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Safe Work Methods and Risk Assessment of

ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES

BREAKING OF ROCK AND CONCRETE

Eco-Break Cartridge Procedure

The purpose of this procedure is to provide the prescribed safe work methods for users of Eco-Break Cartridges with clearly

defined handling and operating guidelines.

Version 3 5.12.00 Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART A RISK ASSESMENT PAGE

2 – 10 PART

B SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE PAGE

1. Introduction 11 2. Cartridge Sizes 11 3. Workplace 11 4. Storage Procedures 12 5. Transporting Eco-Break Cartridges 13 6. Signs and Barricades 14 7. Drilling 14 8. Loading Eco-Break Cartridges into Holes 15 9. Stemming 16 10. Firing Eco-Break Cartridges 16 11. Misfire Procedure 18 12. Disassembly And Destruction of Misfired Eco-Break Cartridges 18 13. Legislative Requirements 23 14. Apendix a; Transportation & Storage Requirements 23

GENERAL SAFETY

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Manual Lifting Procedure

Safety glasses � Before you lift size up the load. Safety boots � Before you lift plan your intended route. Hearing protection � Before you lift position your feet. Hard hat � Before you lift get a secure grip. Gloves � When you lift have a straight back. dust masks (if required) � When you lift position your head and arms. When you lift use your legs.

3. Assessment Results

Page 2 of 24

Step in OP Potential Incident/Accident P C R Current Control Recommended Control When Whom

Transport from factory to the site Fire F 3 18

• Transported in approved container under lock

• Fire extinguisher on vehicle • As per CIE permit • Not transported with other

explosive types

• The driver must have a knowledge of handling of the product

• Emergency numbers available in the car

• Transport Only in approved boxes /containers:1.4S classification

Collision of vehicle F 3 18

• Licensed and responsible driver only

• Vehicle roadworthy and registered

• Every collision to be reported to the supervisor.

• Driver must not leave vehicle unattended

Hijack / theft of vehicle F 3 18 • Vehicle locked at all times

• Tracking device fitted to vehicle

• Report to SAP and supervisor

Uncontrolled initiation F 3 18 • Igniters and cartridges

transported in separate approved containers

Loss of product F 3 18 • Vehicle locked at all times • Product to be transported out of

sight

• Tracking device fitted to vehicle

•

Storage on the site Illegal removal / misplaced F 6 36

• Storage as per CIE permit • Only appointed ECO-

BREAKERS operator to have access to the store

Uncontrolled initiation F 3 18 • Igniters and cartridges stored in

separate approved containers •

Fire

F

3

18

• Equip store as in fire fighting equipment as per Explosive Act

3. A

sses

smen

t Res

ults

Page

3 o

f 24

Pre

Sta

rt

Tas

k id

entif

icat

ion

A

6

6

• In

stru

ctio

n fr

om S

uper

viso

r.

• C

omm

unic

atio

n w

ith c

ross

sh

ift

• N

otify

all

conc

erne

d pa

rties

Doc

umen

tatio

n

D

6 24

• C

opy

of C

OP

to k

ept a

t the

w

ork

site

•

EC

O-B

RE

AK

ER

S s

tock

at

the

stor

e to

be

upda

ted

• U

pdat

ed d

ocum

enta

tion

/ pl

ans

of tr

ench

to b

e ke

pt w

ith

EC

O-B

RE

AK

ER

S o

pera

tor

• In

sen

sitiv

e ar

eas

: cab

les

, roa

ds, h

ousi

ng th

e pr

oper

siz

e of

car

tridg

e an

d dr

illin

g di

rect

ions

m

ust e

nsur

e s

afe

dist

ance

EC

O-

BR

EA

KE

RS

op

erat

or

App

ropr

iate

PP

E

Inju

ries

A

3

3 •

A g

ood

fit a

nd in

wor

king

or

der

• R

efle

ctin

g cl

oths

to b

e w

orn

• S

pare

issu

e of

PP

E

avai

labl

e

App

ropr

iate

trai

ning

E

2 10

• M

ust h

ave

com

plet

ed E

CO

-B

RE

AK

ER

S tr

aini

ng m

odul

e •

App

ropr

iate

per

mit

for s

urfa

ce

blas

ting

• E

CO

-BR

EA

KE

RS

ce

rtific

ate

issu

e b

y th

e as

sess

or

Han

dlin

g to

ols

and

cons

umab

les

A

4 4

Man

ual h

andl

ing

proc

edur

es.

