FBL

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FULL BLASTING LICENCE GUIDE

♦
FOR
HARD ROCK MINERS®
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________________________________________________________________
NOTES, SITUATIONAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
_________________________________________________________
Compiled:B KANDAMBI&CHIDAMBA K (ND Mining, ZSM)
Editor: B KANDMBI__________________ ♦
_______________
DEC 2007
Foreword
Mining is considered by many people as being a dangerous activity, yet it is what others
do for a significant fraction of their life span. Safety in the mine is a function of the state
of mind of the people involved. While this book seeks to outline some of the standards
that are to be followed in order to observe safe mining practice, it still remains in the
hands of the workers to comply with the set standards and requirements.
A mine is our second home it is up to us to make it a better home….

The mining game is our business
Acknowledgement
We would like to give credit to the following without whom this guide book would not
have been a success,(W. Chisangowerota Ministry of Mines Harare)
1st Edition.
FULL BLASTING LICENCE SYLLABUS .......................................... 6
Section 1: Ventilation ......................................................................................................................... 6
Section 2: Development and re-entry ............................................................................................... 7
Section 3: General ............................................................................................................................. 7
GASES ................................................................................................ 8
CARBON DIOXIDE ............................................................................................................................ 8
CARBON MONOXIDE ....................................................................................................................... 8
NITROUS FUMES ............................................................................................................................. 9
AMMONIA............................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
HYDROGEN SULPHIDE................................................................................................................. 10
METHANE ........................................................................................................................................ 11
HYDROGEN CYANIDE ................................................................................................................... 11
ACETYLENE ....................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
ALDEHYDES.................................................................................................................................... 12
HYDROGEN........................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
NITROGEN.......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
SULPHUR DIOXIDE ........................................................................................................................ 14
SOURCES OF DANDER UNDERGROUND .................................... 15
SOURCES OF GASES ..................................................................... 16
DUST ................................................................................................. 16
Sources of Dust ............................................................................................................................ 16
Dust Prevention ............................................................................................................................ 17
Reasons for Dust Sampling ......................................................................................................... 17
REQUIREMENTS OF A DIESEL ENGINE UNDERGROUND ......... 27
CONTROL OF FUMES.................................................................................................................... 27
Scrubber Box ................................................................................................................................ 27
Catalytic Converter....................................................................................................................... 27
GAS SAMPLING .............................................................................................................................. 28
Diesel handling * .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Service station* ................................................................................ 28
Battery bay* ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
SAFETY DEVICES FOUND ON A MOBILE DIESEL ENGINE .................................................... 30
SAFETY DEVICES FOUND IN A SHAFT ...................................................................................... 30
SAFETY DEVICES FOUND ON THE HEADGEAR ...................................................................... 30
SAFETY DEVICES ON A HOIST ................................................................................................... 30
SAFETY DEVICES ON CONVEYOR BELT .................................................................................. 30
REQUIREMENTS OF LADDER WAY ............................................................................................ 30
QUEBEC SAFETY SYSTEM .......................................................................................................... 31
SHE SAFETY COMPLAINS BOOK ................................................................................................ 32
USES OF COMPRESSED AIR IN UNDERGROUND MINING .................................................... 32
BLOW PIPES................................................................................................................................ 32
WATERBLAST ............................................................................................................................. 32
REQUIREMENTS OF A DRILLING MACHINE ............................................................................. 32
CONVEYANCE AND STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES ....................... 33
CONVEYANCE ................................................................................................................................ 33
Condition of the vehicle................................................................................................................ 33
Traveling in built up areas............................................................................................................ 33
PROCEDURE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN IMMOVABLE MAGAZINE ............................ 33
STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVE ........................................................................................................... 37
OLD EXPLOSIVE BOX ................................................................................................................... 37
FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 3

