size of the blast, fourteen gauge (American wire gauge) copper is recommended. |
(i) Shunting. You must shunt the ends of lead wires that will be connected to a firing device by twisting them together before they are connected to leg or connecting wires.
(ii) Control. The blaster in charge must keep control of shunted lead wires until loading is completed and the leg wires are attached.
(iii) Attachment. Lead wires must be attached by the blaster in charge when it is time to fire the shot.
(e) Detonator leg wires. Electric detonator leg wires must:
(i) Be kept shunted (short circuited) until they are connected into the circuit for firing.
(ii) Not be separated (except for testing) until all holes are loaded and the loader is ready to connect the leg wires to the connecting or lead wires.
(f) Circuits.
(i) Blasting circuits or power circuits must be used in electric blasting and according to the electric detonator manufacturer's recommendations.
(ii) Care must be taken to make sure an adequate quantity of delivered current is available according to the manufacturer's recommendations, when firing a circuit of electric detonators.
(iii) A power circuit used for firing electric detonators cannot be grounded.
(iv) The firing switch must be designed so the firing lines to the detonator circuit automatically short circuit when the switch is in the "off" position.
(v) The firing switch must be locked in the "open" or "off" position at all times, except when firing from a power circuit.
(g) Firing line insulation. The insulation on all firing lines must be adequate and in good condition when firing electrically.
(h) Testing.
(i) The firing line must be checked at the terminals with an approved testing device before being connected to the blasting machine or other power sources.
(ii) The circuit, including all detonators, must be tested with an approved testing device before being connected to the firing line.
(i) Switch keys. The blaster in charge is the only person who is allowed to have firing switch keys in their possession.
(j) Blasting machines. A nonelectric system must be used if these requirements cannot be satisfied:
(i) Blasting machines must be in good condition.
(ii) The efficiency of the blasting machine must be tested periodically to make sure it delivers power at its rated capacity.
(iii) Responsible person.
The blaster in charge must be in charge of blasting machines
The blaster in charge must connect the lead wires to the blasting machine and must fire the shot
(iv) Connections.
When firing with blasting machines, connections must be made according to the manufacturer of the electric detonator's recommendations
All connections must be made from the drill hole back to the source of the firing current
Lead wires must remain shunted and not connected to the blasting machine or other source of current until the charge is ready to fire
The number of electric detonators connected to a blasting machine cannot exceed the blasting machine's rated capacity
(v) Series circuit. In primary blasting, a series circuit cannot contain more detonators than the manufacturer's recommended limits for electric detonators.
(vi) Circuit testing. A blaster in charge must use blasting testers specifically designed to test circuits to charged holes.
(vii) Blasting near power lines. Whenever lead or blasting wires could be thrown over live overhead powerlines, communication lines, utility services, or other services or structures by the force of an explosion, care must be taken to make sure:
(A) The total length of wires are short enough so they will not hit the lines
(B) The wires are securely anchored to the ground
(C) The owners or operators of the utilities blasting in the area are notified
(viii) Disconnecting lead wires. After firing an electric blast from a blasting machine, lead wires must be immediately disconnected from the machine and short-circuited.
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(a) Safety fuse and detonators, used for conventional blasting, must be in the following:
(i) When extraneous electricity or radio frequency transmissions make the use of electric detonators and wire systems dangerous.
(ii) When overhead electric transmission lines cannot be deenergized and there is danger that blasting wires may be thrown onto the overhead lines during a blast.
(iii) For avalanche control hand charges.
(iv) For specialized applications when detonators and fuses are more suitable than electric or other nonelectric initiation systems.
(b) Mudcap charges. A detonator and fuse cannot be used for firing mudcap charges, unless the charges are separated to prevent one charge from dislodging other charges in the blast.
(c) Drop fuse method. Dropping or pushing a primer or any explosive with a lighted fuse attached is prohibited.
(d) Damaged fuses.
(i) Deteriorated or damaged fuses cannot be used.
(ii) It is prohibited to hang fuses on nails or other objects, which causes sharp bends in the fuse.
(2) Fuse length. Fuses:
(a) Must be cut long enough to reach beyond the collar of the drill hole.
(b) Must be three feet or longer.
(3) Fuse burning rate.
(a) Safety fuse burning rates must be:
(i) Measured.
(ii) Posted in conspicuous locations.
(iii) Brought to the attention of all workers.
(b) A fuse must burn between forty and fifty-five seconds per foot or it cannot be used.
(4) Blaster safety. When blasting with safety fuses, the length and burning rate of the fuse must allow sufficient time for the blaster to reach a place of safety.
(5) Fuse capping.
(a) Capping location. Fuses:
(i) Must not be capped in any magazine or near any possible source of ignition.
(ii) Must be capped in a place designated for this purpose.
(iii) Must be capped at least one hundred feet from any storage magazine.
(b) Fuse ends. Before capping a safety fuse, a short length must be cut from the end of the supply reel to guarantee a freshly cut end in each detonator.
(6) Crimpers.
(a) Design. The design of detonator crimpers used for attaching detonators to safety fuses must be approved.
(b) Condition. Crimpers must be in good repair.
(c) Accessibility. Crimpers must be accessible for use.
(7) Waterproofing. The joint between the detonator and fuse must be waterproofed with a compound for use in wet locations.
(8) Primers.
(a) Site selection. Primers must:
(i) Not be made in magazines or near possible sources of ignition.
(ii) Be made in a place designated for this purpose.
(iii) Be made a minimum of one hundred feet from any storage magazine.
(b) Making primers. When making primers:
(i) Make only enough for one day's use.
(ii) Only nonsparking skewers must be used for punching the hole in the cartridge to insert the capped fuse.
(iii) A detonator cannot be inserted in explosives without first making a hole in the cartridge of proper size or using a standard detonator crimper.
(c) Storage. Primers must:
(i) Be stored in a box type magazine.
(ii) Not be stored in magazines where other explosives are stored.
(9) Hand lighting.
(a) No one may light more than twelve fuses at a time when hand lighting devices are used.
(b) Two fuses may be considered one fuse when two or more grouped safety fuses are lit as a single fuse by:
(i) An igniter cord
OR
(ii) Other similar fuse lighting devices.
(c) When multiple detonators and blasting is done by hand lighting methods, at least two people must be present.
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Type and physical condition of the drill hole
Stemming
Type of explosives used
(2) Handling. A detonating cord must be handled and used with:
The same respect and care given to other explosives
Care to avoid damaging or severing the cord during and after loading and hooking up
(3) Calculating quantity and distance.
For quantity and distance purposes, a detonating fuse (up to sixty grains per foot) should be calculated as equivalent to nine pounds of high explosives per one thousand feet
Heavier cord loads should be rated proportionally
(4) Trunk lines.
Detonators for firing the trunk line cannot be brought to the loading area or attached to the detonating cord until everything else is ready for the blast
All detonating cord trunk lines and branch lines must be free of loops, sharp kinks, or angles that direct the cord back toward the oncoming line of detonation
Trunk lines in multiple row blasts must make one or more complete loops, with cross ties between loops at intervals less than two hundred feet
(5) Connections.
(a) Detonating cord. All detonating cords must be:
(i) Competent and positive in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended specifications.
(ii) Kept at right angles to the trunk lines.
(iii) Inspected before firing the blast.
(b) Knots.
(i) Knot or other cord-to-cord connections must be made with a detonating cord where the explosive core is dry.
(ii) All detonator cord knots must be tight.
(c) Connecting detonators.
(i) A detonator or electric detonator must be taped or securely attached along the side or end of the detonating cord. The detonator end containing the explosive charge must be pointed in the direction of the detonation.
(ii) Manufacturer's recommendations must be followed when short interval delay electric detonators are used with a detonating cord.
(iii) Manufacturer's recommendations must be followed when detonating cord millisecond delay connectors are used with a detonating cord.
(iv) The line of detonating cord extending from a drill hole or a charge must be cut from the supply spool before loading the remainder of the drill hole or placing additional charges.
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(2) All charges must be covered with blasting mats or other protective material before firing, where blasting may cause injury or damage by flying rock or debris.
(3) Before a blast is fired, the blaster in charge must give a loud warning signal after they have verified all surplus explosives are in a safe place and all employees, vehicles, and equipment are at a safe distance or under sufficient cover.
(4) Flaggers must be safely stationed on highways that pass through the danger zone, to stop traffic during blasting operations on highways that pass.
(5) The blaster in charge must set the time of the blast and conduct all blasting operations so no shots will be fired without their approval.
| TABLE T-1 | |
| WARNING SIGNAL | A 1 minute series of long blasts 5 minutes prior to blast signal. |
| BLAST SIGNAL | A series of short blasts 1 minute prior to the shot. |
| ALL CLEAR SIGNAL | A prolonged blast following the inspection of the blast. |
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(a) Disconnect the firing line from the blasting machine.
(b) Lock the power switches in the "open" or "off" position.
(c) Carefully trace all wires and search for unexploded charges.
(2) Post blast inspection. The blaster in charge must perform an inspection of the area and surrounding rubble to determine if all charges have been exploded before employees are allowed to return to the operation.
(3) Misfires.
(a) Misfire found. Misfires must be:
(i) Immediately reported to their supervisor.
(ii) Recorded on the blast record.
(iii) Reported to the department within twenty-four hours if not cleared.
(b) Responsible person. A blaster in charge must be present and direct the handling of all misfires.
(c) Termination of work.
(i) All work must stop, except activities needed to remove the misfire hazard.
(ii) Drilling, digging, or picking is not permitted until:
(A) All misfired holes have been detonated
OR
(B) The blaster in charge determines work can proceed
(d) Evacuation precautions. The following evacuation precautions must be taken in the event of a misfire:
(i) If a misfire is found, the blaster in charge must make sure safeguards are in place to keep all employees or other personnel from the danger zone, except those needed to remove the misfire hazard.
(ii) Workers cannot return to misfired holes for at least:
(A) Thirty minutes when electric blasting caps are used
(B) One hour when detonators and fuses are used
(e) Charged or misfired holes.
(i) Attempts cannot be made to remove explosives from any charged or misfired hole.
(ii) A new primer must be connected and the hole refired.
(f) Refiring hazard. If refiring a misfired hole presents a hazard, explosives may be:
(i) Removed by washing out the explosives with water
OR
(ii) Removed with air, if the misfire is under water.
(4) Burning holes.
(a) Everyone in the endangered area must move to a safe location when explosives are suspected of burning in a hole.
(b) No one, under any circumstances, may return to the hole:
(i) Until the danger has passed
OR
(ii) For at least one hour after the hole has been found.
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(a) The blaster in charge or powder person is responsible for the receipt, unloading, storage, and on-site transportation of explosives and detonators.
(b) Explosives in transit cannot be left unattended.
(c) Detonators and explosives for each round must be taken directly from the magazines to the blasting zone and immediately loaded.
(2) Wet holes. Explosives appropriate for use in wet holes must be:
(a) Water resistant
AND
(b) Fume Class 1 or other approved explosives.
(3) Bonding. All metal pipes, rails, air locks, and steel tunnel linings must be:
(a) Electrically bonded together and grounded at or near the portal or shaft.
(b) Cross bonded together at not less than one thousand-foot intervals throughout the length of the tunnel.
(4) Air locks.
(a) No one is allowed to enter the air lock when detonators or explosives are brought in, except:
(i) The blaster in charge.
(ii) The powder person.
(iii) The lock tender.
(iv) Employees needed to carry explosive materials.
(b) Primers, detonators, and explosives must be taken separately into pressure working locks.
(c) Material, supplies, or equipment cannot be brought into air locks with explosive materials.
(d) Detonators and explosives not used after loading a round must be removed from the working chamber before connecting the connecting wires.
(5) Grounding. Each air supply pipe must be grounded at its delivery end.
(6) Mixed face.
(a) Light charges and light burdens must be used for each hole when tunnel excavation in rock face is approaching or is in mixed face.
(b) Advance drilling must be done when tunnel excavation in rock face approaches mixed face to determine the:
(i) General nature and extent of rock cover
AND
(ii) Distance to soft ground as excavation advances.
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BLASTING AGENTS| Note: | Water-gels are covered in WAC 296-52-67150, Water-gel and emulsion explosives and blasting agents, through WAC 296-52-67170, Bulk delivery/mixing vehicles. |
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(2) Building construction. Buildings used for mixing blasting agents must be constructed of noncombustible material or sheet metal on wood studs and be well ventilated.
(3) Determining distance. When determining the distances separating highways, railroads, and inhabited buildings from potential explosions (Table H-20), the sum of all masses that may propagate (i.e., lie at distances less than specified in Table H-22) from either individual or combined donor masses are included in the sum. However, when the ammonium nitrate is included, only fifty percent of its weight must be used because of its reduced blast effects.
(4) Heat sources.
(a) Internal heating units. Properly designed and located heating units that do not depend on combustion processes may be used in the building.
(b) External heating units. All direct sources of heat must be located outside the mixing building.
(5) Mixing plant floors must be made of nonabsorbent materials such as concrete.
(6) Electrical equipment.
(a) Electrical switches, controls, motors, and lights located in the mixing room must:
(i) Comply with the requirements of WAC 296-800-280.
(ii) Be located outside the mixing room.
(b) The frame of the mixer and all other equipment must be:
(i) Electrically bonded.
(ii) Provided with a continuous path to ground.
(7) Internal combustion engines.
(a) Location. All internal combustion engines used for electric power generation must be:
(i) Located outside the mixing plant building.
OR
(ii) Properly ventilated and isolated by a firewall.
(b) Exhaust systems. Engine exhaust systems must be positioned so spark emission does not become a hazard to any material in or adjacent to the plant.
(8) Mixing equipment. Equipment used for mixing blasting agents must comply with the following:
(a) Design. The design of the mixer must:
Minimize the possibility of frictional heating, compaction, and confinement
Have the bearings and drive assemblies mounted outside the mixer and protected against the accumulation of dust
Have the surfaces accessible for cleaning
(b) Construction. Mixing and packaging equipment must be constructed of materials compatible with the fuel ammonium nitrate composition.