Mec

hani

cal l

iftin

g de

vice

if

requ

ired.

Ope

rato

r tra

ined

in

corr

ect m

anua

l han

dlin

g te

chni

ques

.

Tran

spor

t pe

rson

nel &

eq

uipm

ent

Tra

nspo

rt fr

om

expl

osiv

e bo

xes

to

the

wor

king

pla

ce

Fire

E

6

30

• T

rans

porte

d in

app

rove

d co

ntai

ner u

nder

lock

•

Fire

ext

ingu

ishe

r on

veh

icle


Page 4 of 24

• The number of cartridges removed from storage shall be no more than that required for the task or single shift

• Not transported with other explosive

• Supervision of ECO-BREAKERS operator required

Uncontrolled Initiation D 5 20 • Cartridges and accessories

transported in separate containers.

Misplacement E 2 10 • Supervision of ECO-

BREAKERS operator required

• Wash spillage away with water

• Prevent accumulation as propellant when dry again could be dangerous

Personal injury E 2 10 • Training • Supervision

Transport by vehicle to the working place Collision A 1 1

• Daily pre start inspection • Weekly inspection • Red flags - once big

machinery around • The number of cartridges

removed from storage shall be no more than that required for the task or single shift

Driver

Collision

A

1

1

• Driver must hold a current drivers license

• No driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Cartridges carried in approved container only

Vehicle overloaded Fell off A 2 2

• All passengers must have a seat and be prevented from felling off

• Do not carry more weight than the rated capacity

3. A

sses

smen

t Res

ults

Page

5 o

f 24

Fire

E

2 1

• D

river

to h

ave

a de

mon

stra

ted

fire

– fig

htin

g co

mpe

tenc

y

• E

xtin

guis

her t

o be

fitte

d •

Driv

er to

che

ck o

n ex

tingu

ishe

r con

ditio

n da

ily

Man

ual H

andl

ing

Bac

k in

jure

s A

6

6 •

Erg

onom

ic p

acka

ging

in

term

s of

sha

pe a

nd w

eigh

t.

• T

rain

ing

in c

orre

ct m

anua

l ha

ndlin

g te

chni

ques

C

artr

idge

s ha

ndlin

g


Page 6 of 24

Sprains and strains Back/personal injury E 4 20

• Ergonomic task process. Personnel have manual handling training. Max 20 kg per person per lift.

Fatigue Personal injuries E 6 30 • Shift duration • Adequate light and ventilation

Exposure to heat Heat stroke F 4 24 • Adequate water • Weather not to be extreme • PPE

Charging a hole

Initiation system • To agree with client at the beginning of the contract

Electric igniter inserted into the cartridge

Propellant get into the eye or skin E 6 30 • Wash out with water • use PPE

Extraneous electricity Uncontrollable ignition F 1 6 • keep both ends shunted

when not in use Switch off all mobile phones

Shock tube ignitors Shock tube kinked or damage otherwise D 6 24 • do not use this ignitor Miner

Numbers out of order D 6 24 • Check LPD numbers according sequenced of blast Miner

Blow out and dislodge all holes before insert Eco-Break Cartridges

Foreign body in the eye Personal injures F 3 18 • PPE

• Training • Remove all unnecessary

personnel

Cartridge lowered onto the hole A 6 6

Hole is the appropriate size, not forced past any obstruction • Training

• Use only proper drill bit • Use approved charging

stick • Make sure that wires are

not damage

Stemming Personal injuries E 4 20

• Only supplied stemming to be used

• Training • Stem up to the collar

• PPE • Approved equipment • Igniter wires to be secure

properly

3. A

sses

smen

t Res

ults

Page

7 o

f 24

Cov

er h

oles

with

bl

astin

g m

ats

or

barr

icad

es

Per

sona

l inj

urie

s F

3 18

•

EC

O-B

RE

AK

ER

S o

pera

tor

to

deci

de w

hat k

ind

of m

ats

to

use

• D

epen

ds h

ow s

ensi

tive

is

envi

ronm

ent a

nd c

harg

es

used

•

Sur

face

of c

oncr

ete

to b

e fr

ee fr

om s

mal

l deb

ris to

pr

even

t fly

roc

k ef

fect

Igni

ting

Eco

-Bre

ak

Car

trid

ges

Che

ck c

ontin

uity

of

firin

g ca

ble

and

elec

trica

l ign

iter

A

6

6

• T

rain

ing

• U

se a

ppro

ved

test

er

• R

eg.1

0.10

an

d10.

