How do you handle and store explosives safely and securely in mining sites?

1 Know your explosives

Before you handle or store any explosives, you need to know their types, properties, and characteristics. Different explosives have different sensitivities, velocities, densities, and performance. You should always consult the manufacturer's data sheets, labels, and instructions to understand how to use each explosive safely and efficiently. You should also be aware of the potential hazards and precautions associated with each explosive, such as fire, shock, friction, heat, moisture, static, and radiation.

2 Transport your explosives

When you transport explosives from the supplier to the mining site, or from the storage area to the blast area, you need to follow some guidelines to ensure safety and security. You should always use approved vehicles, containers, and equipment that are designed and maintained for explosives transportation. You should also follow the relevant laws, regulations, and standards that apply to your location and operation. You should avoid any routes or areas that are congested, hazardous, or exposed to public access. You should also have a communication system, an emergency plan, and a security protocol in place.

3 Store your explosives

When you store explosives at the mining site, you need to follow some rules to prevent theft, loss, damage, or deterioration. You should always store explosives in approved magazines or facilities that are constructed and located according to the best practices and standards. You should also keep your explosives in their original packaging and separate them by type, size, and date of manufacture. You should also maintain a proper inventory, inspection, and record-keeping system for your explosives. You should also limit the access and exposure of your explosives to authorized personnel and environmental factors.

4 Handle your explosives

When you handle explosives at the blast area, you need to follow some procedures to avoid accidents or injuries. You should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment and use suitable tools and methods for loading, priming, connecting, and firing explosives. You should also follow the blast design, plan, and schedule that are approved and supervised by a qualified person. You should also observe the safety distances, signals, and warnings that are established and communicated for the blast area. You should also dispose of any unused or misfired explosives properly and safely.

5 Monitor your explosives

When you monitor explosives at the mining site, you need to follow some measures to ensure quality and performance. You should always test your explosives regularly and periodically to check their physical and chemical properties and characteristics. You should also monitor the environmental conditions and factors that may affect your explosives, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and vibration. You should also evaluate the results and outcomes of your blasting operations to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of your explosives.

6 Train your personnel

When you train your personnel on explosives safety and security, you need to follow some standards and requirements. You should always provide your personnel with adequate and relevant education, training, and certification on explosives handling and storage. You should also update and refresh your personnel's knowledge and skills on explosives safety and security regularly and periodically. You should also promote a culture of safety and security among your personnel by establishing and enforcing policies, rules, and procedures on explosives management.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?