(1) Storage and supply. Explosives including detonators shall not be stored or kept underground. The supply for each blast shall be taken directly from above ground to the face and immediately loaded. All explosives remaining after loading a round shall be removed to the magazine before the leading wires are connected.
(2) Explosives in air locks. While explosives are being locked through a tunnel bulkhead, the detonators and explosives shall be placed at the opposite ends of the lock and no person, other than the lock tender and those persons necessary for carrying, shall be permitted in the lock. No other material or equipment shall be locked through with explosives.
Explosives and detonators shall be taken separately into caissons.
(3) Carrying containers. Explosives other than detonators shall be conveyed in a suitable covered wooden box painted red and provided with handles. Detonators shall be conveyed in a separate covered wooden box, painted red with a one-inch yellow stripe running horizontally entirely around the box. The box shall be provided with handles.
(4) Blaster. The blaster shall be a person designated by the superintendent and shall be in charge of all operations connected with preparations for blasting and shall fire all shots.
(5) Duties of the blaster. Before removing any explosives from the carrying containers, the blaster shall verify
(a) That the blasting switch is in "off" position and that its box is locked;
(b) That the "gap" in the blasting circuit is open; (Note: A gap of at least 5 feet on the incoming side of the switch, except during the firing operation, when connections at such gap are to be made by means of plugs, is required.)
(c) That the heading gang has been withdrawn to a safe distance or to a safe shelter, except such men from the gang as the blaster may direct to remain with him to assist in loading under his directions; and
(d) That all light and power circuits have been disconnected at a point not less than 100 feet from the place to be blasted. The blaster shall direct the loading of all holes and the making of the necessary connections in the blasting circuit; he shall sound a warning signal distinctly audible in any part of the working chamber, shield or any drift ahead of the shield where any person remaining would be exposed to injury from the blast.
(6) Vacating blasting area. All persons shall promptly vacate the blasting area when so directed by the blaster. When the blaster is satisfied that all persons have vacated the blasting area, he, alone, shall unlock the box that contains the blasting switch and fire the blast.
(7) Return to blasting area. No person shall return to the blasting area until the air in such area has been cleared of injurious concentrations of toxic fumes. The blaster shall be the first to return to the heading. He shall examine the effects of the blast and investigate the matter of possible misfires and he, alone, shall give the signal for the return of the workmen to the heading and for the restoration of light and power in the blasted area.
(8) Hand lamps and cap lamps. Electric hand lamps and cap lamps used by the blaster or his helpers or by any other person in the working chamber during the blasting operation shall be approved.
(9) Blasting circuits. All circuits used for blasting shall be ungrounded circuits. Damaged leading wires shall not be used.
