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Safe Work Methods and Risk Assessment of
ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES
BREAKING OF ROCK AND CONCRETE
Eco-Break Cartridge Procedure
The purpose of this procedure is to provide the prescribed safe work methods for users of Eco-Break Cartridges with clearly
defined handling and operating guidelines.
Version 3 5.12.00 Page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART A RISK ASSESMENT PAGE
2 – 10 PART
B SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE PAGE
1. Introduction 11 2. Cartridge Sizes 11 3. Workplace 11 4. Storage Procedures 12 5. Transporting Eco-Break Cartridges 13 6. Signs and Barricades 14 7. Drilling 14 8. Loading Eco-Break Cartridges into Holes 15 9. Stemming 16 10. Firing Eco-Break Cartridges 16 11. Misfire Procedure 18 12. Disassembly And Destruction of Misfired Eco-Break Cartridges 18 13. Legislative Requirements 23 14. Apendix a; Transportation & Storage Requirements 23
GENERAL SAFETY
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Manual Lifting Procedure
Safety glasses � Before you lift size up the load. Safety boots � Before you lift plan your intended route. Hearing protection � Before you lift position your feet. Hard hat � Before you lift get a secure grip. Gloves � When you lift have a straight back. dust masks (if required) � When you lift position your head and arms. When you lift use your legs.
3. Assessment Results
Page 2 of 24
Step in OP Potential Incident/Accident P C R Current Control Recommended Control When Whom
Transport from factory to the site Fire F 3 18
• Transported in approved container under lock
• Fire extinguisher on vehicle • As per CIE permit • Not transported with other
explosive types
• The driver must have a knowledge of handling of the product
• Emergency numbers available in the car
• Transport Only in approved boxes /containers:1.4S classification
Collision of vehicle F 3 18
• Licensed and responsible driver only
• Vehicle roadworthy and registered
• Every collision to be reported to the supervisor.
• Driver must not leave vehicle unattended
Hijack / theft of vehicle F 3 18 • Vehicle locked at all times
• Tracking device fitted to vehicle
• Report to SAP and supervisor
Uncontrolled initiation F 3 18 • Igniters and cartridges
transported in separate approved containers
Loss of product F 3 18 • Vehicle locked at all times • Product to be transported out of
sight
• Tracking device fitted to vehicle
•
Storage on the site Illegal removal / misplaced F 6 36
• Storage as per CIE permit • Only appointed ECO-
BREAKERS operator to have access to the store
Uncontrolled initiation F 3 18 • Igniters and cartridges stored in
separate approved containers •
Fire
F
3
18
• Equip store as in fire fighting equipment as per Explosive Act
3. A
sses
smen
t Res
ults
Page
3 o
f 24
Pre
Sta
rt
Tas
k id
entif
icat
ion
A
6
6
• In
stru
ctio
n fr
om S
uper
viso
r.
• C
omm
unic
atio
n w
ith c
ross
sh
ift
• N
otify
all
conc
erne
d pa
rties
Doc
umen
tatio
n
D
6 24
• C
opy
of C
OP
to k
ept a
t the
w
ork
site
•
EC
O-B
RE
AK
ER
S s
tock
at
the
stor
e to
be
upda
ted
• U
pdat
ed d
ocum
enta
tion
/ pl
ans
of tr
ench
to b
e ke
pt w
ith
EC
O-B
RE
AK
ER
S o
pera
tor
• In
sen
sitiv
e ar
eas
: cab
les
, roa
ds, h
ousi
ng th
e pr
oper
siz
e of
car
tridg
e an
d dr
illin
g di
rect
ions
m
ust e
nsur
e s
afe
dist
ance
EC
O-
BR
EA
KE
RS
op
erat
or
App
ropr
iate
PP
E
Inju
ries
A
3
3 •
A g
ood
fit a
nd in
wor
king
or
der
• R
efle
ctin
g cl
oths
to b
e w
orn
• S
pare
issu
e of
PP
E
avai
labl
e
App
ropr
iate
trai
ning
E
2 10
• M
ust h
ave
com
plet
ed E
CO
-B
RE
AK
ER
S tr
aini
ng m
odul
e •
App
ropr
iate
per
mit
for s
urfa
ce
blas
ting
• E
CO
-BR
EA
KE
RS
ce
rtific
ate
issu
e b
y th
e as
sess
or
Han
dlin
g to
ols
and
cons
umab
les
A
4 4
Man
ual h
andl
ing
proc
edur
es.
