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Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders
Group 18. Explosives and Pyrotechnics
Article 121. Snow Avalanche Blasting
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§5353. Detonating Systems.


(a) Detonating systems for hand-placed or hand-thrown charges.

(1) The initiation system on single-unit handcharges shall consist of a fuse cap, safety fuse, and a fuse igniter or a non-electric shock tube initiation system.

(2) Multiple units combined to form a single handcharge may use the above initiation systems or an appropriate detonating cord system.

(3) No other initiation system shall be permitted unless accepted by the Division as providing equivalent safety to the detonating systems allowed under subsections (a)(1) and (2).

(b) Detonating systems for multiple charge blasting.

(1) Detonating cord or non-electric shock tube shall be used to connect multiple charge blasts.

(2) After all charges are placed, connected to the detonating cord, and the charges are ready, a capped fuse, or a non-electric shock tube initiation system shall be attached to the detonating cord.

(c) Appropriate fuse caps, for a particular explosive, shall be used.

(d) Safety Fuses.

(1) Water resistant safety fuse shall be used in snow avalanche blasting.

(2) The average burning rate per foot of safety fuse used shall be determined by burning not less than three, 3-foot lengths of such fuse. Safety fuse which varies more than 10 percent from the manufacturer's stated burning rate shall not be used.

(3) Prior to use, the average burning rate shall be re-determined as required by subsection (d)(2), if the roll of safety fuse has not been fully used and is stored for future use after blasting has been completed.

(4) A notice shall be conspicuously displayed at the work location stating the burning rate of safety fuse used.

(5) Safety fuse shall be of sufficient length to provide a minimum burning time of 90 seconds from ignition to detonation.

(6) Cut ends of fuses shall be protected from weather and physical damage.

(7) Damaged safety fuse shall not be used.

(e) Cap and Fuse Assembly.

(1) The caps and fuses shall be assembled in a warm, dry, well-lighted environment.

(2) The location used for assembly shall not have flammable and combustible liquids, flammable gases, or explosives present where accidental detonation of the caps could create a secondary ignition or detonation hazard.

(3) Caps shall only be crimped to the fuse with a crimping tool approved for that purpose.

(f) Fuse Igniter.

(1) A fuse igniter, designed for that purpose, shall be used for lighting safety fuse.

(2) The fuse igniter shall not be attached to the safety fuse until immediately prior to time of ignition.

(3) The fuse igniter shall not be installed on a damaged fuse.

(g) Appropriate eye protection shall be worn pursuant to Section 3382 when handling or using detonating systems or their components.

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 10-10-2007; operative 11-9-2007 (Register 2007, No. 41).

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