(c) Fire precautions. The following fire precautions must be followed:
(i) Mixer fuel oil flow. In case of fire:
(A) Appropriate means to prevent the flow of fuel oil to the mixer must be provided
(B) An automatic spring-loaded shutoff valve with fusible link must be installed in gravity flow systems
(ii) Flame/spark producing devices. Smoking, matches, open flames, spark-producing devices, and firearms (except firearms carried by law enforcement bomb squad members or qualified guards), are not allowed inside or within fifty feet of any facility used for mixing blasting agents.
(9) Blasting agent compositions. The following are requirements for determining blasting agent compositions:
(a) Determining sensitivity. The sensitivity of the blasting agent must be determined by means of a Number 8 test detonator at regular intervals and after every change in formulation.
(b) Handling precautions. Precautions must be taken when handling:
Small particle oxidizers, such as crushed ammonium nitrate prills or fines, may be more sensitive than coarser products and must be handled with greater care
Solid fuels must be used in a manner to minimize dust explosion hazards
Metal powders, such as aluminum, must be:
Kept dry
OR
Stored in moisture resistant or weather tight containers or bins
(c) Use restrictions. The following cannot be used:
(i) Crude and crankcase oil
(ii) Hydrocarbon liquid fuel with a flash point lower than the 125°F minimum for Number 2 diesel fuel oil
OR
(iii) Peroxides and chlorates.
(10) Fuel oil storage.
(a) Facilities. Fuel oil storage facilities must be:
(i) Independent structures
OR
(ii) Located at a site away from the manufacturing building.
(b) Surrounding area. In order to prevent oil from draining toward a manufacturing building in the event of a tank rupture, the surrounding grounds must slope away from the building.
(11) Safety precautions. Safety precautions at mixing plants must include these requirements:
(a) Floor construction. Floors must be constructed to eliminate floor drains and piping where molten materials could flow and be confined, in case of fire.
(b) Mixing/packaging room. The floors and equipment of the mixing and packaging room must be cleaned regularly and thoroughly to prevent accumulation of oxidizers, fuels, and other sanitizers.
(c) Housekeeping. The following housekeeping requirements must be followed:
(i) Mixing plant. The mixing and packaging plant must:
(A) Be cleaned regularly and thoroughly to prevent excessive accumulation of dust
(B) Safely dispose of empty ammonium nitrate bags daily
(ii) Surrounding area. The land surrounding the mixing plant must be kept clear of brush, dried grass, leaves, and other materials for a minimum of twenty-five feet.
(d) Welding.
(i) Welding or open flames are not permitted in or around the mixing or storage area of the plant unless:
(A) The equipment or area has been completely washed
AND
(B) All oxidizer material has been removed
(ii) Before welding or repairing hollow shafts:
(A) Oxidizer materials must be removed from the inside and outside of the shaft
AND
(B) The shaft must be vented with a minimum 1/2-inch diameter opening
(e) Explosives. Explosives are not permitted inside or within fifty feet of any facility used for mixing blasting agents.
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| Note: | This section applies to both off highway operations and public highway transportation. |
(a) Strength. A bulk delivery vehicle must be strong enough to carry a load without difficulty.
(b) Mechanical condition. A bulk delivery vehicle must be in good mechanical condition.
(c) Body. A bulk vehicle body for delivering and mixing blasting agents must:
(i) Be constructed of noncombustible materials.
(ii) Have closed bodies if they are used to transport bulk premixed blasting agents.
(d) Mixing system parts.
(i) All moving parts of the mixing system must be designed to prevent heat buildup.
(ii) Shafts or axles which contact the product must have outboard bearings with a minimum of one-inch clearance between the bearings and the outside of the product container. Special attention must be given to the clearances on all moving parts.
(e) Welding.
(i) Welding or open flames are not permitted in or around the mixing or storage area of the plant unless the equipment or area has been completely washed and all oxidizer material removed.
(ii) Before welding or repairing hollow shafts:
(A) All oxidizer material must be removed from the inside and outside of the shaft
AND
(B) The shaft must be vented with a minimum 1/2-inch diameter opening
(2) Vehicle operation. Operation of bulk delivery and mixing vehicles must comply with WAC 296-52-680, Transportation of explosive material, U.S. DOT placard requirements, and these requirements:
(a) Driver training. The vehicle driver must be:
(i) Trained in the safe operation of the vehicle, mixing, conveying, and related equipment.
(ii) Familiar with the load being delivered and general procedures for handling emergencies.
(b) Cargo and containers. Cargo and containers must:
(i) Haul either detonators or other explosives, but not both, it is permitted on bulk trucks provided a special wood or nonferrous-lined container is installed for explosives.
(ii) Be U.S. DOT specified shipping containers, according to 49 CFR Chapter 1.
(c) Moving a vehicle in the blast area. When moving a vehicle in the blast area:
(i) The driver must exercise caution to avoid driving the vehicle onto or dragging hoses over firing lines, cap wires, or explosive materials
AND
(ii) A second person must help guide the vehicle driver's movements.
(3) Pneumatic loading. Pneumatic loading from bulk delivery vehicles into blast holes primed with electric detonators or other static sensitive systems must comply with these requirements:
(a) A positive grounding device must be used to prevent accumulation of static electricity.
(b) A discharge hose must:
(i) Have a resistance range that will prevent conducting stray currents
OR
(ii) Be conductive, to bleed off static buildup.
(c) A qualified person must evaluate all static sensitive systems to determine if they will adequately dissipate static under potential field conditions.
(4) Repairs. Bulk delivery vehicle repair must comply with the requirements of this section.
(5) Prohibited activities. The following are prohibited:
(a) In-transit mixing of materials.
(b) While in or about bulk vehicles in the process of the mixing, transferring or down-the-hole loading of water-gels at or near the blasting site:
(i) Smoking
AND
(ii) Carrying flame producing devices including matches and firearms near bulk vehicles in the process of mixing, transferring, or down-the-hole loading of water-gels, at or near the blast site.
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(a) Waterproof.
(b) Constructed of compatible materials.
(c) Adequately supported and braced to withstand the combined force of all loads, including impact from product movement within the bin and accidental vehicle contact with the support legs.
(2) Discharge gates. A bin discharge gate must be designed to lock and close tightly to prevent leakage of the stored product and to lock.
(3) Loading manways. Bin loading manways or access hatches must be hinged or attached to the bin and designed to lock.
(4) Electric conveyors. An electrically driven conveyor used for loading or unloading bins must:
(a) Comply with the requirements of WAC 296-800-280, Basic electrical rules.
(b) Be designed to minimize corrosion damage.
(5) Separation distances. The following separation distances must be followed:
(a) Blasting agent bins. Bins containing blasting agents must meet the distance requirements of:
(i) Table H-20, in reference to separation from inhabited buildings, passenger railroads, and public highways
OR
(ii) Table H-22, in reference to separation from other explosives and blasting agent storage facilities.
(b) Ammonium nitrate bins. Bins containing ammonium nitrate must meet the distance requirements of Table H-22 in reference to separation of blasting agent and explosives storage.
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(a) Packaging, marking, and labeling containers of blasting agents that are being transported on public highways.
(b) Vehicles must follow placard regulations for transporting blasting agents on public highways.
(2) Transporting blasting agents and explosives together. Transportation of blasting agents with explosives in the same vehicle must meet the requirements of WAC 296-52-68060, Operation of vehicles transporting explosives.
(3) Vehicles. Vehicles transporting blasting agents must be in safe operating condition at all times.
(4) Prohibited activities. The following activities are prohibited:
(a) Carrying matches, firearms, acids, or other corrosive liquids, in the bed or body of any vehicle containing blasting agents.
(b) Allowing anyone who is smoking or under the influence of intoxicants, narcotics, or other dangerous drugs to ride, drive, load, or unload a vehicle, containing blasting agents.
(c) Transporting or carrying blasting agents on any public vehicle that has paying customers.
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WATER-GEL AND EMULSION EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING AGENTSGENERAL
| Note: | Water-gels and emulsions must be transported, stored, and used in the same way as explosives or blasting agents according to product classification unless stated otherwise in WAC 296-52-67150, Water-gel and emulsion explosives and blasting agents, through WAC 296-52-67170, Bulk delivery/mixing vehicles. |
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-52-67160
Types and classifications.
(1) Contains
explosive substance. Water-gel and emulsion explosive materials
that contain a substance classified as an explosive must be
classified as an explosive.
(2) Contains no explosive substance. Water-gel and emulsion explosive materials that do not contain any substance classified as an explosive or as cap-sensitive (as defined under "blasting agent" in WAC 296-52-60130, Definitions) must be classified as an explosive.
| Note: | Water-gel formulas, which are tested and classified as a U.S. DOT Class B explosives do not require bullet resistant magazines. |
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(a) Locations.
(i) Separation distance tables. Buildings or other facilities used for manufacturing emulsions and water-gels must meet the separation distance requirements of Table H-21 for:
(A) Inhabited buildings
(B) Passenger railroads
(C) Public highways
(ii) Determining distance. When determining the distances separating highways, railroads, and inhabited buildings from potential explosions (Table H-20), the sum of all masses that may propagate (i.e., lie at distances less than specified in Table H-22) from either individual or combined donor masses are included in the sum. However, when ammonium nitrate must be included, only fifty percent of its weight must be used because of its reduced blast effects.
(b) Construction. Buildings used for the manufacture of water-gels or emulsions must:
(i) Be constructed of noncombustible material or sheet metal on wood studs.
(ii) Have mixing plant floors made of nonabsorbent materials, such as concrete.
(iii) Be well ventilated.
(c) Heat sources. Heating units that are designed to be independent of the combustion process within the heating unit, may be used within processing buildings or compartments if they:
(i) Have temperature and safety controls
AND
(ii) Are located away from combustible materials and the finished product.
(d) Internal combustion engines.
(i) Location. All internal combustion engines used for electric power generation must be:
(A) Located outside the mixing plant building
OR
(B) Properly ventilated and isolated by a firewall
(ii) Exhaust systems. Engine exhaust systems must be located to prevent spark emissions from becoming a hazard to any materials, in or near the plant.
(f) Fuel oil storage.
(i) Facilities. Fuel oil storage facilities must be:
(A) Independent structures
(B) Located away from the manufacturing building
(ii) Surrounding area. In order to prevent oil from draining toward a manufacturing building in the event of a tank rupture, the surrounding grounds must slope away from the building.
(2) Storage of water-gel and emulsion ingredients.
(a) Explosive ingredients. Ingredients must be stored with compatible materials.
(b) Nitrate water solutions.
(i) Nitrate water solutions can be stored in tank cars, tank trucks, or fixed tanks without quantity or distance limitations.
(ii) Spills or leaks which may contaminate combustible materials must be cleaned up immediately.
(c) Metal powders. Metal powders, for example, aluminum, must be:
(i) Kept dry
AND
(ii) Stored in containers or bins that are moisture resistant or weather tight.
(d) Solid fuels. Solid fuels must be used in a way that minimizes dust explosion hazards.
(e) Peroxides and chlorates. Peroxides and chlorates cannot be used.
(3) Mixing equipment. Mixing equipment must comply with these requirements:
(a) Design. The design of processing equipment, including mixers, pumps, valves, conveying, and other related equipment, must:
(i) Be compatible with the relative sensitivity of other materials being handled.
(ii) Minimize the possibility of frictional heating, compaction, overloading, and confinement.
(iii) Prevent the introduction of foreign objects or materials.
(iv) Be designed to permit regular and periodic flushing, cleaning, dismantling, and inspection.
(b) Handling procedures. Equipment handling procedures must be designed to prevent the introduction of foreign objects or materials.
(c) Housekeeping.
(i) A cleaning and collection system for dangerous residues must be provided.
(ii) The mixing, loading, and ingredient transfer areas, where residues or spilled materials may accumulate, must be cleaned periodically.
(d) Electrical equipment. Electrical equipment must:
(i) Comply with the requirements of WAC 296-800-280, Basic electrical rules, including wiring, switches, controls, motors, and lights.
(ii) Have appropriate overload protection devices for all electric motors and generators.
(iii) Be electrically bonded with electrical generators, motors, proportioning devices, and all other electrical enclosures.
(iv) Have grounding conductors effectively bonded to:
(A) The service entrance ground connection
OR
(B) All equipment ground connections in a manner to provide a continuous path to ground
(4) Mixing facility fire prevention. Mixing facilities must comply with these fire prevention requirements:
(a) All direct sources of heat must only come from units located outside of the mixing building.
(b) A daily visual inspection must be made of the mixing, conveying, and electrical equipment to make sure they are in good operating condition.
(c) A systematic maintenance program must be conducted on a regular schedule.
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Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-52-67170
Bulk delivery/mixing vehicles.
(1)
Vehicle design. The design of bulk delivery/mixing vehicles must
comply with these requirements:
(a) Public highways. Vehicles used for the bulk transportation of emulsion, water-gels, or ingredients classified as dangerous commodities on public highways, must meet:
(i) U.S. DOT regulations, including placard requirements
AND
(ii) WAC 296-52-680, Transportation of explosive materials.
(b) Power supply. When electric power is supplied by a self-contained motor generator located on the vehicle, the generator must be separate from where the water-gel is discharged.
(c) Parking brakes and chocks. The following are requirements for parking breaks and chocks:
(i) A positive action parking brake, which will engage the wheel brakes on at least one axle, must be:
(A) Provided on vehicles equipped with air brakes
(B) Used during bulk delivery operations
(ii) Wheel chocks must supplement parking brakes whenever conditions require.
(2) Vehicle operation. Operation of bulk delivery and mixing vehicles must comply with these requirements:
(a) Driver training. The vehicle driver must be:
(i) Trained in the safe operation of the vehicle and mixing, conveying, and related equipment.
(ii) Familiar with the supplies being delivered and emergency procedures.
Pneumatic loading.
(b) Cargo and containers.
(i) Hauling either detonators or other explosives is permitted on bulk trucks provided a special wood or nonferrous lined container is installed for explosives.
(ii) Detonators and explosives must be in U.S. DOT specified shipping containers, according to 49 CFR Chapter 1.
(c) Moving a vehicle in the blast area. When moving a vehicle in the blasting area:
(i) The driver must exercise caution to avoid driving the vehicle onto or dragging hoses over firing lines, cap wires, or explosive materials.