14.1

E

xp.

Act

26/

1956

• H

ave

the

firin

g ca

ble

shun

ted

at a

ll tim

es

• S

witc

h of

f al

l m

obile

and

po

tabl

e ph

ones

w

hen

conn

ectin

g ca

rtrid

ges

Per

sonn

el to

o cl

ose

whe

n in

itiat

ing

EC

O-

BR

EA

KE

RS

P

erso

nnel

inju

ry

E

2 10

• E

lect

ric in

itiat

ion

used

to

enab

le c

ompl

ete

cont

rol o

f in

itiat

ing

timin

g •

Tra

inin

g &

exp

erie

nce

• M

inim

um e

xclu

sion

zon

e to

be

dete

rmin

ed b

y tra

ined

EC

O-B

RE

AK

ER

S

oper

ator

•

Bar

ricad

e w

ith s

igns

and

da

nger

tape

Re-

Ent

ry

Mis

fire

B

6 12

•

Reg

. 10.

16E

xpl.

Act

26/

1956

•

Incl

ude

in C

.O.P

.

S

mol

derin

g ca

rtrid

ge

E

1 5

• O

bser

ve m

inim

um 5

min

re-

entr

y pe

riod

as p

er C

.O.P

. B

DS

A S

10.

14.1

7

E

xpos

ure

to fu

mes

/ du

st

A

1 1

• O

bser

ve m

inim

um 5

-min

re-

entr

y pe

riod

as p

er C

.O.P

. B

DS

A S

10.

14.1

7 •

Onl

y us

e of

app

rove

d ca

rtrid

ges

In

com

plet

e co

mbu

stio

n du

e to

lack

of

conf

inem

ent

B

2 4

• C

orre

ct s

tem

min

g m

ater

ial

used

•

Cor

rect

ste

mm

ing

met

hods

fo

llow

ed

U

naut

horiz

ed e

ntry

E

2

10

• A

s pe

r C.O

.P. B

DS

A

S10

.14.

17 &

10.

14.0

500

3. A

sses

smen

t Res

ults

Page

8 o

f 24

O

ld e

xplo

sive

s D

6

24

• M

ust b

e de

stro

yed

• A

s pe

r C.O

.P. B

DS

A S

10

.14.

18

• R

eg. 1

0.23

.6/7

Exp

. Act

26/

1956

From

the

likel

ihoo

d an

d co

nseq

uenc

e ra

tings

(usi

ng th

e fo

llow

ing

risk

mat

rix),

the

risk

can

be d

eter

min

ed a

s ei

ther

:

1 –

6

Hig

h ris

k - C

ritic

al

8 –

16

Med

ium

risk

18

– 3

6 Lo

w ri

sk –

tole

rate


Page 9 of 24

Consequences Probabilities

A B C D E F

1 1 2 3 4 5 6

2 2 4 6 8 10 12

3 3 6 9 12 15 18

4 4 8 12 16 20 24

5 5 10 15 20 25 30

6 6 12 18 24 30 36

Set controls: Hazards are again analyzed using brainstorming techniques with reference to the risk rating to determine appropriate controls that may be implemented to eliminate or reduce the risk.