DESTRUCTION OF EXPLOSIVES ................................................................................................ 37
DOCUMENTS FOUND IN A MAGAZINE ...................................................................................... 38
ELECTRICAL BLASTING ................................................................ 39
SERIES............................................................................................................................................. 39
PARALLEL CIRCUIT ....................................................................................................................... 40
SERIES IN PARALLEL CIRCUIT ................................................................................................... 41
TESTING OF CIRCUITS ................................................................................................................. 42
1. Visual Checking........................................................................................................................ 42
2. Continuity Tester ...................................................................................................................... 42
3. Digital Blasting Ohmmeter ....................................................................................................... 42
CLASSES AND TYPES OF EXPLOSIVES ...................................... 43
CLASSES OF EXPLOSIVES .......................................................................................................... 43
TYPES OF EXPLOSIVES ............................................................................................................... 43
Cap Sensitivity Explosives ........................................................................................................... 44
Non-Cap Sensitive Explosives .................................................................................................... 44
Capping of a Fuse ........................................................................................................................ 44
HIGH EXPLOSIVES..................................................................................................................... 44
FUSE BLASTING ......................................................................................................................... 44
NONEL .......................................................................................................................................... 45
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) ............................................................................................ 45
SAFETY FUSE ............................................................................................................................. 45
IGNITOR CORDS ........................................................................................................................ 47
DOG BONES ................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
GAS TESTING USING AUER TESTER AND DETECTOR TUBES
................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Pre-test ............................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Auer Tester ...................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Testing ............................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
SHAFT EXAMINATION .................................................................... 65
RE-ENTRY PROCEDURES .............................................................. 66
FROM SURFACE TO UNDERGROUND WAITING PLACE ........................................................ 66
FLAT END ........................................................................................................................................ 68
STOPE .............................................................................................................................................. 69
RAISE ............................................................................................................................................... 70
WINZE .............................................................................................................................................. 71
SHAFT .............................................................................................................................................. 72
ABANDONED AREA ....................................................................................................................... 73
RESCUE PROCEDURES ................................................................. 74
WINZE .............................................................................................................................................. 74
RAISE ............................................................................................................................................... 74
FLAT END ........................................................................................................................................ 75
BAD HANGING ................................................................................................................................ 75
DEALING WITH A BAD HANGING ................................................................................................ 75
HOLING PROCEDURES .................................................................. 76
Two Ends Approaching Each Other............................................................................................ 76
In accessible dangerous area ..................................................................................................... 76
VENTILATION ................................................................................... 77
PURPOSE OF VENTILATION ........................................................................................................ 77
TYPES OF VENTILATION SYSTEMS ........................................................................................... 77
Mechanical ventilation.................................................................................................................. 77
Natural ventilation......................................................................................................................... 77
TYPES OF FAN SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................ 78

1. Force system ............................................................................................................................ 78
2. Exhaust Fan ............................................................................................................................. 79
3. Force –exhaust overlap system .............................................................................................. 80
4. Four gate system ..................................................................................................................... 81
SUPPORT SYSTEM ......................................................................... 82
TYPES OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS ................................................................................................. 82
1. Active support system .............................................................................................................. 82
2. Passive support system ........................................................................................................... 82
SITUATIONAL QUESTIONS ............................................................ 83

FULL BLASTING LICENCE SYLLABUS
Section 1: Ventilation
1. Gases
 Gases to be known:
Carbon dioxide Propane
Carbon monoxide Freon
Nitrous fumes Hydrogen cyanide
Methane Sulphur dioxide
Hydrogen Acetylene
Hydrogen sulphide Oxygen
Chlorine Mercury
Aldehydes
Ammonia
 What to be known about gases:
 Maximum permissible  Detection

quantities  Testing
 Specific gravity  Dispersal
 Chemical composition  Physiological and other
 Physical and chemical effects
properties
2. Internal combustion engine
 The use of I.C.E.s underground, sampling, scrubber box, catalytic converters,

and diesel handling underground
.
3. Use of compressed air in underground ventilation
 Waterblast, blow pipe and percussive drilling machines

Section 2: Development and re-entry
1. Explosives
 Types of explosives: high and low explosives , ANFO

 Storage: Immobile magazine, portable magazine
 Conveyance: vehicles, built up areas and containers
 Used: old explosives box,or by destruction
2. Blasting practice
 Fuse blasting, igniter cord

