Australian Capital Territory Numbered Regulations

DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES (EXPLOSIVES) REGULATIONS 2004 (NO 10 OF 2004) - REG 242

    (1)     This regulation applies if—

        (a)     a charge misfires in a blasting or relieving hole; and

        (b)     the shotfirer proposes to deal with the misfire by refiring the charge in the same hole or firing a further charge in the same hole or a relieving hole.

    (2)     The shotfirer may deal with the misfire by following whichever of the following procedures applies:

        (a)     if the shotfirer believes on reasonable grounds that there is no likelihood of injury to a person or damage to property if the charge is refired—by refiring the charge in the same hole;

        (b)     if paragraph (a) does not apply—by firing a further charge in the same hole, in accordance with subregulation (3);

        (c)     if it is impractical to fire a further charge in the same hole—subject to subregulation (6), by firing a further charge in a relieving hole in accordance with subregulations (4) and (5).

    (3)     If subregulation (2) (b) applies, the shotfirer must ensure that—

        (a)     stemming and any water destructible explosives are removed from the hole—

              (i)     with pressurised water, or a combination of pressurised water and compressed air, using a rubber or plastic hose or tube; or

              (ii)     if pressurised water or air is not available—with water and a wooden implement; and

        (b)     the hole is reprimed with a fresh primer.

Note     For any further firing, the shotfirer must comply with the other requirements of this part relating to blasting operations.

    (4)     If subregulation (2) (c) applies, the shotfirer must ensure that the relieving hole is drilled—

        (a)     parallel to the misfired hole as far as possible; and

        (b)     at a distance sufficient to prevent the drill from entering any part of the misfired hole; and

        (c)     for a misfire in a mine or quarry—

              (i)     from a remote or safe location; and

              (ii)     only with the approval of an inspector.

    (5)     If subregulation (2) (c) applies, the shotfirer may drill multiple relieving holes to be fired together to deal with the misfire.

    (6)     However, a shotfirer must not use a relieving hole (or holes) to deal with the misfire if—

        (a)     the blast hole has been bulled; or

        (b)     it is otherwise unsafe to do so.