>Blasting/explosives safety
Facts for Massachusetts Property Owners about Blasting
Blasting Facts
- IME* reports that in 1996 close to 8 million pounds of commercial explosives were sold for use in Massachusetts.
- Explosives have been used directly or indirectly in almost every part of our daily lives. Cars, trucks, roads, bridges, homes, and office buildings are all built with products that had their origins with explosives. Mining and construction are the two most common uses of explosives.
- Even a product as delicate as baby powder has its origin with explosives!
*JME - Institute ofMakers of Explosives
Blasting Regulations
Commercial explosives and the blasting industry are regulated by a number of state and federal agencies. In Massachusetts 527 CMR 13 is the primary regulation that applies to explosives licensing, permitting, storage, sales, use, transportation, and manufacture. 527 CMR 13 is administered through the Department of Fire Services, Office of the State Fire Marshal.
FederalAgencies that regulate explosives:
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) - sales and storage
- Department of Transportation (DOT) - transportation
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) -construction use and handling
- Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) -mining use and handling
Massachusetts Regulations
527 CMR 13 Eplosives
Key Parts of the RegulationCMR 13.04 Licenses, Permits, Certificates
Certificate of Competency
Explosives Users Certificate
Use and Handling Permit
Sale of Explosive MaterialCMR 13.05 Storage
CMR 13.06 Transportation
CMR 13.09 Use of Explosive Materials (Blasting)
Blast Analysis
Blast Design Plan
Allowable Limits of Effects of Blasting
Preblast Inspection Surveys
Blasting Damage ComplaintCMR 13.14 Pre/Post Blast Inspection Waiver Form
CMR 13.15 Blasting Damage Complaint Form
Important parts of 527 CMR 13 for the homeowner to be aware of
13.09 (1) (k) Blast Analysis
This is where the blasting company should be considering the effects of blasting on adjacent properties.13.09 (1) (1) Blast Design Plan
The blast design plan outlines the details of how the initial blasts will be designed and all the necessary safety precautions to be taken.13.09 (10) Preblaat Inspection Surveys
When blasting takes place within 250 feet of a property not owned or controlled by the project, a survey has to be offered to the property owner at no cost to the owner.13.09(1) (m) Warnings
The blaster, when ready to fire the blast, must sound warnings.13.09(9) Allowable Limits of Effects of Blasting
These are the limits that are set for vibration and noise that result from a blast. This section also contains the requirements for use of a seismograph.13.09 (12) Blasting Damage Complaint
Should the property owner feel that damage has occurred as a result of blasting, a damage complaint form can be filed with the fire department.
A Few Things to Remember
If a blasting project is planned near your property, take a close look at your home or business. You may be surprised at how many cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings already exist just from seasonal changes in humidity, age, and normal wear and tear. Most property owners doni notice these until after the blasting has started and mistake them for blasting damage.
The limits set for blasting noise and vibration are conservative and are below the threshold of where damage is known to occur.
The limits set in Section 13.09 are the result of years of study and research by universities and the Federal Government. The USBM* RI 8507 Report is the primary source for establishing noise and vibration damage levels.
*USBM - United States Bureau ofMines
Who Do You Contact?
In Massachusetts there are two places to go for blasting help.
The local fire department is the agency who issues the actual Permit to Blast. That permit will be issued only if all the correct planning has taken place and all other conditions of 527 CMR 13 have been met.
Through the Department of Fire Services, the Office of the State Fire Marshal issues Blasting Certificates of Competency and Explosives Users Certificates to blasters and blasting companies. A local fire department will not issue a blasting permit unless these documents are presented. These documents represent that the blaster is considered competent to conduct blasting operations, and that his company has shown evidence of bonding and required insurance respectively.
Other Blasting Information
How is blasting noise and vibration measured?
A seismograph is used to measure both of these effects of blasting. Seismographs are set up next to the closest structure to the blast site. These machines record the ground vibration and noise generated by the blast. This information is used to determine if the blast has exceeded the limits set in the regulations.What records does the blaster have to keep?
The blaster is required to keep detailed records of each blast. These records contain the size, time, and location of the blast, the amount of explosives used, and the results of the seismograph monitoring.Will you bear or feel the blast?
Yes, you could, depending how close you are to the blasting site. Humans are fairly sensitive to noise and sound. What you may feel does not necessarily mean that damage is occurring. Let the blasting company know if you are being startled or if you have other concerns about what is taking place.What if I am sure that blasting damage has occurred?
If you feel that damage may have occurred to your property, you can fill out a Blasting Damage Complaint Form. This form is available from the local fire department. Once filled out and returned, the blasting company will be required to submit to the fire department the records for the blasts believed to have caused the damage. Those records will be reviewed by both the fire department and the Office of the State Fire Marshal for any violations of the regulations. Additionally, the blasting company or its insurance company is required to respond to the daimant and to investigate the claim.What precautions can be taken before blasting starts?
If offered a preblast survey, accept the offer. The survey is simply an inventory of existing conditions of the property. It is also an opportunity for the property owner to ask questions and the blasting company to perform some public relations. If you have any concerns or questions, let them be known. The blasting company should be ready and willing to answer questions or address any additional concerns you may have.
Useful Numbers
Department of Fire Services
P.O. Box 1025
State Road
Stow, MA 01775
(978) 567-3100Executive Office
Main Telephone: (978) 567-3110
Fax: (978) 567-3121
Office of the State and Deputy State Fire Marshal, General Counsel, and
Public Information.Hazardous Materials Response
Main Telephone: (978) 567-3150
Fax: (978) 567-3155
Addresses hazardous materials incidents with a focus on public safety, the
environment, and the health and safety of firefighters.Massachusetts Firefighting Academy
Main Telephone: (978) 567-3200
Fax: (978) 567-3229
Provides firefighting training for cities, towns, and fire districts, as well as
appropriate public and private sector organizations.Office of the State Fire Marshal
Main Telephone: (978) 567-3300
Fax: (978) 567-3199
Technical Support: (978) 567-3370- Fire Data & Public Education Unit
(978) 567-3380
This unit maintains the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting
System, the Massachusetts Burn Injury Reporting System, and the
Property Insurance Loss Register. It coordinates ire safety
education, including the S.A.F.E. Program.- Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit
Telephone: (978) 567-3310
Fax: (978) 567-3119
Arson Hotline: (800) 682-9229
Code Enforcement Section Supervisor: (978) 567-3315
Hazardous Device Section: (978) 567-3365- Code Compliance Unit
Telephone: (978) 567-3300
Fax: (978) 567-3119For more information, go to http://www.sparky.org or http://www.nfpa.org