 Electric blasting, series, parallel connections, continuity testing
 Drilling, charging and blasting procedures in development flat ends, raises
and shafts/winzes
 Secondary blasting
 Blasting in built up areas
 Re-entry into raise, shaft/winze and flat ends
 Holing procedure for:
i. Two approaching ends
ii. Inaccessible dangerous areas
 Shaft examination procedures, sinkers‘ sketch, galloway stage, penthouse,
permanent ladders; shaft signals, recapping ropes.
Section 3: General
 Support in workings
Barring down, timber support, concrete support,
 Tramming
Safety devices, riding on trucks, lights on locos and trains
 Safety
First aid, accidents, safety awareness, Quebec safety system, safety
complaints book

GASES
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
S.G 1.53 MPQ > 5000PPM of more dangerous gases ahead

of you thus the reason for the
Sources term miner‘s friend.
 U/g fires  Foaming at mouth
 Incomplete combustion of diesel  Headache
engines.  Suffocation
 Blasting operations  Laboured breathing
 Breathing of people  Death because of lack of oxygen
 Action of acid water on
carbonates Method of detection
 Use Auer tester and detector
tubes for the gas tested for.
Physical Chemical  CO turns lime water milky
D -very dense P-not poisonous  Davy safety lamp
C-colourless T-toxic
O-odourless C-doesn‘t Eradication
support  Water blast
combustion  Auxiliary air
T-tasteless I-does not burn  Fans
S-soluble
Physiological effects
 This gas it‘s a miner‘s friend
hence we live in it gives warning
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)
S.G 0.97 MPQ > 100PPM O-odourless C–not support

combustion
Sources T-tasteless I- burns with a
 U/g fires S -slightly soluble blue flame
 Incomplete combustion of diesel
engines.
 Blasting operations Physiological effects
 Weakening of joints
Physical Chemical  Death due to length exposure
D-less dense P –ex-poisonous
C-colourless T –not-toxic

 Dead gassed person turns pale Method of detection
and shows signs of muscular  Use Auer tester and detector
strain tubes for the gas tested for.
 It has a cumulative effect  Electronic gas monitors
 Great affinity for haemoglobin in  Davy safety lamp.
blood, absorbed nearly 300 times
faster than oxygen forming Eradication
carboxyhaemoglobin.  Auxiliary air
 Fans
 Good ventilation
NITROUS FUMES ( NyOx)
S.G 1.04 to 1.6 MPQ>5PPM Physiological effects

 Irritation of eyes noses and throat
Sources  Chest pains
 Welding  Spiting of blood
 Incomplete combustion of diesel  Blister formation in the lungs
engines. such that you can flood in your
 Blasting operations own fluid when blisters bust
 U/g fires causing a condition known as
pulmonary odaema.
 It has a delayed action
Physical Chemical
D -very dense P–ex-poisonous Method of detection
C -reddish brown T – non-toxic  Use Auer tester and detector
O -nitric acid smell C-not support tubes for the gas tested for.
combustion  Smell
T-acidic taste I –not flammable  Irritation of eyes ,nose and throat
but explodes  Can be seen by its colour
when mixed with
certain % of air
S-very soluble Eradication
 Water blast
 Auxiliary air

