Ala. Code § 25-9-279 (1975) Electrical Blasting Practices and Procedures

• Library: Alabama Statutes
• Edition: 2023
• Currency: Current with legislation from the 2023 Regular and Special Sessions.
• Year: 2023
• Citation: Ala. Code § 25-9-279 (1975)

(a) When loading or charging blast holes with electric detonators, all electric power within an unsafe distance of the place to be blasted shall be deenergized.

(b) Electric blasting with blasting machines or special circuit is permissible. With blasting machines, connections shall be made in series or in a combination connection recommended by the manufacturer. With power currents, connections shall be made in series, parallel, or a combination of the two.

(c) When blasting is by means of a special blasting circuit, no one shall enter the place in which the blasting has been done until the permanent blasting wires have been disconnected from the source of electrical energy and the blasting switch has been locked in the open position.

(d) The person responsible for blasting shall be in charge of the blasting machine when it is in the pit. No other person shall connect the blasting machine to the leading wires, and such connection shall not be made until the area has been made safe preparatory to the firing. An audible warning shall be sounded prior to the blasting.

(e) Electric current from power circuits shall not be used for firing shots in a pit except when the electric connections to power circuits are made within the enclosed switch box described in these rules.

(f) Permanent blasting lines shall be kept well in the clear from all power circuits and from all pipes, rails, etc., and shall be run or strung at least 20 feet away from all power circuits.

(g) Grounded circuits or systems shall not be used for electrical blasting.

(h) Permanent blasting lines, safety switches, and blasting switches shall be maintained by a competent electrician or other competent and experienced person.

(i) Leading wires from portable generating blasting devices or approved type batteries shall be not less than those recommended by the Institute of Makers of Explosives.

(j) Permanent blasting wires shall be so installed and maintained that they provide the current capacity required by the electrical firing device. All such wires shall be in conduit, shall consist of type "S" cable or equivalent or shall consist of two rubber covered wires strung on glass insulators or porcelain knobs. If rubber covered wires are used, they shall be kept at least five inches apart.

(k) Connecting wires shall be not less than those recommended by the Institute of Makers of Explosives.

(l) At the location where the shot firing is to be controlled, there shall be installed a suitable blasting circuit enclosed externally operated pole switch with the handle or lever arranged to be locked in the "off" position only.