Section 210. Blasting safety

A. When operating within 1,000 horizontal feet of a highway, traffic must be stopped at a safe distance and the blasting area shall be posted with warning signs.

B. Where a blasting operation is conducted in the vicinity of an active deep mine, the blaster shall observe all procedures necessary to secure the health and safety of the deep mine workers. The operator of the affected deep mine shall be notified of planned blasting activities to coordinate necessary precautions for underground workers.

C. When blasting operations, other than those conducted at a fixed site as a part of any industry or business operated at such site, are to be conducted within 200 feet of a pipe line or high voltage transmission line, the blaster or person in charge of the blasting operations shall take due precautionary measures for the protection of the line, and shall notify the owner of the line or his agent at least 48 hours in advance that such blasting operations are intended.

D. When an operator applies for a mine license, he shall indicate on the application the actual distance to the nearest inhabited building.

E. Before a blast is fired, a loud warning signal, audible within a range of ½ mile, shall be given by the blaster in charge, who has made certain that all surplus explosives are in a safe place and all employees, vehicles, and equipment are at a safe distance or under sufficient cover.

F. Fly rock as defined in 4VAC25-110-10 shall not be allowed.

G. Blasting operations shall be conducted during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) unless authorized by the Chief or his authorized representative.

H. Misfires, hangfires, etc., shall be handled in accordance with § 45.1-161.285 of the Code of Virginia.

I. Mudcapping in blasting operations shall be permitted only where the driller would be in a hazardous position in attempting to drill the rock or material to be blasted.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR480-05-97, Part VII, eff. December 11, 1985; amended, Volume 15, Issue 22, eff. August 18, 1999.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.254 and 45.1-161.286 of the Code of Virginia.