AMMONIA (NH3)
S.G 0.6 MPQ > 50PPM  Blisters formed

 Flooding of lungs
Sources  It has a delayed action which is
 Blasting operations thus using shorter than NxOy
ANFO as a blasting agent
 Cooling plants in deep mines Method of detection
 Use Auer tester and detector
tubes for the gas tested for.
Physical Chemical  Smell
D-less dense P –poisonous  Irritation of eyes ,nose and throat
C-colourless T – non-toxic
O-pungent smell C–not support
combustion Eradication
T-acid biting taste I -it explodes  Good ventilation
S-very soluble  Water blast
 Auxiliary air
 Watering down
 Irritation of eyes noses and throat
 Chest pains
 Skin itching
HYDROGEN SULPHIDE (H2S)
S.G 1.2 MPQ > 20PPM Explosive range 4.0%-44%
Sources
 Action of acid water on pyrites
 Battery bays Physiological effects
 Fissures and dykes  Irritation of eyes noses and throat
 Stagnant water  Chest pains
 Destroys senses of smell
 It units with alkali in blood and
Physical Chemical attacks the nervous system
D-very dense P-ex- poisonous  It has a delayed action
C-colourless T-non-toxic
O-rotten egg smell C-not support Method of detection
combustion  Use Auer tester and detector
T-tasteless I-burns with a tubes for the gas tested for.
pale blue flame giving SO2, a gas  Blotting paper dipped in lead
more dangerous than H2S solution turns brown or black
S-very soluble  Smell

 Auxiliary air
Eradication  Water down
 Good ventilation  Create a drainage
 Water blast
METHANE(CH4)
S.G 0.55 MPQ > 1.25% Physiological effects

Explosive range 5% -15%  Headache
 Gasping
Sources  Death by suffocation
 Coal seams  In summary effects as in CO2
 Fissures and dykes
 Decaying of vegetable matter Method of detection
 Use of methanometer
 Safety lamp
Physical Chemical  Electronic monitors
D-less dense P-not poisonous  Production of hissing sound
C-colourless T-toxic
O-odourless C- not support
combustion Eradication
T-tasteless I-highly  Good ventilation
flammable  Methane drainage
S-slightly soluble
HYDROGEN CYANIDE(HCN)
S.G 0.96 MPQ > 10PPM T-sweetish taste C-not support

combustion
Sources S-not soluble I-does not burn
 It is found in the vicinity of sand
filled areas and is formed by the
action of acid water acting on
cyanide contents of the sand Physiological effects
pulp.  Irritation of eyes, noses and
throat
Physical Chemical  Watering of eyes
D-less dense P-ex- poisonous  Difficult breathing
C-colourless T-non-toxic  Severe headache
O-smell of bitter almonds  Fainting
 Death

Eradication
Method of detection  Good ventilation
 Use Auer tester and detector  Water blast
tubes for the gas tested for.  Auxiliary air
 Smell like bitter almonds  Add potassium permanganate on
 Cigarette smoke turns deep blue surface to oxidise the cyanide in
 Sand has a blue ting noxious cyanide
ACETYLENE (C2H2)
S.G 1.79 MPQ > 5PPM Physiological effects

Explosive range 12%  Its danger lies in asphyxiation
caused by oxygen displacement
Sources
 Carbide lamps Method of detection
 Leaking acetylene bottles  Use Auer tester and detector
 Found after methane explosion tubes
Physical Chemical Eradication

D-less dense P-poisonous  Good ventilation
C-colourless T-toxic  Water blast
O-slight garlic odour  Auxiliary air
T-tasteless C-not support
combustion
S-slightly soluble I-it explodes
ALDEHYDES(CXH2OZ)
S.G 1.04 MPQ > 5PPM T-tasteless I-does not burns

S-soluble
Sources
 Are a product of incomplete Physiological effects
combustion of internal  Irritation of eyes noses and throat
combustion of diesel engines  Chest pains
 Flooding of lungs
Physical Chemical
D-dense P-ex- poisonous Method of detection
C-colourless T-non-toxic Pungent smell
O-pungent smell C-not support
combustion

HYDROGEN (H2)

