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Mine Blasting Licence Training Manual

Q: What procedures must be followed before and after blasting operations to ensure safety in a working place?

Before blasting operations, a detailed blasting schedule must be arranged to ensure safety, preventing exposure to flying debris, dust, or fumes. This schedule should be communicated and visible to all personnel . Only licensed holders should perform blasting, and guards must be positioned to ensure no unauthorized personnel enter the explosion areas . Similarly, all equipment and any dangerous conditions should be checked and rectified before the blast . After blasting, no personnel should enter the area for at least four hours unless a certified inspector approves earlier entry due to adequate ventilation . The re-entry procedure includes testing for gases, ensuring ventilation is adequate, and verifying that the area is clear of misfires and other dangers . Safety measures such as wearing protective clothing and checking for structural integrity must also be followed . Procedures for making the area safe, such as ventilating, cleaning, and checking misfires, are essential before resuming work .

Q: Outline the procedures and requirements for obtaining a license for storing explosives in a mining district. What factors must be considered?

The procedures and requirements for obtaining a license to store explosives in a mining district involve several steps. Applicants must submit a written application to an inspector of the mining district where explosives will be stored . A temporary license for a portable magazine expires on June 30th following its issue, while a permanent magazine license expires after five years or when the magazine is no longer used, whichever comes first . The license will specify the type, class, and maximum quantity of explosives allowed in the magazine, which must be clearly displayed within it . The storage of explosives must follow specific safety protocols, such as maintaining ventilation, separation of cases from walls, and proper layering to facilitate inspection and rotation . The magazine must be managed by either the licensee or an appointed, knowledgeable person responsible for record-keeping and compliance with regulations . Considerations include ensuring the explosives are not damp or deteriorated; any such condition must be reported to an inspector. Deteriorated explosives should not be issued and may be destroyed as mandated by the inspector . Additionally, storage magazines must be fenced off and kept clearance of vegetation . The site should be equipped to prevent environmental hazards like fires and accommodate safe destruction practices if needed . Transportation of explosives must conform to strict regulations, such as using appropriate vehicles with earthing chains, adequate braking systems, and avoiding routes through populated areas unless necessary . The person responsible for transporting must be over eighteen, and the transport should involve no other flammable or risky materials . These measures ensure the safety and security of stored explosives in the mining district.

Q: How should explosives be stored in an immovable magazine, and what measures ensure their safe storage environment?

Explosives should be stored in regular layers not more than two meters high unless permission is given for higher stacking. They must be arranged to allow easy inspection and removal in rotation, with pallets between the floor and bottom layer. A space of at least 300mm should be maintained between any explosive case and the wall, and 150mm from the ceiling to ensure ventilation and avoid overheating. A reliable thermometer should be installed to ensure temperatures do not exceed 35 degrees .

Q: What procedural steps must be taken when operations using explosives cease, either temporarily or permanently?

License holders must notify an explosives inspector in writing when ceasing explosive operations, providing an inventory of any remaining explosives. Without express written permission from the inspector, explosives must not be stored in closed or suspended sites, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance .

Q: What are the critical safety measures related to the handling and preparation of charges and use of explosives within a mine?

Critical safety measures related to explosives in mining include proper storage, handling, and use protocols. Explosives should be stored in approved magazines, maintaining strict layering and spacing to prevent accidents, and any signs of deterioration must be reported and dealt with immediately . During handling and preparation, only authorized and trained personnel should be involved, using tools made from non-sparking materials such as wood, brass, or copper to avoid accidental ignitions . Explosives should not be transported or used in conditions that might degrade their safety, such as exposure to heat or humidity, and strict controls need to be in place to manage and report on the storage and use of explosives, including maintaining a record of all transactions . The site of blasting must be adequately cleared and protected to minimize risks from flyrock, ground vibrations, or shrapnel . Moreover, emergency protocols and careful scheduling of blasting operations further ensure safety by regulating access and ensuring controlled environments during explosive use .

Q: Identify the potential hazards associated with improper storage of detonators and how these risks are mitigated in magazines.

Improper storage of detonators poses several hazards, such as the risk of accidental detonation, which can lead to injuries, fires, or structural damage . To mitigate these risks in magazines, detonators are stored separately from other explosives in compartments with sufficient separation distances (at least 750 millimeters) to prevent sympathetic detonation . Magazines are designed to be secure, with features like sturdy construction, deadbolt locks, and electrical isolation to reduce the risk of accidental firing from electrical storms . Additionally, magazines ensure temperature control and proper ventilation to maintain safe storage conditions . They include protective measures like earthen mounds and lightning protection systems to safeguard against external explosive threats . These precautions collectively minimize the potential hazards associated with detonator storage.

Q: What conditions necessitate the destruction of explosives, and what process is followed to ensure safety during destruction?

Explosives must be destroyed when they show signs of dampness, exudation, or deterioration . The destruction is typically ordered by an inspector when explosives are deemed unsafe for storage or use . The process of destruction requires the involvement of a licensed blaster or a person specially authorized in writing by an inspector . Destruction methods include burning or detonation, ensuring minimal environmental and safety risks . Precautions include maintaining a secure and authorized setup, with proper distance from inhabited areas and under controlled conditions . Only designated personnel with specific instructions are allowed to conduct the destruction process, and it must comply with instructions from the manager’s written instruction .

Q: Explain the protocols involved in the secure handling of magazine keys and the implications of such security measures.

The secure handling of magazine keys involves several critical protocols to ensure safety and prevent unauthorized access to explosive storage areas. The keys for any magazine, when not in use, must be kept securely locked in a safe, with duplicates also securely stored in a safe by the licensee to be used in case of emergency or inspection . The person in charge of the magazine, who is responsible for the receipt, storage, and issuance of explosives, must maintain custody of these keys, and the magazine itself should remain securely locked at all times except during transfers of explosives . Failure to comply with these protocols can result in unauthorized access, increasing the risk of theft, accidents, or unintended detonations, leading to potentially severe safety and security implications . Such security measures form part of a broader regulatory framework governing the storage and handling of explosives, designed to protect both individuals and property in the vicinity of magazine sites .

Q: Discuss the significance of temperature control within explosives magazines and how it is achieved according to the regulations.

Temperature control within explosives magazines is critical to ensure safety and prevent deterioration of explosives. Regulations specify that the temperature inside the magazine must not exceed 35 degrees Celsius to prevent hazards associated with heat exposure and deterioration of stored explosives . Additionally, explosives showing signs of dampness, exudation, or other forms of deterioration must be separated from other explosives and reported to an inspector . Proper ventilation in the magazine is required, accomplished by installing at least four openings covered with fine wire gauze to maintain airflow and prevent heat accumulation . These measures help maintain the integrity of the stored explosives and reduce the risk of accidental ignition or explosion.

Q: What are the requirements for the appointment of a person in charge of an explosives magazine according to the regulations?

A person in charge of an explosives magazine must be appointed in writing by the licensee and must be acquainted with the Act and relevant regulations. They are responsible for the receipt, storage, and issue of explosives, as well as the recording of these activities. They must ensure the safe custody of the keys and maintain a securely locked magazine except during operations . A written notice of their appointment, along with their signed acceptance, must be posted inside the magazine door . The licensee must also ensure duplicates of the keys are securely stored for emergencies or inspection purposes .

This document is a training manual for mining blasting licenses at Shamva Gold Mine in Zimbabwe. It covers various topics related to blasting including definitions, safety policies, hazards, ventilation, gases, explosives, detonators, magazine storage, transportation of explosives, blasting procedures, secondary blasting, re-entry procedures, and ground support. The manual provides information on regulations, hazards, and procedures to ensure blasting is conducted safely according to mining standards.

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90% found this document useful (10 votes)

2K views124 pages

Mine Blasting Licence Training Manual

Uploaded by

simbarashe leo muzondo

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 DEFINITIONS
1.2 SHE POLICY - SHONA VERSION
1.3 SHE POLICY - ENGLISH VERSION
1.4 RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGER
2.0 HAZARDS IN MINING
3.0 VENTILATION
4.0 DEVELOPMENT & RE-ENTRY
5.0 TRAVELLING WAYS
6.0 FORCE AND EXHAUST OVERLAP SYSTEM
7.0 ENTRY PROCEDURES
13.0 RESCUE PROCEDURES
18.0 SHAFT SIGNALS
19.0 DISTANCE APPLICATION IN MINING
20.0 LEGAL BOOKS

Metallon Gold Zimbabwe {Pvt} Limited

Shamva Gold Mine

MINE BLASTING LICENCE TRAINING

MANUAL

Mining Safety& Training Office

1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.1 DEFINITIONS..........................................................................................................7
1.2 SHE POLICY- SHONA VERSION......................................................................11
1.3 SHE POLICY – ENGLISH VERSION................................................................12
1.4 RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGER................................................................13
2.0 HAZARDS IN MINING..........................................................................................15
3.0 VENTILATION........................................................................................................16
3.0 Gasses....................................................................................................................16
3.1.1CARBON DIOXIDE...............................................................................................17
3.1.2CARBON MONOXIDE..........................................................................................18
3.1.3NITROUS FUMES.................................................................................................19
3.1.4AMOMONIA............................................................................................................20
3.1.5HYDROGEN SULPHIDE......................................................................................21
3.1.6METHANE...............................................................................................................22
3.7 DRAEGER GAS DETECTOR AND TUBE........................................................23
3.7.1HOW TO USE A DRAEGER GAS DETECTOR..............................................24
3.7.2MEASURING RANGE..........................................................................................25
3.7.3SUMMARY OF SAMPLING PROCEDURE......................................................26
3.7.4SOURCES OF GASES.........................................................................................26
3.7.5FACTORS AFFECTING RATE OF GASSING.................................................27
3.7.6ACTION REQUIRED ON SUSPECTED GASSING CASES..........................27
3.7.7SUSPECTED GASSING CASES RECORD BOOK........................................27
3.7.8INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES (ICES)...................................................28
3.7.9DELIVERY AND STORAGE OF DIESEL.........................................................30
3.8.0REFUELING OF DIESEL – POWERED UNITS...............................................31
3.8.1SERVICING/REPAIR............................................................................................31
3.8.2USE OF COMPRESSED AIR IN UNDERGROUND VENTILATION............32
3.8.3FUNCTIONS OF THE WATER BLAST.............................................................32
3.8.4 DEVELOPMENT ENDS 32
3.8.5BLOW PIPE............................................................................................................35
3.8.6USE OF BLOW – PIPE.........................................................................................35
3.8.7PERCUSSION – MACHINE DRILLS (water supply)....................................35
3.8.8INTERNAL WATER FEEDS................................................................................36
4.0 DEVELOPMENT & RE-ENTRY..........................................................................37
4.0.1EXPLOSIVES.........................................................................................................37
4.0.2CLASSES OF EXPLOSIVES..............................................................................37
4.0.3IGNITOR CORDS..................................................................................................38
4.0.4PREPARATION OF CAPPED FUSE.................................................................38
4.0.5 PREPARATION OF PRIMERS....................................................................39
4.0.6SOCKETS...............................................................................................................40
4.0.7MISFIRED HOLES................................................................................................40
4.0.8TREATMENT OF MISFIRES AND EXTRACTION OF EXPLOSIVES.........41
4.0.9OLD EXPLOSIVE BOXES...................................................................................42
4.1.0 DETONATING CORD/FUSE........................................................................42
4.1.1TYPES OF DETONATING CORDS...................................................................42

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4.1.2ELECTRIC DETONATORS.................................................................................43
4.1.2PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN FIRING ELECTRICALLY.............43
4.1.4DETONATING RELAYS /DOG BORNES.........................................................45
4.1.5SAFETY FUSE.......................................................................................................45
4.1.6RESTRICTION ON USE AND STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES.......................46
4.1.7APPLICATION TO STORE EXPLOSIVES.......................................................48
4.1.8CONTROL OF THE MAGAZINE........................................................................49
4.1.9CLOSURE OR SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS..........................................51
4.2.0STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES IN IMMOVABLE MAGAZINE........................52
4.2.1DETERIORATION OF EXPLOSIVES IN MAGAZINE.....................................52
4.2.2UNDERGROUND STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES............................................53
4.2.3PROCEDURE TO BE ADOPTED BEFORE CONSTRUCTION....................54
OF IMMOVABLE MAGAZINE......................................................................................54
4.2.4CONSTRUCTION OF IMMOVABLE MAGAZINE...........................................55
4.2.5PLAN OF A MAGAZINE......................................................................................58
4.2.6CONSTRUCTION OF A PORTABLE MAGAZINE..........................................59
4.2.7CONVEYANCE OF EXPLOSIVES.....................................................................60
4.2.8RESTRICTION ON CONVEYANCE OF EXPLOSIVES..................................61
4.2.9CONVEYANCE OF EXPLOSIVES WITHIN AREA UNDER JURISDICTION
OF LOCAL AUTHORITY..............................................................................................63
4.3.0RESTRICTION ON DRIVER AND CONDITION OF VEHICLE.....................64
4.3.1DESTRUCTION OF OLD EXPLOSIVES...........................................................65
4.3.2METHODS OF DESTRUCTION..........................................................................66
4.3.3GENERAL PRECAUTIONS TO BE OBSERVED............................................67
4.3.4DESTRUCTION BY DETONATION...................................................................68
4.3.5DESTRUCTION BY BURNING...........................................................................69
4.3.6BLASTING SCHEDULE AND TIME LAPSE AFTER BLASTING................71
4.3.7TIME OF BLASTING OPERATIONS.................................................................72
4.3.8DUTIES OF A GUARD (JOHN)..........................................................................73
4.3.9SECONDARY BLASTING...................................................................................73
4.4.0MARKING OF DRILL HOLES.............................................................................76
4.4.1TOOLS FOR CHARGING....................................................................................77
4.4.2BLASTING CABLES............................................................................................78
4.4.3PNEUMATIC CHARGING....................................................................................78
5.0 TRAVELLINGWAYS.............................................................................................80
5.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR LADDERWAYS AND LADDERS.............................80
5.3.2WIRE ROPES.........................................................................................................81
5.3.3GROUND SUPPORT............................................................................................82
5.3.4TYPES OF SUPPORT..........................................................................................82
5.3.5 ROCK BOLTING – EXPNSION SHELL TYPE................................................83
5.3.6 ROPE GROUTING...............................................................................................85
5.3.7GROUT BARS.......................................................................................................86
5.3.8PROP AND HEAD BOARD.................................................................................87
5.3.9PACKS....................................................................................................................88
6.0 FORCE AND EXHAUST OVERLAP SYSTEM................................................90
6.0.1DRIVE SETS...........................................................................................................90

3
7.0 RENTRY PROCEDURES.....................................................................................93
7.1 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE INTO A RAISE.......................................................93
9.0 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE INTO A FLAT END................................................97
9.5 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE INTO A STOPE....................................................100
10.0 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE INTO A WINZE.....................................................102
11.0 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE INTO A SHAFT....................................................106
12.0 ABANDONED AREAS.......................................................................................110
13.0 RESCUE PROCEDURES.................................................................................112
13.0 WINZE...................................................................................................................112
14.0 RAISE....................................................................................................................112
15.0 FLAT END.............................................................................................................113
16.0 BAD HANGING....................................................................................................114
17.0 DEALING WITH A BAD HANGING.................................................................114
18.0 SHAFT SIGNALS................................................................................................115
18.0.1 AUTHORISATION OF LOCAL SIGNALS..................................................116
19.0 Distance Application in mining......................................................................118
20.0 Legal books........................................................................................................122

4
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Introduction to the course
Effects of a mine blasting licence.
 The licence shall permit the holder to prepare, press home, transport, store, fire
explosive charges and to conduct blasting operations.
 Carry out re-entry and rescue procedures.
 Supervise workers in various disciplines underground.
 Report any breach of the regulations to the immediate supervisor and enforce
the requirements of the mining regulations and lawful order given by an
inspector in the interest of Safety, occupational health and discipline.

INTRODUCTION – COURSE MANUAL

 Training MANUAL

 Handouts

5
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Introduction to the course

Section 1 – SHE POLICY

English Version
Shona Version

Section 2 – Hazards in Section 3 – Ventilation

Mining Gasses – I.C.E – Use of compressed air in
underground ventilation

Section 4 – Development & Section 5 – General

Re-entry Traveling Ways, Support in workings
Explosives – Blasting Practice

Section 6 – Re- entry Section 7 – Rescue Procedures

Procedures Development ends - Stopes
Development Ends - Stopes

Section 8 – Shaft Signals Section 9 – Distance Application in

mining

SECTION 10 – Legal books

6
1.1 DEFINITIONS

 Blasting Licence: - means a valid licence to conduct blasting operations and re-
entry procedures issued in terms of the law relating to explosives e.g. Coal mine
blasting licence, Full blasting licence, surface endorsed blasting licence, restricted
blasting licence and mine blasting licence.
 Competent person: - in relation to any duty or function means a person who has
had adequate training an experience to enable him to perform that duty or
discharge that function without avoidable danger to himself or any other person.
 Fiery mine: - means any mine or part of a mine determined to be a fiery mine as
declared by the chief Government Mining Engineer if inflammable gas is present
or, in his opinion, likely to be present in that mine.
 Approved: - means approved in writing by the Chief Government Mining Engineer
 Authorized person: - in relation to a particular function or power, means a
competent person authorized in writing by the manager of the mine concerned to
discharge that function or exercise that power.
 Mining: - means the extraction or obtaining any mineral by any mode or method,
or any purpose directly or indirectly connected therewith or incidental thereto.
 Raise: - means any tunnel having an inclination above the horizontal in the
direction of working of more than five degrees.
 Ramp: - means any tunnel at an inclination of more than five degrees above the
horizontal in which self propelled trackless vehicles move.
 Shaft: - means any tunnel having- (a) a cross sectional dimension of three metres
or more; and (b) an inclination to the horizontal of – (i) fifteen degrees or more; or
(II) less than fifteen but more than ten degrees, if the speed of traction therein may
exceed one hundred and fifty metres per minute;
 Stope: - means an underground excavation made in the removal of any ground or
mineral, other than coal, but not include an excavation made for an engine room or
pump chamber or for development purposes such as shaft, drives, winzes, raises
and ramps.
 Water blast: - means an appliance by means of which water is continuously
projected in the form of a spray by means of compressed air;

7
 Winding plant: - means any hoist, machinery or apparatus used for raising or
lowering of men or material or mineral in any shaft or winze but does not include
any elevator, endless rope haulage, scraper winch installation or any lifting
machine.
 Winze: - means any tunnel having an inclination below the horizontal in the
direction of working of more than five degrees, but does not include a shaft.
 Workings: -includes all portions of a mine whether on surface or underground
which have been excavated, whether abandoned or not, and all portions of a mine
whether on surface or underground in the process of excavation.
 Ammonium nitrate blasting agent: means an explosive consisting of an intimate
mixture of ammonium nitrate and non-water resistant and includes the term ANBA,
ANFEX and ANFO
 Blasting cartridge: - means an explosive when enclosed in any case or
contrivance or otherwise adapted or prepared so as to form a cartridge for use in
blasting operations.
 Box: - in relation to explosives, means a lockable box of a pattern approved by the
Chief Inspector, which is specially provided for the storage of explosives within a
reasonable distance of the place where the explosives are to be used.
 Capped fuse: - means a length of safety fuse to one end of, which a detonator has
been attached.
 Vehicle: - includes a boat.
 Danger Area: - means any area or building used for or associated with the
manufacture of explosives at a factory licensed for the manufacture of explosives
and danger building shall be constructed accordingly.
 Detonating fuse: - means cord like device in blasting operations and containing
an explosive which will explode at high velocity when suitably initiated by a
detonator, such explosive initiating explosives in other lengths of detonating fuse or
other explosives in close proximity thereto.
 Conveyance: - in relation to a winding plant means any cage, skip, bucket, bale,
kibble, cocopan body, material trailer, counter-poise or any other receptacle or
structure attached to or suspended from a winding rope and intended to serve as a
means of transport or counter – balance.
 In ink: - means typewritten or written in ink or with ballpoint pen or in some other
manner so as to be indelible.