Page 10 of 24

Controls review: Based upon a comparison between the required and existing controls, a list of potential additional controls may be drafted. Any list generated as a result of the risk assessment process will be the basis for alterations to systems and equipment. The implementation of which are to be defined and agreed to as the minimum standard for risk control. As there may be many controls that may be beyond technology, cost or practicality, the final implemented controls will be compiled jointly from the total list of suggested controls, and will be reviewed and accepted by the risk assessment team. It is critical that controls are implemented for areas identified as high risk and high-risk consequence hazards. Review: A risk review inspection will be coordinated and is considered as essential in the monitoring of control performance or adequacy of the implemented plan. Please note that the following abbreviations P = Probability C = Consequence R = Risk

Eco-Break Rustenburg Tel 014 533 0977

Page 11 of 24

SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES

1. INTRODUCTION ECO-BREAK technology breaks hard rock and concrete by burning a

propellant mixture to generate gas. The gas is introduced into the lower part of a short drill hole. The sudden introduction of gas pressurizes the base of the drill hole causing the gas to be forced into microfractures formed in the rock by the percussive drilling process. The expanding gas creates rock fractures in a characteristic cone pattern.

This manual has been developed so as to provide users of the Eco-Break

Cartridges with clearly defined handling and operating guidelines.

2. CARTRIDGE SIZES

Recommended Drill hole size

Cartridge Diameter

Weight of Charge

32mm 27.5 10gm 32mm 27.5 30gm 32mm 27.5 60gm 45mm 42 60gm 45mm 42 100gm

64 – 76mm 60 100gm 64 – 76mm 60 200gm 64 - 76mm 60 300gm

3. WORKPLACE

To ensure the safety of personnel and equipment in the workplace all personnel must carry out inspections before work commencing. Firing Eco-Break Cartridges at the location should not create a hazard to other personnel or equipment.

Operators are required to:

• Assess rock or concrete conditions / reinforcement and surrounding

equipment.

• Ensure that barricades have been erected to restrict access into the area.

• Check that there are no misfires present or explosives in the muck pile. If any misfires are known or suspected report this to your supervisor and suspend operations until the situation is suitably dealt with.

• Ensure that services: electrical cables, water /gas pipes are clearly

indicated on plan and protected.


Page 12 of 24

4. STORAGE PROCEDURES

Eco-Break Cartridges have a UN Classification of 1.4S and may be stored in a locked container in an area with restricted public access. 1.4S may be stored with explosives of other than groups A, U and L (not detonators). Records shall be kept for a period of not less than two years of all receipts and issuance of Eco-Break Cartridges transferred to another person or issued by the person responsible for managing the stock of Eco-Break Cartridges. The individual responsible for managing the storage container should record the following information immediately after Eco-Break Cartridges are transferred or issued:- a) The description including commercial name and quantity of each item

received, transferred or issued; b) Date and Time of each transaction and permit no.; c) Name and address of the person to whom any Eco-Break Cartridges

were issued; d) Quantities of each product remaining in stock after each transaction. If the Eco-Break Cartridges are stolen from the storage area or otherwise go missing or if there is evidence of attempted forced entry to, or theft of these items or an unaccountable stock discrepancy it must be immediately reported to the Police and the Chief Inspector of Explosives The records shall be readily available to permit the determination of the type and quantity of missing explosive.

Eco-Break Cartridges can be stored in unlimited quantities in their approved packaging in a secure/lockable container, which is away from public access. Storage containers shall be maintained in a clean and tidy manner. A person nominated by the Relevant Site Manager shall maintain stock registers on site.

5. TRANSPORTING ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES

Eco-Break Cartridges should be handled in the same manner and with the same degree of respect as with standard commercial explosives.

Eco-Break Cartridges have been allocated a United Nations Shipping Name “Articles pyrotechnic for technical purposes”, UN Number 0431, and “cartridge power device” UN number 0323 UN Classification 1.4S. The “Explosive Act 1956” clearly defines transportation requirements of this classification. All personnel and management must be fully aware of the following transportation controls:

• A person who transports Eco-Break Cartridges by road and rail must, so far

as is practicable, ensure that precautions are taken to prevent the cartridges becoming involved in a fire or an explosion.


Page 13 of 24

• Eco-Break Cartridges must be transported in locked containers whilst packaged in approved packaging. Under no circumstances should Eco-Break Cartridges be left loose or unattended.

• Unlimited quantities of Eco-Break Cartridges can be transported by road or rail without restriction, provided that a permit is issued by an inspector of explosives and registered with the appropriate transport authorities.