Mec
hani
cal l
iftin
g de
vice
if
requ
ired.
Ope
rato
r tra
ined
in
corr
ect m
anua
l han
dlin
g te
chni
ques
.
Tran
spor
t pe
rson
nel &
eq
uipm
ent
Tra
nspo
rt fr
om
expl
osiv
e bo
xes
to
the
wor
king
pla
ce
Fire
E
6
30
• T
rans
porte
d in
app
rove
d co
ntai
ner u
nder
lock
•
Fire
ext
ingu
ishe
r on
veh
icle
3. Assessment Results
Page 4 of 24
• The number of cartridges removed from storage shall be no more than that required for the task or single shift
• Not transported with other explosive
• Supervision of ECO-BREAKERS operator required
Uncontrolled Initiation D 5 20 • Cartridges and accessories
transported in separate containers.
Misplacement E 2 10 • Supervision of ECO-
BREAKERS operator required
• Wash spillage away with water
• Prevent accumulation as propellant when dry again could be dangerous
Personal injury E 2 10 • Training • Supervision
Transport by vehicle to the working place Collision A 1 1
• Daily pre start inspection • Weekly inspection • Red flags - once big
machinery around • The number of cartridges
removed from storage shall be no more than that required for the task or single shift
Driver
Collision
A
1
1
• Driver must hold a current drivers license
• No driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Cartridges carried in approved container only
Vehicle overloaded Fell off A 2 2
• All passengers must have a seat and be prevented from felling off
• Do not carry more weight than the rated capacity
3. A
sses
smen
t Res
ults
Page
5 o
f 24
Fire
E
2 1
• D
river
to h
ave
a de
mon
stra
ted
fire
– fig
htin
g co
mpe
tenc
y
• E
xtin
guis
her t
o be
fitte
d •
Driv
er to
che
ck o
n ex
tingu
ishe
r con
ditio
n da
ily
Man
ual H
andl
ing
Bac
k in
jure
s A
6
6 •
Erg
onom
ic p
acka
ging
in
term
s of
sha
pe a
nd w
eigh
t.
• T
rain
ing
in c
orre
ct m
anua
l ha
ndlin
g te
chni
ques
C
artr
idge
s ha
ndlin
g
3. Assessment Results
Page 6 of 24
Sprains and strains Back/personal injury E 4 20
• Ergonomic task process. Personnel have manual handling training. Max 20 kg per person per lift.
Fatigue Personal injuries E 6 30 • Shift duration • Adequate light and ventilation
Exposure to heat Heat stroke F 4 24 • Adequate water • Weather not to be extreme • PPE
Charging a hole
Initiation system • To agree with client at the beginning of the contract
Electric igniter inserted into the cartridge
Propellant get into the eye or skin E 6 30 • Wash out with water • use PPE
Extraneous electricity Uncontrollable ignition F 1 6 • keep both ends shunted
when not in use Switch off all mobile phones
Shock tube ignitors Shock tube kinked or damage otherwise D 6 24 • do not use this ignitor Miner
Numbers out of order D 6 24 • Check LPD numbers according sequenced of blast Miner
Blow out and dislodge all holes before insert Eco-Break Cartridges
Foreign body in the eye Personal injures F 3 18 • PPE
• Training • Remove all unnecessary
personnel
Cartridge lowered onto the hole A 6 6
Hole is the appropriate size, not forced past any obstruction • Training
• Use only proper drill bit • Use approved charging
stick • Make sure that wires are
not damage
Stemming Personal injuries E 4 20
• Only supplied stemming to be used
• Training • Stem up to the collar
• PPE • Approved equipment • Igniter wires to be secure
properly
3. A
sses
smen
t Res
ults
Page
7 o
f 24
Cov
er h
oles
with
bl
astin
g m
ats
or
barr
icad
es
Per
sona
l inj
urie
s F
3 18
•
EC
O-B
RE
AK
ER
S o
pera
tor
to
deci
de w
hat k
ind
of m
ats
to
use
• D
epen
ds h
ow s
ensi
tive
is
envi
ronm
ent a
nd c
harg
es
used
•
Sur
face
of c
oncr
ete
to b
e fr
ee fr
om s
mal
l deb
ris to
pr
even
t fly
roc
k ef
fect
Igni
ting
Eco
-Bre
ak
Car
trid
ges
Che
ck c
ontin
uity
of
firin
g ca
ble
and
elec
trica
l ign
iter
A
6
6
• T
rain
ing
• U
se a
ppro
ved
test
er
• R
eg.1
0.10
an
d10.