AND
(ii) A second person must help guide the vehicle driver's movements.
(d) Transfer locations. The location chosen to transfer water-gel or other ingredients from a support vehicle to the drill hole loading vehicle, must be removed from the blast hole site if the drill holes are loaded or are in the process of being loaded.
(e) Prohibited activities. The following are prohibited:
(i) In-transit mixing of materials.
(ii) Smoking.
AND
Carrying flame-producing devices including matches and firearms near bulk vehicles in the process of mixing, transferring, or down-the-hole loading of water-gels, at or near the blast site.
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UNDERWATER BLASTING OPERATIONS(2) People on board vessels or crafts moored or anchored within one thousand five hundred feet must be notified before a blast is fired.
[]
(2) If swimming and diving activities are in progress, a signaling arrangement must be agreed upon to communicate blast warnings prior to blasting.
[]
[]
(2) Loading tubes and casings must be the same type of metal to prevent electric transient currents from occurring as a result of a galvanic reaction of the metals and water.
[]
(2) Blasting flags must be displayed.
(3) Misfires must be handled according to the requirements of WAC 296-52-67110(3), Misfires.
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UNDERGROUND BLASTING OPERATIONS(a) Explosives or blasting agents cannot be permanently stored in an underground operation until at least two exit routes are developed.
(b) Permanent underground storage magazines:
(i) Must be a minimum of three hundred feet from any shaft, adit, or active underground working area.
(ii) Containing detonators must be a minimum of fifty feet away from any magazine containing other explosives or blasting agents.
(2) Tunnels, shafts, or caissons. Detonators and explosives cannot be stored or kept in tunnels, shafts, or caissons.
[]
[]
(2) Fume Classes 2 and 3. Explosives complying with the requirements of fume Class 2 and 3 may be used if adequate ventilation is provided.
[]
[]
(a) Safety switch. A safety switch must be:
(i) Placed at intervals in the permanent firing line when firing from a power circuit.
(ii) Made:
(A) So it can only be locked in the "off position"
OR
(B) With a short-circuiting arrangement of the firing lines to the detonator circuit
(b) Lighting gap. A lighting gap must be:
(i) At least five feet ahead (in the firing system) of the main firing switch, between the switch and power source.
(ii) Bridged by a flexible jumper cord just before firing the blast.
[]
(2) Guarding entrances. All entrances:
(a) Leading into the blasting area must be carefully guarded.
(b) To any working place where a drift, raise, or other opening is about to hole through must be carefully guarded.
(3) Warning signals. A warning must be given before firing an underground blast. See Table T-1 for signaling requirements.
| TABLE T-1 | |
| WARNING SIGNAL | A 1 minute series of long blasts 5 minutes prior to blast signal. |
| BLAST SIGNAL | A series of short blasts 1 minute prior to the shot. |
| ALL CLEAR SIGNAL | A prolonged blast following the inspection of the blast. |
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(2) Muck pile. Workers cannot return to work until the muck pile has been watered down.
[]
| Note: | The following requirements apply when primers are made up at a central primer house for use in high speed tunneling: |
(a) Only enough primer must be made for each round of blasting.
(b) Primers must be placed in separate containers and bins, categorized by the degree of delay in preventing physical impact.
(2) Separation of explosives in magazines. Explosives transported in the same magazine must be separated by:
(a) One-quarter inch steel
AND
(b) Covered on each side by four inches of hardwood planking or equivalent protection.
[]
PART DTRANSPORTATION OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS
| Note: | Requirements for transportation of blasting agents are located at WAC 296-52-67145, Transportation of blasting agents. |
SCOPE
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-52-68010
Public highways.
Transportation of
explosives on public highways are:
Regulated by:
United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) (49 CFR, Parts 100 - 199)
The Washington utilities and transportation commission
Administered and enforced by the Washington state patrol.
[]
On job sites and off highway roads
Privately financed, constructed, or maintained roads
| Note: | These rules do not apply to state or interstate highway systems. |
[]
Smoke or carry matches, or any other flame producing device, while in or near a vehicle transporting explosives
Carry firearms or ammunition while in or near a vehicle transporting explosives, except guards or commissioned law enforcement officers
Drive, load, or unload a vehicle transporting explosives in a careless or reckless manner.
[]
[]
Explosives
Detonating cord
OR
Detonators.
| Note: | It is okay to transport safety fuses and properly secured nonsparking equipment in cargo spaces. |
[]
TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES Be strong enough to carry the load without difficulty
Be in good mechanical condition
Have a tight floor in the cargo compartment(s)
Not have any exposed spark producing metal inside the vehicle, which could come in contact with explosives.
[]
The job site
OR
Roads that are closed to public travel
(2) Containers. Explosives being transported in open top vehicles or trailers must be transported in:
The original U.S. DOT approved shipping container or box
OR
A day box or portable magazine that complies with the requirements of this chapter
(3) Securing containers. Explosive containers, boxes, day boxes, or portable magazines must be fastened to the bed of the vehicle or trailer.
(4) Loading. Packages of explosives cannot be loaded above the sides on open top vehicles.
(5) Tarpaulins (tarps).
If an explosives transportation vehicle or trailer does not have a fully enclosed cargo area with nonsparking interior, the cargo bed and all explosive cargo must be covered with a flame and moisture proof tarp or other effective protection against moisture and sparks
Whenever tarps are used for covering explosives, both the tarp and the explosives container must be fastened to the body of the truck bed with rope, wire, or other equally efficient tie downs.
[]
Be displayed as specified by U.S. DOT
Remain on the vehicle until all explosives have been removed.
[]
Driver training. The driver must be trained to use the fire extinguishers on the vehicle
Equipment specifications. Vehicles used for transporting explosive materials must be equipped with fire extinguishers according to the gross vehicle weight:
Less than 14,000 pounds: A minimum of two multipurpose dry-chemical extinguishers having a combined capacity of at least 4-A:20-B:C
14,000 pounds or greater: A minimum of two multipurpose drychemical extinguishers having a combined capacity of at least 4-A:70-B:C
Laboratory approval. Only fire extinguishers approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory can be used on vehicles carrying explosives
Condition and location. Fire extinguishers must be filled, ready for immediate use, and easily reached
Inspection. A competent person must inspect fire extinguishers periodically. You must comply with the requirements of WAC 296-800-30020, Inspect and test all portable fire extinguishers
(2) Vehicle inspection. Any motor vehicle used for transporting explosives must have a safety inspection. The inspection must verify that:
Fire extinguishers are filled and in working order
All electrical wiring is protected and securely fastened to prevent short circuiting
Chassis, motor, pan, and underside of body are reasonably clean and free of excess oil and grease
Fuel tank and feedline are secure and have no leaks
Tires are checked for proper inflation and defects
Brakes, lights, horn, windshield wipers, and steering apparatus are functioning properly
The vehicle is in proper condition in every other respect and acceptable for handling explosives
(3) Vehicle repair/servicing. Motor vehicles or conveyances carrying explosives, blasting agents, or blasting supplies cannot be repaired or serviced inside a garage or shop when carrying explosive material.
[]
Licensed manufacturer
Blaster
Purchaser, seller, or their designated representative
OR
Contract carrier for hire who complies with all requirements for transportation of hazardous materials
(2) Driver qualifications.
(a) Vehicles transporting explosives must be driven by a responsible licensed driver who is:
At least twenty-one years old
Physically fit
Careful
Capable
Reliable
Able to read and write the English language
Not addicted to or under the influence of intoxicants, narcotics, or other dangerous drugs. (This does not apply to people taking prescription drugs and/or narcotics as directed by a physician, as long as use of the prescription drug does not endanger the worker or others.)
(b) The driver must be:
Familiar with all:
Traffic regulations
Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and other state laws in the transportation of explosives and hazardous material laws
Aware of:
What they are carrying
Safety precautions for the explosives being transported
(3) Parking - Class A or B explosives. A vehicle that contains Class A or B explosives cannot be parked:
On or within five feet of the traveled portion of a public street or highway
On private property, including fueling or eating facilities, without the knowledge and consent of the person. The person in charge must be aware of the hazardous materials in the vehicle
OR
Within three hundred feet of a bridge, tunnel, dwelling, building, or place where people work, congregate, or assemble
| Exemption: | These restrictions do not apply when: |
| Routine operations require the vehicle be parked for a brief period of time | |
| It is impractical to park the vehicle any other place |
A vehicle containing explosive materials may be left unattended for a period not to exceed forty-eight hours provided:
The vehicle is parked in a designated parking lot, which complies with NFPA Std. 498 and the appropriate distance table for the type and quantity of explosives.
The parking lot must:
Be correctly bermed, walled, or fenced, and gated to prevent unauthorized entry
Be inspected and approved by the department
Provide a full-time, continuous security patrol when explosives are present
An explosives delivery truck does not need to be attended when it only contains International Class 1.5 D blasting agents and no high explosives, provided the:
Vehicle is locked so it cannot be moved
Cargo compartments are locked to prevent theft
Vehicle is parked according to all applicable storage distance requirements
Vehicle is located in a secured area that restricts entry of unauthorized personnel
(6) Attendant.
(a) An authorized attendant must be physically present and able to see the explosives at all times.
(b) In an emergency, the attendant must be able to quickly get to the explosives without interference.
(c) The attendant must:
Be awake
Be alert
Not be engaged in activities, which could divert their attention
Be aware of the class of explosive material and its dangers
Be instructed in the methods and procedures used to protect the public
Be familiar with the particular vehicle being driven
Be trained in the use of the vehicle
Have authorization and be able to move the vehicle if required
(7) Loading precautions. A vehicle must comply with U.S. DOT loading regulations in order to transport explosives in the same vehicle body with the following items:
Spark producing metal
Spark producing tools
Oils
Matches
Firearms
Electric storage batteries
Flammable substances
Acids
Oxidizing materials
OR
Corrosive compounds
(8) Congested areas. Vehicles transporting explosives must avoid congested areas and heavy traffic.
(9) Disabled vehicles.
A qualified person must be present before explosives can be transferred from a disabled vehicle to another vehicle
If a vehicle becomes disabled in a congested area, you must promptly notify local fire and police authorities. In a remote area they may be notified if necessary.
(10) Explosives delivery and issue. Delivery and issue of explosives must be made:
Only by and to authorized people
Into authorized magazines or authorized temporary storage or handling areas.
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Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-52-68065
Transporting detonators and explosives in
the same vehicle.
(1) Fuse type detonators, detonators with a
safety fuse, or detonators with a metal clad mild detonating
fuse, cannot be transported in the same vehicle or trailer with
other explosives, unless they comply with U.S. DOT hazardous
material regulations for:
Packaging
Separation
Transportation
(2) Detonators rated as nonmass detonating by U.S. DOT may be transported in the same vehicle or trailer with other explosives when the:
Detonators are carried in U.S. DOT approved shipping containers
OR
Truck or trailer complies with the requirements of IME Safety Library Publication Number 22, May 1993.
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(1) State approval. A state-approved powder car or conveyance must be used underground.
(2) Two-unit compartments. Compartments for transporting detonators and explosives together on the same conveyance must be physically separated by a:
Distance of twenty-four inches
OR
Solid partition a minimum of six inches thick
(3) Auxiliary lights prohibited. Auxiliary lights that are powered by an electrical system on a truck bed are prohibited.
(4) Daily inspection. The powder car or conveyance must be inspected daily for:
Properly working lights
Properly working brakes
External damage to electrical circuitry
(5) Weekly inspection. Weekly inspections must:
Be conducted on the electrical system, to assess electrical hazards
Include a written inspection certification record that:
Contains the date of inspection, the serial number, or other positive identification of the unit being inspected, and the signature of the person performing the inspection
Is kept on file for the duration of the job
(6) Explosives warning sign. Powder cars or conveyance built for transporting explosives or blasting agents must have signs posted on each side of the car that:
State "EXPLOSIVES"
Use letters a minimum of four inches high
Have a background color that sharply contrasts with the letters.
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[]
Companion items.
Explosives or blasting agents cannot be transported in the same shaft conveyance with other materials, supplies, or equipment
Detonators and other explosives cannot be transported in the same shaft conveyance
Manual transportation. Explosives or blasting agents that are not in their original containers must be placed in a suitable container when transported manually
Car or conveyance. The car or conveyance containing explosives or blasting agents must be pulled and not pushed
Locomotives. Explosives or blasting agents must:
Not be transported on any locomotive
Be separated by a minimum of two car lengths from the locomotive
Riding on a conveyance. When transporting explosives or blasting agents, no one can ride on:
A shaft conveyance
OR
Any other conveyance, except the operator, helper, or powder person
Crew haul trips. Explosives or blasting agents cannot be transported on a crew haul trip
Disposition at arrival. All explosives or blasting agents that are transported underground must immediately be taken to the place of use or storage
(2) Quantity limit. The quantity of explosives or blasting agents taken to an underground loading area cannot exceed the amount estimated to be necessary for the blast.
(3) Unloading primers at the blast site. Primers must be:
Unloaded after drilling has been completed and the holes in the round are ready for loading
Unloaded from the powder car at the face or heading
Removed from the powder car for only the exact number being used for the round
The powder car must be removed from the tunnel after the charge has been loaded
(4) Electric detonators. Wires on electric detonators must be kept shunted until wired to the bus wires.
[]
PART ESTORAGE OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-52-69005
Detonators.
Detonators must not be stored
in magazines where other explosives are stored.
[]
In the manufacturing process
Being physically handled
Being used at the blast site
OR
Being transported to a place of storage or use.
