§873 Blasting and Explosives

Summary

Sets rules for how explosives and detonators are handled in underground coal mines. Black blasting powder cannot be stored or used underground, and open unconfined shots like mudcaps are generally not to be fired underground. Explosives and detonators must be kept in separate containers until just before use. In anthracite mines there are narrow exceptions that let workers use open shots to start a blast battery or to take down dangerous hanging coal, but only if no methane or fire hazard is present, a methane test is done right before firing, and the methane level is under 1.0 volume percent. Only permissible (safety-approved) explosives, the correct electric detonators, and approved blasting devices may be used and fired with permissible firing units. Stemming must be made of noncombustible material. The Secretary may allow more than twenty shots or nonpermissible explosives when sinking shafts or slopes from the surface in rock, under safeguards. Compressed-air blasting is allowed. People must carry explosives and detonators in closed, nonconductive containers that are kept in good condition. Transport must be in special closed containers in locomotive- or rope‑drawn cars, on belts, in shuttle cars, or in equipment made for that purpose. Stored supplies for work sections must be in sturdy section boxes or magazines with no exposed metal inside, at least 25 feet from roadways and power wires, in a dry, rock‑dusted spot protected from roof falls (or placed in cut niches where pitching beds prevent that). In work areas, explosives and detonators must be in separate closed containers, out of the blast line, at least 50 feet from the working face and 15 feet from any pipeline, powerline, rail, or conveyor (or 5 feet from these if kept in rib niches). Stored explosives and detonators must be at least 5 feet apart.