14.1
E
xp.
Act
26/
1956
• H
ave
the
firin
g ca
ble
shun
ted
at a
ll tim
es
• S
witc
h of
f al
l m
obile
and
po
tabl
e ph
ones
w
hen
conn
ectin
g ca
rtrid
ges
Per
sonn
el to
o cl
ose
whe
n in
itiat
ing
EC
O-
BR
EA
KE
RS
P
erso
nnel
inju
ry
E
2 10
• E
lect
ric in
itiat
ion
used
to
enab
le c
ompl
ete
cont
rol o
f in
itiat
ing
timin
g •
Tra
inin
g &
exp
erie
nce
• M
inim
um e
xclu
sion
zon
e to
be
dete
rmin
ed b
y tra
ined
EC
O-B
RE
AK
ER
S
oper
ator
•
Bar
ricad
e w
ith s
igns
and
da
nger
tape
Re-
Ent
ry
Mis
fire
B
6 12
•
Reg
. 10.
16E
xpl.
Act
26/
1956
•
Incl
ude
in C
.O.P
.
S
mol
derin
g ca
rtrid
ge
E
1 5
• O
bser
ve m
inim
um 5
min
re-
entr
y pe
riod
as p
er C
.O.P
. B
DS
A S
10.
14.1
7
E
xpos
ure
to fu
mes
/ du
st
A
1 1
• O
bser
ve m
inim
um 5
-min
re-
entr
y pe
riod
as p
er C
.O.P
. B
DS
A S
10.
14.1
7 •
Onl
y us
e of
app
rove
d ca
rtrid
ges
In
com
plet
e co
mbu
stio
n du
e to
lack
of
conf
inem
ent
B
2 4
• C
orre
ct s
tem
min
g m
ater
ial
used
•
Cor
rect
ste
mm
ing
met
hods
fo
llow
ed
U
naut
horiz
ed e
ntry
E
2
10
• A
s pe
r C.O
.P. B
DS
A
S10
.14.
17 &
10.
14.0
500
3. A
sses
smen
t Res
ults
Page
8 o
f 24
O
ld e
xplo
sive
s D
6
24
• M
ust b
e de
stro
yed
• A
s pe
r C.O
.P. B
DS
A S
10
.14.
18
• R
eg. 1
0.23
.6/7
Exp
. Act
26/
1956
From
the
likel
ihoo
d an
d co
nseq
uenc
e ra
tings
(usi
ng th
e fo
llow
ing
risk
mat
rix),
the
risk
can
be d
eter
min
ed a
s ei
ther
:
1 –
6
Hig
h ris
k - C
ritic
al
8 –
16
Med
ium
risk
18
– 3
6 Lo
w ri
sk –
tole
rate
3. Assessment Results
Page 9 of 24
Consequences Probabilities
A B C D E F
1 1 2 3 4 5 6
2 2 4 6 8 10 12
3 3 6 9 12 15 18
4 4 8 12 16 20 24
5 5 10 15 20 25 30
6 6 12 18 24 30 36
Set controls: Hazards are again analyzed using brainstorming techniques with reference to the risk rating to determine appropriate controls that may be implemented to eliminate or reduce the risk.