[]
| Type of Explosive | Exempted Amount |
| Stocks of: | |
| Small arms ammunition, | Quantities less than 750,000 |
| Propellant-actuated power cartridges, and | |
| Small arms ammunition primers | |
| Smokeless propellants | Quantities less than 150 pounds |
| Black powder (as used in muzzleloading firearms) | Quantities less than 5 pounds |
| Explosive-actuated power devices | Quantities less than 50 pounds net weight of explosives |
| Fuse lighters and igniters | (not applicable) |
| Safety fuses (except cordeau detonant fuses) | (not applicable) |
[]
| Note 1: | Components storage. |
| Any two components when mixed, and become capable of detonation by a #6 detonator, must be stored in separate locked containers or a licensed, approved magazine. |
| Note 2: | Electro magnetic radiation precautions. |
| Blasting operations or storage of electrical detonators are prohibited in the area of operation radio frequency (RF) transmitter stations except where the clearances (WAC 296-52-67060, Extraneous electricity and radio frequency (RF) transmitters) can be observed. |
| Note 3: | Detonators, electric detonators, detonating primers, and primed cartridges. |
| Detonators, electric detonators, detonating primers, and primed cartridges cannot be stored together or in the same magazine with other explosives. |
| Note 4: | Ammonium perchlorate rocket motors. |
| Ammonium perchlorate rocket motors in weighing more than 62.5 grams but not more than 50 pounds total weight explosives, may be stored in an attached garage of a single family residence if the living area is separated by a fire wall with a one-hour minimum fire resistance. |
[]
Table H-20, Distances for Storage of Explosives
Table H-21, Distance Table for Separation between Magazines
Table H-22, Separation Distance of Ammonium Nitrate and Blasting Agent from Explosives or Blasting Agents.
[]
Explosives
Blasting agents
Blasting supplies
(2) Black powder.
Black powder must be stored separately from other explosives in a magazine
Kegs must be stored on end, bungs down, on sides, seams down
(3) Age/or date mark. Explosives that are not already age/or date marked by the manufacturer, must be marked with the manufacturing date before being stored in the magazine.
| Note: | Unidentified explosives confiscated by law enforcement may be marked with the confiscation date, if the manufacturer's date is unknown. |
Identical grades and brands of explosives must be stored together, with the brands and grade marks showing
Explosive materials must be stored so they can be easily checked and counted
(5) Package placement. Explosive packages must be:
Placed right side up
Stacked so they are stable
(6) Ventilation. Explosive material cannot be:
Stored where they could interfere with ventilation
OR
Placed less than two inches from the interior walls
| Note: | Nonsparking lattice or other nonsparking material may be used to prevent contact of stored explosive material with interior walls. |
Magazine floors must be:
Regularly swept and the sweepings properly disposed of
Kept clean and dry
Free of grit, paper, and used packages or rubbish
Brooms and other cleaning tools cannot have any spark producing metal parts
Floors stained with nitroglycerin must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions
(8) Unpacking or repacking explosives.
Containers of explosives (except for fiberboard or other nonmetal containers) cannot be unpacked or repacked:
In a magazine
Within fifty feet of a magazine
OR
Near other explosives
Opened packages of explosives must be securely closed before returning them to a magazine
Tools used for opening packages of explosives must be constructed of nonsparking materials
A wood wedge and a fiber, rubber, or wood mallet must be used for opening or closing wooden crates of explosives.
[]
[]
(1) The local fire safety authority must be notified:
Orally, on the first day explosive materials are stored
In writing, within forty-eight hours, from the time the explosive material was stored
(2) The notification must include the following for each site where explosive material is stored:
Type of explosives
Magazine capacity
Location.
[]
All explosives must be removed from the magazine under repair and placed in another magazine or a safe distance away
Explosives must be properly guarded until they are returned to the magazine
The floor must be cleaned before beginning repairs inside a magazine.
[]
Responsible for the magazine at all times
At least twenty-one years old
Held responsible for the enforcement of all safety requirements
(2) Explosives must:
Be accounted for at all times
Be kept in a locked magazine when not in use
Not be easily accessed by unauthorized persons
(3) Inventory and use records must be kept up to date for all explosives.
(4) Any person responsible for explosives who discovers a theft or loss of explosives must report the incident to local law enforcement within twenty-four hours.
(5) Law enforcement agencies must report a theft or loss of explosives to the department immediately.
(6) Other people who know of attempted or actual unauthorized magazine entry must report this information to local law enforcement.
[]
(a) The person or company responsible for the contents of the magazine must inspect the magazine at least every seven days to determine whether there has been an unauthorized:
Attempted entry into the magazine
OR
Removal of explosives from the magazine
(b) The person doing the inspection must be familiar with the magazine and its contents.
| Note: | This inspection does not need to be an inventory. |
(a) The person doing the inspection must sign one of the following documents after completing the inspection:
A weekly inspection log
An inventory sheet
OR
Other record
(b) Weekly inspection records must be kept for at least one year.
[]
(2) Area maintenance. The area surrounding magazines must:
Be kept clear of rubbish, brush, dry grass, or trees, except live trees more than ten feet tall, for a minimum of twenty-five feet in all directions
Be free of volatile materials for a minimum of fifty feet from outdoor magazine
Have the ground around storage facilities slope away for drainage; living foliage does not need to be removed
(3) Fire sources. Smoking, matches, open flames, and spark producing devices are not permitted:
In any magazine
Within fifty feet of an outdoor magazine
OR
In any room containing an indoor magazine
(4) Warning sign.
(a) Access routes. All normal access routes to explosive material storage facilities, except Class 3 (1.4) magazines, must be posted with warning signs that read:
NEVER FIGHT EXPLOSIVE FIRES
EXPLOSIVES ARE STORED ON THIS SITE
CALL
(i) Be contrasting in color
(ii) Have the pin stroke of the letters a minimum of three inches (75 mm) high and one-half inch (12.5 mm) wide
(iii) Be placed so a bullet passing through the sign will not strike a magazine
(iv) Not be attached to magazines
(c) Transportation placards. Placards required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) (49 CFR) for transporting blasting agents must be displayed on all Class 5 magazines where blasting agents are stored.
[]
Explosives must be immediately destroyed, according to the manufacturer's recommendations, whenever they are suspected of deteriorating to the point they are:
Unstable
Dangerous
Leaking nitroglycerine
Only a licensed blaster may destroy explosives.
[]
Storage. Explosives recovered from misfires must be placed in a separate licensed magazine until they can be disposed of according to the manufacturer's recommendations
Detonator use. Detonators suspected of being defective cannot be reused
Disposal. The blaster in charge must dispose of explosives and detonators according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
[]
Inhabited buildings
Railways
Highways
Other magazines
(2) Separation distance. A distance must be maintained between magazines and the blast site. This distance must be a minimum of:
One hundred fifty feet when the quantity of explosives is greater than twenty-five pounds
Fifty feet when the quantity of explosives is twenty-five pounds or less.
[]
Magazines (Table H-21)
Inhabited buildings, railways, and highways (Table H-20)
(2) Distances that do not meet requirements. If the separation distance between two or more magazines is less than the distance required (Table H-21), the magazines must:
Be considered one magazine
AND
Comply with the minimum distance requirements for inhabited buildings, railways, and highways (Table H-20)
(3) Distance of grouped magazines to other magazines. Each magazine in a group must comply with minimum magazine distance requirements (Table H-21) in relation to other magazines not considered part of the group.
(4) Quantity of explosives.
(a) Magazine group. The total quantity of explosives stored in a magazine group (two or more) must:
Be considered one magazine
Not exceed the requirements of Table H-21 for one magazine
(b) Detonator magazine. The quantity of explosives contained in a detonator magazine takes precedence over the minimum magazine distance requirements (Table H-21) when determining the separation distance required between a detonator magazine and magazines that contain other types of explosives.
(c) Detonator strength. Strengths of blasting and electric detonators:
Up to #8 detonators must be rated as one and one-half pounds of explosives per one thousand detonators
Detonators greater than #8 must be computed on the combined weight of explosives.
[]
| Note: | You may store blasting agents with nonexplosive blasting supplies. |
(b) When computing the total quantity of explosives, the mass of blasting agents and one-half the mass of ammonium nitrate must be included when determining the distance requirements.
(c) When stored separately from explosives, blasting agents and ammonium nitrate must be stored as required in this chapter
OR
Warehouses which are:
One story without basements
Noncombustible or fire resistant
Constructed so there are no open floor drains and piping where molten materials could flow and be trapped in case of fire
Weather resistant
Well ventilated
Equipped with a strong door which is securely locked except when open for business
(d) Semi-trailer or full trailer vans used for highway or on-site transportation of blasting agents. They must:
Comply with location requirements for inhabited buildings, passenger railways, and public highways in Table H-20
Be in accordance with the distance requirements in Table H-22
Have substantial means for locking and the trailer doors must be kept locked except during the time of placement or removal of blasting agents
(e) Storage warehouses for blasting agents:
Must comply with the location requirements for inhabited buildings, passenger railways, and public highways in Table H-20
Must be in accordance with the distance requirements in Table H-22
(f) Combustible materials, flammable liquids, corrosive acids, chlorates, or nitrates cannot be stored in warehouses used for blasting agents unless they are separated by a fire resistant wall with a minimum of one-hour fire resistance.
(g) A competent person, at least twenty-one years old, must supervise every warehouse used for the storage of blasting agents.
(2) Combustible materials. These activities and items are prohibited within fifty feet (15.2 m) of any warehouse used for storing blasting agents:
Smoking
Matches
Open flames
Spark producing devices
Fire-arms
(3) Housekeeping. The interiors of warehouses used for storing blasting agents must be:
Kept clean, and free from debris and empty containers
All spilled materials must be promptly cleaned.
[]
(a) Ammonium nitrate storage requirements do not apply to:
The transportation of ammonium nitrates while under the jurisdiction of and in compliance with U.S. DOT regulations (see 49 CFR, Part 173)
The storage of ammonium nitrates while under the jurisdiction of and in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard (see 49 CFR, Parts 146-149)
The storage of ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate mixtures, which are more sensitive than allowed by the bulletin
"Definition and test procedures for ammonium nitrate fertilizers" from the Fertilizer Institute 501 2nd St. NE, Washington, DC 20006.
This definition limits the contents of organic materials, metals, sulfur, etc., in products that may be classified ammonium nitrate fertilizer.
The production of ammonium nitrate or the storage of ammonium nitrate on the premises of the producing plant, if no hazards are created to the employees or public
The standards for ammonium nitrate (nitrous oxide grade) that are found in the:
"Specifications, properties and recommendations for packaging, transportation, storage and use of ammonium nitrate," from the Compressed Gas Association, Inc., 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1004, Arlington, VA 22202-4100.
(b) Ammonium nitrate storage requirements apply to:
Anyone, in addition to the owner or lessee of any building, premises, or structure having or storing ammonium nitrate in quantities of one thousand pounds (425 kg) or more
Ammonium nitrate in the form of crystals, flakes, grains, or prills including fertilizer grade, dynamite grade, nitrous oxide grade, technical grade, and other mixtures containing sixty percent or more ammonium nitrate by weight
| Note: | The approval of large quantity storage is based on the fire and explosion hazards, including exposure to toxic vapors from burning or decomposing ammonium nitrate. |
Have adequate ventilation or be self-ventilating in the event of a fire
Have fire resistant walls when the exposed side of a storage building is within fifty feet (15.2 m) of a combustible building, forest, piles of combustible materials, and similar exposure hazards. Other suitable means of exposure protection such as a freestanding wall may be used instead of a fire resistant wall
Have roof coverings that are Class C or better as defined in Roof Coverings, NFPA 203M-1970
Have flooring of noncombustible material or be protected against saturation by ammonium nitrate. In case of fire, the floor must not have open drains, traps, tunnels, pits, or pockets into which molten ammonium nitrate could flow and be confined
Be dry and free from water seepage through the roof, walls, and floors
Not have basements, unless the basements are open on at least one side
Not be over one story in height
| Note: | The continued use of an existing storage building or structure may be approved in cases where continued use will not constitute a hazard to life or adjoining property. |
(d) Comply with specifications and standards required for use in interstate commerce (see 49 CFR, Chapter 1). Containers used on the premises in the actual manufacturing or processing do not need to comply.
Not be used for storage when the temperature of the ammonium nitrate exceeds 130°F (54.4°C)
Not be stored within thirty inches (76 cm) of the storage building walls and partitions
Not be stacked higher than twenty feet (6.1 m) in height, twenty feet (6.1 m) in width, and fifty feet (15.2 m) in length. When buildings are constructed of noncombustible materials or protected by automatic sprinklers, there are no stacking height restrictions
Never be stacked closer than thirty-six inches (.09 m) below the roof or overhead supporting and spreader beams
Be separated by aisles a minimum of 3 feet wide. There must be one main aisle in the storage area a minimum of four feet (1.2 m) wide
(e) Bulk ammonium nitrate must be stored:
In warehouses with adequate ventilation or be capable of adequate ventilation in case of fire
In structures that are not more than forty feet (12.2 m) high, unless:
They are constructed of noncombustible material
OR
Have adequate facilities for fighting a roof fire
In clean bins that are free of materials that could cause contamination
In bins or piles that are clearly identified by signs reading "AMMONIUM NITRATE" in letters a minimum of two inches (5 cm) high
In bins or piles sized and arranged so all material is moved periodically to minimize the possibility of caking
Adequately separated from easily combustible fuels. Bins cannot be made of galvanized iron, copper, lead, and zinc because of the:
Corrosive and reactive properties of ammonium nitrate
AND
To avoid contamination
In tightly constructed wooden and aluminum bins that are protected against saturation from ammonium nitrate
In tightly constructed partitions that divide the ammonium nitrate from other products to avoid contamination
Where the temperature of the product does not exceed 130°F (54.4°C)
No higher than thirty-six inches (0.9 m) below the roof or overhead supporting and spreader beams if stacked in piles. Stack limits (height and depth), should be determined by the pressure setting tendency of the product
(f) Bulk ammonium nitrate when caked, cannot be broken up or loosed by the use of dynamite, other explosives or blasting agents.
