Course:SPPH381B/Essays/TermProject/Aluminum Foil - Soham/Blasting/Explosive damage

Recognition

Although improving significantly, blasting injuries in mines remain a significant hazard. 106 miners have lost their lives due to explosive usage from 1978 to 2003. Over a 1000 miners have been injured since 1978 due to explosive usage in all types of mining operations. Fatalities and injuries primarily occurred due to workers standing too close to the blasting site and being hit by rock. A second leading cause of injuries and fatalities was blasts shooting prematurely. Misfires can also present a deadly hazard for workers.

Evaluation

To determine the prevalence and incidence of on-site explosions in mines, first aid reports can analyzed. Work safety regulatory bodies, such as WorkSafeBC provide templates for appropriate first aid reports

Controls

There a number of control procedures developed by the Ontario Ministry of Labour which mine operators must adhere to when using explosives.

Administrative controls:

Operators are required to inspect and maintain explosive storage containers in terms of cleanliness and usability. Operators must maintain an explosives inventory for underground and surface explosives using logbooks. Inspection reports must detail amounts of explosive and storage time, as older explosives may become unsafe over time. The use of explosives, mishandling incidents, and uncontrolled explosions must all be reported to Ministry of Labour.

Education

Employees should be instructed on safe handling and transportation procedures for explosives. Explosives should be transported as soon as possible and be given the right of way when a road vehicle is transporting them. Workers using, handling or having any job site interactions with explosives must complete the common core training modules set out by mining regulation.

Elimination controls:

Non-explosive methods of rock-breaking are currently being developed and are available on the market, eliminating flyrock, toxic fumes and dust. An example of this is a product called the ECOBUST. The ECOBUST is a product which is an expansive controlled demolition agent, made of safe, non-toxic powdered mixture of minerals that are mixed into water and poured into holes. The ECOBUST mixture then expands at 20,000 PSI and breaks through rock. According to the manufacturers, ECOBUST reduces labour costs, increases productivity, and saves time in mining operations. There is unique disposal method required and the end-product is biodegradable, significantly reducing pollution and waste.

Health and Safety committees (HSC) of mining organizations must detail procedures for safe discarding of used or damaged explosives. The HSC must communicate the procedures to workers along with specific information about the damaged explosives.

Engineering controls:

With respect to toxic NO and NO2 accumulation, mining operators can ensure the explosives used are properly formulated to reduce harmful gas by-products. Proper blast area security can include laser-guided wall survey at the site to determine how far workers need to be and minimize flyrock, or debris from the explosion.

Personal Protective Equipment controls

Mining workers can make use of noise protection devices to prevent hearing loss due to heavy drilling and blasting noise. Workers can use face shields to prevent debris and flyrock from hitting them.

References

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