3. Assessment Results
Page 10 of 24
Controls review: Based upon a comparison between the required and existing controls, a list of potential additional controls may be drafted. Any list generated as a result of the risk assessment process will be the basis for alterations to systems and equipment. The implementation of which are to be defined and agreed to as the minimum standard for risk control. As there may be many controls that may be beyond technology, cost or practicality, the final implemented controls will be compiled jointly from the total list of suggested controls, and will be reviewed and accepted by the risk assessment team. It is critical that controls are implemented for areas identified as high risk and high-risk consequence hazards. Review: A risk review inspection will be coordinated and is considered as essential in the monitoring of control performance or adequacy of the implemented plan. Please note that the following abbreviations P = Probability C = Consequence R = Risk
Eco-Break Rustenburg Tel 014 533 0977
Page 11 of 24
SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES
1. INTRODUCTION ECO-BREAK technology breaks hard rock and concrete by burning a
propellant mixture to generate gas. The gas is introduced into the lower part of a short drill hole. The sudden introduction of gas pressurizes the base of the drill hole causing the gas to be forced into microfractures formed in the rock by the percussive drilling process. The expanding gas creates rock fractures in a characteristic cone pattern.
This manual has been developed so as to provide users of the Eco-Break
Cartridges with clearly defined handling and operating guidelines.
2. CARTRIDGE SIZES
Recommended Drill hole size
Cartridge Diameter
Weight of Charge
32mm 27.5 10gm 32mm 27.5 30gm 32mm 27.5 60gm 45mm 42 60gm 45mm 42 100gm
64 – 76mm 60 100gm 64 – 76mm 60 200gm 64 - 76mm 60 300gm
3. WORKPLACE
To ensure the safety of personnel and equipment in the workplace all personnel must carry out inspections before work commencing. Firing Eco-Break Cartridges at the location should not create a hazard to other personnel or equipment.
Operators are required to:
• Assess rock or concrete conditions / reinforcement and surrounding
equipment.
• Ensure that barricades have been erected to restrict access into the area.
• Check that there are no misfires present or explosives in the muck pile. If any misfires are known or suspected report this to your supervisor and suspend operations until the situation is suitably dealt with.
• Ensure that services: electrical cables, water /gas pipes are clearly
indicated on plan and protected.
Eco-Break Rustenburg Tel 014 533 0977
Page 12 of 24
4. STORAGE PROCEDURES
Eco-Break Cartridges have a UN Classification of 1.4S and may be stored in a locked container in an area with restricted public access. 1.4S may be stored with explosives of other than groups A, U and L (not detonators). Records shall be kept for a period of not less than two years of all receipts and issuance of Eco-Break Cartridges transferred to another person or issued by the person responsible for managing the stock of Eco-Break Cartridges. The individual responsible for managing the storage container should record the following information immediately after Eco-Break Cartridges are transferred or issued:- a) The description including commercial name and quantity of each item
received, transferred or issued; b) Date and Time of each transaction and permit no.; c) Name and address of the person to whom any Eco-Break Cartridges
were issued; d) Quantities of each product remaining in stock after each transaction. If the Eco-Break Cartridges are stolen from the storage area or otherwise go missing or if there is evidence of attempted forced entry to, or theft of these items or an unaccountable stock discrepancy it must be immediately reported to the Police and the Chief Inspector of Explosives The records shall be readily available to permit the determination of the type and quantity of missing explosive.
Eco-Break Cartridges can be stored in unlimited quantities in their approved packaging in a secure/lockable container, which is away from public access. Storage containers shall be maintained in a clean and tidy manner. A person nominated by the Relevant Site Manager shall maintain stock registers on site.
5. TRANSPORTING ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES
Eco-Break Cartridges should be handled in the same manner and with the same degree of respect as with standard commercial explosives.
Eco-Break Cartridges have been allocated a United Nations Shipping Name “Articles pyrotechnic for technical purposes”, UN Number 0431, and “cartridge power device” UN number 0323 UN Classification 1.4S. The “Explosive Act 1956” clearly defines transportation requirements of this classification. All personnel and management must be fully aware of the following transportation controls:
• A person who transports Eco-Break Cartridges by road and rail must, so far
as is practicable, ensure that precautions are taken to prevent the cartridges becoming involved in a fire or an explosion.
Eco-Break Rustenburg Tel 014 533 0977
Page 13 of 24
• Eco-Break Cartridges must be transported in locked containers whilst packaged in approved packaging. Under no circumstances should Eco-Break Cartridges be left loose or unattended.
• Unlimited quantities of Eco-Break Cartridges can be transported by road or rail without restriction, provided that a permit is issued by an inspector of explosives and registered with the appropriate transport authorities.
