Proper storage of explosive ordnances is quite literally a matter of life and death. Beyond the risks of operational inefficiencies or added costs due to waste, any missteps could lead to catastrophic accidents. So, for companies in the mining, quarrying, construction, and manufacturing sectors, understanding the dos and don’ts of explosives can mean the difference between safety and operational success, and high-risk, dangerous, costly situations.
To help companies in these sectors adhere to industry-leading safety standards, Mining and Energy Acuity’s (MEA) compliance experts lay out the three vital practices to keep in mind when establishing on-site explosives magazines.
1. Understanding the regulatory landscape
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard provides clear requirements for explosive storage. And one of the first conditions to be aware of is OSHA’s mandate that storage magazines be bullet-resistant, fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and adequately ventilated. These basic standards are in place to minimise the risk of accidental detonation or product damage.
Secondly, regulations governing the storage distance between magazines and active site operations also apply and may differ depending on the type of explosives and storage facility involved. For instance, mobile storage containers for highly sensitive explosives such as dynamite, Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO), and water gels or emulsions, must be located at least 45 metres (150 feet) away from ongoing work.
Failure to meet these regulatory requirements or observe best-practices in terms of compliance can compromise safety and operational inefficiencies, which is why partnering with an expert explosives management service provider such as MEA is critical.
2. Environmental considerations
Environmental conditions may vary widely across different regions. These factors must be closely assessed and planned for when considering a magazine’s location. In humid areas, incorrectly ventilated magazines can lead to moisture buildup, and destabilise sensitive materials like dynamite or water gels. Likewise, temperature fluctuations can affect the stability of explosives and increase the threat of accidental detonation.
In regions prone to extreme weather, additional safety precautions are necessary to protect against high winds, heavy rain, and intense heat. For example, cooling systems or insulation may be required during heatwaves to maintain stable temperatures. It’s also important to keep explosives out of direct sunlight, raised off the floor, and stored away from walls to minimise contact with adverse external factors as much as possible.
For peace of mind, MEA’s localised risk assessments will ensure that companies are prepared to address environmental challenges unique to their operations, safeguarding their workforce and the integrity of their explosives.
3. Transport and handling protocols
While discussions around safe and secure ordnance transport often centre on long-distance vehicle transportation, short-distance, manual, non-mechanical transport can also be dangerous if not managed properly.
Over short distances, vehicle transportation may be impractical, and trained workers may be required to move explosives by hand from an on-site magazine to a blasting site using closed, nonconductive containers. Relying on the human element can be risky, however, and stricter adherence to safety protocols and close supervision by a qualified explosives expert are both crucial.
MEA’s approach to ensuring on-site transportation safety therefore includes training workers to handle materials safely, and ensuring that all equipment meets industry standards. By partnering with MEA, companies and their teams can focus on their core competencies, and feel confident that their explosives are being stored and managed with the highest standards of safety and efficiency, avoiding unforeseen mistakes and accidents.
Comments