Vehicles do not require: • A dangerous goods license • Dangerous goods signage • Public risk insurance In any instance however, vehicles are required to carry Shipping documents, which include Emergency Procedure Guide and Material Safety Data Sheets. Eco-Break Cartridges must be stored/transported in separate containers in the same vehicle/storage facility from initiators. Smoking is prohibited within 10 meters of Eco-Break Cartridges. Personnel responsible for the loading and unloading of Eco-Break Cartridges from a vehicle shall take all practicable precautions to ensure that the packages are not dropped, thrown or otherwise mishandled.

The number of Eco-Break Cartridges removed from the storage magazine shall be no more than that required for use in a single shift under normal operating conditions. All stock movements shall be recorded in the relevant stock record book. Eco-Break Cartridges shall be transported in locked containers fixed to the rear of a registered vehicle and must only be transported in approved packaging. Under no circumstances are operators permitted to tamper with or use Eco-Break Cartridges for anything other than their intended purpose. The consequences of any such action may be fatal. Do not expose Eco-Break Cartridges to a naked flame or any other form of heat source.

EMERGENCIES

The driver of a vehicle, which has Eco-Break Cartridges aboard, shall take all practicable precautions to prevent any accident or theft of the cartridges. The driver of a vehicle which has Dangerous Goods aboard shall report as soon a practicable to the nearest fire brigade or a member of the Police Force any theft, fire, accident, or initiation of Eco-Break Cartridges on the vehicle.

Drivers must ensure that provisions are made to secure the packages against movement during transport.


Page 14 of 24

6. SIGNS AND BARRICADES

Place signs and barricades across all entrances to the area where usage of Eco-Break Cartridges is intended. Barricades must be placed at a distance, which shall ensure the safety of all personnel. A recommended minimum safe distance of fifty (50) metres should be observed. However adequate safety distances need to be assessed by all users as conditions vary from site to site and this must be observed by trained and certified ECO-BREAKERS operator.

7. DRILLING Visually inspect the rock to be broken and decide on the best location to drill the hole to maximize the broken volume. All drilling must be carried to the specifications set out in the site drilling procedures. To ensure proper confinement the diameter of the hole for ECO-BREAKERS cartridge must be not more then 4mm greater than that of the cartridge to be used. It is important that care is taken to ensure that the hole being drilled is as close to vertical as possible. Holes drilled on an angle tend to produce fly rock. Whilst fly rock produced by Eco-Break Cartridges is of a low velocity, care must be taken to ensure that fly rock is kept to a minimum. As a general rule, holes should be drilled approximately ½ way through the rock/concrete.

8. LOADING ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES INTO HOLES

Check the electric match for circuit continuity using an approved ohmmeter.

Remove the ECO-BREAK Cartridge from the box and remove the tab or seal from the base to expose the igniter entry port. Ensure that the fuse entry port is not obstructed. Insert an electric igniter into the entry port. Carefully lower the ECO-BREAK Cartridge, base first, into the hole ensuring it reaches the bottom of the hole, use a wooden tamping stick.


Page 15 of 24

Figure 2. Electric match inserted into ECO-BREAK Cartridge

9. STEMMING

Suitable stemming material (3mm all in aggregate) must be placed and tamped for at least 300mm, up to the collar of the hole. Care must be taken to ensure that the electric igniter wire does not get damaged during this process. Stemming material is to be firmly tamped in the hole. Stemming loader should be used to stem horizontal holes.

10. FIRING ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES

The initiation of all Eco-Break Cartridges must comply with all site-specific explosives initiation procedures. The fracture characteristics of Eco-Break Cartridges differ in comparison to explosives single they allow a more controlled breakage due to the rock being fractured in tension rather than compression. This results in low vibration, low noise, reduced overpressure and minimal flyrock compared to explosive blasting. Only localised clearance of personnel and equipment is required. A recommended minimum safe distance of fifty (50) metres should be observed. However adequate safety distances need to be assessed by all users as conditions vary from site to site.

When initiating Eco-Break Cartridges, the operator must maintain a minimum distance of 50 metres from the initiating Eco-Break Cartridges.


Page 16 of 24

Always be aware of the possibility of personnel entering barricaded areas without authority and ensure that the area is completely clear of personnel before initiating cartridges. Eco-Break Cartridges must only be initiated with an approved electric exploder as per the site firing procedures.