Vehicles do not require: • A dangerous goods license • Dangerous goods signage • Public risk insurance In any instance however, vehicles are required to carry Shipping documents, which include Emergency Procedure Guide and Material Safety Data Sheets. Eco-Break Cartridges must be stored/transported in separate containers in the same vehicle/storage facility from initiators. Smoking is prohibited within 10 meters of Eco-Break Cartridges. Personnel responsible for the loading and unloading of Eco-Break Cartridges from a vehicle shall take all practicable precautions to ensure that the packages are not dropped, thrown or otherwise mishandled.
The number of Eco-Break Cartridges removed from the storage magazine shall be no more than that required for use in a single shift under normal operating conditions. All stock movements shall be recorded in the relevant stock record book. Eco-Break Cartridges shall be transported in locked containers fixed to the rear of a registered vehicle and must only be transported in approved packaging. Under no circumstances are operators permitted to tamper with or use Eco-Break Cartridges for anything other than their intended purpose. The consequences of any such action may be fatal. Do not expose Eco-Break Cartridges to a naked flame or any other form of heat source.
EMERGENCIES
The driver of a vehicle, which has Eco-Break Cartridges aboard, shall take all practicable precautions to prevent any accident or theft of the cartridges. The driver of a vehicle which has Dangerous Goods aboard shall report as soon a practicable to the nearest fire brigade or a member of the Police Force any theft, fire, accident, or initiation of Eco-Break Cartridges on the vehicle.
Drivers must ensure that provisions are made to secure the packages against movement during transport.
Eco-Break Rustenburg Tel 014 533 0977
Page 14 of 24
6. SIGNS AND BARRICADES
Place signs and barricades across all entrances to the area where usage of Eco-Break Cartridges is intended. Barricades must be placed at a distance, which shall ensure the safety of all personnel. A recommended minimum safe distance of fifty (50) metres should be observed. However adequate safety distances need to be assessed by all users as conditions vary from site to site and this must be observed by trained and certified ECO-BREAKERS operator.
7. DRILLING Visually inspect the rock to be broken and decide on the best location to drill the hole to maximize the broken volume. All drilling must be carried to the specifications set out in the site drilling procedures. To ensure proper confinement the diameter of the hole for ECO-BREAKERS cartridge must be not more then 4mm greater than that of the cartridge to be used. It is important that care is taken to ensure that the hole being drilled is as close to vertical as possible. Holes drilled on an angle tend to produce fly rock. Whilst fly rock produced by Eco-Break Cartridges is of a low velocity, care must be taken to ensure that fly rock is kept to a minimum. As a general rule, holes should be drilled approximately ½ way through the rock/concrete.
8. LOADING ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES INTO HOLES
Check the electric match for circuit continuity using an approved ohmmeter.
Remove the ECO-BREAK Cartridge from the box and remove the tab or seal from the base to expose the igniter entry port. Ensure that the fuse entry port is not obstructed. Insert an electric igniter into the entry port. Carefully lower the ECO-BREAK Cartridge, base first, into the hole ensuring it reaches the bottom of the hole, use a wooden tamping stick.
Eco-Break Rustenburg Tel 014 533 0977
Page 15 of 24
Figure 2. Electric match inserted into ECO-BREAK Cartridge
9. STEMMING
Suitable stemming material (3mm all in aggregate) must be placed and tamped for at least 300mm, up to the collar of the hole. Care must be taken to ensure that the electric igniter wire does not get damaged during this process. Stemming material is to be firmly tamped in the hole. Stemming loader should be used to stem horizontal holes.
10. FIRING ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES
The initiation of all Eco-Break Cartridges must comply with all site-specific explosives initiation procedures. The fracture characteristics of Eco-Break Cartridges differ in comparison to explosives single they allow a more controlled breakage due to the rock being fractured in tension rather than compression. This results in low vibration, low noise, reduced overpressure and minimal flyrock compared to explosive blasting. Only localised clearance of personnel and equipment is required. A recommended minimum safe distance of fifty (50) metres should be observed. However adequate safety distances need to be assessed by all users as conditions vary from site to site.
When initiating Eco-Break Cartridges, the operator must maintain a minimum distance of 50 metres from the initiating Eco-Break Cartridges.