8
 In writing: - means in all cases in ink.
 Material: - means anything what so ever conveyed by means of a winding plant
other than persons, material or rock.
 Detonator: - means a capsule containing explosives, which is used or designed to
initiate an explosion in other explosives, but does not include a railway fog signal
disc detonator or percussion cap.
 Igniter cord: - means a cord like incendiary fuse device which can have different
burning speeds and is used in the ignition of safety fuse by using a connector
which is attached to the safety fuse.
 Magazine: - means a building, structure or container whether movable or
immovable, which is licensed for the storage of explosives.
 Misfire: - in relation to a charge of explosive means a charge which has failed to
explode, either wholly or in part.
 Misfired hole: - means a hole charged with explosives, which has failed to
explode, either wholly or in part.
 Primary blasting: - means the act of detonating holes charged with explosives for
the purpose of fragmenting virgin ground at any mine or other working place.
 Safety fuse: - means a fuse for blasting which burns and does not explode and
does not contain its own means of ignition.
 Secondary blasting: - means any blasting other than primary blasting and shall
include the fragmenting of large rocks, the blasting of obstacles in ore passes or
waste passes, sockets or hitches and the re-blasting of misfired holes and any
blasting to make a place safe.
 Slurry explosive: - means an explosive consisting of an intimate mixture of
ammonium nitrate, water and non – explosive ingredients with or without nitro
compound and includes oil and water emulsions
 Working place: - means a place where blasting operations are being or have been
carried out and includes any place where explosives are being used or intended to
be used.
 Direct supervision: - a person shall be regarded as being under direct supervision
of the holder of a blasting licence only if he is being supervised by that holder and
is at all times within sight of and under the control of that holder.
 Socket: - means any shot hole or part of a shot hole, known not to be a misfired
hole which remains after having been charged with explosives and blasted or

9
which, for any reason, may be suspected of having contained explosives at any
time and includes any shot hole, or part of any shot hole, from which all explosives
have been extracted in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the
Regulations.
 Metalliferous mine: - means and includes any mine other than coal or diamond
mine.
 Primer: - is stick of explosives in which a detonator has been placed.
 Charging stick: - means an approved wooden charging stick which is clean and
free from splinters and squared off at one end; or a flexible charging rod (nucana)
made of approved fabric, rubber or bamboo or any other non-ferrous material,
coupled together by means of copper, brass or aluminum connections and the end
is provided with a rubber stopper.
 Socket plug: - is an approved wooden or concrete plug used for plugging sockets
and misfires.

10
1.2 SHE POLICY- SHONA VERSION

Metallon Gold Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd

Creating a golden future
Shamva Mine
CHISUNGO CHEZVEHUPENYU, HUTANO NENHARAUNDA

Shamva Gold Mine yakazvipira uye irikushandisa nzira dzisingaparadze zvicherwa zvisina tsarukano kubva
pakutsvagwa, kucherwa nekubikwa kwazvo. Mukuedza kuderedza njodzi kuhupenyu, hutano nenharaunda
kuburikidza nemabasa emugodhi, irikushanda zvakanyanya uye inoshuvira kupfuura zvinodikanwa
nemitemo pakuchengetedzwa kwehupenyu, hutano nenharaunda kubudikidza nenzira dzinotevera:

A. Kutevedzera zvakatarwa mumagwaro anogashirwa nenyika zhinji, mitemo yese yenyika uye
mimwewo inoenderana nemabasa atinoita anokanganisa nharaunda neutano hwevanhu.
B. Kukoshesa nekusanganisa nzira dzekuchengetedzwa kwehupenyu, hutano nenharaunda
pamabasa ese kubva pakurongwa, kuitwa nekupera kwawo.
C. Kutaurirana nekukurudzirana nevanhu vese vanechekuita nekambani maererano
nekuchengetedzwa kwehupenyu, hutano nenharaunda.
D. Kushandisa zvizere zviwanikwa zvinobva mumabasa akasiyana-siyana zvisati zvaraswa kuti
zvibatsire vane chekuita nekambani.
E. Kufambirana nenguva munyaya dzebudiriro neruzivo rutsva pakuchengetedzwa
kwehupenyu, hutano nenharaunda.
Mukuzadzisa zviri pamusoro, Shamva Gold Mine iri kuita zvinotevera,

1. Kushandisa nzira dzakarongeka dzekutsvaga, kuongorora nekugadzirisa zvakakanganiswa uye

zvingakanganise hupenyu, hutano nenharaunda.
2. Kuramba tichiongorora nekushandura zvinangwa zvekambani pakuchengetedza hupenyu, hutano,
nharaunda nezviwanikwa.
3. Kudzidzisa vashandi vese vepakambani kusanganisira vanobata basa kwenguva pfupi, munhu wese
agere mumusha wedu neavo vatinotengeserana navo kuti vave neruzivo rwekuchengetedzwa
kweutano nenharaunda.
4. Kushandisa nzira dzakarongeka kugadzirisa nzvimbo dzose dzingangova nenjodzi kunharaunda,
hupenyu nehutano hwavashandi navamwe vanhu vose.
5. Kuongorora izvo zvese zvingangokanganisa utano nenharaunda zvinosanganisira,huruva,utsi, mvura,
ruzha neutano zvichienderana nemitemo yakatarwa kuitira kuti zvigone kugadzirwa.
6. Kuongorora udzamu hwekukanganiswa kungaitwe kunharaunda nemabasa matsva asati aitwa
zvichienderana nemitemo yenyika
7. Kuisa chisungo chino panzvimbo yachinogona kuonekwa nevazhinji uye kuchengetedza zvinyorwa
nenzira inoita kuti zvigone kuonekwa nevose vakakodzera.
8. Kukurukurirana zvakakodzera nemapoka ematunhu, vagari vemunzvimbo, vashandi uye vese vane
chekuita nekambani panyaya dzehupenyu, hutano nenharaunda.

Isu, tinotenderana uye takazvipira kutevedzera nekuzadzisa zviri muchisungo ichi.

__________ _____________ ____________
Mine Manager S.H.E Coordinator Worker’s Committee Chairman

Ongororo yakapedzisira: 11 Kurume 2008 Ongororo inotevera : 02 Kurume 2010

11
1.3 SHE POLICY – ENGLISH VERSION

Metallon Gold Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd

Creating a golden future
Shamva Mine
Safety,Occupational Health And Environmental Policy Statement
Shamva Gold Mine is committed to and actively involved in sustainable exploration, mining and ore
processing operations. To minimise the safety, health risks and environmental impacts as a result of
the mine’s operations, the mine strives to comply with and/or exceed legal and other requirements
of Safety, Health and Environment by:

A. Complying with international standards on SHE, relevant S.H.E legislations and other
requirements.
B. Blending S.H.E issues into all projects from design,commisioning,operation and
decommissioning.
C. Communicating with and motivating relevant stakeholders at all levels on sustainable S.H.E
practices.
D. Gainfully utilising some materials generated by the mine processes for the benefit of all
stakeholders.
E. Keeping abreast with developments in S.H.E and exploiting technological advancements.

To fulfill the above, Shamva Gold Mine is currently involved in;

1. Utilising an aspect/ hazard identification and impact/ risk management system to identify,
monitor, manage and review S.H.E impacts and risks.
2. Continuously reviewing S.H.E objectives and targets in terms of impact/risk management and
resource conservation.
3. Conducting S.H.E training for employees, contractors, community, suppliers and other
stakeholders.
4. Implementing environmental management programmes in areas with potential to cause
significant impacts to the environment and risk to the safety and health of employees, the
community and other stakeholders.
5. Implementing environmental management programmes in areas with potential to cause
significant impacts to the environment and risk to the safety and health of employees, the
community and other stakeholders.
6. Carrying out S.H.E monitoring of dust and gaseous fume emissions, surface and ground
water quality, noise and occupational risks, in line with statutory requirements, to ensure that
impacts and risks are effectively managed.
7. Carrying out environmental impact assessments on projects in line with statutory
requirements.
8. Making this policy available to the public and maintaining S.H.E records and documents and
making them available to relevant stakeholders.
9. Communicating openly, where applicable, with relevant authorities, the community,
employees and contractors on S.H.E issues related to the mine operations.
We, the undersigned endorse this policy and are committed to its implementation.
________________ ____________________ _______________________
Mine Manager S.H.E Coordinator Workers committee Chairman
Date of last review: 11 March 2008 Date of next review: 2nd March 2010

12
1.4 RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGER

The manager of a mine shall –

1. Comply with and enforce the requirements of these regulations and any
lawful order given by an inspector in the interests of safety, health and
discipline and ensure that they are observed by every person employed
on the mine.
2. Appoint competent persons as may be necessary to assist him in to
comply with and enforce observance of these regulations and any lawful
order given by an inspector.
3. Take all reasonable measures to provide for the safety and proper
discipline of persons employed at the mine.
4. As soon as is practicable after the occurrence of a breach of any
provisions of the mining regulations – report such breach to an inspector
or take such other disciplinary steps as that inspector may have directed
or approved and in any event of such breach and of any disciplinary steps
taken to be entered in ink in a register kept for the purpose, which shall be
opened at all reasonable times by the inspector.
5. Cause the times of the working shifts and of blasting operations in every
section of the mine to be so arranged that workmen shall not be exposed
to fumes and dust from blasting.
6. Provide, or cause to be provide, such waiting places as may be necessary
for the use of workmen prior to entering their working places, ensure that
such waiting places are at all times clearly marked, ensure that the miner
in charge of blasting licence holder who is responsible for the safety of
those working places is the first person to enter such working places and
all approaches thereto.
7. Ensure there is in force a system to enable a determination to be made of
the number of persons in the underground workings at any time.
8. Ensure that ant person who knowingly fails to conform to any systems in
force shall be guilty of an offence.
9. Not allow any miner or competent person to be placed in charge of a
complement of workmen if, taking into account the nature or position of
the working places, such miner or competent person is unable efficiently
ton supervise the workmen during his shift in accordance with the
requirements of the mining regulations.
10. Not to allow any miner to have charge of more working places or machine
drills or persons than may be determined or approved by the CGME at
any mine or section of a mine where, the opinion of the CGME, such
determination or approval is necessary in the interest safety and health.
11. Where necessary, provide and maintain in working order, both
underground and on surface, adequate and suitable fire fighting
equipment as directed in writing by an inspector, which shall be
conveniently located and conspicuously marked.

13
12. Not permit any incompetent or in experienced workmen to be employed
on dangerous work or work upon the proper performance of which the
safety of persons depend.
13. On taking over a mine acquaint himself with such notices as may have
been issued to his predecessor (s) by an inspector who shall on request
supply copies of such notices.
14. Provide, that when any person employed in or about the mine receives an
injury by accident or otherwise, the same shall be reported to him without
delay.
15. Cause all plant, material and other things necessary for compliance with
the mining regulations to be provided and maintained in good order and
repair.

14
Section Two

2.0 HAZARDS IN MINING

1. Gasses
2. Dust
3. Fall of ground
4. Machinery
5. Electricity
6. Bad hanging
7. Heat
8. Subsidence
9. Mud rush
10. Lightning
11. Water accumulation
12. Explosives
13. Slippery ground
14. Noise
15. Human being
16. Flooding
17. Underground fires
18. Poor Ventilation

15
Section Three
3.0 VENTILATION
3.0 Gasses
Candidates should be able to know six common gasses, which are
encountered in most underground workings namely;
 Carbon dioxide
 Carbon Monoxide
 Nitrous Fumes
 Hydrogen Sulphide
 Ammonia
 Methane
 WHAT SHOULD BE KNOWN ABOUT GASSES
a) Source: - its origin or formulation of gas
b) Maximum permissible quantities: - permissible quantities of gas in
the general body of air (Parts per million of air by volume) where
persons are to work or travel under normal working conditions.
c) Specific gravity: - to determine whether the gas is heavier or lighter
than air.
d) Chemical composition: - Components that comprise the gas
e) Chemical property: - how the gas reacts with other gasses.
f) Physical property: - Human detection through five senses.
g) Testing/ Detection: - use of instruments to measure the exact
quantities.
h) Physiological effects: - effects on the human metabolism.
i) Dispersal: - means of getting rid of the gas.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Poisonous Density
Toxicity Colour
Combustibility Odour
Inflammable Taste
Solubility

16
3.1.1 CARBON DIOXIDE
 Chemical composition: - CO2
 SOURCES
1. Breathing of persons.
2. Decaying of timber.
3. Underground fires.
4. Exhaust fumes from I. C. Es.
5. Burning of explosives.
 Specific Gravity: - 1.5
 Maximum Permissible Quantity: - 5000 P.P.M
Physical Properties Chemical Properties

D- Denser than air P- Not poisonous

C- Colourless T- Toxic, man can from suffocation
O- Odourlless C- Does not support combustion
T- Tasteless I - Not flammable
S- Soluble in water

 PHYSI0LOGICAL EFFECTS.

The gas is referred to as miner’ friend because it gives warning. Man can
suffer from 1. (Headache) 2. (Palpitation and gasping (deep breathing) 3.
(Foaming and tongue out) 4. (Dizziness) 5. (Unconsciousness) 6.
Suffocation (man can die from lack of oxygen)
 METHOD OF TESTING

By use of a burning candle, the candle will extinguish in the absence of

the gas, 2) use of Davy’s Safety Lamp, 3) Draeger/Auer tester and gas
detector tubes, 4) Environ meter.
 METHOD OF CLEARANCE

Water down thoroughly & good ventilation- water blast and other auxiliary
means.

17
3.1.2 CARBON MONOXIDE

 Chemical composition: - CO
 SOURCES
1. Underground fires.
2. Exhaust fumes from I. C. Es.
3. Burning of explosives.
4. Methane explosion

 Specific Gravity: - 0.97%

 Maximum Permissible Quantity: - 100 P.P.M

Physical Properties Chemical Properties
D- Lighter than air P- Extremely poisonous
C- Colourless T- Not Toxic,
O- Odourlless C- Does not support combustion
T- Tasteless I- Burns with a blue flame
S- Slightly soluble in water

 PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS.
Extremely poisonous – it attacks the limbs and makes man unable to walk.
CO is due to its great affinity for the hemoglobin in the blood & displaced
oxygen it causes death. Affinity for the hemoglobin – absorbed CO 300
times more than oxygen displaces oxygen then forms a compound called
Carboxy hemoglobin. It has a cumulative effect. Gassed person may be
detained to hospital for 48 hours. A dead gassed person will turn pale and
shows signs of muscular strains.
 METHOD OF TESTING

Use of Canary bird, which breathes 20 times more than human being. This
method is discouraged nowadays). Dragger/ Auer tester and gas detector
tubes or Envirometer must be used.
 METHOD OF CLEARANCE

Good ventilation – Fans, water blast and other auxiliary means. Ensure
person (s) are at fresh air intake side when ventilating.

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3.1.3 NITROUS FUMES
 Chemical composition: - NxOy

 SOURCES: - Burning and detonating of explosives, exhaust fumes from

internal combustion engines, welding

 Specific Gravity: - 1.04 to 1.06%

 Maximum Permissible Quantity: - 5 P.P.M

Physical Properties Chemical Properties
D- Heavier than air P- Extremely poisonous
C- Colour- brick red, reddish brown T- Not Toxic,
O- Fuming nitric acid smell C- Does not support combustion
T- Tasteless I- Not flammable but explodes when
S- very soluble in water mixed with certain % of air. Can only
explode when a flame is introduced
 PHYSIOLOGICACAL EFFECTS.

Irritation of nose eyes and throat. Nitrous fumes dissolves to form acid in
human tissues. High concentrations of the gas cause water to collect in
the lungs and blisters are formed. More exposure result in severe pains
i.e. headache chest pains and coughing. The person may feel all right
upon exposure to fresh air, but might develop inflammatory dropsy of the
lungs, which will result in spitting of bloodstain septum and may drown in
his own fluid within 48 hrs. The lungs are moist when nitrous are inhaled.
They react with this moisture to produce an acidic solution. This acidic
solution acts on the lung tissues to cause blisters, which will, with time
burst and flood the lungs, a condition commonly known as pulmonary
oedeama. The danger part of the gas is the delayed action. Gassed
persons must remain under observation for 48 hrs at the hospital.

 METHOD OF TESTING

(1) Ferrous sulphate turns brown when wetted in nitrous fumes dissolved
in water (2) Dragger/Auger tester and gas detector tubes. (3) Environ
meter

 METHOD OF CLEARANCE
Good ventilation – Fans, water blast and other auxiliary means. Through
water down at the broken ground to an extend that water coming down
from ore is clean.

19
3.1.4 AMOMONIA

 Chemical composition: - NH3

 SOURCES: - Blasting using ANFO, Cooling plants from deep mines

(ammonia is used as a coolant).

 Specific Gravity: - 0.60%

 Maximum Permissible Quantity: - 50 P.P.M.

Physical Properties Chemical Properties

D- Lighter than air. P- Poisonous

C- Colourless. T- Not Toxic,
O- Pungent smell. C- Does not support combustion
T- Faint acid taste. I- Not flammable.
S- Extremely soluble in water.

 PHYSIOLOGICACAL EFFECTS.

The gas has same effects of nitrous fumes. It is also an irritant gas, which
irritates nose, eyes and throat. Dissolves in water, causes some chest
pains, blisters and flooding of lungs. Its delayed action is shorter than that
of nitrous fumes. Gassed persons must remain under medical
observations for 48 hrs at the hospital.

 METHOD OF TESTING

(1) Pungent smell (2) Drager/Auger tester and gas detector tubes. (3)
Environ meter.

 METHOD OF CLEARANCE
1) Water blast and other auxiliary means. Watering down.

20
3.1.5 HYDROGEN SULPHIDE
 Chemical composition: - H2S

 SOURCES: - Formed by the interaction of acidic water and pyrites. Enters

the mine through faults, dykes and fissures. This gas is found in old
workings where there is stagnant water and sluggish ventilation e.g. in
development upon intersecting. Due to its high solubility, persons stirring
up stagnant water in traversing old mines and when water from fissures is
encountered may liberate it.

 Specific Gravity: - 1.20%

 Maximum Permissible Quantity: - 20 P.P.M.

Physical Properties Chemical Properties

D- Heavier than air. P- Very Poisonous

C- Colourless. T- Not Toxic,
O- Rotten egg smell. C- Does not support combustion
T- Tasteless. I- Burns with pale blue flame and
S- Very soluble in water. giving off Sulphur dioxide.

 PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS.

Irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Causes headache and chest pains. The gas
damages the lungs too. At 0.15% it kills the sense of smell. More or less the same
effects with CO because it unites with the alkali in the blood and attack the
nervous system. It has a delayed action and gassed person must be detained to
hospital for 48 hrs.

 METHOD OF TESTING

(1) The gas has a characteristic of rotten egg smell. (2) Drager/Auger
tester and gas detector tubes. (3) Environ meter. (4) By using blotting
paper dipped in lead acetate solution held in atmosphere will turn brown
then black in the presents of this gas.
 METHOD OF CLEARANCE
Water blast and other auxiliary means. Watering down. Good drainage
system

21
3.1.6 METHANE
 Chemical composition: - CH4
 SOURCES: - The name “marsh gas” is also given to this gas because it
slowly generated in marshes and stagnant pools where vegetable matters
is undergoing decay. When methane is mixed with oxygen, nitrogen and
sometimes carbon dioxide, it forms an inflammable mixture known as a
fire damp. The presence of this gas in a mine causes such a mine to be
called a fiery mine. In mining, the gas is generated by the distillation of
coal in the earth’s crust. Probably caused by the heat generated during
faulting of rock layer or by gaseous intrusion. Gas occurrences are
associated in many instances with water fissures and dykes and may
erupt I blowers under considerable pressure of methane. The blowers may
be short lived or may persist for years.
 Specific Gravity: - 1.25%
 Maximum Permissible Quantity: - 0.55 P.P.M.
Physical Properties Chemical Properties
D- Lighter than air. P- Not Poisonous
C- Colourless. T- Toxic,
O- Odourless. C- Does not support combustion
T- Tasteless. I - Highly flammable, burns and
S- Slightly soluble in water. explodes, giving off carbon
monoxide.