Figure 3. An approved electric exploder

Immediately after initiating the Eco-Break Cartridges disconnect the firing cable and shunt the ends. Prior to returning to the work area, sufficient time must be permitted for any dust and fumes to clear. This is generally only a very short period, as Eco-Break Cartridges only create a small volume of fumes when initiated. Inspect the area to ensure all cartridges have initiated. If you suspect a cartridge that has not initiated it must be treated as a misfire. Refer to “Misfire Procedures” Once the area has been inspected and found to be safe work may continue.

Evaluate the condition of the rock after firing. Pay attention to any fine cracks, which may have developed indicating fracture planes that will separate during handling and thus not require additional firing.


Page 17 of 24

11. MISFIRE PROCEDURE In the event that an ECO-BREAK Cartridge misfires, this procedure and all

site-specific procedures must be strictly observed: No person is to approach the work area until at least five (5) minutes have elapsed. The firing cable must be disconnected from the exploder and the ends shunted The electric igniter is then disconnected from the firing cable and short-circuited by twisting both ends of the cable together. Stemming is blown from the hole using water or air/water mixture, which shall be introduced into the hole using a non-ferrous tube or hose. The tube or hose must be inspected prior to use. The cartridge shall be carefully extracted from the hole with the aid of the igniter wire and a tamping stick. Under no circumstance should force be used to extract the ECO-BREAKERS Safety Cartridge. If extraction of the cartridge is not possible, place a new one then stem a hole and re- fire. All ECO-BREAKERS Safety Cartridge misfires must be reported according to site specific policies.

12. DISASSEMBLY AND DESTRUCTION OF MISFIRED ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES

Should for any reason an ECO-BREAKERS Safety Cartridge fail to initiate and it is determined that the ECO-BREAKERS Safety Cartridge is the cause of the failure, the following procedure shall be adhered to. Deviations from this procedure may be hazardous. Additional PPE requirements for personnel required to dispose of misfired cartridges shall be; • Face Shield • Overalls • Gloves

Only accredited personnel who have been instructed in this procedure are permitted to carry out this task.


Page 18 of 24

PROCEDURE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF ECO-BREAK CARTRIDGES AND IGNITERS

A. GENERAL 1. The destruction of blasting materials may be carried out only by a Blaster as

defined in Chapter 10 of the Explosives Regulations, or by a person specially authorised, in writing, by an Inspector to do so.

2. The Chief Inspector of Explosives must be advised, in writing, of the details of all

blasting materials destroyed for any reason whatsoever. 3. The destruction of blasting materials may be carried out only during the hours

between sunrise and sunset. 4. In particular, Regulations 8.13.5, 10.14.1, 15.1, 15.2 ,15.3 and 10.16 of the

Explosives Regulations must be observed.

B. THE SITE The destruction of blasting materials may be undertaken only at a safe distance from buildings, roads, railways, power lines etc. Possible danger from air blast, which may damage windows and roofs of buildings, even at considerable distances, must be considered, as well as danger from flying debris. Even in the case of burning, it is possible for blasting materials to detonate and adequate safety distances must be maintained accordingly. The best sites for the destruction of blasting materials are slime dams or open sandy veldt. Stone sites should be avoided, as explosions will cause stones to be scattered, which will inevitably extend the danger zone. Dry grasslands or bush, which might by ignited by burning fragments from a blast, should also be avoided. On a clear quiet, cloudless day, five kilograms of blasting materials may be detonated at a distance of not less than 150 metres from any building etc., on a site which is free from stones or any other potential projectiles. Smaller quantities of blasting materials may be destroyed at distances determined by using recognised formulae.

C. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

1. It cannot be too strongly emphasised that when blasting materials are being burnt they are always liable to detonate, even if conditions seem to indicate that an explosion will not result. The Blaster must bear this fact in mind at all times.

2. Since the destruction of blasting materials, whether by burning or detonation, is equivalent to blasting, Regulation 10.14.1 applies mutatis mutandis to the destruction of explosives.

