Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 36-1-13 - Misfires of Explosives13.1. When electric blasting caps have been used, personnel shall not return to misfired holes for at least fifteen (15) minutes. 13.2. Misfires shall be reported to the examiner-foreman and shall be disposed of safely before any work is performed in the blasting area.13.3. After a misfire, the blasting cable shall be disconnected from the source of power and the battery ends short-circuited before electric connections are examined.13.4. When a charge has misfired, the misfire shall be removed by: 13.4.1. Firing separate holes at least two (2) feet away from the parallel to the misfired charge.13.4.2. Washing the stemming and the charge from the bore hole with water.13.4.3. Inserting and firing a new primer after the stemming has been washed out.13.5. The handling of a misfired shot shall be under the direct supervision of an examiner-foreman. 13.6. Requirements for the use of sheathed explosive units for the construction of shaft and/or slope mines. 13.6.1. Notwithstanding W. Va. Code § 22A-2-33(d), sheathed explosives that are approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration shall be permitted for use in West Virginia coal mines, provided however, that they are used in accordance with Subsections 13.6.2. through 13.6.8. as stated herein. 13.6.2. Sheathed explosives units shall be primed and placed in a position for firing and detonated by a certified shot firer designated by mine management. To prime a sheathed explosive unit, the entire detonator shall be inserted into the well of the unit and be held securely in place.13.6.3. A separate instantaneous detonator shall be used to fire each sheathed explosive unit.13.6.4. Use, transportation, handling and storage of sheathed explosives shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and applicable state and federal law.13.6.5. Sheathed explosive units shall not be primed until immediately before units are placed where they are to be fired. A sheathed explosive unit shall not be primed if it is damaged or deteriorated.13.6.6. No more than three sheathed explosive units shall be fired at one time.13.6.7. No sheathed explosive unit shall be fired in contact with another sheathed explosive unit.13.6.8. Certified shot firers and all persons responsible for the use, transportation and handling of sheathed blasting explosives shall be trained in the care and use of sheathed explosives.