(g) Bulk ammonium nitrate cannot be stored with:
LP Gas on the premises except when such storage complies with WAC 296-24-475, Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases
Sulfur and finely divided metals in the same building except when such storage complies with this chapter and NFPA standard 495, Explosives Materials Code
Explosives and blasting agents in the same building except on the premises of manufacturers, distributors, and user of explosives or blasting agents
When explosives or blasting agents are stored in separate buildings, other than on the approval of manufacturers, distributors, and user, they must be separated from the ammonium nitrate by the distances and/or barricades specified in Table H-22 or a minimum of fifty feet (15.2 m)
With flammable liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, solvents, and light fuel oils on the premises except when such storage conforms to WAC 296-24-330, Flammable and combustible liquids, and when walls, sills or curbs are provided in accordance with WAC 296-52-69095, Ammonium nitrate
(2) Contaminants must be stored in a separate building from ammonium nitrate
OR
Be separated by an approved firewall of not less that one-hour fire resistance rating which should extend to the underside of the roof. Alternatively, the contaminants may be separated by a minimum of thirty feet (9.1 m), instead of using walls. These contaminants are:
Organic chemicals
Acids
Other corrosive materials
Materials that may require blasting during processing or handling
Compressed flammable gases
Flammable and combustible materials
Other substances including:
| Animal fats | Baled cotton | Baled rags | Baled scrap paper |
| Bleaching powder | Burlap or cotton bags | Caustic soda | Coal |
| Coke | Charcoal | Cork | Camphor |
| Excelsior | Fibers of any kind | Fish oil | Fish meal |
| Foam rubber | Hay | Lubricating oil | Linseed oil |
| Other oxidizable or drying oils | Naphthalene | Oakum | Oiled clothing |
| Oiled paper | Oiled textiles | Paint | Straw |
| Sawdust | Wood shavings | Vegetable oil |
Electrical installations, which meet the requirements of chapter 296-24 WAC, Part L, Electrical, and WAC 296-800-280, Basic electrical rules, for ordinary locations and be designed to minimize damage from corrosion
Adequate lightning protections in areas where lightning storms are prevalent (see NFPA 78-1992, Lightning Protection Code)
Procedures to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the ammonium nitrate storage area
(4) Fire protection must provide:
Water supplies and fire hydrants
Suitable fire control devices, such as a small hose or portable fire extinguishers, throughout the warehouse and in the loading/unloading areas. These devices must comply with the requirements of WAC 296-800-300, Portable fire extinguishers, and WAC 296-24-602, Standpipe and hose systems
Approved sprinkler systems installed according to WAC 296-24-607, Automatic sprinkler systems
Two thousand five hundred tons (two thousand two hundred seventy metric) or less of bagged ammonium nitrate may be stored in a structure that does not have an automatic sprinkler system.
[]
QUANTITY AND DISTANCE TABLESTable H-20
Table of Distances for Storage of Explosives
| Quantity of Explosive | Distances (in Feet) | ||||||
| (In Pounds) | Inhabited Buildings | Public Highways with Traffic Volume 3,000 or Less Vehicles Per Day | Passenger Railways and Public Highways: With Traffic Volume of More Than 3,000 Vehicles Per Day | ||||
| Over | Not Over | Barricaded | Unbarricaded | Barricaded | Unbarricaded | Barricaded | Unbarricaded |
| 0 | 5 | 70 | 140 | 30 | 60 | 51 | 102 |
| 5 | 10 | 90 | 180 | 35 | 70 | 64 | 128 |
| 10 | 20 | 110 | 220 | 45 | 90 | 81 | 162 |
| 20 | 30 | 125 | 250 | 50 | 100 | 93 | 186 |
| 30 | 40 | 140 | 280 | 55 | 110 | 103 | 206 |
| 40 | 50 | 150 | 300 | 60 | 120 | 110 | 220 |
| 50 | 75 | 170 | 340 | 70 | 140 | 127 | 254 |
| 75 | 100 | 190 | 380 | 75 | 150 | 139 | 278 |
| 100 | 125 | 200 | 400 | 80 | 160 | 150 | 300 |
| 125 | 150 | 215 | 430 | 85 | 170 | 159 | 318 |
| 150 | 200 | 235 | 470 | 95 | 190 | 175 | 350 |
| 200 | 250 | 255 | 510 | 105 | 210 | 189 | 378 |
| 250 | 300 | 270 | 540 | 110 | 220 | 201 | 402 |
| 300 | 400 | 295 | 599 | 120 | 240 | 221 | 442 |
| 400 | 500 | 320 | 640 | 130 | 260 | 238 | 476 |
| 500 | 600 | 340 | 680 | 135 | 270 | 253 | 506 |
| 600 | 700 | 355 | 710 | 145 | 290 | 266 | 532 |
| 700 | 800 | 375 | 750 | 150 | 300 | 278 | 556 |
| 800 | 900 | 390 | 780 | 155 | 310 | 289 | 578 |
| 900 | 1,000 | 400 | 800 | 160 | 320 | 300 | 600 |
| 1,000 | 1,200 | 425 | 850 | 165 | 330 | 318 | 636 |
| 1,200 | 1,400 | 450 | 900 | 170 | 340 | 336 | 672 |
| 1,400 | 1,600 | 470 | 940 | 175 | 350 | 351 | 702 |
| 1,600 | 1,800 | 490 | 980 | 180 | 360 | 366 | 732 |
| 1,800 | 2,000 | 505 | 1,010 | 185 | 370 | 378 | 756 |
| 2,000 | 2,500 | 545 | 1,090 | 190 | 380 | 408 | 816 |
| 2,500 | 3,000 | 580 | 1,160 | 195 | 390 | 432 | 864 |
| 3,000 | 4,000 | 635 | 1,270 | 210 | 420 | 474 | 948 |
| 4,000 | 5,000 | 685 | 1,370 | 225 | 450 | 513 | 1,026 |
| 5,000 | 6,000 | 730 | 1,460 | 235 | 470 | 546 | 1,092 |
| 6,000 | 7,000 | 770 | 1,540 | 245 | 490 | 573 | 1,146 |
| 7,000 | 8,000 | 800 | 1,600 | 250 | 500 | 600 | 1,200 |
| 8,000 | 9,000 | 835 | 1,670 | 255 | 510 | 624 | 1,248 |
| 9,000 | 10,000 | 865 | 1,730 | 260 | 520 | 645 | 1,290 |
| 10,000 | 12,000 | 875 | 1,750 | 270 | 540 | 687 | 1,374 |
| 12,000 | 14,000 | 885 | 1,770 | 275 | 550 | 723 | 1,446 |
| 14,000 | 16,000 | 900 | 1,800 | 280 | 560 | 756 | 1,512 |
| 16,000 | 18,000 | 940 | 1,880 | 285 | 570 | 786 | 1,572 |
| 18,000 | 20,000 | 975 | 1,950 | 290 | 580 | 813 | 1,626 |
| 20,000 | 25,000 | 1,055 | 2,000 | 315 | 630 | 876 | 1,752 |
| 25,000 | 30,000 | 1,130 | 2,000 | 340 | 680 | 933 | 1,866 |
| 30,000 | 35,000 | 1,205 | 2,000 | 360 | 720 | 931 | 1,962 |
| 35,000 | 40,000 | 1,275 | 2,000 | 380 | 760 | 1,026 | 2,000 |
| 40,000 | 45,000 | 1,340 | 2,000 | 400 | 800 | 1,068 | 2,000 |
| 45,000 | 50,000 | 1,400 | 2,000 | 420 | 840 | 1,104 | 2,000 |
| 50,000 | 55,000 | 1,460 | 2,000 | 440 | 880 | 1,140 | 2,000 |
| 55,000 | 60,000 | 1,515 | 2,000 | 455 | 910 | 1,173 | 2,000 |
| 60,000 | 65,000 | 1,565 | 2,000 | 470 | 940 | 1,206 | 2,000 |
| 65,000 | 70,000 | 1,610 | 2,000 | 485 | 970 | 1,236 | 2,000 |
| 70,000 | 75,000 | 1,655 | 2,000 | 500 | 1,000 | 1,263 | 2,000 |
| 75,000 | 80,000 | 1,695 | 2,000 | 510 | 1,020 | 1,293 | 2,000 |
| 80,000 | 85,000 | 1,730 | 2,000 | 520 | 1,040 | 1,317 | 2,000 |
| 85,000 | 90,000 | 1,760 | 2,000 | 530 | 1,060 | 1,344 | 2,000 |
| 90,000 | 95,000 | 1,790 | 2,000 | 540 | 1,080 | 1,368 | 2,000 |
| 95,000 | 100,000 | 1,815 | 2,000 | 545 | 1,090 | 1,392 | 2,000 |
| 100,000 | 110,000 | 1,835 | 2,000 | 550 | 1,100 | 1,437 | 2,000 |
| 110,000 | 120,000 | 1,855 | 2,000 | 555 | 1,110 | 1,479 | 2,000 |
| 120,000 | 130,000 | 1,875 | 2,000 | 560 | 1,120 | 1,521 | 2,000 |
| 130,000 | 140,000 | 1,890 | 2,000 | 565 | 1,130 | 1,557 | 2,000 |
| 140,000 | 150,000 | 1,900 | 2,000 | 570 | 1,140 | 1,593 | 2,000 |
| 150,000 | 160,000 | 1,935 | 2,000 | 580 | 1,160 | 1,629 | 2,000 |
| 160,000 | 170,000 | 1,965 | 2,000 | 590 | 1,180 | 1,662 | 2,000 |
| 170,000 | 180,000 | 1,990 | 2,000 | 600 | 1,200 | 1,695 | 2,000 |
| 180,000 | 190,000 | 2,010 | 2,010 | 605 | 1,210 | 1,725 | 2,000 |
| 190,000 | 200,000 | 2,030 | 2,030 | 610 | 1,220 | 1,755 | 2,000 |
| 200,000 | 210,000 | 2,055 | 2,055 | 620 | 1,240 | 1,782 | 2,000 |
| 210,000 | 230,000 | 2,100 | 2,100 | 635 | 1,270 | 1,836 | 2,000 |
| 230,000 | 250,000 | 2,155 | 2,155 | 650 | 1,300 | 1,890 | 2,000 |
| 250,000 | 275,000 | 2,215 | 2,215 | 670 | 1,340 | 1,950 | 2,000 |
| 275,000 | 300,000 | 2,275 | 2,275 | 690 | 1,380 | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Note 1: | Terms used in Table H-20 are found in WAC 296-52-60130, Definitions. |
| Note 2: | Source of table data is BATF (6/90) 55.218. |
[]
| Note: | This table applies to the permanent storage of commercial explosives only. It does not apply to: |
| Explosives handling | |
| Explosives transportation | |
| Temporary storage of explosives | |
| Bombs, projectiles, or other heavily encased explosives |
Magazines containing detonators and electric detonators must be separated from:
(1) Other magazines with similar contents.
OR
(2) Magazines containing explosives.
| Note: | Definitions of barricade including artificial and natural barricade can be found in WAC 296-52-60130, Definitions. |
Table H-21
| QUANTITY AND DISTANCE TABLE FOR SEPARATION BETWEEN MAGAZINES CONTAINING EXPLOSIVES | Separation Distance in Feet Between Magazines | ||||||
| Pounds Over | Pounds Not Over | Not Barricaded | Barricaded | ||||
| 2 | 5 | 12 | 6 | ||||
| 5 | 10 | 16 | 8 | ||||
| 10 | 20 | 20 | 10 | ||||
| 20 | 30 | 22 | 11 | ||||
| 30 | 40 | 24 | 12 | ||||
| 40 | 50 | 28 | 14 | ||||
| 50 | 75 | 30 | 15 | ||||
| 75 | 100 | 32 | 16 | ||||
| 100 | 125 | 36 | 18 | ||||
| 125 | 150 | 38 | 19 | ||||
| 150 | 200 | 42 | 21 | ||||
| 200 | 250 | 46 | 23 | ||||
| 250 | 300 | 48 | 24 | ||||
| 300 | 400 | 54 | 27 | ||||
| 400 | 500 | 58 | 29 | ||||
| 500 | 600 | 62 | 31 | ||||
| 600 | 700 | 64 | 32 | ||||
| 700 | 800 | 66 | 33 | ||||
| 800 | 900 | 70 | 35 | ||||
| 900 | 1,000 | 72 | 36 | ||||
| 1,000 | 1,200 | 78 | 39 | ||||
| 1,200 | 1,400 | 82 | 41 | ||||
| 1,400 | 1,600 | 86 | 43 | ||||
| 1,600 | 1,800 | 88 | 44 | ||||
| 1,800 | 2,000 | 90 | 45 | ||||
| 2,000 | 2,500 | 98 | 49 | ||||
| 2,500 | 3,000 | 104 | 52 | ||||
| 3,000 | 4,000 | 116 | 58 | ||||
| 4,000 | 5,000 | 122 | 61 | ||||
| 5,000 | 6,000 | 130 | 65 | ||||
| 6,000 | 7,000 | 136 | 68 | ||||
| 7,000 | 8,000 | 144 | 72 | ||||
| 8,000 | 9,000 | 150 | 75 | ||||
| 9,000 | 10,000 | 156 | 78 | ||||
| 10,000 | 12,000 | 164 | 82 | ||||
| 12,000 | 14,000 | 174 | 87 | ||||
| 14,000 | 16,000 | 180 | 90 | ||||
| 16,000 | 18,000 | 188 | 94 | ||||
| 18,000 | 20,000 | 196 | 98 | ||||
| 20,000 | 25,000 | 210 | 105 | ||||
| 25,000 | 30,000 | 224 | 112 | ||||
| 30,000 | 35,000 | 238 | 119 | ||||
| 35,000 | 40,000 | 248 | 124 | ||||
| 40,000 | 45,000 | 258 | 129 | ||||
| 45,000 | 50,000 | 270 | 135 | ||||
| 50,000 | 55,000 | 280 | 140 | ||||
| 55,000 | 60,000 | 290 | 145 | ||||
| 60,000 | 65,000 | 300 | 150 | ||||
| 65,000 | 70,000 | 310 | 155 | ||||
| 70,000 | 75,000 | 320 | 160 | ||||
| 75,000 | 80,000 | 330 | 165 | ||||
| 80,000 | 85,000 | 340 | 170 | ||||
| 85,000 | 90,000 | 350 | 175 | ||||
| 90,000 | 95,000 | 360 | 180 | ||||
| 95,000 | 100,000 | 370 | 185 | ||||
| 100,000 | 110,000 | 380 | 195 | ||||
| 110,000 | 120,000 | 410 | 205 | ||||
| 120,000 | 130,000 | 430 | 215 | ||||
| 130,000 | 140,000 | 450 | 225 | ||||
| 140,000 | 150,000 | 470 | 235 | ||||
| 150,000 | 160,000 | 490 | 245 | ||||
| 160,000 | 170,000 | 510 | 255 | ||||
| 170,000 | 180,000 | 530 | 265 | ||||
| 180,000 | 190,000 | 550 | 275 | ||||
| 190,000 | 200,000 | 570 | 285 | ||||
| 200,000 | 210,000 | 590 | 295 | ||||
| 210,000 | 230,000 | 630 | 315 | ||||
| 230,000 | 250,000 | 670 | 335 | ||||
| 250,000 | 275,000 | 720 | 360 | ||||
| 275,000 | 300,000 | 770 | 385 | ||||
| Note: | With site-specific department approval, a stand of mature timber may qualify as a natural barricade. The timber must be dense enough so the area requiring protection cannot be seen from the magazine when the trees are bare of leaves. |
[]
Table H-22
TABLE OF SEPARATION DISTANCES OF AMMONIUM NITRATE AND BLASTING AGENTS
FROM EXPLOSIVES OR BLASTING AGENTS1
| Donor weight | Minimum separation distance of receptor when barricaded2 (ft.) | Minimum thickness of artificial barricades5 (in.) | ||
| Pounds over | Pounds not over | Ammonium nitrate3 | Blasting agent4 | |
| 100 | 3 | 11 | 12 | |
| 100 | 300 | 4 | 14 | 12 |
| 300 | 600 | 5 | 18 | 12 |
| 600 | 1,000 | 6 | 22 | 12 |
| 1,000 | 1,600 | 7 | 25 | 12 |
| 1,600 | 2,000 | 8 | 29 | 12 |
| 2,000 | 3,000 | 9 | 32 | 15 |
| 3,000 | 4,000 | 10 | 36 | 15 |
| 4,000 | 6,000 | 11 | 40 | 15 |
| 6,000 | 8,000 | 12 | 43 | 20 |
| 8,000 | 10,000 | 13 | 47 | 20 |
| 10,000 | 12,000 | 14 | 50 | 20 |
| 12,000 | 16,000 | 15 | 54 | 25 |
| 16,000 | 20,000 | 16 | 58 | 25 |
| 20,000 | 25,000 | 18 | 65 | 25 |
| 25,000 | 30,000 | 19 | 68 | 30 |
| 30,000 | 35,000 | 20 | 72 | 30 |
| 35,000 | 40,000 | 21 | 76 | 30 |
| 40,000 | 45,000 | 22 | 79 | 35 |
| 45,000 | 50,000 | 23 | 83 | 35 |
| 50,000 | 55,000 | 24 | 86 | 35 |
| 55,000 | 60,000 | 25 | 90 | 35 |
| 60,000 | 70,000 | 26 | 94 | 40 |
| 70,000 | 80,000 | 28 | 101 | 40 |
| 80,000 | 90,000 | 30 | 108 | 40 |
| 90,000 | 100,000 | 32 | 115 | 40 |
| 100,000 | 120,000 | 34 | 122 | 50 |
| 120,000 | 140,000 | 37 | 133 | 50 |
| 140,000 | 160,000 | 40 | 144 | 50 |
| 160,000 | 180,000 | 44 | 158 | 50 |
| 180,000 | 200,000 | 48 | 173 | 50 |
| 200,000 | 220,000 | 52 | 187 | 60 |
| 220,000 | 250,000 | 56 | 202 | 60 |
| 250,000 | 275,000 | 60 | 216 | 60 |
| 275,000 | 300,000 | 64 | 230 | 60 |
M1 is a potential acceptor mass. D12 is distance from M1 to M2 (edge to edge). D13 is distance from M1 to M3 (edge to edge), etc. M2 + M3 + Mn
Note 1:
These distances apply to the separation of storage. Table H-20 must be used in determining separation distances from inhabited
buildings, passenger railways, and public highways.
