§ 211.153. General requirements for handling explosives.
(a) Only a nonferrous, nonsparking tool shall be used to open containers of explosives.
(b) Matches, lighters and smoking are prohibited within 100 feet (30.48 meters) of the blast site and areas where explosives are used or stored.
(c) If it becomes necessary to destroy damaged or deteriorated explosives, the permittee shall immediately contact the manufacturer for technical advice and assistance.
(d) Detonators may not be forced into cartridges of explosive or cast boosters. Detonators shall be completely inserted into a hole in an explosive cartridge made with an approved powder punch or into the detonator well of a cast booster.
(e) Explosives may not be left unattended. They are to be stored in a licensed magazine or kept under the permittee’s supervision and control.
(f) A loaded blast shall always be under the continuous observation of the blaster-in-charge or a designee.
(g) Shooting or carrying ammunition or firearms on a blast site and in areas where explosives are used or stored is prohibited, except for material needed to initiate the blast.
(h) If blasting activities are conducted in the vicinity of electric lines such as transmission lines or electrified railways, a test shall be made for presence of stray electric currents. Electric blasting caps may not be used if stray electric currents in excess of 50 milliamperes are present.
(i) A package of explosives may not be thrown, slid along floors or over other packages of explosives, or handled roughly.
(j) If an electrical storm approaches an area where there is an activity involving explosives, the area shall be cleared by the permittee or licensee, who shall post guards at all approaches to prevent trespass of unauthorized persons.
(k) Explosives and equipment that are obviously damaged or deteriorated may not be used.
(l) Explosives may not be abandoned.
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 211.194 (relating to general requirements for handling explosives on a seismic exploration operation).
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