Explosive range 4% -78%  Headache
 Gasping
Sources  Death by suffocation
 Hydrolysis of water at charging
stations
 Incomplete combustion during an Method of detection
explosion  Safety lamp
 Blasting operations  Laboratory analysis
 Fissures
Eradication
Physical Chemical NB: A dragger tube not to be used
D-less dense P-ex- poisonous because hydrogen
C-colourless T-non-toxic concentrations above 3%
O-odourless C-incombustible raises the temperature of the
T-tasteless I-burns with catalyst layers in the tube to
S-soluble a blue flame to red hot so that a broken tube
form water contact can act as an ignition
vapour source
NITROGEN (N2)
NITROGEN (N2)
S.G 0.97 MPQ > 2PPM
Explosive range 4% -78%
Nitrogen is the largest component of
Sources fresh air, at 78%by volume of the
 Oxygen deficiency since its an earth atmosphere. It is an inert gas,
inert gas colourless, odourless, tasteless gas
that is slightly lighter than the
general air mixture. At one
Physical Chemical atmosphere pressure Nitrogen has
D-less dense P no harmful effect on human body at
C-colourless T this volume mixture. Increased
O-odourless C–not support atmospheric pressure causes
combustion nitrogen that is in human blood to go
T-tasteless I- into concentrated solution. In order
S-slightly soluble to avoid injury and other health

problems such pressure must be Oxides of Nitrogen, and they are
reduced at a controlled and slow rate toxic
Nitrogen volumes if greater than Physiological effects

78% in the atmosphere dilutes the  It causes nitrogen narcosis,
oxygen content of air and can which produce an effect similar to
produce an asphyxiating alcoholic intoxication.
atmosphere. Nitrogen accumulations  Loss of judgment
along with accumulations of other  Poor control of coordinated
gases can rapidly dilute the oxygen movement, the simplest action
content of the underground becomes difficult.
atmosphere. Nitrogen itself is not
harmful or toxic there by being an
inert gas. When Nitrogen is
subjected to extremely high Eradication
temperatures in the presence of  Good ventilation
oxygen, nitrogen reacts with oxygen
and various compounds are formed.
These compounds are known as
SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2)

Explosive range 4% -78%  Irritation of eyes and throat
 Difficulty breathing
Sources  Suffocation death is imminent
 Burning of H2S
 Oxidation of pyrites Method of detection
 Drilling into iron pyrites  Use of Auer tester
 Burning of synthetic material  Sulphur dioxide reacts to starch
iodide paper to produce a violet
Physical Chemical strain.
D-very dense P-ex- poisonous
C-colourless T-non-toxic
O-pungent odour C-not support Eradication
combustion  Good ventilation
T-acidic taste I-inflammable
S-very soluble

Oxygen (O2)
Source
A principal constituent of air (21% by volume) and is essential to life.
Properties
Physical
It is colourless, odourless, and very active gas (it readily takes part in chemical
reactions)
Chemical
Supports combustion and has a specific gravity relative to air of 1.1
When the concentration of oxygen falls below 17% breathing becomes deeper
and faster, below 13% it causes headaches, dizziness and buzzing in the ears,
below 10% men becomes unconscious and death at 7%
Detection
Oxygen deficiency is detected by a safety lamp flame which does not burn when
oxygen concentrations is below 17% and carbide lamp below 13% and also by
means of approved gas testers and the relevant detector tube
PHOSGENE GAS (COCL2)
SOURCES
Formed by decomposition of refrigerant gas (FREON 11 and 12) and during the
manufacture of certain plastics.
PROPERTIES
Heavier than air with a specific gravity relative to air of 3.5. Colourless, non-
flammable gas and has a very distinct smell of musty hay.
EFFECT ON HUMAN BEINGS
An extremely dangerous gas which causes irritation of eyes and watering of eyes
irritates lungs and attacks other parts of the respiratory system.
The main danger is that it has a delayed effect and all victims exposed to this gas
must be hospitalized as soon as possible and be kept under observation for at
least 48hrs.If eyes are affected, they must be thoroughly cleaned with water.

METHODS OF DETECTION
Chemical tubes of COCL2 and a detector tube or Electric monitors
LEGAL LIMIT
1 part per million (ppm) by volume of air in general body of air.
SOURCES OF DANDER UNDERGROUND

1. Noise 8. Fall of ground
2. Dust 9. Subsidence
3. Heat 10. Mud rush
4. Gases 11. Lightning
5. Machinery 12. Water accumulation
6. Electricity 13. Explosives
7. Bad hanging 14. Slippery ground
SOURCES OF GASES
1. Breathing 9. Burning of synthetic material