Eco-Break Rustenburg Tel 014 533 0977
Page 16 of 24
Always be aware of the possibility of personnel entering barricaded areas without authority and ensure that the area is completely clear of personnel before initiating cartridges. Eco-Break Cartridges must only be initiated with an approved electric exploder as per the site firing procedures.
Figure 3. An approved electric exploder
Immediately after initiating the Eco-Break Cartridges disconnect the firing cable and shunt the ends. Prior to returning to the work area, sufficient time must be permitted for any dust and fumes to clear. This is generally only a very short period, as Eco-Break Cartridges only create a small volume of fumes when initiated. Inspect the area to ensure all cartridges have initiated. If you suspect a cartridge that has not initiated it must be treated as a misfire. Refer to “Misfire Procedures” Once the area has been inspected and found to be safe work may continue.
Evaluate the condition of the rock after firing. Pay attention to any fine cracks, which may have developed indicating fracture planes that will separate during handling and thus not require additional firing.
Eco-Break Rustenburg Tel 014 533 0977
Page 17 of 24
11. MISFIRE PROCEDURE In the event that an ECO-BREAK Cartridge misfires, this procedure and all
site-specific procedures must be strictly observed: No person is to approach the work area until at least five (5) minutes have elapsed. The firing cable must be disconnected from the exploder and the ends shunted The electric igniter is then disconnected from the firing cable and short-circuited by twisting both ends of the cable together. Stemming is blown from the hole using water or air/water mixture, which shall be introduced into the hole using a non-ferrous tube or hose. The tube or hose must be inspected prior to use. The cartridge shall be carefully extracted from the hole with the aid of the igniter wire and a tamping stick. Under no circumstance should force be used to extract the ECO-BREAKERS Safety Cartridge. If extraction of the cartridge is not possible, place a new one then stem a hole and re- fire. All ECO-BREAKERS Safety Cartridge misfires must be reported according to site specific policies.
12. DISASSEMBLY AND DESTRUCTION OF MISFIRED ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES
Should for any reason an ECO-BREAKERS Safety Cartridge fail to initiate and it is determined that the ECO-BREAKERS Safety Cartridge is the cause of the failure, the following procedure shall be adhered to. Deviations from this procedure may be hazardous. Additional PPE requirements for personnel required to dispose of misfired cartridges shall be; • Face Shield • Overalls • Gloves
Only accredited personnel who have been instructed in this procedure are permitted to carry out this task.
Eco-Break Rustenburg Tel 014 533 0977
Page 18 of 24
PROCEDURE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES AND IGNITERS
A. GENERAL 1. The destruction of blasting materials may be carried out only by a Blaster as
defined in Chapter 10 of the Explosives Regulations, or by a person specially authorised, in writing, by an Inspector to do so.
2. The Chief Inspector of Explosives must be advised, in writing, of the details of all
blasting materials destroyed for any reason whatsoever. 3. The destruction of blasting materials may be carried out only during the hours
between sunrise and sunset. 4. In particular, Regulations 8.13.5, 10.14.1, 15.1, 15.2 ,15.3 and 10.16 of the
Explosives Regulations must be observed.
B. THE SITE The destruction of blasting materials may be undertaken only at a safe distance from buildings, roads, railways, power lines etc. Possible danger from air blast, which may damage windows and roofs of buildings, even at considerable distances, must be considered, as well as danger from flying debris. Even in the case of burning, it is possible for blasting materials to detonate and adequate safety distances must be maintained accordingly. The best sites for the destruction of blasting materials are slime dams or open sandy veldt. Stone sites should be avoided, as explosions will cause stones to be scattered, which will inevitably extend the danger zone. Dry grasslands or bush, which might by ignited by burning fragments from a blast, should also be avoided. On a clear quiet, cloudless day, five kilograms of blasting materials may be detonated at a distance of not less than 150 metres from any building etc., on a site which is free from stones or any other potential projectiles. Smaller quantities of blasting materials may be destroyed at distances determined by using recognised formulae.
C. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
1. It cannot be too strongly emphasised that when blasting materials are being burnt they are always liable to detonate, even if conditions seem to indicate that an explosion will not result. The Blaster must bear this fact in mind at all times.
2. Since the destruction of blasting materials, whether by burning or detonation, is equivalent to blasting, Regulation 10.14.1 applies mutatis mutandis to the destruction of explosives.