 PHYSIOLOGICACAL EFFECTS.
Head ache – Palpitation and gasping (deep breathing) – foaming and tongue out –
dizziness – unconsciousness – suffocation and man can die from lack of oxygen.

METHOD OF TESTING
(1) Methanometer (2) Inter-ferometer (3) Chemical detector tubes (4)
Envirometer (5) Davey’s Safety lamp
 METHOD OF CLEARANCE
Diluting with good ventilation – Drainage piping of Methane to surface.

 What you must do if Methane is found?

Immediately extinguish the lamp, withdraw al workmen from the area to

fresh air. Open water blast if available. Notify shift boss of the occurrence.
Barricade the place off. Place guards to stop unauthorized entry, and then
await instructions from the Official before re-entry. Work may only resume
in such a place after the Official or his representative has given definite
instructions and examined the place and finds it free of gas. In the present
of Methane, a secondary flame or cap becomes visible above the reduced
flame of the safety lamp and the height of this cap is related of the

22
percentage of the gas present. This cap is hazy and faint can be seen
when all other lights are excluded. When the gas exceeds 3.5% it will
explode without igniting the outside atmosphere.

3.7 DRAEGER GAS DETECTOR AND TUBE

The draeger gas detector is used to determine the amount of
gas present in the air.

N=10 SCALE Glass Tube

Unbroken side N=1 SCALE

Fig 1 Detector tube

COUNTER

BUTTON

BELLOW

Fig 2 Draeger Gas Detector

23
Principle: - A bellow is used to suck air through the detector tube broken
on both ends.
- A button is used for breaking detector tube’s both ends.
- A counter is used for recording number of strokes being performed.

3.7.1 HOW TO USE A DRAEGER GAS DETECTOR.

Stage 1: - Test the bellow by inserting an unbroken tube into

squeezed bellow. The bellow should not re-inflate.

UNBROKEN DETECTOR TUBE

RE-ENFLATED BELLOW

Stage 2: - Break off both ends of the detector tube before inserting the detector tube for
gas sampling.

DETECTOR TUBE END BEING BROKEN

Detector Tube

24
BROKEN SIDE BROKEN SIDE

Stage 3: - Insert the broken detector tube with the arrow on the tube facing the
bellow and squeeze the bellow to perform a stroke.

BROKEN DETECTOR TUBE

INFLATED BELLOW

3.7.2 MEASURING RANGE

 For one stroke/pump, read on the N = 1 scale

 For 10 strokes / pumps, read on the N = 10 scale

 Any number of strokes from 1 to 10 can be chosen. For calculation use n=10

scale, relate as follows:

ppm CO = 10 X INDICATION ON N=10 SCALE

NO OF STROKES CHOSEN

 CHEMICAL REACTION AND COLOUR CHANGE

Oxidation of carbon monoxide by iodine pentoxide in fuming sulfuric acid.

25
Colour change: white - brown / green

3.7.3 SUMMARY OF SAMPLING PROCEDURE

 Check detector tube pump for leakage.

 Break off both tube tips.

 Insert detector tube tightly into pump. Gas Tester, kwik – draw pump, Thump

pump sampler: arrow must point toward the pump. Toximeter II: insert tube side

(blue arrow). Arrow on tube points away from pump.

 Perform minimum 1 stroke, maximum 10 strokes.

 Read concentration at end of color zone within 2 minutes after sampling.

 Used detector tubes without any color change may be used repeatedly up to 10

minutes on the same day.

 Duration of one pump stroke; 20 …….30 seconds.

3.7.4 SOURCES OF GASES

 Breathing  Battery bays

 Burning of synthetic material  Coal seams

 Blasting operations  Stagnant water

 Oxidation of timber  Welding

 Oxidation of iron pyrite  Fissures and dykes

 Leaking carbide lamps  Sand fillings

 Exhaust fumes  Underground fires

 Cooling plants

26
3.7.5 FACTORS AFFECTING RATE OF GASSING.
 The concentration of the gas.

 Rate of doing work

 Time of exposure

 Human Physiology

3.7.6 ACTION REQUIRED ON SUSPECTED GASSING CASES

 If at any time a blasting licence holder becomes aware of the fact that a
person has been exposed to conditions arising from excessive amounts of
harmful smoke, gas, fumes or dust or from harmful temperatures, he shall
(a) Take such steps as may be necessary as may be necessary
immediately to remove such person from such exposure; and
(b) Ensure that the appropriate official or the manager is informed without
delay of the circumstances of such exposure.
 Any official or manager receiving information of any person’s exposure to
conditions referred to above shall immediately take all further steps
necessary to –
(a) Ensure the safety and health of that person and of any other person
who may subsequently be so exposed; and
(b) Terminate and prevent the recurrence of such conditions.
 Any action or steps taken shall be recorded in ink in the book, which shall
at all times be available for inspection by an inspector.

3.7.7 SUSPECTED GASSING CASES RECORD BOOK

 Name of person (s) Mine No Date and time of accident / incident

 Name of section Exact location Type of gas Readings

 Course of action taken and to be taken. Official Comments

27
3.7.8 INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES (ICES)
 REQUIREMENTS
No internal combustion engine, other than a mobile diesel engine unit,
shall be used underground in any mine. unless;
(a) There is sufficient ventilation to render harmless the exhaust gases
produced;
(b) It is an approved design and construction.
(c) Its use has been permitted in writing by the Chief Government Mining
Engineer.
(d) It is used in accordance with such conditions and subject to such
restrictions as the CGME specify in writing.
(e) Every diesel engine used underground shall be provided with means
whereby the air entering the engine is cleaned, the exhaust gases before
being expelled are cooled, the concentration of toxic gases in the exhaust
gases reduced and the emission of flames or sparks prevented, and those
means shall be maintained in an effective condition.
(f) Gas sampling shall be taken at;
I. intervals not exceeding one month, of the general body of the air, while
the engine is running, at representative places and at times laid by the
manager. CO – 100 PPM and NOx – 5 PPM
II. intervals not exceeding three months, of gas emitted from the exhaust
of the machine, both when the engine is developing maximum power
and when it is idling. CO – 2000 PPM and NO x–1000 PPM.
III. The operation of a diesel engine shall be discontinued until conditions
have been remedied if ventilation is poor (gases exceeds maximum
permissible quantities) and the engine is found to have any defect,
which may cause danger to persons.
(g) The engine of a diesel-powered unit underground shall not be kept
running idle except while being tested or during brief halts while in use.
(h) Where a diesel engine other than a mobile diesel engine is required to be
used underground in a mine, it shall only be used with the written

28
permission of the CMGE and under such terms and conditions as the
CMEG may stipulate.

SCRUBBER BOX: - A device fitted to the exhaust system of an ICE in

order to cool down exhaust gases, remove sparks or flames and
reduce the current ratio of soluble gases such as CO 2, Alderhydes,
sulphur dioxide etc, prior to gases being expelled to the atmosphere.

AIR INLATE OUTLATE

_ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

SODA ASH SOLUTION (Na CO3)

COOLING REDUCING

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////////// DRYING/////////////////////////////////////////
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

29
Fig 3.14 SCRUBBER BOX
COOLING: - It is where the exhaust gases are cooled before they are expelled.
Drying: - Reduction of toxic gases
Reduction: - Extinguishing flames/sparks from the exhaust.

 Apart from using a scrubber box, the following devices can be used,
- Turbo- charge with an inter cooler
- Catalytic Converters.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER:- From 70 to 90 % carbon monoxide emissions

can be oxidized to carbon dioxide by a catalytic conditioning system
provided the exhaust temperatures is 200 degrees or higher. Hydrocarbon
emissions are also reduced by these conditions but have little effect on
oxides of nitrogen.

Seramic Insulating mat

inlet

Out let

Vanadium Platinum Plates Stainless steel

Fig: - 3.14 B - CATALYTIC CONVETER

3.7.9 DELIVERY AND STORAGE OF DIESEL

 Diesel shall be delivered underground in such a manner that no spillage

can take place during delivery.
 The pipes must be drained each time after use.
 Diesel shall be stored only in robust closed containers, which do not leak.

30
 Diesel stored underground shall not exceed the estimated consumption for
three days, except with the written permission of an inspector.

3.8.0 REFUELING OF DIESEL – POWERED UNITS

 The filling station where diesel – powered units are fueled shall –
 Be adequately ventilated

 Be constructed of non-inflammable materials and have an impervious

concrete floor, which shall at all times be kept clean.
 Equipment for extinguishing fire shall be kept at every place where diesel
engine are fueled and every diesel mobile unit used underground shall be
equipped with suitable and adequate means for extinguishing fires.
 No unauthorized person shall enter any filling station, smoking or use
open light in the vicinity of any filling station

3.8.1 SERVICING/REPAIR
The service station shall be;
 Adequately ventilated and be of sufficient design to permit free movement
of vehicles and persons.
 Constructed of non-inflammable materials and have an impervious
concrete floor.
 Provided with safe and suitable facilities for inspection the unit from below.
 Provided with equipment for extinguishing fire
 Keep free from spillage and waste materials.

31
Section Three
3.8.2 USE OF COMPRESSED AIR IN UNDERGROUND VENTILATION

 Water blast: - means an appliance by means of which water is

continuously projected in the form of a spray by means of compressed
air;
 Every working development end, which has advanced a distance of 8
metres or more, must be provided with a water blast.
 The water blast shall discharge with a distance of not more than 15
metres of the face being advanced.
 Be applied so as to effectively wet the face and broken rock for at
least 15 minutes after blast and again for a period of 15 minutes
immediately prior to entry of any person.
 It must be tested daily prior to charging up and if not working, no
further blasting shall take place until the water blast has been repaired.

3.8.3 FUNCTIONS OF THE WATER BLAST

 To suppress dust
 To dissolve heavy gasses, which have been trapped in the muck pile
 To expel foul air.
 To effectively wet down the blasted muck pile.
 It cools down the blasted end.
3.8.4 DEVELOPMENT ENDS
 Shaft
 Raise
 Winze
 Sub – drive
 Drive
 Haulage
 Cross cut

32
AIR VALVE
UNION
BEND
WATERBLAST UNIT
AIR LINE

AIR- LINE WATERBLAST DISCHARGE PIPE

T / PIECE VALVE

WATER – LINE T / PIECE

FIG 3.14 A- WATER BLAST INSTALLATION

33
TWO-INCH VALVE FOR AUXILIARY LINE

BEND
DISCHARGE PIPE

AIR LINE WATERBLAST DISCHARGE PIPE

WATERBLAST UNIT

T / PIECE AIR- LINE T / PIECE

AIR - VALVE

WATER LINE T/ PIECE

WATER - VALVE

FIG 3.14 B - AUXILIARY LINE INSTALLATION

34
3.8.5 BLOW PIPE
 All blow - pipes using compressed air shall be fitted with a water
connection.
 An inspector may prohibit the use of any blow – pipe or any type of blow –
pipe if in his opinion it does not afford adequate protection during use.
 No person shall use or cause to be used a blow – pipe for cleaning out
holes or for cleaning out ant truck or skip without a sufficiency of water
effectively to allay any dust created during the operation.

Water- inlet
Aluminum – discharge pipe

Control lever

Air - inlet

Fig 3:10 Blow Pipe

3.8.6 USE OF BLOW – PIPE
 To pump out sockets.
 To treat misfired holes and expose frozen holes.
 To clean fresh holes after drilling.
3.8.7 PERCUSSION – MACHINE DRILLS (water supply)
No person shall use or cause or permit to be used any percussion –
machine drill in the underground workings of any mine unless –
 An adequate supply of water flows through the drill steel.
 The working pressure of the water supply at the machine drill is
maintained at one hundred kilopascals or more.

35
3.8.8 INTERNAL WATER FEEDS

No person shall use or cause or permit to be used any percussion –

machine drill fitted with an internal water feed unless such machine is –
 Provided with front – head release ports
 An approved design
 Fitted with a water tube of such length that, when the machine is not
operating and the drill steel is inserted into the chuck to its fullest extend,
the water tube –
1. enters the axial hole in the drill steel shank for a distance of at least twenty
– five millimetres
2. falls short of the shank of the drill steel by not less than six millimetres and
not more than twenty – five millimetres and is perfectly in line with the
axial hole of the drill steel.
 No person shall block or otherwise obstruct any of the front release ports
of a percussion – machine drill provided in terms of this section and no
person shall operate or cause or permit the operation of any such drill if
the front head release ports so provided are partially or totally blocked or
otherwise obstructed.
 Water to be used for machine drilling or wetting – down shall be clear and
odourless.

36
SECTION 4 –
4.0 DEVELOPMENT & RE-ENTRY

4.0.1 EXPLOSIVES
TYPES OF EXPLOSIVES
 Megamite  Detonator
 Igniter cords  Dog bones
 Capped fuse  Inert inverted wax primer
 Safety fuse  Emgel
 Tovex  Pentilite boosters
 Anfo  Dynagel
 Sanfex  Emulate
 Kubela  Detonating fuse
 Nonel  ShuStart

4.0.1 Explosives are classified as high and low.

 High explosives: - speed of reaction is faster than the speed of sound.
They detonate or explode producing a shattering sound effect. Examples
are ANFO, Tovex, Emgel,
 Speed of reaction is slower than the speed of sound. They burn or
deflagrate. Examples are safety fuse, igniter cords,
4.0.2 CLASSES OF EXPLOSIVES
There are seven classes of explosives namely;
 Class 1 = Gunpowder e.g. blasting powder, core of safety fuse
 Class 2 = Blasting Agent e.g. water gels, slurries, water emulsions
 Class 3 = Nitro – Compounds e.g. chemical compound consisting of nitro - glycerine
 Class 4 = Chloride Mixtures e.g. any explosive that contains a chlorite
 Class 5 = Fulminates e.g. chemical compound used for initiating detonation
 Class 6 = Detonators e.g. LPDS, SPDS, IEDS
 Class 7 = Blasting Initiators E.G. Igniter cords, shurstarts
GIVE, BACK, NOTHING, COZ, FOOLS, DON’T, BLAST
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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4.0.3 IGNITOR CORDS
Means a cord like incendiary fuse device, which can have different burning
speeds and is used in the ignition of safety fuse by using a connector,
which is attached to the safety fuse.

TYPE COLOUR SPEED (s/m) USE

Slow Cream white 30 - 45 Development/tunneling
Fast Brick red 1–6 Stoping & secondary blasting
IC57 Green 13 – 26 Stoping
Medium Grey 8 – 16 Stoping
Dura cord Green 30 -45 Development/tunneling
Stope line 9 Purple 18 - 30 Stoping
Stope line Red 30 – 45 Stoping

 Where igniter cord is used in the preparation of charges for firing, it shall
be laid as close as is practicable to the face and shall not be laid on or be
in contact with, timber or other combustible material or inflammable
substance not forming part of the charge.

4.0.4 PREPARATION OF CAPPED FUSE

Means a length of safety fuse to one end of, which a detonator and an
igniter cord connector has been attached.
 The holder of a blasting license shall when capping a fuse with a
detonator, cut the fuse end off square with a sharp knife or other sharp
tool.
 Remove all saw dust out of the detonator, press the fuse gently into the
detonator as far as it will go and securely fasten the detonator to the fuse
by means of a crimping tool.

38
Cap Safety fuse

Igniter cord connector Detonator

Fig 4.0.4 CAPPED FUSE

4.0.5 PREPARATION OF PRIMERS
The holder of a blasting licence shall when preparing a primer comprising
blasting cartridge and detonator,
 Make a hole of sufficient diameter and depth in the cartridge with a
sharpened wooden stick or pricker of non –ferrous material
 Press the detonator into the cartridge,
 Securely fasten the detonator to the cartridge by means of string or other
suitable material so that it cannot inadvertently be withdrawn.

Cap Safety fuse Blasting cartridge

Igniter cord connector Detonator

FIG 4.0.5 PRIMER

 No person shall make up a charge or primer cartridge or cause or permit a
charge or primer cartridge to be made up in a magazine, underground
distribution store or otherwise than in safe place and dry place.

39
4.0.6 SOCKETS
 No Person shall deepen or bore into a socket or cause or permit to be
inserted, an anchor – bolt or other metal implement, other than a scraper
or blow pipe approved by an inspector.
 A socket shall be effectively plugged with a wooden or concrete plug
provided that an inspector may if he considers that the working conditions
permit, approve the use of a plug of another material.
 In raises of an inclination of more than 45 0 a socket, which cannot be
plugged, shall be clearly ringed with red chalk, paint or other suitable
marking material to show that it is a socket.
 Examine every socket whether finished or unfinished to ascertain its
depth, direction and cleanliness.
 No person shall drill or permitted to drill any hole adjacent to a socket
unless such hole is placed more than one hundred and fifty millimeters
from that socket (15cm) or six inches.
 No person shall remove or attempt to remove the plug with which a socket
has been plugged without the permission of the holder of a blasting
licence.

4.0.7 MISFIRED HOLES

No person shall deepen or bore into a misfired hole or cause or permit to
be inserted, an anchor – bolt or other metal implement, other than a
scraper or blow pipe approved by an inspector.
 A misfired hole shall be effectively plugged with a wooden or concrete
plug provided that an inspector may if he considers that the working
conditions permit, approve the use of a plug of another material.
 In raises of an inclination of more than 45 0 a socket, which cannot be
plugged, shall be clearly ringed with red chalk, paint or other suitable
marking material to show that it is a misfired hole.
 Examine every socket whether finished or unfinished to ascertain its
depth, direction and cleanliness.

40
 No person shall drill or permitted to drill any hole adjacent to a misfired
hole unless such hole is placed more than two metres away from the
misfired hole.
 No person shall remove or attempt to remove the plug with which a
misfired hole has been plugged without the permission of the holder of a
blasting licence.

4.0.8 TREATMENT OF MISFIRES AND EXTRACTION OF EXPLOSIVES

No person shall extract or attempt to extract explosives from a hole that
has been charged unless he is the holder of a blasting licence.
 The holder of a blasting licence extracts explosives from a hole that has
been charged he shall do so by means of water or compressed air and
water applied through a blowpipe.
 Any explosives extracted from a misfired hole or recovered from broken
ground shall be placed by the holder of a blasting licence in an appropriate
box provided for the purpose by the manager.
 No explosives extracted from misfired holes or recovered from broken
ground shall be used in charging any hole.
 In the case of a misfire in which an electric detonator has been used other
than in shaft sinking where the hole has been bottom-primed with an inert
inverted wax primer electric detonator. The hole shall be re-primed and
reblasted.
 No person shall approach or cause or permit a person to approach a
charge, which has misfired until at least thirty minutes has elapsed from
the time of lighting of the fuse.
 Where the charge is fired by an electric detonator, a person may approach
the charge after at least fifteen minutes if the conducting wires have been
disconnected and made safe.

41
4.0.9 OLD EXPLOSIVE BOXES
 The manager shall provide, convenient to where the sorting takes place,
two secure wooden boxes in which the explosives found, shall be placed,
blasting cartridges in one and detonators in the other.
 The boxes shall be of robust construction
 Five hundred millimetres square by six hundred millimeters high, with a lid
on top having a hole of forty-five millimeters in diameter in the centre.
 Provided with an effective locking arrangement
 Painted red clearly marked with words indicating the type of explosives to
be placed and kept in them.
 Every box provided shall be cleared of its contents daily by the holder of a
blasting licence who shall cause immediate destruction on the surface
under his supervision of such contents.

