Abstract
The blasting process remains a potential source of numerous environmental and safety accidents. The majority of these accidents were contributed to the flyrock and lack of blast area security. A field-scale investigation related to flyrock accident was conducted in an andesite quarry where rocks up to 50 cm in diameter were propelled almost 300 m from the center of blasting field causing extensive damages to the surrounding objects. The study revealed that accident occurred due to the existence of andesite alteration in one section of the blast field. The existence of this alteration caused a sliding of rock masses along the subsistent joint planes and thereby reduced burden for the second row of blastholes. Alterations involved small area of andesite masses that were not detected by previous geological exploration or visually observed prior to initiation of blastholes. The result of this filed investigation should have a positive impact on hazard awareness, prevention and safe blasting practices in mining and construction industries.
Highlights
The main purpose of blasting operations in mining and civil engineering projects is the rock fragmentation
Analysis conducted by Verakis and Lobb (2007) shows that in surface mining 39 accidents were directly attributed to lack of blast area security, 32 to flyrock, 15 to premature blast, nine to misfires, one to disposing and seven to miscellaneous blasting-related accidents
Analyzing the model and the maximum flyrock throw distance, it was concluded that the major contributing factor to the accident was the existence of andesite alteration in blasting section II
Summary
The main purpose of blasting operations in mining and civil engineering projects is the rock fragmentation. This process provides appropriate material granulation that will be suitable for excavation and transportation. Even though the mining industry has improved its environmental and safety record, there are still reports indicating blasting-related accidents involving both people and various objects. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA, 2006) reports a total of 168 blasting related injuries in the United States from 1994 through 2005. Analysis conducted by Verakis and Lobb (2007) shows that in surface mining 39 accidents were directly attributed to lack of blast area security, 32 to flyrock, 15 to premature blast, nine to misfires, one to disposing and seven to miscellaneous blasting-related accidents.
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