3. The Blaster may not approach, or allow anybody to approach, the fire until it is completely burnt out.
Eco-Break Rustenburg Tel 014 533 0977
Page 19 of 24
4. The quantity of blasting materials dealt with at one time shall be limited to the
following:
Cartridges .............................................................. 5 kilograms Igniters ............................................................... 500 units.
If the total quantity of blasting materials is more than can be dealt with at one time, the bulk must be stacked, under guard, at a safe distance from the scene of operations. Only sufficient blasting materials for one treatment should be brought up at a time. Blasting materials may easily be detonated sympathetically, by concussion or by a blow from flying debris, so the stack must be far enough away to avoid any of these possibilities.
5. Guards must be placed so as to prevent persons not actually engaged in the
work from entering the danger area and, after the work is completed, a thorough search must be carried out for blasting materials which may have escaped destruction.
6. It is strongly emphasised that blasting materials should NEVER BE BURIED IN
THE GROUND in the hope that they will break down naturally and be rendered safe by the elements. Most blasting materials remain unaltered in the ground for many years and therefore constitute an ever-present source of danger. For the same reason submersion of blasting materials in deep water or at sea is forbidden.
D. DESTRUCTION OF BLASTING MATERIALS BY BURNING: Eco-Break Cartridges It is not possible to be sure that cartridges will not detonate during burning, however carefully the work is carried out, so all precautions against the danger in case of detonation must be taken. Due to the possibility of detonation, the sites shall be at least 10 metres apart to avoid the possibility of sympathetic detonation in case of one lot exploding. There must be no igniters amongst the cartridges to be burnt. If there is any possibility of these being present - for example in cartridges which may have been made into primers - a careful search must be made and any that are found must be removed and dealt with separately. The beds on which burning will take place must be made of dry wood shavings or well-crumpled newspapers. If should be about 200mm wide, about 25 to 50mm thick, and as long as is needed for the cartridges to be destroyed, [five kilograms cartridges will cover beds of about 2 metres and 1.5 metres long]. The long axis of the bed must lie parallel to the direction in which the wind is blowing and the work should not be attempted if the wind is exceptionally strong or very gusty.
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The cartridges are placed lengthwise in a single layer on the wood shavings so that the cartridges do not touch one another and lie parallel to the long side of the bed. The bed and cartridges are then well saturated with LIGHTING PARAFFIN, [power paraffin, diesoline and petrol MAY NOT be used], by sprinkling the whole bed, using a watering can or specially prepared tin to give even distribution of paraffin over the whole bed. [About 0.5 litres of paraffin will be needed per metre length of bed for normal purposes.] When the guards have been set and everybody has moved to a safe distances, the operator may light the bed of shavings at the downwind end by means of a train of newspaper long enough to give him time to WALK to safety before the cartridges start burning. It is important to light only the downwind end of the bed of shavings, otherwise burning may proceed rapidly and the heat may cause detonation of the cartridges. After the fire has become extinguished, the operator must approach the site to ascertain whether any cartridges have remained unburned. Should an explosion occur during burning, a thorough search must be made for unexploded cartridges, which may have been projected over a wide area. No other fire may be prepared on the same spot until the ground has thoroughly cooled off. Shocktube igniters Shocktube igniters can be destroyed by burning. The shocktube must be cut into three metre lengths, and not more than 20 lengths [strands] of three metres each are laid lightly, without touching, on a bed of combustible material which is then lit in the manner described for cartridges. Ammonium nitrate blasting agents, gunpowder and nitro-cellulose Ammonium nitrate, gunpowder and nitro-cellulose can be destroyed by burning on a bed of wood shavings, as described above. They should be poured on the shavings in thin layer of not more than 6mm thick. Igniters Destroy as safety fuse described above, without removing the igniter cord and containing capsule from the length of safety fuse. Electric igniter Scatter loosely and individually on the bed of wood-shavings in a single layer.
E. DESTRUCTION OF BLASTING MATERIALS BY NEUTRALISATION:
Dissolving the soluble ingredients in copious quantities of running water may destroy small quantities of nitro-cellulose, gunpowder and ammonium nitrate. No other explosives can or may be destroyed in this manner.