4.1.0 DETONATING CORD/FUSE

Means cord like device in blasting operations and containing an explosive
which will explode at high velocity when suitably initiated by a detonator,
such explosive initiating explosives in other lengths of detonating fuse or
other explosives in close proximity thereto.

4.1.1 TYPES OF DETONATING CORDS

 Premium cordtex 10  Zapcord

 Cordtex 40 and 10  Power cord
 SB – CORD  E- Cord
 Velocity of detonating cord is 6500 to 7000 m/s
 The explosive charge in every hole drilled to depth of more than three
metres in the underground workings of any mine shall be primed by
means of detonating fuse, which shall extend to the end of the charge and
be of length sufficient to protrude at least one hundred and fifty millimetres
from the collar of the hole concerned.

42
4.1.2 ELECTRIC DETONATORS

 Statsafe carrick det  Long period delay

 Instantaneous electric det  Magnadet electric det LPD

(SECONDARY BLASTING) with wax primer

 Short Period Delay  Magnadet electric det LPD

INTIATION CHARGE FUSE HEAD

BASE CHARGE DELAY ELEMENT PLUG LEAD WIRES

(GIVES TIME DEPENDING ON ITS LENGTH)

FIG 4.11 ELECTRIC DET

4.1.2 PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN FIRING ELECTRICALLY.

a) Operations in connection with the preparation or firing of explosives shall

not be started or continued on the approach of or during an electrical
storm.
b) During an electrical storm no person shall remain at a place where he may
be injured by the accidental detonation of explosives, which may be
occasioned by such electrical storm.
c) Use only a blasting cable, which is in good order and of sufficient length to
provide for the firing of charges from a safe distance.
d) Ensure as far practicable that the firing cable cannot come into contact
with any other cable or electrical apparatus.

43
e) Carry with him during his hours of work the operating handle or key of the
shot –exploder or if such operating handle or key cannot be removed or
some other shot-firing apparatus is used, carry with him the key of the
locking arrangement for securing the shot exploder or other shot firing
apparatus against unauthorized use.
f) Shall not connect the firing cable to the detonator wires of a charge until
he has completed all firing preparations.
g) Shall not except with the written permission of an inspector; apply any
electrical test to the firing circuit except through the firing cable and from a
place of safety, or
h) Connect the firing cable to the terminals of the shot –firing apparatus until
immediately before firing or attempting to fire a charge.
i) Shall not, after he has connected the firing cable to the detonator wires of
any charge and before such charge has been fired remain or approach or
cause or permit any person to remain or approach within an unsafe
distance of such charge except for the purpose of examining the firing
circuit, or
j) Examine the firing circuit or cause or permit the firing circuit to be
examined, unless both leads of the firing cable are disconnected from any
source whether for firing or for testing the firing circuit
k) Shall, immediately after firing or attempting to fire a charge disconnect
both leads of the firing cable from the shot exploder or other shot firing
apparatus and there and there remove the operating handle or key of the
shot- exploder or secure the locking arrangement of the shot exploder or
other shot -firing apparatus and remove the key, as the case may be.
l) Testing of detonators can be dispensed with if the manufacturer
guarantees. It should be done in a two inch steel pipe filled with sand and
enclosed in concrete with a minimum of two detonators at a time (use
blasting ohmmeters to test).
m) Electrical test not to be conducted at the round but at a safe place using an
approved testing pipe. No testing should be conducted in any explosives magazine

44
4.1.4 DETONATING RELAYS /DOG BORNES

Delay elements
 Blue = 12 ms delay period
 Green = 25 ms delay period
 Red = 40 ms delay period

AIR SPACE

DETONATOR

4.1.5 SAFETY FUSE

-means a fuse for blasting which burns and does not explode and does
not contain its own means of ignition.

 COLOUR CODING AND BURNING SPEED

BATCHE NO BURNING SPEED S/M COLOUR

1 99 TO 102 Dark blue
2 102 TO 105 Yellow
3 105 TO 108 Red
4 108 TO 111 Black
5 111 TO 114 Green
6 114 TO 117 Light Blue
7 117 TO 121 Brown

45
 STOPE FUSE – COLOUR RED

BATCHE NO BURNING SPEED S/M COLOUR

1 260 to 270 Dark blue
2 270 to 280 Yellow
3 280 to 290 Red
4 290 to 300 Black
5 300 to 310 Green
6 310 to 320 Light Blue

4.1.6 RESTRICTION ON USE AND STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES

1. No person shall store or carry or allow any person under his control or
supervision to store to store or carry –
A blasting cartridges, ammonium nitrate blasting agent, black powder
or detonating fuse, together with detonators, capped fuse or primer
cartridges.
B detonators or capped fuses, together with blasting cartridges, black
powder, ammonium nitrate blasting agents, detonating fuse or
primer cartridges
2. Detonators or capped fuses may be stored or carried together with other
types of explosives if-
A The detonators or capped fuses do not exceed two thousand in
number

B the detonators or capped fuses are stored or carried in a

compartment which is separate from that in which the other types of
explosives are stored or carried
C the other types of explosives do not exceed five hundred kilograms
in total mass

46
D there is a distance of not less than seven hundred and fifty
millimeters between the detonators or capped fuses and the other
explosives.

3. No person shall or allow any other under his control supervision to carry
explosives from their place of storage to the working place unless they are
carried -
A In stout canvas sacks, unopened boxes of origin or other containers
of a type approved by an inspector, provided that on level ground
explosives may be carried in open boxes if such containers have
been approved by an inspector.
B under the direct supervision of the holder of a blasting licence,
provided that, where the containers are of a type approved by an
inspector and the containers are locked with the keys retained by
the holder of a blasting licence shall not be necessary.

C No explosives shall be left unattended.

D When a mine or any working place where explosives are used and
stored is closed down or operations are completed or suspended,
no explosives shall be left in or at such mine without the written
permission of an inspector and subject to such conditions as he
may impose.
E. No person shall allow a naked light to be above or nearer than one
metre from any explosives.
F. No person shall smoke when handling and transporting explosives
or at a place where explosives are stored.
G. No explosives to be left on closure or suspension of operations.

H. No person shall use or cause or permit the use of any tool when
charging a hole for blasting unless it is a wooden, brass or copper
tool that is an easy fit in the hole and has its end cut off square.

47
Flexible charging rods may be used if they are constructed of
rubber, fabric or any other material approved by an inspector and
any couplings are of brass, copper, rubber, fabric or any other
material approved by an inspector.

I. No person shall be allowed to be in the immediate vicinity of a place

where explosives are kept or charges prepared unless his presence is
necessary in the handling or use of the explosives or preparation of the
charges.
J. No person shall make up a primer cartridge or a charge in a underground
magazine distribution store otherwise than in a safe and dry place.
K. No explosives shall be taken to the place where blasting operations are to
be conducted until they are required for such operations.
4.1.7 APPLICATION TO STORE EXPLOSIVES
An application for a license to keep or store explosives shall be made in
writing and shall be lodged with an inspector of the mining district where
the explosives are to be kept or stored.
 A license in respect of a portable magazine shall expire on the 30 th June
next following the date on which the license takes effect.
 A license in respect of an immovable magazine shall expire on the fifth
anniversary of the date on which the license takes effect or the date when
the magazine is no longer used as such, whichever is the sooner.
 A license shall specify the maximum quantity and the type or class of
explosives, which may be stored in any magazine to which any license
relates.
 A license granted in respect of any immovable magazine shall be posted
by the licensee in a conspicuous place in that magazine.

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4.1.8 CONTROL OF THE MAGAZINE
a) A magazine shall be in the charge and under the control of the licensee
b) A person who has been appointed in writing for the purpose by the
licensee and is acquainted with the Act and all the relevant regulations
made thereunder.
c) The person shall be responsible for the receipt into, storage within and
issue from the magazine of any explosives and the recording of such
receipt, storage and issue.
d) The safe custody of the keys to that magazine and to the safe.
e) Where a person has been appointed to be in charge and control of a
magazine, written notice of his appointment together with his signature of
acceptance shall be posted on the inside of the door of the magazine.
f) A magazine in which explosives are stored shall be kept securely locked
at all times other than when explosives are being received into or issued
out of the magazine and the keys thereto shall be kept in the custody of
the person who is in charge of that magazine.
g) The keys of any magazine referred to shall, when not in use, be kept
securely locked in a safe.
h) Duplicates of the keys of any magazine shall be kept by the licensee,
securely locked in a safe, and shall be available in case of emergency or
for the purpose of inspection.
i) No structural alterations to a licensed immovable magazine or the
protection mound of a licensed immovable magazine, otherwise than
enlarging it, shall be made without the approval of the Chief Inspector.
j) A case or carton of explosives shall not be opened in the storage chamber
of an immovable magazine other than in the lobby or elsewhere on the
premises only wooden or bronze wedges and wooden mallets shall be
used.
k) No repairs shall be carried out in or upon an immovable magazine while
explosives are stored therein unless permission in writing has been
granted by an inspector for such repairs to be carried out and any

49
conditions fixed by the inspector in granting such permission are complied
with.
l) No person wearing boots or shoes, which allow metal to come into contact
with the concrete floor shall enter an immovable magazine without
removing such boots or shoes. Provided that where magazine over boots
are available they may be worn over such boots or shoes.
m) No detonators or capped fuses shall be stored in the same storage
compartment of a magazine with any other explosives other than – safety
fuse, igniter cord or an initiator other than detonating fuse.
n) A magazine, other than a magazine for the storage of detonators, initiators
or capped fuse only shall be provided with a reliable thermometer showing
maximum and minimum temperatures and shielded from the sun’s rays or
provided with other means so as to ensure that the temperature inside the
magazine does not at any time exceed 35 degrees.
o) No iron or steel, machinery, contravance, device, tool, implement or
utensil shall be stored or used inside a magazine, except with the written
permission of the Chief Inspector, which shall state the conditions under
which they may be stored or used.
p) No naked light of any description shall be taken into or used inside a
magazine.
q) No person shall smoke at any time within a magazine.
r) No scraps or broken portions of cartridges shall be left lying on the floor of,
or in close proximity to a magazine.
s) A magazine shall be kept free from litter and any inflammable material.
t) Where explosives in quantities of less than six kilograms are to be stored
in a container, the container shall – be of a construction and design which
is approved by an inspector, have no iron or steel exposed on the inside
or fitted with an adequate lock.
u) Where explosives are stored in a container or portable magazine or on
any premises within the area under the jurisdiction of a local authority, the
person storing such explosives shall inform the local authority in writing of

50
the fact of such storage, his name and calling and the address of such
premises and the period for which the container or portable magazine is to
be kept in or on such premises.
v) Any person who without lawful excuse breaks, forces or tampers with he
lock of a magazine storage box or container or enters an area enclosed by
a fence referred to in shall be guilty of an offence.
w) No person shall remove any explosives from a magazine or other place
where they are being stored or used or a vehicle in which they are being
conveyed without the permission of the person who is the holder of the
license or permit relating to the storage or acquisition of such explosives.
x) The holder of a license or permit relating to the storage of explosives may
search any person who is in, on leaving any magazine or other place
where such explosives are being stored or used or vehicle in which they
are being conveyed.
y) The holder of a license or permit who is in possession of explosives shall
record in a register kept in his magazine a record of all such explosives
received into and issued from that magazine and make the register
referred to in (y) available for inspection by an inspector at all times.
z) An immovable magazine, its mound and a space not less than twenty
metres wide surrounding the mound shall be kept clear of vegetation
and ,unless an inspector gives written permission to the contrary, shall be
securely fenced in.

4.1.9 CLOSURE OR SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS

 Whenever the holder of a license relating to the storage of explosives in a

magazine ceases to use explosives or stops operations whether
temporarily or permanently, the holder shall immediately notify an
inspector of explosives in writing of this fact and shall render a return of all
explosives, if any, in the magazine.
 Except with the express permission, in writing, of an inspector explosives
shall not be stored in a magazine on a mine, quarry or any other place that

51
has closed down.

4.2.0 STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES IN IMMOVABLE MAGAZINE

(a) Explosives shall be stored-

 In regular layers not more than two metres high, unless permission in
writing has been obtained from an inspector to store the explosives in
layers more than two metres high
 in such manner as to admit readily of inspection and the removal of
explosives in rotation.
(b) Pallets or wooden runners shall be placed between the floor of the
magazine and the bottom layer of cases of explosives.
(c) A space of not less than three hundred millimeters shall be kept between
any case of explosive and the inside of any wall of the magazine.
(d) A space of not less than one hundred and fifty millimeters shall be kept
between any case of explosives and the ceiling of the magazine.

4.2.1 DETERIORATION OF EXPLOSIVES IN MAGAZINE

(a) Whenever any explosive are found to show signs of dampness or

exudation or it is seen or suspected that any explosives have deteriorated,
such explosives shall not be used and shall be separated from other
explosives in the magazine and all details thereof shall forthwith be
reported to an inspector.
(b) Where the packaging of explosives has become damp or in any other way
found so as to render the transportation or storage of such explosives
hazardous, the explosives shall be repacked in a sound package or slip
over bag as directed by an inspector.
(c) Explosives in a damaged or deteriorated condition shall not be issued
from any magazine.
(d) An inspector may order the destruction of any explosives which he
considers to be unsafe for storage or use and the licensee shall be
responsible for such destruction which shall be carried out by the holder of

52
a blasting license in accordance with the manager’s written instruction
prescribing the manner for such destruction and no compensation shall be
paid for such explosives so destroyed.

4.2.2 UNDERGROUND STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES

Explosives, which are to be at a mine or working place, may be deposited

underground in a distribution store or box :
Provided that -
(a) The distribution store or box shall be of a type approved by an inspector.
(b) only the explosives and their immediate containers shall be stored therein;
(c) except with the permission of an inspector , in writing, not more than two
days supply of explosives other than detonators or capped fuses (7 seven
days) may be stored therein .
(d) a distribution store shall be situated or placed in an unused chamber or
crosscut at a safe distance from any main drive, shaft, station or traveling
way.
(e) a box containing explosives shall be situated or placed in a dry place and
safe distance from any working place.
(f) a distribution store shall be kept securely locked at all times except when
explosives are being placed therein or taken therefrom, and the key
thereto shall be retained by the holder of a an appointed blasting licence
holder appointed by the manager for that purpose.
(g) a duplicate set of keys to any distribution store or box shall be provided
and kept by the manager so as to be available in use in case of
emergency or for the purpose of inspection.
(h) The distribution of explosives from a distributing store or box shall be
under the supervision of the holder of a blasting licence appointed by the
manager for that purpose.
(i) Blasting cartridges and detonating fuses may be stored or kept
together but shall not be kept with any other explosives;

53
(j) Except with the permission of an inspector, in writing, not more than
one week’s supply of detonators or capped fuses shall be kept
underground at any one time;
(k) Any detonators or capped fuses kept underground shall be placed in a
lockable box in a separate drive or chamber, and shall be taken out
only in such quantities as are required for immediate use.
(l) Before establishing a new distribution store the manager shall submit
to an inspector for his approval and authorization three copies of a site
plan drawn to a convenient scale, showing the location of the proposed
new distribution store.
(m) Explosives shall not be conveyed in a skip, cage or other means of
conveyed with tools, other materials or persons.
(n) The manager may authorize to travel in the same conveyance with
explosives-
a) such persons are necessary for the distribution of such explosives;
or
b) if sinking operations or the enlarging or repairing of a shaft, or
winze are to be conducted such persons are necessary therefore,
together with such tools as are immediately required in the use of
such explosives.

4.2.3 PROCEDURE TO BE ADOPTED BEFORE CONSTRUCTION

OF IMMOVABLE MAGAZINE.

Any person who wishes to construct an immovable magazine shall submit

to the Chief Inspector, in triplicate –
(a) Plans of the design and specifications of the proposed magazine.
(b) A site plan drawn to scale showing
- the location of the proposed magazine in relation to nearby roads,
buildings, railway lines, power lines and the boundaries of the
property concerned.
- the contours of the land comprising the property concerned

54
- by means of concentric circles drawn on the plan using the position
of the proposed magazine as the centre point and having radii
proportionate to the distances specified in the fifth schedule,
([Link]. of 1989) the distances separating the magazine from
other structures or installations.

4.2.4 CONSTRUCTION OF IMMOVABLE MAGAZINE

(a) The walls shall be constructed of reinforced concrete not less than one
hundred and fifty millimeters thick.
(b) No iron or steel used shall in the construction or in the fittings shall be
exposed internally.
(c) The floor shall consist of reinforced concrete not less than one hundred
fifty millimeters thick.
(d) The building shall be covered with a roof of reinforced concrete not less
than one hundred and fifty millimeters thick which shall be securely
bonded to the walls.
(e) In the case of a magazine licenced to contain more than two hundred and
fifty kilograms of explosives, the height from the floor to the ceiling shall
not be less than two metres.
(f) There shall be no windows. Ventilation shall be provided by means of
elbow flues which are –
(i) Constructed in the thickness of the walls
(ii) fitted with gratings covered with fine wire gauze at both external
and internal openings.
(iii) Not lower than seven hundred and fifty millimeters from the floor
and not higher than two hundred and fifty millimeters below the
ceiling. Provided that if any existing magazine which was licenced
at the date of commencement of Explosives Regulations of 1989
has ventilators which, in the opinion of the Chief Inspector, are
satisfactory although they do not conform with the provisions of the

55
Explosives Regulations, such magazine may continue to be
licenced if it otherwise complies with the regulations.

Elbow flue Reinforced Concrete wall

Grating cover

Outside

(g) the door shall -

(i) be constructed of steel plate not less than five millimeters in
thickness and lined with wood or similar non-ferrous material
so that no iron or steel is exposed to the interior of the
magazine.
(ii) be hung in a substantial steel frame which is securely set in
the concrete of the building
(iii) open outwards, and the hinged edge shall be secured when
closed by not less than five internal fixed dog bolts or lugs
engaging with the frame.
(iv) be locked by means of two or more concealed and protected
security dead locks each fitted with at least five levers or a
bolt mechanism with a concealed and protected dead lock
fitted with at least five levers and such door and lock or bolt
mechanism shall be of a design approved by the Chief
Inspector
(h) in the case of the magazine which is to be licenced for the storage of not
more than five thousand kilograms of explosives and where detonators
are to be stored in a separate room or compartment of the magazine, such

56
room or compartment shall be separated from the main storage chamber
by an air space which the Chief Inspector considers adequate in the
circumstances.
(i) each magazine shall be provided with an efficient lighting protection
system which shall be tested for earth resistance at least once in every
twelve months and -
(i) such lighting protection system shall conform to the requirements
of the Standard Association Zimbabwe Standard Number CC2 OF
1973,
(ii) the test shall be conducted during the months of July ,August and
September by a competent person who shall record the results of
such test in the magazine register.
(j) A magazine other than a magazine for the storage of fuse,intiators or
detonators only shall be surrounded by a substantial earthen mound which
shall be -
(i) at least as high as the eaves of the roof of the building; and
(ii) not less than one metre wide at the top; and
(iii) at a distance of not more than one metre from the magazine, which
shall be measured from the foot of the interior slope of the mound;
the exterior slope of the mound shall be at the natural slope of the
earth with the entrance to the magazine through the mound in a
broken line. Provided that a magazine not surrounded by a mound
may be licenced if, in the opinion of the Chief Inspector, a mound is
not necessary for the protection of persons or property;
(k) Provision of the proper drain shall be made.

