Surface Mine Blasting Safety Inspection Checklist

This comprehensive surface mine blasting safety inspection checklist ensures regulatory compliance with MSHA, ATF, ISEE, State Fire Marshal. Pre-blast and post-blast safety inspection for surface mining operations covering explosives handling, blast area clearance, misfires, and flyrock protection. Ensures compliance with MSHA 30 CFR Part 56 Subpart X and ISEE International Blasting Standards for quarries and open pit mines. Complete all sections to maintain compliance documentation and audit re

  • Industry: Mining & Quarrying
  • Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
  • Estimated Time: 30 minutes
  • Role: Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager
  • Total Items: 28
  • Compliance: MSHA, ATF, ISEE, State Fire Marshal

Pre-Blast Planning and Authorization

Verify blast design, authorization, and pre-blast clearance per 30 CFR 56.6300-56.6305.

  • Is the lead blaster certified by MSHA or state licensing authority with current certification?
  • Is written blast design (burden, spacing, hole depth, charge weight) prepared for each blast?
  • Are three distinct audible warning signals established and all personnel trained on signals?
  • Is exclusion zone established based on flyrock calculations per ISEE standards?
  • Is written misfire procedure posted and blaster trained on 30 CFR 56.6304 misfire protocols?
  • Is shot record form prepared with blast pattern, powder factor, and timing diagram?

Explosives Handling and Storage

Verify explosives handling per 30 CFR 56.6400-56.6402 and ATF 27 CFR Part 555.

  • Has explosives magazine been inspected per 30 CFR 56.6400 prior to each use?
  • Are detonators stored separately from other explosives per 27 CFR 555.213?
  • Is explosives inventory record current with all acquisition, use, and disposal documented per ATF requirements?
  • Does explosives transport vehicle meet DOT 49 CFR 177.835 placard and safety requirements?
  • Are initiating systems (detonators, boosters) compatible per manufacturer specifications?
  • Are deteriorated or condemned explosives disposed of per 30 CFR 56.6402 procedures?

Blast Area Clearance and Guards

Verify area clearance per 30 CFR 56.6306-56.6307.

  • Has responsible person verified all personnel and equipment cleared from blast area per 30 CFR 56.6306?
  • Are guards posted at all entrances to blast area with two-way communication to blaster?
  • Are adjacent public roads blocked or flagged with approved traffic control per 30 CFR 56.6306(b)?
  • Is the post-blast all-clear signal distinct and only given after blaster determines area is safe?
  • Is 30-minute post-blast waiting period observed before re-entry per 30 CFR 56.6304(a)?

Post-Blast Inspection and Misfires

Verify post-blast inspection per 30 CFR 56.6304 and misfire procedures.

  • Does blaster enter blast area first to assess safety before releasing other personnel?
  • If misfire identified, is area cordoned and misfire procedure initiated immediately?
  • Are post-blast fumes dispersed by ventilation before miners re-enter pit?
  • Are all drill holes inspected for partially fired charges (bootlegs) before drilling resumes?
  • Is completed shot record filed with date, location, charge weights, delays, and blaster signature?
  • Is post-blast assessment completed to identify flyrock projection and adjust future designs if needed?

Ground Vibration and Airblast Monitoring

Verify vibration and airblast compliance per 30 CFR 816.67 and neighbor agreements.

  • Is blast seismograph calibrated within 12 months and deployed per ISEE monitoring protocol?
  • Do ground vibration readings remain below 2 in/sec PPV at nearest structure per 30 CFR 816.67?
  • Is airblast below 133 dB(L) at nearest occupied structure?
  • Are all neighbor vibration complaints logged and reviewed to adjust future blast designs?
  • Is maximum instantaneous charge (MIC) calculated to meet scaled distance requirements?

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Why Use This Surface Mine Blasting Safety Inspection Checklist?

This surface mine blasting safety inspection checklist helps mining & quarrying teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mine safety officer / site manager professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.

Ensures compliance with MSHA, ATF, ISEE, State Fire Marshal. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Surface Mine Blasting Safety Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 5 sections: Pre-Blast Planning and Authorization, Explosives Handling and Storage, Blast Area Clearance and Guards, Post-Blast Inspection and Misfires, Ground Vibration and Airblast Monitoring. It is designed for mining & quarrying operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per shift / daily. Each completion takes approximately 30 minutes.

Who should use this Surface Mine Blasting Safety Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager professionals in the mining & quarrying industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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