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PROCEDURE – CARTRIDGE NOT RETRIEVED
Insert an additional cartridge on top of the misfired cartridge and repeat firing procedure. In the event that another cartridge cannot be placed in the drill hole, a new hole shall be drilled at a distance of no less than six hole diameters parallel to the misfired hole. The second hole shall be fired as normal after which the area shall be inspected and the misfired cartridge removed.
PROCEDURE – CARTRIDGE JAMMED IN HOLE
In the event that a cartridge should become jammed in a drill hole, operators are to place stemming material on top of the cartridge and fire in accordance with the firing procedure. The additional void area below the cartridge will reduce the amount of energy produced upon initiation as the gas produced will have a larger area to expand into.
13. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
The Operator must be aware that the use of Eco-Break Cartridges needs to comply with legislative requirements. The governing legislation includes the Explosives Act 26 of 1956 and Explosives regulations. Under the Explosives Act 1956, an operator handling Eco-Break Cartridges must be aware of the following:
GENERAL DUTY OF CARE A person who is doing an act involving Eco-Break Cartridges must take reasonable precautions and use reasonable care to avoid endangering any person’s safety, health or property.
Authority required to possess Eco-Break Cartridges
(1) A person must not possess an ECO-BREAK Cartridge unless the person holds an authority that authorizes the person to possess Eco-Break Cartridges.
Authority needed to use Eco-Break Cartridges (2) A person must not use an ECO-BREAK Cartridge unless the person holds an authority to use Eco-Break Cartridges.
Under the Explosives Regulation of Act 26/1956, the operator must be aware of the following sections: Theft or other incident involving Eco-Break Cartridges to be reported (1) This section applies to a person while carrying Eco-Break Cartridges
under a license. (2) If Eco-Break Cartridges are stolen or otherwise go missing, the person
must immediately-
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a) Report the incident to the police and immediate supervisor/Site Manager; and
b) Give to the chief inspector of explosives full details of the incident and of the action being taken to recover the stolen or missing ECO-BREAK Cartridge.
14. APPENDIX A; ECO-BREAKERS SAFETY CARTRIDGE TRANSPORTATION & STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Quantity per vehicle
Types of Explosives
Category 1 (low risk)
Category 2 (mod risk)
Category 3 (high risk)
Examples
Black Powder, as packaged for small
arms
≤ 25 kg > 25 – 250 kg > 250 kg Gun powder
Smokeless Powder (1.1C) as packaged
for small arms
≤ 25 kg > 25 – 250 kg > 250 kg Propellant powder
Division 1.1 (except 1.1A and
detonators of 1.1B)
≤ 5 kg > 5 – 250 kg > 250 kg 1.1D – most blasting explosives
(e.g. ANFO) Division 1.1A Transport Prohibited
Division 1.1B ≤ 125 items > 125 – 5000 items > 5000 items Detonators Division 1.2 ≤ 5 kg > 5 – 250 kg > 250 kg Military explosives
≤ 50 kg > 50 – 1000 kg > 1000 kg Most propellant powders and
fireworks Division 1.4
(except 1.4S) ≤ 250 kg > 250 kg NA Plastic igniter cord,
fireworks, marine distress flares
Division 1.4S Unlimited NA NA Toy caps, X-mas crackers, safety
cartridges Division 1.5 ≤ 25 kg > 25 kg NA Bulk emulsion
Table 1. Risk Categories for Loads of Explosives (UN Code) Risk
Category Guidance
Note Requirements
License Signs Safety equipment
Public risk insurance
EPG Shipping document
1 (low)
- Not req’d Not req’d Not req’d Not req’d Not req’d Yes
2 (mod)
X511 Not req’d Yes Yes Yes ($500K)
Yes Yes
3 (high)
X503 Yes Yes Yes Yes ($1000K)
Yes Yes
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Table 2. Summary of regulations for the transport of explosives by road (UN Code) Rework / Additional Controls: Based upon the risk assessment, the following summary of rework will need to be completed to ensure the systems safety. Hazard No. Description Action
By Response
Signed on the ………………………………. Of …………………………… 2005 by ………………..…………(SURFACE ECO-BREAKERS BLASTER FOR ECO-BREAK) ………………….....…….(NAME AND SURNAME) …………………….…….(ID NUMBER)