California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 7 - General Industry Safety Orders
Group 18 - Explosive Materials
Article 116 - Handling and Use of Explosive Materials in Blasting Operations
Section 5276 - General

(a) There shall be no smoking, open flames or other sources of ignition within 50 feet of any area where explosive materials are being handled, except devices necessary to ignite the fuses of set charges.

NOTE: Internal combustion engines equipped with spark arresters which are functioning as designed are not considered sources of ignition.

(b) Tools used for opening containers of explosive materials shall be constructed of non-sparking material, except that metal slitters may be used for opening fiberboard containers provided that the metal slitter does not come into contact with any metallic fasteners which may be in or part of the case. Only a wooden wedge and a fiber, rubber or wooden mallet shall be used for opening or closing wood containers of explosive materials.

(c) Empty boxes, paper and fiber packing materials which have previously contained high explosives shall not be used again for any other purpose. They shall be destroyed by burning at an isolated location out of doors, and no person shall be nearer than 100 feet after the burning has started.

EXCEPTION: Containers designed and maintained for reuse.

(d) Explosive materials shall not be placed within 25 feet of an electrical circuit except during transportation.

(e) Explosive materials left over after loading operations are completed, shall be promptly returned to their proper magazines.

(f) When blasting in a location where flying rock or material may damage other property or endanger employees, all loaded holes shall be covered with a blasting mat that has been anchored.

(g) No person under the age of 21 years shall be permitted in any explosive magazine or be permitted to use, handle, or transport explosives.

EXCEPTION: Persons 18 years or older and under the direct personal supervision of a licensed blaster.

(h) Spilled explosive materials shall be cleaned up promptly.

(i) Explosive materials shall not be subjected to excessive heat, friction or force.

(j) Explosive materials shall be used only at temperatures recommended by the manufacturer.

(k) Defective blasting equipment shall not be used.

(l) No fire shall be fought where the explosive materials are in imminent danger of contact with the fire. All employees shall be removed to a safe area and the fire area guarded against intruders.