Page 428 - Moving the Earth_ The Workbook of Excavation

BLASTING AND TUNNELING

9.28 THE WORK

FIGURE 9.22 A 700-ton blast recorded by camera.

Electric caps are waterproof. Fuse and Primacord are practically waterproof except at cut ends,
where fuse has no resistance. Cut Primacord absorbs water slowly. Damp sections are difficult to
detonate.

HANDLING EXPLOSIVES

Transporting. Large quantities of explosives should be transported in special vehicles marked
in accordance with state or interstate laws. Smaller quantities may be carried in an ordinary car or
truck, with any required warning signs made so that they can be removed when not in use.
Caps and explosives should be carried in different trips or vehicles unless quantities are small,
in which case they may be carried in one vehicle if kept well separated and if permitted by law.
ICC regulations are accepted by most states for intrastate transportation, but some have more
restrictive laws.
Storage. Different classes of explosives should be kept in separate magazines. These should be far
enough apart that an explosion in one would not affect the other; and should be surrounded so far as pos-
sible by earth barricades or higher ground so that the force of an explosion would be deflected upward.
Magazine areas should be as far as practicable from roads, railroads, or structures, and should
be posted with warning signs and fenced if possible.
Magazines should be constructed of cohesive fire-resistant material, such as sheet iron, or soft
material which will tear or crush rather than separate into flying fragments. Ventilation and protection
from grass fires and from excessive heat should be provided. Doors should be heavy and provided with
strong locks.