57
4.2.5 PLAN OF A MAGAZINE 20M CLEAR LAND

EARTH MOUND DRAIN MAGAZINE LIGHTINING CONDUCTOR

FENCE

58
4.2.6 CONSTRUCTION OF A PORTABLE MAGAZINE

In the construction of a portable magazine-

(a) the sides ,top, bottom and door shall consist of mild steel plate ,not less
than five millimeters in thickness.
(b) All joints shall be welded.
(c) the door shall conform with the requirements of paragraph (g) of section
4.18 and when closed shall be flush with the side.
(d) the magazine shall be lined throughout with tongued and grooved
matchboard or other similar material not less than fifteen millimeters in
thickness secured by brass or copper screws or nails so that there is an
airspace of at least thirty-five millimeters between the lining and the top,
bottom and sides of the magazine.
(e) ventilation shall be provided such that – (i) on opposite sides of the
magazine there shall be not less than four openings.
(ii) these openings shall be twenty-five square centimetres in size.
(iii) covered with fine wire gauze.
(iv) protected on the outside by a weather-proof lourve and the inside
by a steel plate not less than five millimetres thick, set back ten
millimetres and overlapping the opening by twenty-five millimetres
all round.
(v) placed one hundred and fifty millimetres above the bottom and one
hundred and fifty millimetres below the top on opposite sides of
such magazine.
(vi) the wooden or other lining as in paragraph (d) shall be drilled
opposite each opening with eight holes, ten millimetres in diameter

(f) if the magazine contains a separate chamber for detonators or capped

fuses, there shall be an airspace of not less than two hundred and twenty
millimetres between the chambers and if the door of the chamber for
detonators or capped fuses does not exceed five hundred millimetres in
either dimension it may notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (c)
be secured by one lock and three dog bolt.
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4.2.7 CONVEYANCE OF EXPLOSIVES

1. All explosives when first imported into our country shall immediately after
being unloaded be conveyed directly to a magazine which is licenced or
the destination of the explosives.
(a) Explosives shall always be in the charge of the holder of the permit
authorizing the purchase, possession, or acquisition of such
explosives or
(b) An employee of the holder of the permit referred to in paragraph (a)
who has been authorized in writing by the holder thereof to convey
explosives or
(c) Where the firm or transport company has been contracted to
transport explosives on behalf of the holder of the permit the firm or
transport company which has an authorization in writing from the
holder, stating the holder’s permit number, which must be endorsed
with his approval by an inspector of explosives.
(2) The person in charge of a vehicle carrying explosives shall at all times
remain with the vehicle until such time as the explosives have reached
their destination and have been unloaded.
(3) Where a firm or transport company has been contracted to transport
explosives by the holder of a permit, it shall be the duty of the firm or
transport company to ensure that the driver of the vehicle is aware of and
observes the explosive regulations
(4) Where the explosives to be transported exceed five thousand kilograms in
mass and the distance exceeds one hundred kilometers the driver of the
vehicle shall be accompanied by at least one other competent person.
(5) No person shall convey or allow any person to convey explosives in any
vehicle which is at the same time used for the carriage of passengers,
mail or any other substance, matter or thing which is likely to cause fire,
detonation including goods of a dangerous nature such as inflammable
materials, acids, chemicals, compressed gases, forage, matches,

60
substances liable to spontaneous combustion, waste, machinery or parts
thereof, metal implements such as tools, plough shares, iron standards
and the like or any materials having exposed iron or steel.
(6) A person who is in charge of the magazine or other place of storage from
which explosives are being removed shall be responsible for the loading of
the vehicle and shall ensure that explosives are loaded only on a vehicle
which is in good order and that the loading of explosives thereon is done
accordance with the Explosives Regulations.
(7) The explosives must be covered with a tarpaulin or other suitable material;
and
(8) The mass of explosives, together with any other non-inflammable goods
or articles being carried in the vehicle does not exceed the carrying
capacity thereof.

4.2.8 RESTRICTION ON CONVEYANCE OF EXPLOSIVES

a) A person who is in charge of the magazine or other place of storage from

which explosives are being removed shall be responsible for the loading of
the vehicle and shall ensure that explosives are loaded only on a vehicle
which is in good order and that the loading of explosives thereon is done
accordance with the explosives regulations.
b) No person shall convey or allow any person under his control or
supervision to convey detonators or capped fuses with any other
explosives other than safety fuse or igniter cord.
c) Detonators or capped fuses do not exceed two thousand in number.
d) The other explosives do not exceed five hundred kilograms in total mass.
e) The detonators or capped fuses are carried in separate compartments,
which are separated by a distance of not less than seven hundred and fifty
millimeters.
f) No person shall load, unload or convey explosives between the hours of
sunset and sunrise.

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g) No person shall smoke in or any vehicle in which explosives are being
conveyed or within twenty metres or any vehicle onto or from which
explosives are being loaded or unloaded.
h) No person shall load onto or convey in any vehicle any barrel, case, box,
parcel or other receptacle containing explosives if such receptacle is found
to be leaky or damaged, unless- authority in writing to do so has been
obtained from an inspector and any conditions fixed by the inspector in
granting such authority are compiled with. Provided that in an emergency,
leaky or damaged receptacles containing explosives may be loaded and
transported if such loading and transportation is under the control of a
competent person.
i) When explosives are being loaded onto or unloaded from any road
vehicle, the engine of such vehicle shall be switched off and due care shall
be taken by the person in charge to ensure that no person other than a
person assisting him in loading or unloading the explosives shall have
access to such explosives.
j) No person shall unload explosives from a vehicle en route except in the
event of a breakdown of such vehicle, provided that-
(a) Where it becomes absolutely necessary to unload the whole or part of a
consignment of explosives en route, all possible care shall be taken to
protect the explosives from fire, shock or damp.
(b) No explosives be placed near inhabited buildings, and the person in
charge shall warn persons against loitering near the explosives.
(c) The explosives shall be continued as soon as possible
(d) An inspector of explosives shall be notified as soon as possible of the full
circumstances necessitating the unloading of the explosives en route.
k) An inspector of explosives shall be notified as soon as possible of the full
circumstances necessitating the unloading of the explosives en route.

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4.2.9 CONVEYANCE OF EXPLOSIVES WITHIN AREA UNDER
JURISDICTION OF LOCAL AUTHORITY
(1) A person who conveys explosives shall avoid towns and villages as far as
practicable.
(2) No person shall load, unload or convey explosives between the hours of
sunset and sunrise.
(3) Where the Minister has, after consultation with a local authority
concerned, by notice in the Gazette specified the routes along which and
the hours during which explosives may be conveyed through the area
under the jurisdiction of that local authority, no person shall convey or
allow any person under his control or supervision to convey explosives
through that area otherwise than by the route and during the hours so
specified except- in a case of an emergency and with the permission in
writing of, and subject to such conditions as may be fixed by an inspector.
Provided that in granting any authority or fixing any conditions in terms of
this subsection, an inspector shall, if possible, first consult the local
authority.
(4) Subject to any by-laws of the authority concerned, no person driving a
vehicle in which explosives are being conveyed shall stop that vehicle
within the area under the jurisdiction of a local authority unless compelled
to do so by circumstances beyond his control.
(5) The driver of a vehicle conveying explosives within the area under the
jurisdiction of a local authority shall not –
(a) In the case of a mechanically-propelled vehicle, drive the vehicle at
more than fifty kilometers per hour
(b) In the case of an animal-drawn vehicle, proceed at a faster rate
than a walking pace.

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4.3.0 RESTRICTION ON DRIVER AND CONDITION OF VEHICLE

(a) Driver
(1) No person shall be placed in charge of or drive any vehicle conveying
explosives unless he has attained the age of eighteen years.
(2) NNo person other than the driver of the vehicle or a person in charge of or
engaged about or in connection with the explosives being conveyed shall
ride in or upon any vehicle conveying explosives.
(3) TThe driver of a vehicle carrying explosives shall maintain a distance of
not less than forty-five metres between his vehicle and any vehicle in front
of his vehicle unless the circumstances render this impracticable.
(4) DDuring a thunderstorm, the driver shall halt off the road a vehicle
carrying explosives at least five hundred metres away from inhabited
buildings.

(b) The vehicle

(1) All the portions of the vehicle, which are likely to come into contact with
containers of the explosives, are conveyed with wood, leather, cloth or
other suitable materials, and
(2) The vehicle must have an earthing chain between the chasis and the
ground and such chain is adequately bonded to the chasis and
(3) Runs on at least four wheels; and
(4) In a serviceable condition and is
provided with efficient brakes;
(5) Is provided with one fire extinguisher in the cab mounted in a suitable
carrier or holder so that it is at all times available for use and such
extinguisher is of an approved type and has been inspected at intervals
not exceeding ninety days by a competent person.
(6) No person shall convey or allow any person under his control or
supervision to convey explosives in a public service vehicle unless the
explosives are placed in a compartment of such vehicle which is –
(a) Lockable;

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(b) Constructed of steel not less than three millimeters thick;
(c) Securely attached to the vehicle so as to form part thereof; Provided that
an inspector of explosives may convey explosives in a public service
vehicle without complying with the above conditions.

4.3.1 DESTRUCTION OF OLD EXPLOSIVES

The legal destruction of explosives falls under the Chief Inspector or the
Government Mining Engineer.
 The Chief Inspector of explosives.
1) Controls the manufacture, storage and transportation of all explosives and
their use on sites not covered by the Mines and Works Act. These
explosives must be destroyed in a manner prescribed by him.
2) No person other than a blaster as defined in the explosives regulations, or
a person specially authorized in writing by an inspector to do so, shall
destroy or attempt to destroy any blasting materials.
3) Explosives shall be destroyed only in a manner previously approved, in
writing by an Inspector and the person carrying out the destruction shall
adhere in every detail to the method so approved.
4) Whenever blasting cartridges in excess of one case (25kg), or 1000
detonators (all types) or one reel of detonating fuse have to be destroyed
for any reason, the destruction shall not be proceeded with until the
circumstances have been reported to an inspector and his written
authority obtained for the destruction.
 The Government Mining
Engineer.
On sites covered by the Mines and Works Act, once the explosives have
been drawn from the magazine, the Chief Government Engineer, through
his Assistants and Inspectors of Mines, has responsibility for their use and
destruction. Explosives shall be destroyed in a manner laid down by the
Mine Manager, by the person he has appointed in writing. This person
must be in possession of a valid blasting licence.

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 Reasons for destroying explosives
(a) No longer needed
(b) Deteriorated
(c) Subject to excessively long storage
(d) Damaged during transportation or storage
(e) Unexploded product after blast.
 Explosives must never be buried in the ground in the hope that they will
breakdown naturally and be rendered safe by the elements.

4.3.2 METHODS OF DESTRUCTION

(1) Detonation
(2) Burning
(3) Water
(a) Where possible, those accessories whose primary function is to detonate
should be destroyed by detonation, and pyrotechnic accessories should
be destroyed by burning. Attempts to destroy pyrotechnic accessories by
detonation are likely to result in burning debris being scattered over a wide
area around the site.
(b) Blasting cartridges and accessories must never be buried in the ground in
the hope that they will break down naturally and be rendered safe by the
elements. They can remain in a dangerous condition for many years after
such illegal and dangerous disposal. The various categories of blasting
accessories are listed in table 1 together with the preferred method of
destruction.
Blasting accessory Detonation Burning
Detonators- all types Yes No
Detonating fuse Yes Yes
Anstarts Yes No
Pentolite Booters Yes No
Blasting Gunpowder No Yes
Safety Fuse (not capped fuse) No Yes

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Igniter Cord No Yes
Nonel + tubing (without detonators No Yes
attached

Notes
 The products listed in the Explosives Regulations as Blasting Explosives
must be transported and stored as such, although detonating fuse in
particular is used more as an accessory than as a primary explosive.
 Only short lengths (< 3metres) of detonating fuse may be destroyed by
burning and not more than 20 per burning bed.
 Detonators on capped fuse must be removed and then the detonators
treated separately from the remaining fuses.
 Nonel tubing on its own is not classified as an explosive. However once it
is connected to a detonator, or other explosive device, it becomes an
explosive and must be disposed of in the manner prescribed for the
attached device. With Nonel Reefmasters Assemblies the mini-det,
attached to the opposite end to the main delay detonator, is itself a
detonator and must be treated as such.

4.3.3 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS TO BE OBSERVED

(2) The site should be sufficiently far from buildings, public rods, and
powerlines e.t.c to avoid possible damage from shrapnel, ground
vibrations and air blast. The site should also be free from all loose stones
and rocks to reduce the chance of flyrock causing injury or damage.
(3) The site selected must be free of vegetation, so that there is no risk of
grass or bush fires.
(4) The remaining accessories to be destroyed must be stored far enough
from the destruction site to prevent any possibility of accidentantal
detonation or catching fire.

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(5) After the destruction the blaster must ensure that the material has been
completely destroyed. If a detonation occurred whilst burning accessories
then a through search of the area must be made for unburnt material.
(6) The usual precautions, such as the placing of guards and warnings must
be observed. It should be remembered that certain explosives can
detonate.
(7) Most pyrotechnic accessories are highly flammable and generate intense
heat, flame and hot gasses, which can be spread out over an
unexpectedly large area. Extra care is especially necessary when
gunpowder and igniter cord are burnt, due to their extreme flammability
and rapid burning rate.
(8) Do not use same pit for destruction of explosives.

4.3.4 DESTRUCTION BY DETONATION

(a) Detonators (b) Anstart

 Procedure
1. The lead wires, safety fuse or nonel tubing must first be cut off about fifty
millimeters from detonators.
2. A small number of detonators or Anstarts (up to 100) can be destroyed by
tying them in small bundles using, using elastic bends.
3. Insert a live det in the middle
4. The det should face downwards when placed
in the hloe, 0.6m deep
5. Cover with sand
6. Detonate from a safe place.

N.B Detonators which suspected of being insensitive or are in a poor condition,

can be destroyed by placing the loose detonators paper bag, then place
two or three fresh primers in a hole, 0.6m deep pit. Two or three made up
primers are placed on top of the detonators and the charge covered with
paper followed by sand to ground level. It is important that the detonators

68
are below the explosives to avoid any possibility of unexploded detonators
being scattered far and wide.
 INERT WAX PRIMER
These are detonators, which have been encased in inert wax and are
commonly used in shaft sinking.
1. Cut leads to fifty millimeters from the detonators and stack it in cardboard
box with their protruding ends pointing upwards.
2. Weigh the primers to five kilograms.
3. Place box in a pit about 0.6m deep.
4. Cover over with fresh blasting cartridges. (Not more than five kgs)
5. Place a piece of paper above primed cartridges.
6. Fill pit with sand.
 DETONATING FUSE
A maximum of one reel should be destroyed at any one time. The Cordtex
should not be removed from the reel, which is placed in the bottom of a
0.6 m deep pit.
1. Attach detonator to dry portion of detonating fuse away from any possible
insensitive wet ends. Fill pit with sand.
 PENTOLITE BOOTERS
These must only be destroyed by detonation and never by burning due to
their power and intensity of detonation. They are treated in the same way
as blasting cartridges.
 Blasting procedure
1. Place guards with flags and whistles in all access points/roads to the site.
2. Clear the danger area of all personnel
3. Sound the necessary warning signals and then detonate the charge. If
initiating with capped fuse, and more than one pit is being detonated,
return only after the required half hour delay following the last blast heard.
4. Lit the charge from the down wind side.
5. The pit and surrounding area must be examined to ensure that no
exploded material or detonators remain.

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4.3.5 DESTRUCTION BY BURNING

This method is preferred for destroying incendiary products such as safety

fuse igniter cords and electric starters.

The burning bed.

1. Make a bed using wood shavings, sawdust and well crumpled newspaper.
Wood shavings are preferred as these burn the best.
2. The bed size should be 200mm wide, 25mm deep and long enough to
accommodate accessories being burnt.
3. It should be aligned parallel to the wind direction
4. Lay accessories on the bed
5. Sprinkle lighting paraffin (not power paraffin, diesoline or petrol) over
whole bed using watering can 0.5 litres per metre of bed.
 Safety fuse: -Cut the safety fuse from the detonators about 50mm from
the crimp. The detonators must be destroyed by detonation. The lengths
of fuse are laid out on the burning bed so that they do not touch each
other. The bed is lit in the normal manner
 Detonating fuse: -Cut three metre lengths from the reel and lay them on
the bed. It can be destroyed in the same way as safety fuse.
 IGNITER CORD: -This should be left on the reel and burnt on vegetation
free ground in quantities not exceeding one 200m reel at a time. Sufficient
igniter cord should be unreeled and lit to allow the blaster to walk to a safe
distance.
 Blasting Gunpowder: - This burns very quickly and very fiercely. The
blasting gunpowder should be sprinkled evenly over the bed, to a
maximum thickness of 6mm,and lit by means of igniter cord or paper train
from a safe distance. Never attempt to ignite directly with a match. Not
more than 5 kg should be burnt at a time in this way.
 Electric starters for igniter cord: - These should be scattered loosely
and individually on the bed in a single layer.

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 ANFO/ANFEX: -Neutralize by dissolving in water, effective also for
destroying black powder.
 Permitted Explosives: - Contain salts and likely to detonate during
burning so best destroy by detonation.
 Blasting cartridges: - maximum diameter for burning is thirty-two
millimetres. Great diameter would detonate due to extensive heat of
centre.
 Water gels and Emulsion explosives : - do not burn well, strip from
cartridges and mix one part of explosive to three parts of sawdust. Thinly
spread out on bed then sprinkle with paraffin.

 ADVANTAGES FOR DESTRUCTION BY DETONATION

1. Safest method because it is instantaneous and complete
2. Less time consuming.
3. Most practical for large quantities.

 DISADVANTAGES
1. Noise and concussion
2. Generates fly rock.

4.3.6 BLASTING SCHEDULE AND TIME LAPSE AFTER BLASTING

a. The manager of any mine, quarry or working place shall cause a schedule
of times to be arranged during which all primary or main blasting in any
part of a mine, quarry or working place shall take place and shall ensure
that any blasting in one part of the mine, quarry or working place shall not
expose any person to danger in any other part.
b. The schedule shall be so arranged as to prevent any person, as far as is
reasonably practicable, from being exposed to any danger from flying
debris, dust or fumes and shall be posted on the surface where it can be
seen before the commencement of a shift by every person concerned.
(b) After primary or main blasting operations have been carried out in the
underground workings of a mine, no person shall enter or be ordered or

71
permitted to enter the working place within four hours of such blasting
operations, provided that where, in the opinion of an inspector, there is
adequate ventilation to replace the air contaminated by dust or fumes due
to blasting the inspector may, by notice in writing, permit the entry of
persons after such lesser period as he may specify in the notice.
(c) The holder of a blasting licence in charge of blasting operations shall
ensure that adequate means are adopted for minimizing the exposure of
persons to dust and fumes from secondary blasting.
(d) The manager or official appointed by the manager in writing shall fix the
interval of time within which no person shall enter an excavation or other
place after secondary blasting has taken place and post a schedule
showing such interval on the surface or in a place where it can be seen at
all times by the holder of a blasting licence and any person directly
concerned with such blasting provided that where, in the opinion of an
inspector, the interval of time as determined in paragraph (e) is in
adequate, he may, by notice in writing to the manager, request that this
period be extended in the interest of safety and health.

4.3.7 TIME OF BLASTING OPERATIONS

a) At a mine other than a coal mine, primary or main blasting shall take
place-
b) only at the end of a shift; and only once in twenty four hours in any
individual shaft, development end or stope except for –
I. removing obstacles in ore passes, grizzlies or box holes, or
II. the purpose of making the working place safe; or
III. blasting misfired holes in development ends or stopes and in any such
case only in accordance with written instructions laid down by the
manager or official appointed by him for that purpose.
c) In quarries, trenches and other opencast workings blasting shall take
place only between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

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d) An inspector may by notice in writing grant permission to blast more than
is permitted if in his opinion the ventilation is adequate.