2. Blasting operations 10. Oxidation of iron pyrite
3. Underground fires 11. Leaking carbide lamps
4. Oxidation of timber 12. Exhaust fumes
5. Cooling plants 13. Fissures and dykes
6. Sand fillings 14. Welding
7. Battery bays 15. Stagnant water
8. Coal seams
DUST
Sources of Dust
 Drilling  Crushing
 Blasting  Tipping
 Lashing  Scrapping
 Loading  Timbering
 Tramming  Track laying

Dust Prevention
1. Removal of person
2. Prevent dust from source e.g. use water to wet and drill
3. Dilution by ventilation
4. Filtration- use of respirators
Reasons for Dust Sampling

 To determine working places where dust conditions are unhealthy
 Indicate the necessary control measures
 Test the effectiveness of dust removal systems
 Confirm if conditions are satisfactory after remedial action has been
taken
 To get records pf dust and determine trends
 To comply with regulations
 Research purposes
Effects of Dust on Human beings
The three conditions below give respiratory problems such as

pneumoconiosis
 Silicosis from silicon dust
 Asbestosis from asbestos dust
 Anthracosis from coal dust

HOW TO USE AN AUER GAS TESTER
Auer Gas Tester
Detector tube Trigger
Green Indicator
Hand strap
Tester
bellows
Auer Gas Tester Cont…
AERIAL VIEW
Counter Adapter
Arrow
Unbroken tube
Reset counter

PRE - CHECKS
Before commencing any gas tests the following checks should be

undertaken:-
Detector Tubes
 Check that the correct tube is being used for the gas test required.
 Ensure that the tube has not reached it's EXPIRY date.
 Check the number of pumps/strokes required for the test tube e.g.
 NOx atmosphere requires 5 pumps/stokes.
 CO requires initially 1 pump & check & then 10 thereafter.
 CO2 requires 5 pumps.
PRE – CHECKS Cont…..
Auer Gas Tester

 To ensure that the Gas Tester is in good working order, take
an unopened tube, squeeze the tester bellows and insert the
tube into the tube adapter.
 Release the expansion bellows by pressing trigger.
 The Gas Tester is sufficiently leak tight if the green indicator

of Gas Tester is not visible and the Auer bellows do not
expand to the full after 30 minutes.
 If the leak tightness is not sufficient make a report of such

testers. Leakages arise from worn out detector tube adapters
and outlet valves, and these are replaceable.

CHEMICAL DETECTOR TUBES
CO :-10 Carbon Monoxide

CO2 :– Carbon Dioxide
Nitr-0.5 :- Nitrous Fumes
GAS TESTING
Having ensured that the tester is in good working order

and carried out checks proceed as follows:-
For testing the general body of air in all working places ONLY
use the following detector tubes:-
 For Carbon Monoxide:- use CO-10 (range 10ppm to 3000

ppm).
 NB:- Also used for exhaust gas tests .

GAS TESTING Cont……
 For Nitrous Fumes:- use NITR- 0.5 (range 0.5ppm to 50

ppm).
 For Carbon Dioxide:- use CO2 -1% (range 0.1% to 6%).
 NITR-50 (range 50ppm to 3000ppm) is used for exhaust

gas tests only.
NB:- NOT TO BE USED FOR THE GENERAL BODY OF

AIR GAS TESTS.
Care should to be taken to ensure that the correct

tubes are issued for the intended gas tests.
GAS TESTING Cont……
 For Nitrous Fumes:- use NITR- 0.5 (range 0.5ppm to 50

ppm).
 For Carbon Dioxide:- use CO2 -1% (range 0.1% to 6%).
 NITR-50 (range 50ppm to 3000ppm) is used for exhaust

gas tests only.
NB:- NOT TO BE USED FOR THE GENERAL BODY OF

AIR GAS TESTS.
Care should to be taken to ensure that the correct

tubes are issued for the intended gas tests.