3. The Blaster may not approach, or allow anybody to approach, the fire until it is completely burnt out.


Page 19 of 24

4. The quantity of blasting materials dealt with at one time shall be limited to the

following:

Cartridges .............................................................. 5 kilograms Igniters ............................................................... 500 units.

If the total quantity of blasting materials is more than can be dealt with at one time, the bulk must be stacked, under guard, at a safe distance from the scene of operations. Only sufficient blasting materials for one treatment should be brought up at a time. Blasting materials may easily be detonated sympathetically, by concussion or by a blow from flying debris, so the stack must be far enough away to avoid any of these possibilities.

5. Guards must be placed so as to prevent persons not actually engaged in the

work from entering the danger area and, after the work is completed, a thorough search must be carried out for blasting materials which may have escaped destruction.

6. It is strongly emphasised that blasting materials should NEVER BE BURIED IN

THE GROUND in the hope that they will break down naturally and be rendered safe by the elements. Most blasting materials remain unaltered in the ground for many years and therefore constitute an ever-present source of danger. For the same reason submersion of blasting materials in deep water or at sea is forbidden.

D. DESTRUCTION OF BLASTING MATERIALS BY BURNING: Eco-Break Cartridges It is not possible to be sure that cartridges will not detonate during burning, however carefully the work is carried out, so all precautions against the danger in case of detonation must be taken. Due to the possibility of detonation, the sites shall be at least 10 metres apart to avoid the possibility of sympathetic detonation in case of one lot exploding. There must be no igniters amongst the cartridges to be burnt. If there is any possibility of these being present - for example in cartridges which may have been made into primers - a careful search must be made and any that are found must be removed and dealt with separately. The beds on which burning will take place must be made of dry wood shavings or well-crumpled newspapers. If should be about 200mm wide, about 25 to 50mm thick, and as long as is needed for the cartridges to be destroyed, [five kilograms cartridges will cover beds of about 2 metres and 1.5 metres long]. The long axis of the bed must lie parallel to the direction in which the wind is blowing and the work should not be attempted if the wind is exceptionally strong or very gusty.


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The cartridges are placed lengthwise in a single layer on the wood shavings so that the cartridges do not touch one another and lie parallel to the long side of the bed. The bed and cartridges are then well saturated with LIGHTING PARAFFIN, [power paraffin, diesoline and petrol MAY NOT be used], by sprinkling the whole bed, using a watering can or specially prepared tin to give even distribution of paraffin over the whole bed. [About 0.5 litres of paraffin will be needed per metre length of bed for normal purposes.] When the guards have been set and everybody has moved to a safe distances, the operator may light the bed of shavings at the downwind end by means of a train of newspaper long enough to give him time to WALK to safety before the cartridges start burning. It is important to light only the downwind end of the bed of shavings, otherwise burning may proceed rapidly and the heat may cause detonation of the cartridges. After the fire has become extinguished, the operator must approach the site to ascertain whether any cartridges have remained unburned. Should an explosion occur during burning, a thorough search must be made for unexploded cartridges, which may have been projected over a wide area. No other fire may be prepared on the same spot until the ground has thoroughly cooled off. Shocktube igniters Shocktube igniters can be destroyed by burning. The shocktube must be cut into three metre lengths, and not more than 20 lengths [strands] of three metres each are laid lightly, without touching, on a bed of combustible material which is then lit in the manner described for cartridges. Ammonium nitrate blasting agents, gunpowder and nitro-cellulose Ammonium nitrate, gunpowder and nitro-cellulose can be destroyed by burning on a bed of wood shavings, as described above. They should be poured on the shavings in thin layer of not more than 6mm thick. Igniters Destroy as safety fuse described above, without removing the igniter cord and containing capsule from the length of safety fuse. Electric igniter Scatter loosely and individually on the bed of wood-shavings in a single layer.

E. DESTRUCTION OF BLASTING MATERIALS BY NEUTRALISATION:

Dissolving the soluble ingredients in copious quantities of running water may destroy small quantities of nitro-cellulose, gunpowder and ammonium nitrate. No other explosives can or may be destroyed in this manner.


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PROCEDURE – CARTRIDGE NOT RETRIEVED

Insert an additional cartridge on top of the misfired cartridge and repeat firing procedure. In the event that another cartridge cannot be placed in the drill hole, a new hole shall be drilled at a distance of no less than six hole diameters parallel to the misfired hole. The second hole shall be fired as normal after which the area shall be inspected and the misfired cartridge removed.