4.3.8 DUTIES OF A GUARD (JOHN)

 When a holder of a blasting license is required to place any person to act
as a guard when he is conducting any blasting operation he shall
personally ensure that such person is –
a) Placed in the position he is to guard.
b) Instruct that he shall not leave such position until instructed to do so by the
holder of the blasting license I charge of blasting operations.
c) Count where practicable, the number of shots exploded
d) Give audible warning in every direction.

4.3.9 SECONDARY BLASTING

(a) It is the use of explosives to break large rocks from Primary blast into
manageable size for loading in the coco-pan, grizzly and crushing after
breaking by 14lb hammer is unnecessary. Also to removing of obstacles in
ore pass, box holes, blasting misfired holes in development ends or Stope,
blasting bad hangings for the purposes of making the working places safe
or
(b) any blasting other than primary blasting and shall include the fragmenting
of large rocks, the blasting of obstacles in ore passes or waste passes,
sockets or hitches and the re-blasting of misfired holes and any blasting to
make a place safe.

Blasting Methods
a) Pop Shooting
This is a usual method where each boulder is drilled and more often than
not each hole is charged with a single cartridge. It is important that the
charge is located near the centre of the boulder for best effect and control
of fly rock. A careful examination in accordance with the regulations must

73
also be made of each boulder before it drilled to ensure that it does not
include drill holes containing explosives.

b) Lay On Charges / Mud Blasting

Lay on charges is the standard method for boulder blasting underground.
The system involves placing a number of charges of explosives on a rock
and covering them with mud to direct energy toward the rock. It is a ready
to use system that requires no preparatory drilling of the rock to be
blasted. It generates significantly less fly rock than pop- shooting. One
way of destroying old explosives. Explosives that are malleable and that
can be shaped moulded to press to ensure good surface contact with the
rock. Any air gaps between the explosives and rock mass will result in loss
of energy. Mud should be placed between the explosive and the rock to
take up air gaps, should it not be possible to perfectly mould the
explosives to the rock, for optimum results the charges should be covered
with not less than 10 times their mass in mud.

c) Hang-up Blasting
 Large rocks or boulders may hang-up at the draw point brow, in the box,
chutes or in ore-passes. Hang-up blasting is used to free these over size
rocks and may take the form of a concussion/bomb blasting or the use of
ballistic missiles. Concussion or bomb blasting involves the placement of
an explosive bomb stick, at or near a hang-up in an attempt to dislodge it.
The result and impact or concussion is designed to free the hang up. Best
results are achieved when the explosives charge is coupled to or in
contact with the material being blasted. Since the bomb is manually
wedged against or placed to the hang-up as possible, bomb blasting is a
hazardous operation. This is particularly true when attempts are made to
identify the keystone for bombing.

 Secondary blasting general rules

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1. It is the responsibility of the blasting license holder to ensure that
operators in charge of grizzlies, draw points, loading cross cuts test the
warning system i.e. Air whistle at the commencement of every shift.
2. Any charges for secondary blasting only prepared shall be blasted as son
as possible thereafter and no charge shall be left unattended.
3. Where re-entry is after secondary blasting, the person who initiated such
secondary blasting shall carry out a re-entry.
4. No person shall enter or cause or permit any person enter an ore pass at
the discharge end while it contains water, mud or rock. Any ore pass,
which has become blocked, shall be cleared only in accordance with a
procedure laid down by the manager or an official.
5. Where whistles are in use, these should be sounded continuously until
after all the blasts have gone off.
6. When blasting a hang, -up, tie your bomb on a bomb stick and push it in
and do not enter into the box or ore-pass.
7. Ensure that safety chains are secured in all places where there is a
danger of injury through falling.
8. Ensure that waterblast and auxiliary lines are functional before firing any
charges.
9. Ensure that adequate means are adopted for minimizing the exposure or
persons to dust and fume from secondary blasting.
10. Ventilate the area.
11. Do not use slow igniter cord when blasting on grizzlies.
12. Cover/Install barricades in order to protect pipes, electric cables, lights,
vent columns before firing any charges.
13. Remove all equipment/machinery to safe places before firing any charges.
14. Place guards in the position he is to guard and instruct him that ;
(a) he shall not leave such position until instructed to do so by the one in
charge of blasting operations
(b) he shall not permit any person to pass him
(c) he shall count ,where practical, the number of shots exploded

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(d) he shall shout “cheesa-cheesa” in every direction.

 Blasting Procedure
(a) Prepare your charge with one or two persons assisting you when you
have satisfied yourself that adequate warning has been given.
(b) Place guard (s) and barricade all avenues approaching the area being
blasted.
(c) Before lighting up any charge (s), 3 warning sounds must be given by
using the warning whistles provided.
(d) Ensure you have cleared off people working above or below area being
blasted.
(e) Sound warning whistle when you have charged up and you are about to
light.
(f) Turn off the warning whistle when the bomb has gone off.
(g) Observe the re-entry time i.e. 30 minutes after the last shot.
(h) In the event of a misfire, the warning whistle must be turned off after 5
minutes only under the following conditions;
I. that the warning whistle control is offset from the grizzley and draw
point cross-cut.
II. that the place to be blasted is guarded on both sides for full 30
minutes after lighting up.
(I) Report any failure of warning apparatus.

4.4.0 MARKING OF DRILL HOLES

 The holder of a blasting license only shall point out or mark holes for
drilling. S/He shall ensure that a working place, before the commencement
of drilling operations and before pointing or marking the position of holes
to be drilled at such working place shall -
(a) Ventilate the working place using a waterblast or auxiliary means.

76
(b) Water down and remove or cause to be removed all loosened rock,
mineral or ground.
(c) Ensure the adequacy of any support, barricade and platform within
such working place and the approaches thereto.
(d) Through wash over with water if available under pressure of not
less than one hundred and fifty kilopascals all surfaces to a
distance of two metres in all directions from the proposed position
or mark for the purpose of exposing any misfired hole and socket
or, when the ground to be examined is under water, blow it over
with compressed air for the purpose of exposing any misfired hole
and socket.
(e) Search for any misfired hole and socket within a distance of at least
two metres from the proposed position or mark.
(f) Through examine every socket or drill hole, whether finished or
unfinished, to ascertain its depth, cleanliness and direction by
means of a blowpipe of a design approved by the Chief Inspector
made of copper, [Link] or such material as he may
approve.
(g) Where water is not available, examine and ascertain by cleaning
with wooden or copper scraper that each such socket or drill hole
does not contain any explosives.
(h) Where any explosives are found on an examination, they shall kept
in old explosives boxes and each such socket shall be plugged.
(i) Satisfy himself by carrying out an examination as prescribed in
paragraph 4.0.6, 7, 8 and 9.
(j) No driller shall drill any hole unless the exact position and direction
of such hole has been pointed and where possible, marked with
chalk, paint or other suitable marking material by the person in
charge.
(k) No driller shall deviate from such position and direction indicated in
terms of paragraph (j).

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4.4.1 TOOLS FOR CHARGING
 No person shall use or cause or permit the use of any tool when a hole for
blasting unless it is a wooden, brass or copper tool that is an easy fit in the
hole and has its end cut off square. Flexibly charging rods may be used if
they are constructed or rubber, fabric or any other material and couplings
are of brass, copper, rubber, fabric or any material approved by an
inspector.

4.4.2 BLASTING CABLES

1. Every blasting cable shall be readily identifiable by some specific color or
coloring.
2. A blasting cable shall not be used for any other purpose than blasting.

3. Electric current from telephone, signaling or lighting circuits or from any

other source other than a blasting box or other blasting apparatus
approved for blasting shall not be used in blasting circuits.
4. Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent cables or conductors used
in blasting from coming into contact with other cables or electrical
apparatus other than an approved blasting box, or other apparatus
approved for blasting.

4.4.3 PNEUMATIC CHARGING

(a) The holder of a blasting license using pneumatic equipment to charge any
hole with a blasting agent or slurry explosive shall –
(b) prior to charging such hole –
1. Ensure that such equipment is clean and in good working order.
2. Blow out the compressed air supply line so as to remove any
moisture in such line;
3. Ensure that the earthing wire of such equipment is properly
connected to earth and not connected to any water or compressed
air pipe or rail;

78
4. Ensure that the charging hose is free from any kinks and in good
working order.
(c) during the charging of such hole-
1. stop all charging immediately if the presence of static electricity or
any stray current is detected and remedy or cause to be remedied
such condition before resuming such charging operations.
2. ensure that any person involved in charging operations shall earth
himself by placing his bare hands on the ground or side walls
before handling any explosives, detonators or primers;
(d) after charging such hole -
I. discharge any blasting agent or slurry explosive remaining in such
equipment into a bag or container and return such bag or container
to a distribution store, magazine or box;
II. thorough wash such equipment.

Hopper

Stand
Venturi

Out Let
Air –valve

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Section five

5.0 TRAVELLING WAYS

5.1 Every shaft or winze in the course of sinking shall, unless written
exemption from the provisions of this section has been granted by an
inspector, have a safe ladder way, steel, rope ladder or chain ladder
leading to the collar.
(b) In every mine where there are twenty or more persons employed
underground at any time, there shall be at least two shafts or outlets to
surface so that every person employed in the mine shall have at least two
separate means of ingress and egress available to him.
(c) A shaft or outlet provided for the purpose of this section shall not lead to at
a closer distance than ten metres from any other shaft or outlet.
5.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR LADDERWAYS AND LADDERS

Every mine shall be provided with a sufficient number of ladder-ways

permanently maintained to enable all persons to leave every part of the
mine with dispatch.
All ladder-ways provided shall –
a) Be free from obstructions
b) Where necessary for the proper protection of persons, be adequately
fenced
c) Be of strong construction
d) Be securely fastened in position and free from obstruction
e) Be maintained in good repair
f) Not fixed in an overhanging position
g) Project at least one metre above the mouth of every shaft, winze or raise
and every platform therein except when strong handrails are fixed at such

80
mouth or platform: provided that a ladderway which was installed before
1st of January 1975,and which projects nought comma nine one four four
metres above such mouth shall be deemed to comply with the provisions
of this paragraph.
5.3.1 Permanent ladders regularly used or intended to be regularly used as foot
traveling ways shall not be at an inclination of over eight degrees to the
horizontal and when-
a) At inclination to the horizontal of seventy degrees or over platforms shall
be provided at distances of not more than ten metres apart and each
ladder shall be so arranged as to cover the manhole of the platform on
which it rests and shall be securely bratticed off from haulage
compartments
b) At an inclination to the horizontal of more than thirty – five degrees and
less than seventy degrees, shall be broken every twenty metres by
adequate platforms and securely bratticed off from haulage compartments
c) At an inclination to the horizontal of more than thirty – five degrees or less,
shall be so constructed as to minimize the danger from falling or slipping
and shall be securely bratticed off from haulage compartments by means
of handrails.
d) All ladders in shafts, winzes or tunnels having an inclination to the
horizontal of thirty-five or less shall be constructed with steps of wood or
concrete or other suitable material, unless an inspector has granted
written exemption from the provisions of this subsection.
e) No person shall carry or permit any other person to carry heavy tools or
objects when traveling on the ladderways in steeply inclined shafts,
winzes or raises except in so far as it may be necessary to execute repairs
with the tools or objects in such shaft, winze or raise.
f) Any person carrying a tool or object or using a tool or object in a
laddreway shall ensure that such tool or object is carried or used in such a
manner that it cannot be reasonably expected to drop down the
ladderway.

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5.3.2 WIRE ROPES
5.3.3
Wire ropes or strands of wire ropes shall not be used or caused or
permitted to be used for climbing purposes in a mine if the rope or strands
are kinked, knotted or contain broken or projecting wires.
5.3.3 GROUND SUPPORT

(a) In the working of any mine or part of a mine where the roof, hanging or side
walls are of a nature requiring systematic support, a notice to that effect to
the manager who shall specify the support to be provided and the system
according to which it shall be placed.
(b) The manager shall ensure that all persons concerned are made aware of
such system and that notices settings out its specifications are posted up
at suitable places where such persons can conveniently read them.
(c) Any person who fails to comply with specifications of such system shall be
guilty of an offence.
(d) If, in the opinion of an inspector, the method of supporting the roof, hanging
and side walls in the workings of any mine or part of a mine is unsafe,
either by reason of the distances between supports being excessive or for
any other reason, he may, by notice, in writing require the manager to
modify the method.
(e) Where roof or hanging wall necessitates it props shall be provided with the
headboards or other suitable means shall be provided to present an
adequate bearing surface.

5.3.4 TYPES OF SUPPORT

1. Rock bolting – Expansion Shell Type

2. Rope grouting
3. Grout Bars
4. Prop and Head Board
5. Packs
6. Drive Sets

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5.3.5 ROCK BOLTING – EXPANSION SHELL TYPE

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(a) Material Required
1. Rock bolt with wedge, shells, plate and conical washers and nuts.
Note the plate washer must be 15 cm square with a centre bolthole
and two bleed holes.
2. 15 cm square kaylite packing.

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3. Grouting gun and plastic tube.
4. Send, Cement and water
5. Spanner
b) Preliminary Work
1. Water and bar down area to be rockbolted.
2. Erect any temporary support to ensure workers operate in safety.
3. Pump out and plug sockets
4. Mark off holes indicating required direction.
5. Drill holes about 10 cm deeper than length of rockbolts.
6. Pump out and clean holes.
7. Clean all dirt and grit from threads on rockbolts.
8. Screw expansion shell along full length of thread to ensure it
screws on freely. Screw shell back to three full turns from the end
of the bolt.
9. Insert rockbolt and expansion shell into hole leaving 5 cm
protruding from hole.
10. Fit kaylite packing.
11. Fit square washer.
12. Fit conical washer and screw on nut for 20mm, push rockbolt home,
fit a second remove lock nuts together. Tension bolt and remove
lock nut. Tension remaining nut until a slight dishing of the conical
washer is observed.
13. Pierce bleed holes in kaylite packing.
14. Insert plastic tube of grouting pump as far as possible up hole, the
tube should be premarked to indicate when it has reached a
satisfactory depth.
15. Pump in cement grout (the gout should be of porridge like
consistency) through second hole until grout comes out of breather

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tube, then withdraw breather tube slowly whilst continuing to pump
in grout.
16. Plug bleed hole
17. Plug grout hole
18. Check tensioning after 24 hours.
Note.
1. The wall of the tube should be sufficiently thick to prevent the tube
being compressed in the hole.
2. All rockbolts must be grouted in for their full length.
5. Grout guns and grouting equipment must be thoroughly cleaned
immediately after use.
5.3.5 ROPE GROUTING
5.3.6
a) Material Required
1. Spadel grout pumps.
2. Two containers (25-50 litres) for water and cement (one filled with clean
water for flushing, the other to mix cement grout).
3. 13 mm O.D. air inlet hose.
4. 25 mm O.D. grouting hose.
5. 16 or 20 mm wire rope cut into lengths approximately 10 cm longer than
depth of holes.
b) Installation
1. Rope must be clean of rope dressing or oil and approximately 10 cm
longer than depth of hole.
2. Check oil level in lubricator.
3. Mix grout to consistency of toothpaste (25 parts cement to 1 part water).
4. Place pump vertically in grout mixture.
5. Insert 25 mm delivery hose to back of hole.
6. Connect pump to air system and open pump valve slowly.
7. Allow back pressure of grout to ease hose out of hole.

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8. When hole is about three quarters filled with grout remove hose and force
rope to as near the back of the hole as possible.
9. Block the collar of the hole with cotton waste to prevent spillage of grout.
10 Clean pump by thoroughly flushing with water. If no water available take
off outlet hose, foot valve and sieve and remove as much grout as
possible. The grout pump must be thoroughly cleaned if it is not being
used for more than a couple of minutes.
11. Always use filter and lubricator.
Note
Operating pressure should be between 3,5 and 8 mpa (60 – 120 p.s.i.).

5.3.7 GROUT BARS

a) Material Required

1. 16 mm round bars threaded at one end and about 5 cm longer than depth
of hole (Bars should be deformed to give a better bonding surface).
2. Conical washers
3. Plate washers (15 cm square and slightly dished at the centre)
4. 16 mm nuts and 16 mm spanner
5. Cement and water (sand may be used in the grout)
b) Preliminary work
1. Water and bar down area to be supported
2. Erect the necessary temporary support
3. Mark off holes to be drilled. Holed should be perpendicular to the bedding
plane and at a greater angle than 15 o the horizontal.
c) Installation
1. Drill holes to correct length
2. Pump holes absolutely clean.
3. Ensure grout bar is free of oil or grease
4. Prepare gout mix to a porridge – like consistency.
5. Half fill the hole with gout.

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6. Ensure that nut is at start of thread on grout bar.
7. Push the bar firmly into the bottom of the hole (the end may be tapped
lightly to ensure this)
8. Grout mix should overflow the hole.
9. Do not blast within close proximity of the holes for 12 hours.
10. After 24 hours install washers and tension bolt. Preliminary work

5.3.8 PROP AND HEAD BOARD

a) Material Required
1. One round pole of suitable diameter.
2. One short slab of timber 5 cm thick and approximately 20 cm square.
1. Wedges.
b). Installation
1. Water and bar down.
2. Install a temporary prop if necessary.
3. Cut a hitch to solid in the footwall.
4. Hold headboard in position and measure the distance to the hitch.
5. Cut the round pole to the measured length.
6. Hold the headboard in position, place the round pole in the hitch and drive
the top in under the headboard.
7. Drive the wedges under the headboard and hanging wall. Ensure that
wedges are driven in from the side of the prop from which blasting will
take place.
8. When installing a prop where the hanging wall is too high to reach nail the
headboard to the prop and place wedge between and cover wedges with
fines

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A prop and headboard is installed under a bad pierce of hanging which resists
any attempt to bring it down with a pinchbar.
9. Tidy up and remove any scrape.
5.3.9 PACKS
Packs are installed where local occurrences of heavy ground need
supporting.
(a) Material Required
Slabs of timber 15 cm X 15 cm minimum. Round poles of uniform
diameter or rebuilt mat packs.

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(b) Installation
1. Check, bar and water down the area.
2. Erect temporary support
3. Pick to solid and level off site of pack.
4. Place bearers level with each other according to size and shape of pack
required.
5. Lay bearers along dip of stope to facilitate washing out of fines during
sweeping operations.
6. Install stringers at right angles to bearers allowing ends to overlap in the
case of an open pack
7. Insert sufficient wedges with waste rock if required.
8. Remove temporary support.
9. Tidy up and remove all waste material.
10. Where the mat pack is installed in a steeply dipping area install two
support props on the lower side of the pack.

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6.0 FORCE AND EXHAUST OVERLAP SYSTEM

6.0.1 DRIVE SETS

(a) Material Required

1. Legs 15 cm or larger round poles.
2. Caps 15 cm or larger round poles with flats on two opposite sides.
3. Legging 20 cm x 3 cm minimum flat planks.
4. Collar Braces 10 cm round poles.
5. False caps 15 cm round poles
6. Blocks and wedges
7. Spreaders 20 cm x 5 cm timber.

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(b) Installation
1. Water down and make safe and erect temporary support if necessary.
2. Mark off position for sets
3. Set spacing will depend on ground conditions. The inside measurements
should be a minimum of 1,5 metres between inside of legs and 1,8 metres
from floor to bottom of cap.
4. Clean down to solid and cut hitches for legs.
5. Measure round poles for legs and cut both ends square
6. Place legs in position opposite each other inclined at approximately 5 0 off
vertical towards each other.
7. Cut spreader to required length and place under cap. Secure to the cap
with nails

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8. Block ends of cap to sidewalls
9. Install collar brace between sets and nail to legs.
10 Place lagging and false caps where required. False caps must not rest on
lagging. Insert blocks of greater thickness than the lagging immediately
above the legs and place false cap on these and then slide in lagging.
11. Clean up area . Stack surplus timber neatly at a suitable storage place
and remove waste material.
12. Ensure drain is clear.