Note 2:
When the ammonium nitrate and/or blasting agent is not barricaded, the distances shown in the table must be multiplied by six.
These distances allow for the possibility of high velocity metal fragments from mixers, hoppers, truck bodies, sheet metal
structures, metal containers, and the like which may enclose the "donor." When ammonium nitrate is stored in a bullet resistant
magazine it is recommended explosives or where the storage is protected by a bullet resistant wall, distances, and barricade
thickness in excess of those prescribed in Table H-20 are not required.
Note 3:
The distances in the table apply to ammonium nitrate that passes the insensitivity test prescribed in the definition of ammonium
nitrate fertilizer promulgated by the Fertilizer Institute, and ammonium nitrate failing to pass a test must be stored at separation
distances determined by competent persons. (Definition and Test Procedures for Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer, the Fertilizer
Institute, formerly the National Plant Food Institute, November 1964.)
Note 4:
These distances apply to nitro-carbo-nitrates and blasting agents, which pass the insensitivity test prescribed in the U.S. DOT
regulations.
Note 5:
Acceptable barricades include either natural or artificial barricades as defined in WAC 296-52-60130, Definitions.
Note 6:
When the ammonium nitrate must be counted in determining the distances to be maintained from inhabited buildings, passenger
railways, and public highways, it may be counted at one-half its actual weight because its blast effect is lower.
Note 7:
Guide to use of table of recommended separation distances of ammonium nitrate and blasting agents from explosives or
blasting agents.
(a) Sketch the location of all potential donors and acceptor materials together with the maximum amount of material to be
allowed in the area. (Potential donors are high explosives, blasting agents, and combination of masses of detonating materials.
Potential acceptors are high explosives, blasting agents, and ammonium nitrate.)
(b) Consider each donor mass in combination with each acceptor mass. If the masses are closer than table allowance, distances
measured between nearest edges, the combination of masses becomes a new potential donor of weight equal to the total mass.
When individual masses are considered as donors, distances to potential acceptors must be measured between edges. When
combined masses within propagating distance of each other are considered as a donor, the appropriate distance to the edge of
potential acceptors must be computed as a weighted distance from the combined masses:
(i) Calculation of weighted distance from combined masses:
To find weighted distance D1(2,3... n) from combined masses to M1, add the products of the individual masses and distances and
divide the total by the sum of the masses:
Propagation is possible if either an individual donor mass is less than the tabulated distance from an acceptor or a combined
mass is less than the weighted distance from an acceptor.
(c) When determining the distances separating highways, railroads, and inhabited buildings from potential explosions (as
prescribed in Table H-20), the sum of all masses which may propagate (i.e., lie at distances less than prescribed in the table)
from either individual or combined donor masses are included. However, the ammonium nitrate must be included, only 50
percent of its weight must be used because of its reduced blast effects. In applying Table H-21, distances from highways,
railroads, and inhabited buildings, distances are measured from the nearest edge of potentially explodable material.
(d) When all or part of a potential acceptor comprises explosives Class A as defined in U.S. DOT regulations, storage in bullet
resistant magazines is required. Safe distances to stores in bullet resistant magazines may be obtained from the intermagazine
distances described in Table H-21.
(e) Barricades cannot have line of sight openings between potential donors and acceptors, which permit blast or missiles to
move directly between masses.
(f) Good housekeeping practices must be maintained around any bin containing ammonium nitrate or blasting agent. This
includes keeping weeds and other combustible materials cleared within twenty-five feet of the bin. Accumulation of spilled
product on the ground must be prevented.
[]
(1) Explosives manufacturing buildings. Explosives manufacturing buildings must be located away from manufacturing and nonmanufacturing buildings as required by Table H-23.
(2) Magazines. Magazines must be located away from manufacturing and nonmanufacturing buildings as required by Table H-23.
Table H-23
Distance Feet |
|||||
| EXPLOSIVES | |||||
| Pounds Over | Pounds Not Over | Separate Building or Within Substantial Dividing Walls | |||
| . . . . | 10 | ||||
| 10 | 25 | 40 | |||
| 25 | 50 | 60 | |||
| 50 | 100 | 80 | |||
| 100 | 200 | 100 | |||
| 200 | 300 | 120 | |||
| 300 | 400 | 130 | |||
| 400 | 500 | 140 | |||
| 500 | 750 | 160 | |||
| 750 | 1,000 | 180 | |||
| 1,000 | 1,500 | 210 | |||
| 1,500 | 2,000 | 230 | |||
| 2,000 | 3,000 | 260 | |||
| 3,000 | 4,000 | 280 | |||
| 4,000 | 5,000 | 300 | |||
| 5,000 | 6,000 | 320 | |||
| 6,000 | 7,000 | 340 | |||
| 7,000 | 8,000 | 360 | |||
| 8,000 | 9,000 | 380 | |||
| 9,000 | 10,000 | 400 | |||
| 10,000 | 12,500 | 420 | |||
| 12,500 | 15,000 | 450 | |||
| 15,000 | 17,500 | 470 | |||
| 17,500 | 20,000 | 490 | |||
| 20,000 | 25,000 | 530 | |||
| 25,000 | 30,000 | 560 | |||
| 30,000 | 35,000 | 590 | |||
| 35,000 | 40,000 | 620 | |||
| 40,000 | 45,000 | 640 | |||
| 45,000 | 50,000 | 660 | |||
| 50,000 | 55,000 | 680 | |||
| 55,000 | 60,000 | 700 | |||
| 60,000 | 65,000 | 720 | |||
| 65,000 | 70,000 | 740 | |||
| 70,000 | 75,000 | 770 | |||
| 75,000 | 80,000 | 780 | |||
| 80,000 | 85,000 | 790 | |||
| 85,000 | 90,000 | 800 | |||
| 90,000 | 95,000 | 820 | |||
| 95,000 | 100,000 | 830 | |||
| 100,000 | 125,000 | 900 | |||
| 125,000 | 150,000 | 950 | |||
| 150,000 | 175,000 | 1,000 | |||
| 175,000 | 200,000 | 1,050 | |||
| 200,000 | 225,000 | 1,100 | |||
| 225,000 | 250,000 | 1,150 | |||
| 250,000 | 275,000 | 1,200 | |||
| 275,000 | 300,000 | 1,250 | |||
[]
Class B
Class C (Division 1.3 or 1.4), low explosives
Low explosives classified by BATF
(2) Detonators cannot be stored with low explosives.
Table H-24
TABLE OF DISTANCES FOR STORAGE OF LOW EXPLOSIVES
| Pounds | From
inhabited
building
distance (feet) |
From
public
railroad
and
highway distance (feet) |
From above
ground
magazine (feet) |
|
| Over | Not Over | |||
| 0 | 1,000 | 75 | 75 | 50 |
| 1,000 | 5,000 | 115 | 115 | 75 |
| 5,000 | 10,000 | 150 | 150 | 100 |
| 10,000 | 20,000 | 190 | 190 | 125 |
| 20,000 | 30,000 | 215 | 215 | 145 |
| 30,000 | 40,000 | 235 | 235 | 155 |
| 40,000 | 50,000 | 250 | 250 | 165 |
| 50,000 | 60,000 | 260 | 260 | 175 |
| 60,000 | 70,000 | 270 | 270 | 185 |
| 70,000 | 80,000 | 280 | 280 | 190 |
| 80,000 | 90,000 | 295 | 295 | 195 |
| 90,000 | 100,000 | 300 | 300 | 200 |
| 100,000 | 200,000 | 375 | 375 | 250 |
| 200,000 | 300,000 | 450 | 450 | 300 |
[]
PART FMAGAZINE CONSTRUCTION
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-52-700
Magazine construction.
Construction of
explosive storage magazines must comply with the requirements of
this part and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF)
regulations.
| Note: | Construction requirements for blasting agent bulk storage bins are located in WAC 296-52-67140, Bulk storage bins. |
[]
A permanent structure such as:
A building
An igloo
An army-type structure
A tunnel
OR
A dugout
Bullet resistant, fire resistant, weather resistant, theft resistant, and well ventilated.
[]
Be constructed of masonry, wood, metal, or a combination of these materials
Have no openings except for entrances and ventilation
Have the ground around the facility slope away for drainage
(1) Wall construction.
(a) Masonry wall construction. Masonry wall construction must:
Consist of brick, concrete, tile, cement block, or cinder block
Be at least six inches thick
(b) Hollow masonry construction. Hollow masonry construction must:
Have all hollow spaces filled with well tamped coarse dry sand
OR
Have weak concrete (a mixture of one part cement to eight parts sand with enough water to dampen the mixture) while tamping in place
AND
Have interior walls covered with a nonsparking material
(c) Fabricated metal wall construction.
Metal wall construction must be securely fastened to a metal framework and consist of one of the following types of metal:
Sectional sheets of steel (at least number 14 gauge)
OR
Aluminum (at least number 14 gauge)
Metal wall construction must:
Be lined with brick, solid cement blocks, and hardwood at least four inches thick or material of equivalent strength
Have a minimum of six-inch sand fill between interior and exterior walls
Have interior walls constructed of or covered with a nonsparking material
(d) Wood frame wall construction.
Exterior wood walls must be covered with iron or aluminum at least number 26 gauge
Inner walls, made of nonsparking materials must be constructed with a space:
A minimum of six inches between the outer and inner walls
AND
Filled with coarse dry sand or weak concrete
(2) Floors. Floors must be:
(a) Constructed of a nonsparking material.
(b) Strong enough to hold the weight of the maximum quantity to be stored.
(3) Foundation.
Foundations must be constructed of brick, concrete, cement block, stone, or wood posts
If piers or posts are used instead of a continuous foundation, the space under the building must be enclosed with metal
(4) Roof.
(a) Roofs must be covered with no less than number 26 gauge iron or aluminum fastened to a 7/8-inch sheathing, except for buildings with fabricated metal roofs.
(b) If it is possible for a bullet to be fired directly through the roof at such an angle that it would strike a point below the top of the inner walls, storage facilities must be protected by one of the following two methods:
A sand tray must be:
Located at the top of the inner wall covering the entire ceiling area, except the area necessary for ventilation.
Lined with a layer of building paper.
Filled with at least four inches of coarse dry sand.
A fabricated metal roof must be constructed of 3/16-inch plate steel lined with four inches of hardwood or material of equivalent strength. For each additional 1/16-inch of plate steel, the hardwood or material of equivalent strength lining may be decreased one inch.
(5) Doors and hinges.
(a) All doors must be constructed of 1/4-inch plate steel and lined with two inches of hardwood or material of equivalent strength.
(b) Hinges and hasps must be installed so they cannot be removed when the doors are closed and locked by:
Welding
Riveting
OR
Bolting nuts on the inside of the door
(6) Locks.
