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Eastern Pa Chapter of the International Society of Explosives Engineers

Comments From the chief

Two recent incidents, one that occurred in PA and one that occurred in another Appalachian State raise another blast area issue.  Often blasters wish to view the results of their work.  This can be dangerous if the vantage point the blaster wants to watch the blast from is in the blast area.  The incident in PA was a close call.  The incident in the other state resulted in a serious injury.  Cameras are often used as a tool to allow the safe viewing of the detonation of blasts.  The loss of the camera is certainly preferable to the loss or injury of the blaster or a member of his crew.

 

Two other issues of note are the Department’s policy regarding blasting near underground utilities and proof of insurance for BAP’s.  The Department has determined that 4.0/in/sec or the equivalent scaled distance is adequate in keeping the ground vibration and ground movement to the lowest level possible when blasting within 200 feet of an underground utility when there is no written agreement between the utility owner and the party responsible for the blasting.  Last but certainly not least, BAP expiration dates will not be solely determined by the insurance policy expiration date.

 

So far this has been a relatively quiet summer with respect to serious regulatory incidents.  Please keep up the good work and be safe!

 

Thanks,

 

Rick

Department of Environmental Protection