PROCEDURE – CARTRIDGE JAMMED IN HOLE

In the event that a cartridge should become jammed in a drill hole, operators are to place stemming material on top of the cartridge and fire in accordance with the firing procedure. The additional void area below the cartridge will reduce the amount of energy produced upon initiation as the gas produced will have a larger area to expand into.

13. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS

The Operator must be aware that the use of Eco-Break Cartridges needs to comply with legislative requirements. The governing legislation includes the Explosives Act 26 of 1956 and Explosives regulations. Under the Explosives Act 1956, an operator handling Eco-Break Cartridges must be aware of the following:

GENERAL DUTY OF CARE A person who is doing an act involving Eco-Break Cartridges must take reasonable precautions and use reasonable care to avoid endangering any person’s safety, health or property.

Authority required to possess Eco-Break Cartridges

(1) A person must not possess an ECO-BREAK Cartridge unless the person holds an authority that authorizes the person to possess Eco-Break Cartridges.

Authority needed to use Eco-Break Cartridges (2) A person must not use an ECO-BREAK Cartridge unless the person holds an authority to use Eco-Break Cartridges.

Under the Explosives Regulation of Act 26/1956, the operator must be aware of the following sections: Theft or other incident involving Eco-Break Cartridges to be reported (1) This section applies to a person while carrying Eco-Break Cartridges

under a license. (2) If Eco-Break Cartridges are stolen or otherwise go missing, the person

must immediately-


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a) Report the incident to the police and immediate supervisor/Site Manager; and

b) Give to the chief inspector of explosives full details of the incident and of the action being taken to recover the stolen or missing ECO-BREAK Cartridge.

14. APPENDIX A; ECO-BREAKERS SAFETY CARTRIDGE TRANSPORTATION & STORAGE REQUIREMENTS

Quantity per vehicle

Types of Explosives

Category 1 (low risk)

Category 2 (mod risk)

Category 3 (high risk)

Examples

Black Powder, as packaged for small

arms

≤ 25 kg > 25 – 250 kg > 250 kg Gun powder

Smokeless Powder (1.1C) as packaged

for small arms

≤ 25 kg > 25 – 250 kg > 250 kg Propellant powder

Division 1.1 (except 1.1A and

detonators of 1.1B)

≤ 5 kg > 5 – 250 kg > 250 kg 1.1D – most blasting explosives

(e.g. ANFO) Division 1.1A Transport Prohibited

Division 1.1B ≤ 125 items > 125 – 5000 items > 5000 items Detonators Division 1.2 ≤ 5 kg > 5 – 250 kg > 250 kg Military explosives

≤ 50 kg > 50 – 1000 kg > 1000 kg Most propellant powders and

fireworks Division 1.4

(except 1.4S) ≤ 250 kg > 250 kg NA Plastic igniter cord,

fireworks, marine distress flares

Division 1.4S Unlimited NA NA Toy caps, X-mas crackers, safety

cartridges Division 1.5 ≤ 25 kg > 25 kg NA Bulk emulsion

Table 1. Risk Categories for Loads of Explosives (UN Code) Risk

Category Guidance

Note Requirements

License Signs Safety equipment

Public risk insurance

EPG Shipping document

1 (low)

- Not req’d Not req’d Not req’d Not req’d Not req’d Yes

2 (mod)

X511 Not req’d Yes Yes Yes ($500K)

Yes Yes

3 (high)

X503 Yes Yes Yes Yes ($1000K)

Yes Yes


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Table 2. Summary of regulations for the transport of explosives by road (UN Code) Rework / Additional Controls: Based upon the risk assessment, the following summary of rework will need to be completed to ensure the systems safety. Hazard No. Description Action

By Response

Signed on the ………………………………. Of …………………………… 2005 by ………………..…………(SURFACE ECO-BREAKERS BLASTER FOR ECO-BREAK) ………………….....…….(NAME AND SURNAME) …………………….…….(ID NUMBER)

safe work methods and risk assessment of eco-break … - riskassessments/eco-break cartridges... ·...

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