(a) Each door must be equipped with:
Two mortise locks
Two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and staples
A combination of a mortise lock and a padlock
A mortise lock that requires two keys to open
OR
A three-point lock
(b) Padlocks must:
Have a minimum of five tumblers
Have a case hardened shackle at least 3/8 inches in diameter
Be protected with a minimum of 1/4-inch steel hoods, constructed to prevent sawing or lever action on the locks, hasps, and staples
| Note: | These requirements do not apply to magazine doors that are adequately secured on the inside by means of a bolt, lock, or bar that cannot be operated from the outside. |
A two-inch air space must be left around ceilings and the perimeter of floors, except in doorways
Foundation ventilators must be at least four inches by six inches
Vents in the foundation, roof, or gables must be screened and offset
(8) Exposed metal.
Sparking metal construction cannot be exposed below the tops of walls in storage facilities
All nails must be blind nailed, countersunk, or nonsparking.
[]
Be constructed of reinforced concrete, masonry, metal, or a combination of these materials
Have an earth mound covering of at least twenty-four inches on the top, sides, and rear unless the magazine meets the requirements of WAC 296-52-70010 (4)(b), Building construction for roofs
Have interior walls and floors covered with a nonsparking material
Be constructed according to the requirements of WAC 296-52-70005, Class 1 magazines: Permanent storage facilities, through WAC 296-52-70060, Construction.
[]
Be a box, trailer, semi-trailer, or other mobile facility. When an unattended vehicular magazine is used, the wheels must be removed or it must be effectively immobilized by kingpin locking devices or other methods approved by the department
Be bullet resistant, fire resistant, weather resistant, theft resistant, and well ventilated
Be a minimum of one cubic yard
Be supported to prevent direct contact with the ground
Have the ground around the magazine slope away for drainage or provide for other adequate drainage.
[]
(a) The exterior and doors must be constructed of at least 1/4-inch steel and lined with a minimum of two-inch hardwood.
(b) Magazines with top openings must have lids with water resistant seals or lids that overlap the sides by a minimum of one inch when closed.
(2) Hinges and hasps. Hinges and hasps must be installed so they cannot be removed when the doors are closed and locked by:
Welding
Riveting
OR
Bolting nuts on the inside of the door
(3) Locks.
(a) Each door must be equipped with:
Two mortise locks
Two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and staples
A combination of mortise lock and a padlock
A mortise lock that requires two keys to open
OR
A three-point lock
(b) Padlocks must have:
A minimum of five tumblers and a case hardened shackle with a minimum of 3/8-inch diameter
A minimum of 1/4-inch steel hoods constructed to prevent sawing or lever action on the locks, hasps, and staples
| Note: | These requirements do not apply to magazine doors that are adequately secured on the inside by means of a bolt, lock, or bar that cannot be operated from the outside. |
A two-inch air space must be left around ceilings and the perimeter of floors, except at doorways
Foundation ventilators must be at least four inches by six inches
Vents in the foundation, roof, or gables must be screened and offset
(5) Exposed metal.
Sparking metal cannot be exposed below the top of walls in the storage facilities
All nails must be blind nailed, countersunk, or nonsparking
| Note: | The following are nonmandatory construction alternatives for magazine exteriors: |
| All steel and wood dimensions shown are actual thickness | |
| The manufacturer's represented thickness may be used to meet the concrete block and brick dimensions. |
3/16-inch steel lined with an interior of 4-inch hardwood.
3/16-inch steel lined with:
An interior of 7 inches of softwood
OR
6 3/4 inches of plywood.
3/16-inch steel lined with:
An intermediate layer of 3-inch hardwood
AND
An interior lining of 3/4-inch plywood.
1/8
1/8-inch steel lined with an interior of 5-inch hardwood.
1/8-inch steel lined with an interior of 9-inch softwood.
1/8-inch steel lined with:
An intermediate layer of 4-inch hardwood
AND
An interior lining of 3/4-inch plywood.
1/8-inch steel lined with:
A first intermediate layer of 3/4-inch plywood.
A second intermediate layer of 3 5/8 inches well-tamped dry sand
OR
Sand/cement mixture.
An interior lining of 3/4-inch plywood.
5/8-inch steel lined with an interior of any type of nonsparking material.
1/2-inch steel lined with an interior of at least 3/8-inch plywood.
3/8-inch steel lined with an interior of 2-inch hardwood.
3/8-inch steel lined with an interior of:
3 inches softwood
OR
2 1/4 inches of plywood.
1/4-inch steel lined with:
An interior of 5 inches of softwood
OR
5 1/4 inches of plywood.
Any type of structurally sound fire resistant material lined with:
An intermediate layer of 4-inch solid concrete block
OR
4-inch solid brick or concrete
AND
An interior lining of 1/2-inch plywood placed securely against the masonry lining.
Standard 8-inch concrete block with voids filled with well tamped sand/cement mixture.
Standard 8-inch solid brick.
Any type of structurally sound fire resistant material lined with an intermediate 6-inch space filled with:
Well tamped dry sand
OR
Well tamped sand/cement mixture.
Any type of fire resistant material lined with:
A first intermediate layer of 3/4-inch plywood,
A second intermediate layer of 3 5/8-inch well tamped dry sand
OR
Sand/cement mixture,
A third intermediate layer of 3/4-inch plywood,
A fourth intermediate layer of 2-inch hardwood
OR
14 gauge steel and an interior lining of 3/4-inch plywood,
8-inch thick solid concrete.
[]
Detonators in quantities of one thousand or less
Ammonium perchlorate rocket motors in 62.5 gram amounts or greater, but not to exceed fifty pounds in total weight of explosives.
OR
Diversionary devices intended for law enforcement use only, but not to exceed fifty pounds in total weight of explosives.
[]
Must be fire resistant and theft resistant
Must be locked in an uninhabited building
May be less than one cubic yard
Must be painted red and have an identification label in case of fire.
[]
(2) Hinges and hasps must be attached so they cannot be removed from the outside.
(3) One steel padlock, which does not need to be protected by a steel hood, having a minimum of five tumblers and a case hardened shackle of a minimum of 3/8-inch diameter is sufficient for locking purposes.
[]
Be a building, an igloo, an army-type structure, a tunnel, a dugout, a box, a trailer, semi-trailer, or other mobile facility
Be fire resistant, weather resistant, and theft resistant
Have the ground around the facility slope away for drainage
Have the wheels removed or effectively immobilized by kingpin locking devices or other methods approved by the department, when an unattended vehicular magazine is used.
| Note: | Test results show that electric detonators are not affected by sympathetic detonation. Therefore, a Class 4 storage facility meets the necessary requirements for storage of electric detonators. |
[]
(2) Foundations. Foundations must be constructed of:
Brick
Concrete
Cement block
Stone
Metal
OR
Wood posts
(3) The space under the building must be enclosed with fire resistant material, if piers or posts replace continuous foundation.
(4) The walls and floors must be made or covered with a nonsparking material or lattice work.
(5) Doors must be metal or solid wood covered with metal.
(6) Hinges and hasps must be installed so they cannot be removed when the doors are closed and locked by:
Welding
Riveting
OR
Bolting nuts on the inside of the door
(7) Locks.
(a) Each door must be equipped with:
Two mortise locks
Two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and staples
A combination of a mortise lock and a padlock
A mortise lock that requires two keys to open
OR
A three-point lock
(b) Padlocks must:
Have a minimum of five tumblers
Have a case hardened shackle of a minimum of 3/8-inch diameter
Be protected with a minimum of 1/4-inch steel hoods constructed to prevent sawing or lever action on the locks, hasps, and staples.
| Note: | These requirements do not apply to magazine doors that are adequately secured on the inside by means of a bolt, lock, or bar that cannot be operated from the outside. |
[]
Be a building, an igloo, an army-type structure, a tunnel, a dugout, a box, or a trailer, semi-trailer, or other mobile facility
Be weather resistant and theft resistant
Have the ground around the facility slope away for drainage
Have the wheels removed or be effectively immobilized by kingpin locking devices or other methods approved by the department, when the unattended vehicular magazine is used.
[]
(2) Hinges and hasps must be installed so they cannot be removed when the doors are closed and locked by:
Welding
Riveting
OR
Bolting nuts on the inside of the door
(3) Locks.
(a) Each door must be equipped with:
Two mortise locks
Two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and staples
A combination of a mortise lock and a padlock
A mortise lock that requires two keys to open
OR
A three-point lock
(b) Padlocks must have:
A minimum of five tumblers
A case hardened shackle of a minimum of 3/8-inch diameter
Padlocks must be protected with a minimum of 1/4-inch steel hoods constructed to prevent sawing or lever action on the locks, hasps, and staples.
| Note: | Trailers, semi-trailers, and similar vehicular magazines. Each door may be locked with one 3/8-inch diameter steel padlock and does not need to be protected by a steel hood, if the door hinges and lock hasp are securely fastened to the magazine and to the doorframe. These requirements do not apply to magazine doors that are adequately secured on the inside by means of a bolt, lock, or bar that cannot be operated from the outside. |
[]
Be fire, weather, and theft resistant
Be used in a manner that safely separates detonators from other explosives
Be constructed of a minimum of number 12 gauge (.1046 inches) steel
Be lined with at least either 1/2-inch plywood or 1/2-inch masonite-type hardboard
Have doors that overlap the sides by a minimum of one inch
Have appropriate ground slope for drainage
(2) Hinges and hasps must be attached by:
Welding
Riveting
OR
Bolting nuts on the inside of the door
(3) One steel padlock, which does not need to be protected by a steel hood, having a minimum of five tumblers and a case hardened shackle of a minimum of 3/8-inch diameter is sufficient for locking purposes.
[]
(1) Construction materials. Sides, bottoms, and covers must be:
Constructed of number 12 gauge metal
Lined with a nonsparking material
(2) Hinges and hasps must be attached by:
Welding
Riveting
OR
Bolting nuts on the inside of the door
(3) A single five tumbler lock must be used to lock the detonator day box.
[]
HEATING SYSTEMS(1) Heat sources. Magazines requiring heat must be heated by either:
Hot water radiant heating
OR
Air directed into the magazine building by hot water or low pressure steam (15 psig) coils located outside the magazine building
(2) Heating systems. Magazine heating systems must meet the following requirements:
(a) The radiant heating coils in the building must be installed where explosive materials or their containers cannot touch the coils and air is free to circulate between the coils and the explosive material containers.
(b) The heating ducts must be installed where the hot air released from a duct is not directed toward the explosive material or containers.
(c) The heating device used in connection with a magazine must have controls, to prevent the building temperature from exceeding 130°F.
(d) The electric fan or pump used in the heating system for a magazine must be:
Mounted outside
Separate from the wall of the magazine
Grounded
(e) Electric motor, device controls, and electric switch gear.
(i) The electric fan motor and the controls for electrical heating devices used in heating water or steam must have overloads and disconnects which comply with the National Electrical Code, (NFPA Number 70-1992).
(ii) All electrical switch gear must be located a minimum distance of twenty-five feet from the magazine.
(f) Water or steam heating source.
(i) A heating source for water or steam must be separated from a magazine by a distance of at least:
Twenty-five feet when the heating source is electrical
Fifty feet when the heating source is fuel fired
(ii) The area between a heating unit and a magazine cannot contain combustible materials.
(g) The storage of explosive material containers in the magazine must allow for uniform air circulation, so temperature uniformity can be maintained throughout the explosive materials.
[]
(2) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards.
(a) Electric lighting used in an explosive storage magazine must meet National Electric Code (NEC) standards (NFPA 70-1992) for all magazine conditions.
(b) All electrical switches must:
Be located outside the magazine
Meet NEC standards.
[]
PART GMISCELLANEOUS
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-52-710
Exemptions.
These rules do not apply to in
process storage and intraplant transportation during the
manufacture of small arms ammunition, small arms primers, and
smokeless propellants.
[]
AMMUNITION
[]
[]
Fire resistant wall with a one-hour rating
OR
Distance of twenty-five feet.
[]
SMALL ARMS SMOKELESS PROPELLANTS
[]
Small arms smokeless propellants (Class B) must be packed, stored, and transported in U.S. DOT approved shipping containers.
All smokeless propellants must be stored in shipping containers made for smokeless propellants (as required by 49 CFR 173.93).
[]
Twenty-five pounds or less of small arms smokeless propellants, no restrictions
Twenty-five to fifty pounds of small arms smokeless propellants, they must be stored in a strong box or cabinet constructed of a minimum of 3/4-inch plywood or equivalent material, on all sides, top, and bottom
(2) Commercial stocks.
Over twenty pounds but not more than one hundred pounds of small arms smokeless propellants must be stored in portable wooden boxes with a minimum of one-inch thick walls
Small arms smokeless propellants not exceeding one hundred fifty pounds, must be stored in a nonportable storage cabinet with a minimum of one-inch thick wood walls
(3) Dealer's warehouse.
A dealer's warehouse cannot hold more then one hundred fifty pounds of small arms smokeless propellants
Twenty to one hundred pounds of small arms smokeless propellants must be stored in a minimum of one-inch thick portable or fixed wooden boxes
(4) Dealer's display.
The dealer's display cannot exceed more then seventy-five pounds of small arms smokeless propellants
Small arms smokeless propellants must be stored in one-pound containers
(5) Magazines. Small arms smokeless propellants that exceed one hundred fifty pounds must be stored in approved licensed magazines. See Storage licensing, WAC 296-52-660, Storage of explosive materials, WAC 296-52-690, and Magazine construction, WAC 296-52-700.
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SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION PRIMERS
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Fire resistant wall with a one hour rating
OR
Distance of twenty-five feet.
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(2) Private car. The maximum small arms ammunition primers permitted is twenty-five thousand primers. No restrictions apply.
(3) Dealer's display. The maximum small arms ammunition primers permitted is ten thousand primers. No restrictions apply.
(4) Dealer's warehouse.
The maximum small arms ammunition primers permitted is seven hundred fifty thousand primers
No more than one hundred thousand small arms ammunition primers may be stored in one stack
Stacks must be separated by at least fifteen feet
(5) Magazines. If there are more than seven hundred fifty thousand small arms ammunition primers, they must be stored in approved licensed magazines (see Storage licensing, WAC 296-52-660, Storage of explosive material, WAC 296-52-690, and Magazine construction, WAC 296-52-700).
