Additions and amendments to 29 CFR 1926.909 Firing the Blast apply throughout the Rules in this Section as follows:

1. (a) The Blaster-in-Charge shall establish a code of blasting signals and all blast site employees shall familiarize themselves with and conform to the code. As a minimum, the code shall:

   1. (1) contain audible pre-blast and audible all clear signals, and
   2. (2) contain an emergency method for guards, flagmen, or other authorized employees to signal "do not fire", and
   3. (3) prohibit sounding of the all clear signal until the blaster has checked the blast site for misfires. Table U-1 is an example of a code of blasting signals that would meet these requirements. Further, the Blaster-in-Charge shall require the placement of Danger signs and posting of the blasting signals when personnel not associated with the blasting operation are within the blast area.
2. (b) Before a blast is fired, the Blaster-in-Charge shall make certain that all surplus explosives are in an area meeting the ATF explosive storage requirements contained in 27 CFR 55 and that all persons are at a safe distance, or under sufficient cover.
3. (c) Flagmen shall be safely stationed on highways which pass through the blast area so as to stop traffic during blasting.
4. (d) The Blaster-in-Charge shall fix the time of blasting.
5. (e) Before firing an underground blast, warning shall be given, and all possible entries into the blast area, and any entrances to any working place where a drift, raise, or other opening is about to hole through, shall be carefully guarded to prevent entry into the area. The Blaster-in-Charge shall make sure that all surplus employees have been removed from the blast area and that all personnel are out of the blast area.

History Note: Authority G.S. 95-131.
Recodified from 13 NCAC 07F .0201 Eff. August 3, 2005;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. March 1, 2016.