Note: -The two sets of a line of sets should be pinned to the sidewalls with
steel stumps which should not extend past the legs into the drive.

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7.0 RENTRY PROCEDURES

7.1 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE INTO A RAISE

7.2 TOOLS / EQUIPMENT

 Hemp rope
 Four pounds hammer
 Air and water hoses
 Safety chains
 Auer Gas tester and tubes-Nitrous fumes, Carbon Monoxide.
 Eyebolt pins.
 Nails

7.3 PERSONNAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

 Gumboots
 Hard Hat
 Overall
 Sinking Suit
 Gauze goggles
 Pvc gloves
 Cap lamp belt

7.4 GENERAL RULES

7.4.1 At any working place, no person other than the appointed holder of a
mine or full blasting licence shall, either at the commencement of a shift
or after primary or secondary blasting, be the first person to enter each
working place assigned to him by the Official, Overseer Miner, Shift boss.
7.4.2 The appointed blasting licence holder must ensure that this procedure
and all relevant mining regulations are strictly observed by any person in
such working place whether such person is under his supervision or not.

94
7.4.3 Examine and make safe any working place by ventilating mechanically,
water and bar down, clean sockets and treat any misfire (s) on the
immediate approach there to before permitting any work to take place.
7.4.4 Ensure that whilst making safe any working place, be responsible for the
safe disposition of workers in suitable and safe place.
7.4.5 Ensure that one or two competent persons from your gang accompany
and assist you when making any working place safe in such operations.
7.4.6 Ensure there is adequate ventilation; fans, water blast and auxiliary
airlines are functional.
7.4.7 Ensure the adequacy of any support, barricades, good drainage system,
barring down, through wash down, plugging or treating of misfires and
installation of platforms within such working place.
7.4.8 Ensure that all persons working in raises regardless of dip to draw a safety
belt and take it underground to the working place wear it as necessary and
at the end of shift to return same to the Chain Issuer.
7.4.9 All raises being mined should have life line regardless of dip of the raise.

7.4.10 Observe re-entry times; if in doubt always consult your supervisor.

8.0 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE

8.1 Ensure you clock in and out at the checking point. Surrender your company
ID card and have it back at knock off shift.
8.2 Collect your camp lamp at the lamp room and gas testing equipment after you
have gone through the miner’s logbook.
8.3 Proceed underground, check waiting place and make safe.
8.4 Do a waiting place procedure.
8.5 From the waiting place to the working place proceed towards the raise
accompanied by a competent assistant (s), one who is/are physically
strong, sharp minded, first aider and capable of performing rescue

operations. ;
i. Testing for gasses
ii. Ensure fans are running and ventilation is adequate

95
iii. Visually check for bad hangings and bar down
iv. Check for any other dangerous conditions e.g. pipe leaks, dangerous
water accumulation, signage, support deterioration e.t.c and rectify where
necessary.
v. Ensure you have all the required tools and equipment.

8.6 Proceed to the blasting point and short circuit the firing cables.
8.7 Check if water blast is operating and observe fifteen minutes re-entry, if
not operational rectify and observe a four-hour re-entry period.
8.8 Water down the whole area around the bottom of the raise to expose cracks
and bar down thoroughly.
8.9 Water down muck pile thoroughly to dissolve heavy gasses.
8.10 With the aid of a grizzley hook, long enough and from a safe side, shake
the ladders vigorously for more than three times till you are satisfied that;
i. All loose rocks are dislodged which might have been caught up.
ii. Ladder is not broken.
iii. Ladder is still anchored on pins.
8.11 Before climbing up give specific instructions to your competent person (s)
i. Listen to your instructions and stand clear off the raise.
ii. Not to let anyone past him / them.
iii. To keep on communicating.
8.12 Instruct your competent person to connect the hose to air and slightly turn
it on to blow fresh air to your face.
8.13 Carry with you, wound neatly hemp rope put across your shoulder, safety
belt fasten around your waist and put your hammer under your belt.
8.14 At regular intervals climb the chain ladders, secure yourself to a secure
anchorage above you and test gasses and sound for loose ground with
hammer until you reach the safety platform pinholes.
8.15 Examine condition of ladders, pipes and whether the water blast has
wetted all sides. If there is adequate suppression of dust, do not proceed
up the raise. Ventilate the raise by auxiliary means for four hours.

96
8.16 Lower rope and pull up hose and wash clean pinholes and the whole area
around you.
8.17 Install eyebolts and secure your safety chain to that pin on the platform
elevation.
8.18 Pull up raise pins and firmly wedge them.
8.19 Establish safety platform and the drilling platform.
8.20 Keep on augmenting ventilation by means of an auxiliary line slightly
turned on.
8.21 Water down the face and bar down thoroughly.
8.22 Pull up blowpipe and pump all sockets.
8.23 Ring all sockets with paint or chalk.
8.24 Clear off all rocks on the platforms.
8.25 Descend to raise bottom clearing all loose rocks, which would have been
caught up the ladders and climb up the raise again.
8.26 Call one of your drilling crew members. First he must secure himself to an
eyebolt with a safety chain. With his aid pull up the chain ladder and install
it to its new position.
8.27 If marking is to be undertaken there soon;
i. Mark your face profile.
ii. Mark the holes of the next drilling platform, chain ladders and eyebolts.
iii. Mark position of your drill holes 150mm or 6” away from sockets.
iv. Give instructions to your drilling crew;
a) To keep secured to eyebolts.
b) Drill on marked positions.
c) Follow direction lines.
d) Not to practice dry collaring.
e) First drill platform pinholes for next round
f) To continuously bar down before collaring a new hole.
g) To fit in a collaring gasket at all the times.
h) Report any dangerous condition encountered immediately.
i) Dress face after drilling.

97
j) Test water blast before charging –up.

8.28 Climb down and slightly turn on auxiliary air to augment ventilation.

9.0 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE INTO A FLAT END

9.1 TOOLS / EQUIPMENT

1 Four pounds hammer

2 Air and water hoses
3 Auer Gas tester and tubes-Nitrous fumes, Carbon Monoxide, CO2.
4 Pinch bars fitted with barring gaskets
5 Approved two way blow pipe
9.2 PERSONNAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
1. Hard Hat
2. Overall
3. Gauze goggles
4. Pvc gloves
5. Cap lamp belt
9.3 GENERAL RULES
9.3.1 At any working place, no person other than the appointed holder of a mine
or full blasting licence shall, either at the commencement of a shift or after
primary or secondary blasting, be the first person to enter each working
place assigned to him by the Official, Overseer Miner, Shift boss.
9.3.2 The appointed blasting licence holder must ensure that this procedure and
all relevant mining regulations are strictly observed by any person in such
working place whether such person is under his supervision or not.
9.3.3 Examine and make safe any working place by ventilating mechanically i.e.
operating a water blast and fan(s), water and bar down, clean sockets and
treat any misfire (s) on the immediate approach there to before permitting
any work to take place.
9.3.4 Assistant Overseer Miner or Overseer Miner to rotate daily through all flat
ends and do re-entry with gang leader at the start of each shift. He should

98
make safe in a different working place and within the week should have
covered his section starting at each different working place.
9.3.5 Ensure that whilst making safe any working place, be responsible for the
safe disposition of workers and assistant (s) in suitable and safe place.
9.3.6 Ensure that one or two competent persons from your gang accompany
and assist you when making any working place safe in such operations.
9.3.7 Ensure that the Assistant (s) to be visual to gang leader in a safe position
when making safe.
9.3.8 Ensure there is adequate ventilation; fans, water blast and auxiliary
airlines are functional.
9.3.9 Ensure the adequacy of any support, barricades, good drainage system,
barring down, through wash down, plugging or treating of misfires and
installation of platforms within such working place.
9.3.10 Observe re-entry times; if in doubt always consult your supervisor.
9.3.11 Ensure that all lifters are exposed for at least two meters.
9.3.12 Keep the drain clean at all the times.
9.3.13 Encourage good housekeeping at all the times.
9.3.14 Ensure that drilling equipment is stored on racks at all the times.

9.4 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE

9.4.0 Ensure you clock in and out at the checking point. Surrender your
company ID card and have it back at knock off shift.
9.4.1 Collect your camp lamp at the lamp room and gas testing equipment after
you have gone through the miner’s logbook.
9.4.2 Proceed underground and make safe at the waiting place.
9.4.3 Do a waiting place procedure.
9.4.4 From the waiting place to the working place proceed towards the raise;
i. Testing for gasses
ii. Ensure fans are running and ventilation is adequate
iii. Visually check for bad hanging and bar down
iv. Check for any other dangerous conditions e.g. pipe leaks, dangerous
water accumulation, signage, support deterioration e.t.c and rectify were
necessary.
9.4.5 Proceed to the blasting point and short circuit the firing cables.

99
9.4.6 Check if water blast is operating and observe fifteen minutes re-entry, if
not operational rectify and observe a four-hour re-entry.

9.4.7 You should have a competent assistant (s), one who is/are physically
strong, sharp minded, first aider and capable of performing rescue
operations.

9.4.8 Ensure you have all the required tools and equipment.
9.4.9 At regular intervals, test for gasses and sound for loose ground with
hammer.

9.4.10 Water down the whole area around the bottom of the raise to expose
cracks and bar down thoroughly.

9.4.11 Keep on augmenting ventilation by means of an auxiliary line slightly

turned on.
9.4.12 Water and bar down muck pile/face thoroughly to dissolve heavy gasses.
9.4.13 Pull up blowpipe and pump all sockets.

9.4.14 If marking is to be undertaken there soon;

i. Ring and plug all sockets with red paint or chalk.
ii. Mark your face profile.
iii. Mark position of your drill holes 150mm or 6” away from sockets.
iv. Mark position of pinholes at every 3m advanced i.e. one on the sidewall
and the other on the center of the drive.
v. Give instructions to your drilling crew;
a) Drill on marked positions.
c) Follow direction lines.
d) Not to practice dry collaring.
e) First drill platform pin holes.
f) To continuously bar down before collaring a new hole.
g) To fit in a collaring gasket at all the times.
h) Report any dangerous condition encountered immediately.
i) Test water blast before charging –up.
j) Dress face after drilling.

100
9.5 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE INTO A STOPE
9.5 TOOLS / EQUIPMENT

6 Four pounds hammer

7 Air and water hoses
8 Auer Gas tester and tubes-Nitrous fumes, Carbon Monoxide, CO2.
9 Pinch bars fitted with barring gaskets
10 Approved two way blow pipe
11 Safety belt
9.5.1 PERSONNAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
1. Hard Hat
2. Overall
3. Gauze goggles
4. Pvc gloves
5. Cap lamp belt
9.5.2 GENERAL RULES
9.5.3 At any working place, no person other than the appointed holder of a mine
or full blasting licence shall, either at the commencement of a shift or after
primary or secondary blasting, be the first person to enter each working
place assigned to him by the Official, Overseer Miner, Shift boss.
9.5.4 The appointed blasting licence holder must ensure that this procedure and
all relevant mining regulations are strictly observed by any person in such
working place whether such person is under his supervision or not.
9.5.5 Examine and make safe any working place by ventilating mechanically i.e.
operating a water blast and fan(s), water and bar down, clean sockets and
treat any misfire (s) on the immediate approach there-to before permitting
any work to take place.
9.5.6 Assistant Overseer Miner or Overseer Miner to rotate daily through all
stopes and do re-entry with gang leader at the start of each shift. He

101
should make safe in a different working place and within the week should
have covered his section starting at each different working place.
9.5.7 Ensure that whilst making safe any working place, be responsible for the
safe disposition of workers and assistant (s) in suitable and safe place.
9.5.8 Ensure that one or two competent persons from your gang accompany
and assist you when making any working place safe in such operations.
9.5.9 Ensure that the Assistant (s) to be visual to gang leader in a safe position
when making safe.
9.5.10 Ensure there is adequate ventilation; fans, water blast and auxiliary
airlines are functional.
9.5.11 Ensure the adequacy of any support, barricades, good drainage system,
barring down, through wash down, plugging or treating of misfires.
9.5.12 Observe re-entry times; if in doubt always consult your supervisor.
9.5.13 Keep the drain clean at all the times.
9.5.14 Encourage good housekeeping at all the times.
9.5.15 Ensure that drilling equipment is stored on racks at all the times.

9.6 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE

9.6.1 Ensure you clock in and out at the checking point. Surrender your
company ID card and have it back at knock off shift.
9.6.2 Collect your camp lamp at the lamp room and gas testing equipment after
you have gone through the miner’s logbook.
9.6.3 Proceed underground and make safe at the waiting place.
9.6.4 Do a waiting place procedure.
9.6.5 From the waiting place to the working place proceed towards the stope;
a) Ensure you have all the required tools and equipment.
b) Testing for gasses
c) Ensure fans are running and ventilation is adequate
d) Visually check for bad hanging and bar down
e) Check for any other dangerous conditions e.g. pipe leaks, dangerous
water accumulation, signage, support deterioration e.t.c and rectify were
necessary.
F) Proceed to the blasting point and short circuit the firing cables.

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9.6.6 You should have a competent assistant (s), one who is/are physically
strong, sharp minded, first aider and capable of performing rescue
operations.
9.6.7 At regular intervals, test for gasses and sound for loose ground with
hammer.
9.6.8 Water down the whole area around the top area the stope expose cracks
and bar down thoroughly.
9.6.9 Keep on augmenting ventilation by means of an auxiliary line slightly
turned on.
9.6.10 Water and bar down muck pile/face thoroughly to dissolve heavy gasses.
9.6.11 Pull up blowpipe and pump all sockets.
9.6.12 If marking is to be undertaken there soon;
vi. Ring and plug all sockets with red paint or chalk.
vii. Mark your face profile.
[Link] position of your drill holes 150mm or 6” away from sockets.
ix. Mark position of pinholes at every 3m advanced i.e. one on the sidewall
and the other on the center of the drive.
x. Give instructions to your drilling crew;
a) Drill on marked positions.
c) Follow direction lines.
d) Not to practice dry collaring.
e) First drill platform pin holes.
f) To continuously bar down before collaring a new hole.
g) To fit in a collaring gasket at all the times.
h) Report any dangerous condition encountered immediately.
i) Test water blast before charging –up.
j) Dress face after drilling.

10.0 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE INTO A WINZE

10.1 TOOLS / EQUIPMENT

 Hemp rope
 Four pounds hammer

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 Air and water hoses
 Safety chains
 Auer Gas tester and tubes-Nitrous fumes, Carbon Monoxide.
 Eyebolt pins.
 Grizzly hook.
 Aluminum pinch bars fitted with gaskets.
10.2 PERSONNAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
 Gumboots
 Hard Hat
 Overall
 Sinking Suit
 Gauze goggles
 Pvc gloves
 Cap lamp belt

10.3.0 GENERAL RULES

10.3.1 At any working place, no person other than the appointed holder of a mine
or full blasting licence shall, either at the commencement of a shift or after
primary or secondary blasting, be the first person to enter each working
place assigned to him by the Official, Overseer Miner, Shift boss.
10.3.2 The appointed blasting licence holder must ensure that this procedure and
all relevant mining regulations are strictly observed by any person in such
working place whether such person is under his supervision or not.
10.3.3 Examine and make safe any working place by ventilating mechanically,
water and bar down, clean sockets and treat any misfire (s) on the
immediate approach there to before permitting any work to take place.
10.3.4 Ensure that whilst making safe any working place, be responsible for the
safe disposition of workers in suitable and safe place.
10.3.5 Ensure that one or two competent persons from your gang accompany
and assist you when making any working place safe in such operations.

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10.3.6 Ensure there is adequate ventilation; fans, water blast and auxiliary
airlines are functional.
10.3.7 Ensure the adequacy of any support, barricades, good drainage system,
barring down, through wash down, plugging or treating of misfires and
installation of platforms within such working place.
10.3.8 Ensure that all persons working in raises regardless of dip to draw a safety
belt and take it underground to the working place wear it as necessary and
at the end of shift to return same to the Chain Issuer.
10.3.9 Observe re-entry times; if in doubt always consult your supervisor.

10.4 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE

10.4.1 Ensure you clock in and out at the checking point. Surrender your
company ID card and have it back at knock off shift.
10.4.2 Collect your camp lamp at the lamp room and gas testing equipment after
you have gone through the miner’s logbook.
10.4.3 Proceed underground, check waiting place and make safe.
10.4.4 Do a waiting place procedure.
10.4.5 From the waiting place to the working place proceed towards the winze
accompanied by a competent assistant (s), one who is/are physically
strong, sharp minded, first aider and capable of performing rescue

operations. ;
- Testing for gasses at regular intervals
- Ensure fans are running and ventilation is adequate
- Visually check for bad hangings and bar down
- Check for any other dangerous conditions e.g. pipe leaks, dangerous
water accumulation, signage, support deterioration e.t.c and rectify where
necessary.
- Ensure you have all the required tools and equipment.
10.4.6 Proceed to the blasting point and short circuit the firing cables.
10.4.7 Open danger barricade, test for gasses till you reach the water blast.
10.4.8 Check if water blast is operating and observe fifteen minutes re-entry, if

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not operational rectify and observe a four-hour re-entry period.
10.4.8 Proceed to test the winze and the kibble. Secure yourself with a safety
chain Water down the whole area around the collar of the winze to
expose cracks and bar down thoroughly.
10.4.9 Clear off dirt or loose material around the collar for a distance of at least
2m.
10.5.0 With the aid of a grizzly hook, long enough and from a safe side, shake
the ladders vigorously for more than three times till you are satisfied that;
iv. All loose rocks are dislodged which might have been caught up.
v. Ladder is not broken.
vi. Ladder is still anchored on pins.
10.5.1 Leave your competent person(s) at the collar to warn people and control
valves.
10.5.2 Collect your hammer under your belt. Detector tubes and gas tester in
your top pocket and at regular intervals test for gases.
10.5.3 Sound for loose ground – remember to secure your safety chain.
10.5.4 Upon reaching at about 8m from the bottom, tell your competent person to
lower the water hose and water down the whole area.
10.5.5 Descend at 2m intervals testing for gases; watering down and sounding
for loose ground and dress the area up to as far as your hand can stretch.
10.5.6 Upon reaching the face water down muck pile thoroughly to dissolve
heavy gasses.
10.5.7 Call your competent person to lower a pinch bar,bar down thoroughly and
visually check for misfires.
10.5.8 Keep on augmenting ventilation by means of an auxiliary line slightly
turned on.
10.5.9 After making sure the whole area is safe call up call up your lashing crew.
10.6 Give specific instructions; - Be on the lookout for misfires, continuously bar
down as face is being exposed, report any dangerous conditions
encountered immediately, to observe safety precautions of raising and

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lowering of the kibble during operations – steading and not overfilling
kibble,
10.6.1 After lashing call for a blow pipe and with the use of a sinker’s sketch
pump all sockets clean. Mark thereon the position of misfired holes.
10.6.2 Endorse and date it in ink and then pass on to the miner in-charge of
drilling operations.