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BLACK POWDER
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(2) Private car. No more then five pounds of black powder is permitted. No restrictions apply.
(3) Dealer's warehouse. No more then twenty-five pounds of black powder is permitted. Black powder must be stored in an appropriate container or cabinet, which is securely locked.
(4) Magazine. Quantities of black powder, as used in muzzleloading firearms, in excess of twenty-five pounds must be stored in licensed magazines (see Storage licensing, WAC 296-52-660, Storage of explosive materials, WAC 296-52-690, and Magazine construction, WAC 296-52-700).
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EXPLOSIVES AT PIERS, RAILWAY STATIONS, RAILWAY CARS, AND VESSELS NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN THIS CHAPTER
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Railway station
Truck terminal
Pier
Wharf
Harbor facility
OR
Airport terminal.
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Stored in a safe place
Isolated as much as practical
In a manner that allows quick and easy removal.
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Explosives cannot be kept in a railway car unless:
An emergency exists
Permission has been granted by the local authority
The railway car, its contents, and methods of loading are in compliance with U.S. DOT regulations (49 CFR Chapter 1)
(2) Warning signs for railway cars not in transit.
Any railway car containing explosives must have warning signs attached to every side of the car when it is:
Stopped in transit
OR
At its designation
AND
No longer considered in interstate commerce
Warning signs must read "EXPLOSIVES -- HANDLE CAREFULLY -- KEEP FIRE AWAY."
The letters must be:
Red
At least one and one-half inches high
On a white background.
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Section 1: Permit required.
(1) A current and valid blasting permit issued by
_____________________ (jurisdiction name) is required by
companies or individuals who:
Possess explosive materials (as defined by chapter 296-52 WAC, Safety standards for possessions and handling of explosives)
Conduct an operation or activity requiring the use of explosive materials
OR
Perform, order, or supervise the loading and firing of high explosive materials
(2) Anyone in ______________________ (jurisdiction name) who does not have a valid blasting permit cannot transport, sell, give, deliver, or transfer explosive materials.
(3) A blasting permit is required for every individual project requiring blasting explosives.
(4) A permit issued to any person, company, or corporation under this ordinance is nontransferable to any other person, company, or corporation.
(5) All blasting permits issued by _____________________ (jurisdiction name) must follow all federal, state, county, and city laws and regulations that apply to these activities with explosive materials:
Obtaining
Owning
Transporting
Storing
Handling
Using.
Section 2: Application contents.
(1) The proper administrative authority ( name ) or
their designee, has the power and authority to issue blasting
permits and requires persons, companies, or corporations who are
issued permits to file an application that includes:
(a) A completed application form provided by ____________________ (jurisdiction name) specifying the name and address of the person, company or corporation applying for the permit, and the name and address of the blast site or the person who will actually supervise the blasting.
(b) A current and valid explosives license issued by the state of Washington department of labor and industries to one or more individuals working on the specific blasting project.
(c) A transportation plan according to Section 8.
(d) A blasting plan according to Section 10(1).
(e) A traffic control plan according to Section 10(2).
(f) A preblast; notification, inspection, and monitoring plan according to Section 10(3).
(g) Proof of insurance must be provided according to Section 4.
(2) ____________________ (jurisdiction name) will issue a permit within fourteen days of receiving an application that includes acceptable documentation of the above items 1 a through g through 7. If the permit is denied, it must be done within fourteen days of administering authority receipt and must include a list of reasons for denial as well as instructions for reapplication.
Section 3: Fee.
A permit fee is required for each permit issued. It should
be:
Valid for twelve months
Follow the local fee schedule
Renewable
Section 4: Liability insurance required.
(1) If the ____________________ (jurisdiction name) design
requires approval, then coverage of one million dollars or more
is required or other reasonable amount depending on the
circumstances as determined by ________________________ (name of
the proper administrative authority).
(2) The certificate must also state that the insurance company must give ____________________ (jurisdiction name) a minimum of ten days notice of cancellation of the liability insurance coverage.
(3) The ____________________ (name of the proper administrative authority) has the power and authority to limit the level of blasting. After examining all pertinent circumstances surrounding the proposed blasting, they may refuse to issue a permit, or suspend, or revoke an existing permit.
Section 5: Revocation.
The ___________________ (name of the proper administrative
authority) has the power to revoke any permit if the permit
holder does not follow the requirements of this chapter. The
permit holder has twenty-four hours to remove all explosive
materials after being notified that their permit has been
revoked.
Section 6: Denial or revocation appeal.
Any person, company, or corporation whose blasting permit
application is denied, suspended, or revoked by ____________
(name of proper authority), may file a notice of appeal within
ten days to __________________ (name of the legislative body with
jurisdiction over the administrator).
The legislative body must schedule an appeals hearing within fourteen days.
Section 7: ____________________ (jurisdiction name) not to
assume liability.
______________________ (jurisdiction name) is not
responsible for any damage caused by the person, company, or
corporation blasting with ___________________ (jurisdiction
name).
Section 8: Transportation of explosives (transportation
plan).
(1) You must include a transportation plan that addresses
the transportation of explosive materials within
____________________ (jurisdiction name) with your application
for a blasting permit.
(2) The transportation plan must include the following information:
(a) Route used for deliveries and returns
(b) Hours of transportation
(c) Maximum quantities of explosives being transported
(d) Types of vehicles being used. Vehicles must be in compliance with federal and state transportation regulations for transportation of explosive material.
Section 9: Storage of explosives.
(1) No overnight storage of explosive material is permitted
within the limits of ____________________ (jurisdiction area)
without specific amendments to the permit allowing storage.
Blast holes loaded with explosives are to be shot on the day they
are loaded.
(2) The required method of handling explosives in ____________________ (jurisdiction area) is as follows:
(a) Same day delivery
(b) Stand by during loading
(c) Return of all unused explosive materials.
Section 10: Use of explosives.
(1) Blasting plan. A blasting plan for each project must be
submitted to ____________________ and approved by the
____________________ (name of the proper administrative
authority) or their designee prior to issuing a blasting permit.
The plan must include additional documentation for the proposed
blasting operation. For example, maps, site plans, and
excavation drawings. The plan must include:
(a) The location where the blast will occur
(b) The approximate total amount of material to be blasted
(c) The incremental volumes, per blast, of material to be blasted
(d) The types and packaging of explosive materials to be used
(e) The drill hole diameters, depths, patterns, subdrilling depths and drill hole orientation to be used
(f) The initiation system, the incremental delay times, and the location of the primers in the explosive column
(g) The stemming depths and stemming material for the various estimated depths of drill holes to be blasted
(h) The approximate powder factors anticipated
(i) The flyrock control procedures and equipment to be used
(j) The maximum number of blasts that will be made in one day
(k) The blast warning sound system and equipment to be used
(l) The scheduled start date and finish date of blasting operations
(m) Additional requirements as needed.
(2) Traffic control plan. A traffic control plan acceptable to ____________________ (jurisdiction name) detailing signing, flagging, temporary road closures, and detour routes for blasting operations must be filed before the blasting permit is issued.
(3) Preblast notification plan. A plan outlining preblast public notifications, structural inspections, and blast effect monitoring within a specified distance of the blasting is required before the blasting permit is issued.
(a) Separation distance. The distances from the blasting where the notification, preblast structural inspection, and blast monitoring is required must be determined by the scaled distance formulas described below. Blasting will not be permitted until the notification and inspection requirements are completed.
(b) Scaled distance formulas.
(i) The distance from the blast within which:
Notification of all occupied structures is required: Da = 90 w
Inspection of all occupied structures is required: Db = 75 w
Monitoring of selected structures is required: Dc = 60 w
(ii) In the above formulas:
Da, Db, and Dc are the actual distances in feet from the closest point in the blast.
w is the square root of the maximum weight of the explosives in pounds detonated with a minimum 8 millisecond from another detonation event.
(c) Notification letter. The preblast notification must consist of a letter advising all residents within the distance (specified in WAC 296-52-720 section 10 (3)(b)) of the blasts. The letter must include the intent of the blasting program, its anticipated impact on local residents, the proposed duration of blasting activities, and provide telephone numbers for public contact. Distribution of this notification must be made a minimum of seven days before the start of blasting. The source of the chart is 121.8507, Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of Interior, 1980.
(d) Preblast inspection. A preblast inspection of resident's property must be offered to all residents within the distance (specified in WAC 296-52-720 section 10 (3)(b) above) of the blasting at no cost to the resident and will be preformed by a qualified third party who is not an employee of the contractor. A copy of the individual inspection reports and a log of all photos taken are to be provided to ____________________ (jurisdiction name). Where inspections are not allowed by the resident or are not possible for other reasons, a certified letter must be sent to the occupant/owner at the unsurveyed address advising them of their right to a preblast inspection and the possible consequences of denying an inspection. The preblast inspection program for residences within the specified distance must be complete two days prior to the start of blasting and the ____________________ (name of the proper administrative authority) should be notified.
(4) Blast-plan compliance inspections. Blast-plan compliance inspections may be required for every blast until the operator can demonstrate an ability to safely blast according to the blast plan and control the extraneous effects of blasting such as flyrock, noise/air blast, and ground vibration. If more than two blasting inspections are required, an additional fee of ____________________ (insert dollar amount) per blast inspection will be assessed.
(5) Monitoring. All blasts which require monitoring by section 10 (3)(b) are to be monitored using blast monitoring equipment designed for the purpose and carrying a certificate of calibration dated within the previous twelve months. The blast monitors must record peak particle velocity and frequency in three orthogonal directions and air over pressure. Monitored shots in which the pounds detonated per an 8-millisecond time increment is less than ten pounds, one blast monitor is required. When ten or more pounds is detonated per an 8-millisecond time interval, two or more blast monitors are required. All blast-monitoring records are to be signed and submitted to ____________________ (jurisdiction name) within twenty-four hours of each blast.
(6) Maximum peak particle velocity. The maximum peak particle velocity in any seismic trace at the dominant frequency allowed on any residential, business or public structure designed for human occupancy is to be determined by the chart in WAC 296-52-67065(1).
(7) Air blast. The maximum air blast over pressure permitted at the closest residential, business or public structure designed for human occupancy is not to exceed 133 dBL @ 2.0 Hz hi pass system per WAC 296-52-67065(3). The source of this regulation is 121.8485, Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of Interior, 1980.
(8) Utilities. Whenever blasting is being conducted in close proximity to existing utilities, the utility owner must be notified a minimum of twenty-four hours in advance of blasting.
(9) Blast report. A signed blast report, on a form approved by the ____________________ (name of the proper administrative authority) or their designee, needs to be filed with ____________________ (jurisdiction name) within twenty-four hours of the blast. The report must include the following blast information:
(a) Date, time, and location of the blast
(b) Number of drill holes
(c) Maximum, minimum and average drill hole depth
(d) Drill hole diameter
(e) Subdrill depth
(f) Total pounds of each type of explosive used
(g) A drill hole section schematic showing the loading of a typical hole
(h) Amount and type of stemming material
(i) Schematic showing the drill hole pattern
(j) Initiated delayed sequence
(k) Maximum pounds of explosives detonated in any eight millisecond time interval
(l) Type and size of any flyrock protection devices used, if any
(m) Comment regarding the outcomes of the blast.
(10)____________________ (jurisdiction name) must be notified immediately of any unplanned or unusual events that resulted from the blast. The permittee must also report any incident, damage claim, or neighbor annoyance report brought to the permittee's attention within twenty-four hours.
Section 11:
This ordinance will be in effect to preserve the health, peace, and safety of the citizens of ____________________ (jurisdiction name).
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| Note: | The sample blast record format is nonmandatory, but the information shown in the sample is required per WAC 296-52-67010(8), Blast records. |
| Place illustration here. |
| Place illustration here. |
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The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
| WAC 296-52-401 | Scope and application. |
| WAC 296-52-405 | Incorporation of standards of national organizations and federal agencies. |
| WAC 296-52-409 | Variance and procedure. |
| WAC 296-52-413 | Equipment approval by nonstate agency or organization. |
| WAC 296-52-417 | Definitions. |
| WAC 296-52-419 | Basic legal obligations. |
| WAC 296-52-421 | Licenses -- Information verification. |
| WAC 296-52-423 | Revoking or suspending licenses. |
| WAC 296-52-425 | Dealer's license. |
| WAC 296-52-429 | License for manufacturing. |
| WAC 296-52-433 | Purchaser's license. |
| WAC 296-52-437 | User's (blaster's) license. |
| WAC 296-52-441 | Storage magazine license requirements. |
| WAC 296-52-445 | Licenses and inspections. |
| WAC 296-52-449 | Storage magazine license fees. |
| WAC 296-52-453 | Construction of magazines. |
| WAC 296-52-457 | Storage of caps with other explosives prohibited. |
| WAC 296-52-461 | Storage of explosives. |
| WAC 296-52-465 | Storage of ammonium nitrate. |
| WAC 296-52-469 | Storage of blasting agents and supplies. |
| WAC 296-52-477 | Quantity and distance table for separation between magazines. |
| WAC 296-52-481 | Recommended separation distances of ammonium nitrate and blasting agents from explosives or blasting agents. |
| WAC 296-52-485 | Quantity and distance tables for manufacturing buildings. |
| WAC 296-52-487 | Low explosives. |
| WAC 296-52-489 | Transportation. |
| WAC 296-52-493 | Use of explosives and blasting agents. |
| WAC 296-52-497 | Blasting agents. |
| WAC 296-52-501 | Water gel (slurry) explosives and blasting agents. |
| WAC 296-52-505 | Coal mining code unaffected. |
| WAC 296-52-509 | Small arms ammunition, primers, propellants and black powder. |
| WAC 296-52-510 | Explosives at piers, railway stations, and cars or vessels not otherwise specified in this standard. |
| WAC 296-52-550 | Appendix I -- IME two-compartment transportation units (mandatory). |
| WAC 296-52-552 | Appendix II -- Radio frequency warning signs (mandatory). |
| WAC 296-52-555 | Appendix III -- ATF regulations. |