Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Chapter 40 - SAFETY AND HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR MINERAL MINING
Part VI - Explosives-Surface and Underground
Section 4VAC25-40-930 - Nonelectric blasting
Current through Register Vol. 41, No. 3, September 23, 2024
A. When detonating cord manufactured with more than three grains per foot is used within 800 feet of inhabited buildings, not owned or leased by the operator, trunk lines shall be covered with at least six inches of loose earth or other acceptable material.
B. All detonating cord knots shall be tight and all connections kept at right angles to the trunk lines.
C. Detonators and delay connectors shall not be attached to exposed detonating cord by the certified blaster until the blast area is cleared.
D. Detonating cord blasting shall use a double trunk line or loop system to ensure complete detonation.
E. Detonating cord trunk lines, in multiple row blasts, shall make one or more complete loops, with crossties between loops at intervals not more than 200 feet.
F. When using a gas-charged initiation system, the certified blaster shall ensure that all components are fully charged prior to firing the blast. The blast area shall be cleared of personnel prior to charging the components.
G. Shock tube and other nonelectric detonation systems shall be used in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