11.0 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE INTO A SHAFT

11.1 TOOLS / EQUIPMENT

 Approved blow pipe,

 Four pounds hammer
 Air and water hoses
 Safety chains
 Auer Gas tester and tubes-Nitrous fumes, Carbon Monoxide.
 Eyebolt pins.
 Aluminum pinch bars fitted with gaskets
 Grizzly hook

11.2 PERSONNAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

 Gumboots
 Hard Hat
 Overall
 Sinking Suit
 Gauze goggles
 Pvc gloves
 Cap lamp belt

11.3.0 GENERAL RULES

11.3.1At any working place, no person other than the appointed holder of a mine
or full blasting licence shall, either at the commencement of a shift or after

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primary or secondary blasting, be the first person to enter each working
place assigned to him by the Official, Overseer Miner, Shift boss.
11.3.2 The appointed blasting licence holder must ensure that this procedure and
all relevant mining regulations are strictly observed by any person in such
working place whether such person is under his supervision or not.
11.3.3 Examine and make safe any working place by ventilating mechanically,
water and bar down, clean sockets and treat any misfire (s) on the
immediate approach there to before permitting any work to take place.
11.3.4 Ensure that whilst making safe any working place, be responsible for the
safe disposition of workers in suitable and safe place.
11.3.5 Ensure that one or two competent persons from your gang accompany
and assist you when making any working place safe in such operations.
11.3.6 Ensure there is adequate ventilation; fans, water blast and auxiliary
airlines are functional.
11.3.7 Ensure the adequacy of any support, barricades, good drainage system,
barring down, through wash down, plugging or treating of misfires and
installation of platforms within such working place.
11.3.8 Observe re-entry times; if in doubt always consult your supervisor.

11.4.0 RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE

11.4.1 Ensure you clock in and out at the checking point. Surrender your
company ID card and have it back at knock off shift.
11.4.2 Collect your camp lamp at the lamp room and gas testing equipment after
you have gone through the miner’s logbook.
11.4.3 Proceed underground, check waiting place and make safe.
11.4.4 Do a waiting place procedure.
11.4.5 From the waiting place to the working place proceed towards the shaft
accompanied by a competent assistant (s), one who is/are physically
strong, sharp minded, first aider and capable of performing rescue

operations. ;
- Testing for gasses at regular intervals

108
- Ensure fans are running and ventilation is adequate
- Visually check for bad hangings and bar down
- Check for any other dangerous conditions e.g. pipe leaks, dangerous
water accumulation, signage, support deterioration e.t.c and rectify where
necessary.
- Ensure you have all the required tools and equipment.
11.4.6 Proceed to the blasting point and short circuit the firing cables.
11.4.7 Open danger barricade, test for gasses till you reach the water blast.
11.4.8 Check if water blast is operating and observe fifteen minutes re-entry, if
not operational rectify and observe a four-hour re-entry period.
11.4.9 Go back to the waiting place and from the waiting place, proceed towards
the shaft testing for gases
 Make sure fans are running and ventilation is adequate
 Visually check for bad hanging and other dangerous conditions
11.5.0 Upon reaching the danger barricade just before the shaft, leave your
competent person behind the barricade. Check your time if 15minutes
have elapsed from the time you opened water blast. If they have open
barricade and test for gasses until you reach the control valves valve,
close it.
 Secure yourself with a safety chain Water down the whole area
around the collar of the shaft to expose cracks and bar down
accessible areas thoroughly.
 Clear off dirt or loose material around the collar for a distance of at
least 2 metres
11.5.1 Inspect the kibble or bucket or conveyance and make safe the whole area
around the winch or the small hoist. Call the driver of the winch or small
hoist. The kibble or bucket or conveyance must be made to travel a
complete trip up and down to make sure it is safe for people to travel in.
Please note that the kibble must not pass through the Galloway stage.
11.5.2 After inspecting the kibble put your tools in the kibble - Collect your
hammer under your belt. Detector tubes and gas tester in your top pocket.

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With your competent person get into the kibble and ring 2 pause 2. At
regular intervals test for gases;
 Visually check for bad hanging or other dangerous conditions while
you go down
 When ever there is anything dangerous, ring 1 to stop the conveyance
and make safe the such area.
 Adopt same procedure until you reach the Galloway stage.
11.5.3 Visually inspect the Galloway stage. Climb out and put your tools on the
Galloway stage. Inspect if the Galloway stage is not broken and still
secure .Make safe, watering down and sound for loose ground –
remember to secure your safety chain.
11.5.4 Leave your competent person at the Galloway stage and give him
instructions;
 To watch your progress
 To listen to what you instruct him to do.
11.5.5 Descend and at regular intervals test for gases; watering down and
sounding for loose ground and dress the area up to as far as your hand
can stretch.
11.5.6 Upon reaching the face, test for gases, water down thoroughly the side
walls and muck pile to dissolve Nitrous fumes. Bar down thoroughly.
Visually check for misfires.
11.5.7 Keep on augmenting ventilation by means of an auxiliary line slightly
turned on.
11.5.8 After making sure the whole area is safe call up call up your lashing crew.
11.5.9 Give specific instructions; -
 Be on the lookout for misfires,
 continuously bar down as face is being exposed,
 report any dangerous conditions encountered immediately,
 observe safety precautions of raising and lowering of the kibble
during operations – steading and not overfilling kibble,

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11.6.1 After lashing call for a blow pipe and with the use of a sinker’s sketch
pump all sockets clean. Mark thereon the position of misfired holes.
11.6.2 Endorse and date it in ink and then pass on to the miner in-charge of

12.0 ABANDONED AREAS

12.1
12.1.1 Get permission from the inspector.
12.1.2 Lodge the stopped end book of the last round or on surface where holes
were drilled on a survey pattern and such area was closed down by the
inspector, lodge the plan of the last round blasted.
12.1.3 Never enter any abandoned area alone or with inexperienced men.
12.1.4 Call for the proto team if necessary.
12.1.5 When entering abandoned areas always be on the lookout for;
 Dangerous accumulations of water.
 Atmosphere deficient of oxygen.
 Presence of misfires.
 Presence of noxious gases.
 Bad hanging and loose ground.
 Support deterioration.
12.1.6 Establish mechanical ventilation, water blast and auxiliary air.
12.1.7 Before entry open auxiliary air or water blast for at least 15 minutes to
drive out and provide breathing fresh air to the area to be examined.
12.1.8 When making or conducting the re-entry, leave auxiliary air slightly
opened to augment ventilation.
12.1.9 At regular intervals, test for gases, water down and bar down thoroughly.
12.1.10 Upon reaching the face test for gases,water down and bar down.
12.1.11 Call for a blowpipe
12.1.12 Remove socket plugs if any pump out all sockets by means of an
approved blowpipe and replug the sockets with wooden or concrete
socket plugs.
12.1.13 Water down he area up to 8m from the face.

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12.1.14 Check if ventilation reaching the whole area is safe call your construction
crew to repair and extend ventilation columns , water and air pipes.
12.1.15 Provide more support if necessary.
12.1.16 Note; Stooped and holing ends book contains the following information;
 Name and signature of person who examined the area.
 Date when the area or end was examined/stopped
 Name and number of the end or area

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Section 7
13.0 RESCUE PROCEDURES
13.0 WINZE
13.0.1 Rush to the collar and open auxiliary air fully to drive out and dilute gases
and also to supply fresh air to the bottom.
13.0.2 Send for a person to phone the officials and the ambulance and to ring for
skip or cage.
13.0.3 Send for the first aid box, rope and a stretcher.
13.0.4 Tie wet mutton cloth on your mouth – Leave two men at the collar at the
fresh air intake. These men must be strong enough to pull the gassed
person. Leave them with the other end of the rope while you go down with
the other end.
13.0.5 Upon reaching the gassed person, render in first aid (CPR) and tie figure
of 8 around his chest and arms and shout for the men to pull up the rope
while you climb up the ladder guiding the person from rubbing against the
side walls.
13.0.6 On reaching the collar render first aid , if the person is not breathing apply
artificial respiration. Mount on to the stretcher and take him to the skip or
cage.
13.0.7 Ventilate and barricade off the area and make sure no person enters the
area.
13.0.8 Take yourself and the rest of the men involved to hospital for observation
(48hrs) when entering such a full re-entry procedure is to be adopted.
13.0.9 Record the suspected gassing case in ink in the log book.

14.0 RAISE
14.1
14.1.1 Rush to the bottom of the raise and open auxiliary air fully to drive out and
supply fresh air to the top of the of the raise.
14.1.2 Send for a person to phone the officials and the ambulance and to ring for
skip or cage.
14.1.3 Send for the first aid box, rope and a stretcher.

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14.1.4 Tie wet mutton cloth on your mouth – Leave two men at the bottom at the
fresh air intake. These men must be strong enough to pull the gassed
person. Leave them with the other end of the rope while you go up with
the other end. The rope should be long enough to accommodate the
distance to the top and the bottom of the raise.
14.1.5 Upon reaching the gassed person, render in first aid (CPR).Unfasten his
safety belt/chain .Insert the rope through an eye bolt, pull it up and tie
figure of 8 around his chest and arms and shout for the men at the bottom
that you are lowering the person and they should hold the rope tight.
14.1.6 Instruct them to slacken the rope slowly while you climb down the ladder
guiding the person from rubbing against the side walls.
14.1.7 On reaching the bottom of the raise, render first aid , if the person is not
breathing apply artificial respiration. Mount on to the stretcher and take
him to the skip or cage.
14.1.8 Ventilate and barricade off the area and make sure no person enters the
area.
14.1.9 Take yourself and the rest of the men involved to hospital for observation
(48hrs).
14.1.10 Record the suspected gassing case in ink in the log book.
14.1.11 When re-entering such area a full re-entry procedure has to be adopted.

15.0 FLAT END

15.1
15.0.1 Rush to the entrance and open auxiliary air fully to drive out noxious
gases and supply fresh air to the top of the of the raise.
15.0.2 Send for a person to phone the officials and the ambulance and to ring for
skip or cage.
15.0.3 Send for the first aid box and a stretcher.
15.0.4 With at least one competent person tie wet mutton cloths on your mouths,
enter the area and bring out the person out of the end to fresh air.
15.0.5 If not breathing render first aid, mount him on a stretcher and carry him to
the cage.

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15.0.5 Ventilate and barricade off the area and make sure no person enters the
area.
15.0.6 Take yourself and the rest of the men involved to hospital for observation
(48hrs).
15.0.7 Record the suspected gassing case in ink in the log book.
15.0.8 When re-entering such area a full re-entry procedure has to be adopted.
16.0 BAD HANGING
16.0.1 Send for a person to phone the officials and the ambulance also to ring for
cage.
16.0.2 Send for the first aid box and a stretcher.
16.0.3 Remove such person from the danger area or further injury.
16.0.4 Render first aid, immobilize, treat all wounds and put on a stretcher and
carry him to the skip.
16.0.5 Barricade off the area.
16.0.6 Make sure no person enters such area until you make a complete re-entry
procedure.
17.0 DEALING WITH A BAD HANGING

17.0.1 Test for gases, water down the whole area thoroughly to expose cracks.
17.0.2 Attempt to bar down with a long pinch bar from a safe distance or
17.0.3 Install temporary support then employ the remote drilling to drill short
holes.
17.0.4 Charge And fire these short holes to blast the hang up or
17.0.5 Measure he distance of the hang up from the floor and cut a timber prop of
that length. Make a hitch in the footwall and erect a prop to support the
hang-up or
17.0.6 If it is a busy area e.g. haulage where tramming cannot be stopped;
 Holes are drilled at the ends of the hang up.
 Grouted with rock bolts, erect straps crossing the hang up thereby
supporting the hang up.
 Drill another hole at the centre of the hang up and insert rock bolt and
grout it.

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Section 8
18.0 SHAFT SIGNALS
In shafts or winzes exceeding thirty five metres in depth hoisting signals
shall given by means of bell rings or other means approved by an
inspector. Where such signals are given by means of bell ring, the
following code shall be used and strictly observed. (S.I.109 OF 1990
SECTION 150)

Knocks or rings Meaning

1 Raise when engine at rest
1 Stop when engine in motion
1 (From driver) Repeat signal last given
2 Lower
2 pause 1 “Clear” signal-engine driver move at his discretion
2 pause 2 Lower conveyance slowly
3 Persons about to travel
3 (In reply from driver) Persons may travel or may
enter conveyance for purpose of traveling
3 (From driver when conveyance is brought to rest)
Persons may enter or leave conveyance
3 pause 3 Raise conveyance slowly
3 pause 3 pause Person giving signal about to travel
3
3 pause 3 pause (In reply from driver) Acknowledgement that person
3 giving signal about to travel
2 pause 2 pause (From driver) Persons must leave conveyance
2
2 pause 2 pause (In reply to driver) No person in conveyance
2
4 (From driver) Engine temporarily unavailable
4 pause 4 (To driver) “Mark” signal
4 pause 4 (In reply from driver) Acknowledgement of “mark”
signal
4 pause 4 pause (To driver)”clutching” signal
4
4 pause 4 pause (In reply from driver) Clutching operations
4 completed
5 pause 5 (To driver) Explosives about to be placed in
conveyance
5 pause 5 (In reply from driver) Explosives may be placed in
conveyance
5 pause 5 pause All explosives removed from conveyance
5
6 pause 6 (To driver) Winding compartment served by engine
locked

116
6 pause 6 (In reply from driver) Acknowledgement of
“compartment locked” signal
6 pause 6 (To driver) Shaft locked below station designated
followed by
station signal
6 pause 6 (In reply from driver) Acknowledgement that shaft
followed by locked below station designated.
station signal
6 pause 6 pause (To driver) Compartments severed by engine re-
6 opened
6 pause 6 pause (In reply from driver) Acknowledgements that
6 compartments served by engine re-opened.
7 followed by Accident to persons, station where conveyance
station signal required
8 Heavy material to be loaded
8 (In reply from engine driver) Acknowledgement that
heavy material is to be loaded
8 pause 8 Heavy material unloaded.
10 Telephone communication required
13 Electrician testing bells
13 (In reply) Bell test satisfactory
1 long ring Accident in shaft, winding operations to be
suspended immediately in all compartments of the
shaft until a responsible person instructs the driver as
to further procedure.

18.0.1 AUTHORISATION OF LOCAL SIGNALS

The manager of the mine may authorize such additional signals as local
conditions may demand. Copies of the code of signals, including any
additional signals authorized by the manager, in use on a mine shall be
suitably displayed in the winding engine driver’s platform or in a suitable
place in the winding room and at all bank shaft stations for the time being
in use : Provided that, in the case of a winding compartment where some
only of the above mentioned signals are in use, it shall be necessary to
display only that portion of the code which is in use in that compartment.

Copies of the code of signals shall be maintained in proper repair and

shall be so placed that persons operating the signaling system can

117
conveniently read them. Where blasting operations are being carried out
in a shaft or winze in the course of sinking-

a) the person in charge of the blasting operations shall notify the engine
driver when blasting is about to take place by means of a special
“blasting” signal, namely five knocks or rings; and

b) except in the case of remove firing by electricity, the engine driver shall
reply to that special “blasting” signal by raising by raising and lowering
the conveyance approximately one metre; and
a) On receiving the signal to raise persons, the engine driver shall raise
the conveyance without delay.
b) No person shall fail to observe the code of signal set out in this
manual or any additional authorized by the manager.

118
Section 9
19.0 Distance Application in mining
19.0.1 One metre
 ladders to protrude the landing platform
 earth mound toe to magazine
 earth mound top
 relieve hole to retrieve explosive in quarry misfires
 safety platform from drilling platform
 explosives away from naked lights
 drive to raise kibble after ringing 5 knocks when about to blast in a shaft

19.0.2 Two metres

 clean in all directions to the position for drilling
 drill away from misfire in stopes
 kibble to stope above Galloway stage
 Sinking operations-Steadying and removal of stones or mud from the
conveyance.
 clear in all direction from holing point
 clear around the collar of the shaft or winze in exam and re-entry
 Magazine licence to contain more than 250 kg of explosives, the height
from the floor to the ceiling shall not be less than two metres
 Storage of explosives in immovable magazine

19.0.3 Three metres

 limit of hole depth to use detonating fuse
 Destruction of detonating fuse
 Provision of protective devices to shut off the power and apply brakes
automatically in the event of an over wind of a conveyance exceeding
the maximum authorized speed of 15 per centum in the case of a
winding engine used for regular man winding.

119
 Recap of guide ropes at intervals not exceeding two years
19.0.4 Four metres
 stop kibble from the shaft bottom during shaft lashing
 Recapping or winding ropes

19.0.5 Six metres

 Boundary Pillars in Metalliferous mines.

19.0.6 Seven comma five metres

 Shafts – overrun distances and the sump
 Examination of the holing point and work on one face shall cease when
workings adjacent to other workings

19.0.7 Eight metres

 Development ends – requirement of a water blast.
 Wetting down of roof, walls and floor
19.0.8 Ten metres
 Two outlets to surface.
 Resting platforms at inclination to the horizontal of seventy degrees or
over.
19.0.9 Fifteen metres
 Development ends – discharge distance of a water blast.
 Workings adjacent to other workigs,work on one face shall cease during
blasting operations.
 Communication during shaft sinking.
19.1.0 Twenty metres
 Resting platforms at inclination to the horizontal of more than thirty – five
degrees and less than seventy degrees.
 clear area between earth mound and magazine fence
 Fencing of immovable magazine
 No smoking when loading or unloading of explosives

120
19.1.1 Twenty – five metres
 Gallow - way stage or adequate covering extending over the whole area
of a vertical shaft or winze.
 Extension of guides for conveyance in vertical shaft or winze exceeding
30 in depth.
19.1.2 Thirty metres
 Restriction of use of windlasses.
 Gallow - way stage or adequate covering extending over the whole area
of a vertical shaft or winze.
 Guides for conveyance in vertical shaft or winze
 Protective and warning device for persons traveling in conveyance
 Use of steel wire winding rope
 Refuge holes in haulages
 Illumination distance for the lights for locomotives and trains.
19.1.3 Thirty - five metres
 Hoisting signals – bell rings or other means approved by an inspector
19.1.4 Forty – five metres
 Distance maintained by the driver between his vehicle and any vehicle
19.1.5 Three hundred metres
 Provision of a device which will prevent the brakes from being applied at
high speed with such pressure as to produce dangerous rate of
deceleration.
 Authorised maximum rope speed of less than three hundred metres /
minute be fitted with a rope speed indicator which shall be so situated
that the speed can at all times be read by the driver from his position

19.1.6 Four hundred and fifty metres
 Restriction of blasting operations in certain areas e.g. radio installation
19.1.7 Five hundred metres
 Restriction during a thunder storm, vehicle transporting explosives shall
be halted off the road.

121
19.1.8 Millimetres
150 mm
 drill from a socket
 explosives from magazine roof
 thickness of magazine floor, walls and roof
 openings from the sides of a portable magazine
 drill deeper in quaries a relief hole to retrieve misfired explosives
 protruding of detonating fuse which shall extend to the end of the charge
from the collar of the hole.
 Reinforced concrete for the walls floor and roof of immovable magazine
5 mm
 thickness of steel door of the magazine
 thickness of steel used to make portable magazine
15 mm
 thickness of match board in portable magazine
35mm
 air space between steel and matchboard in portable magazine
750 mm
 distance separating accessories and blasting cartridges
 elbow flues for the immovable magazine.
220 mm
 separate chamber of portable magazine
45 mm
 diameter of a centre hole on an explosive box
250 mm
 elbow flues below the ceiling of the immovable magazine

122
SECTION 10
20.0 Legal books
i. Mine management and safety regulations
ii. Explosives regulations
iii. Safety complains book
iv. Gassing incidents record book
v. Accident record book
vi. Hoist driver’s log book
vii. Shaft examination log book
viii. Machinery record book
ix. Rope record book
x. Holing ends log book
xi. Stopped ends log book
xii. Magazine log book
xiii. Magazine temperature record book
xiv. Examination of abandoned area log book
xv. Blasting token book
xvi. Miner’s log book
xvii. Employee register
xviii. Appointment of miner’s log book
xix. Accident register
xx. Visitors log book
xxi. Health and Sanitation Regulations
xxii. Construction of dams and dumps record book

Legal documents
i. Manager’s certificate of appointment
ii. Magazine master’s letter of appointment
iii. Sinker’s sketch
iv. Rope test certificate

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v. Licence to store explosives
vi. Licence to manufacture explosives
vii. Permit to purchase, acquire and posses explosives

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Common questions