New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 12 - LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 190 - EXPLOSIVES
Subchapter 7 - USE OF EXPLOSIVES
Section 12:190-7.11 - Planning and preparation for blasts

(a) The blaster shall plan each blast taking special precautions in loading, delaying, initiation and confinement so as to control the throw of fragments, ground vibration, and air blast effects.

(b) In planning a blast, careful consideration shall be given to the initiating system of the explosive charges. The recommendations of the manufacturer of the explosive device to be used shall be followed.

(c) When blasting is to be conducted near a property line where the adjacent property owner is not a party to the blasting operations, the blaster shall take precautions to prevent rock slides, sloughing or back break from extending into the adjoining property. These precautions shall include: angle drilling, reduced blast hole size, reduced blast hole depth, reduced explosive charges, or any other recognized method of controlled blasting.

(d) Sufficient, suitable stemming or tamping material shall be placed at the blast holes prior to delivery of explosives into the loading area. All equipment and tools not used for loading explosives into blast holes shall be removed from the loading area prior to delivery of explosives into the blast area. There shall be no activity in the loading area, other than loading of blast holes.

(e) Mobile equipment, vehicles and any unauthorized person shall not be located within 25 feet of loaded blast holes, blast holes being loaded, or within the normal throw of blasted material but in no case less than 25 feet except as provided in 12:190-7.1 0(c) or when an exception is granted under 12:190-1.6. This provision shall not apply to mobile equipment placing blasting mats or vehicles used specifically for loading.

(f) Only tools and equipment of nonsparking type shall be used to load blast holes. When loading blast holes underground or in other dark locations, only approved flood lamps, electric cap lamps or flashlights shall be used as illumination.

(g) Blast holes, prior to loading, shall be examined for alignment, water, blockage or other defects.

(h) All loaded holes shall be included in the next blast unless there is at least 100 feet separation between the loaded holes of the next blast and the holes being loaded for a subsequent blast.

(i) All required warning signs shall be posted.