In the world of explosives, a misinterpreted word can transform a worksite into a catastrophe. Here are some terms and their definitions.
Boutefeu (Shotfirer) refers to a person who holds a valid shotfirer’s certificate issued by the Council or acceptable to the Council.
Blast zone means an area extending at least 50 meters in all directions from a location where explosives are being prepared or fixed, or where an unexploded charge is known to exist.
Blast record is a written record of the details of the loading and the post-blast site inspection.
Blast walls: protective barriers that can be used to shield people and sensitive structures such as airports, boiler rooms, chemical facilities and other buildings that pose a high-degree or explosive risk.
Blend: a mixture created for blasting, typically ammonium nitrate or ANFO mixed with a water-based explosive material or oxidizer.
Cartridge punch: a device used to punch a hole or similar opening in a cartridge through which a detonator can be inserted.
Class A explosives: as defined by the U.S Department of Transportation, explosive materials that can create maximum hazard. The list of Class A Explosives includes dynamite, nitroglycerin and similar materials.
Class B explosives: as defined by the U.S Department of Transportation, explosive materials that can create a flammable hazard. This list of Class B Explosives includes flash powders, propellant explosives and similar materials.
Class C explosives: as defined by the U.S Department of Transportation, explosive materials that include Class A or B explosives, but that use Class A or B explosives in restricted amounts.
Cushion: also known as trim blasting, cushion is a technique for controlled blasting that includes detonating a blast hole line along the rock face during the blast’s last delay period.
Explosives magazine means a structure used for the unattended storage of either detonators or explosives, which complies with the regulations and standards of the Explosives Act.
Misfire (blast failure) means a charge, or part of a charge, that, upon initiation, failed to detonate or function completely, creating a hazardous condition.
Primer means an explosive to which a detonator or other initiating device has been attached.
Stemming means the placement of inert material in the portion between the top of the explosive column and the mouth of the blast hole, intended to confine the explosion gases for effective blasting. Angular gravel is often used for this purpose.