TESTING PROCEDURE Cont……
 Allow the bellows to expand freely.
 When the green indicator re-appears on the small

window or the gas tester bellows expand fully, a full
stroke is complete and ready for the next one.
 Repeat the aspiration procedure for the number of

pumps required for each type of test.
 After each sampling cycle flush the gas tester with

clean air preferably in fresh intake air free from dust.
 THE GAS TESTER MUST BE HANDLED WITH GREAT CARE AT ALL TIMES
AND STORED IN A SAFE PLACE AFTER USE.
Steps to follow
Squeeze aspirator Press trigger

RECORDING OF RESULTS
 Every test carried must be recorded immediately in a book

(kept by the Shift Boss) by the person conducting the tests.
 The following information should be recorded:-
 Place of test:- blasted end, eg, 19N28E.
 The time of test:- eg, 18:15 hours.
 The gas being tested:- eg, Nitrous Fumes,
 The reading on the detector tube eg, 2.0 ppm {parts
per million (ppm)}.
Record of Results
Wet Dry
Time of Nitrous Carbon Carbon
Bulb Bulb
Date Location Test Fumes Monoxide Dioxide
Temp Temp
(Hrs) (ppm) (ppm) (%) O O
C C
20/05/05 23N5W 18:15 2.0 0 0.2 20 22
North
20/05/05 Decline 18:25 0.1 0 0.1 20 22
20/05/05 36S8E 18:16 1.0 0 0.2 21 23
20/05/05 46S1 18:27 0.5 0 0.1 21 23

The Future
Multi Gas Tester

NO
CO
CO2
The Future

The Future
GAS TESTING USING AUER TESTER AND DETECTOR TUBES
Pre-test
Before commencing any tests the  Ensure that the correct tube is
following checks should be being used for the gas test
undertaken. required.
 Check that the correct tube is  Check the number of pumps
being used for the gas test required for the test tube.
required.
Auer Tester
 To ensure that the Auer tester  Insert the tube into the pump
is in good working order, take head.
an unopened tube, squeeze  Release the bellows, it should
the tester bellows and hold in not inflate if it is in good
this position. working order.
Testing
Every test will be recorded in a  Time and date of test.
book to be kept by the overseer  Number of test tubes and
miner. Person conducting the test gases being tested.
will record in the book the  Number of pumps.
following:  The gas concentration
 Place of test e.g.; 9L 9E37 x/c reading from the tester.
N peg Sh2164 + 15m N.

REQUIREMENTS OF A DIESEL ENGINE UNDERGROUND
 Only mobile diesel engine units are supposed to be used underground
unless given exemption by the Chief Government Mining Engineer.
 The machine should be provided by means with which air entering is

cleared and exhaust fumes are:
1. Cooled
2. Concentration of gases is reduced
3. Sparks are reduced
CONTROL OF FUMES
Its done by the use of a scrubber box, catalytic converter and turbo charged inter
cooler. Below are diagrams showing the scrubber box and catalytic converter
and how it functions.
Scrubber Box
Functions of Scrubber Box

 Cooling of exhaust fumes  Sparks reduction
 Concentration of gases reduction
Catalytic Converter
Insulating mat

Operation
The function of a catalytic converter is to oxidize exhaust fumes such as carbon

monoxide and aldehydes into less poisonous carbon dioxide and water vapour
respectively.
This is possible when exhaust temperatures are between 188˚c and 260°c for a
50% conversion respectively. As high exhaust gas temperature are attained the
conversion efficiency increases.
GAS SAMPLING
Where a diesel engine is used underground, samples should be taken at
intervals not exceeding one month of the general body of air, while the engine is
running, at representative places and times laid down by the manager. This has
to be done at intervals not exceeding three months, of the gasses emitted from
the exhaust of the engine, both when the engine is developing maximum power
and when it is idling. The recordings of the gas sampling should be logged down
in the gas sampling log book which shall be readily available for inspection by
the inspector of mines at any time.
Interval Position Gas MPQ

One month General body of air when CO 100
machine is running NxOy 5
Three months Exhaust when developing CO 2000

max power and when idling
NxOy 1000
the results should be the
same
Diesel Handling Underground

a) If transportation is contacted by pipes, ensure all the pipes would be well
drained after the delivery process, ensured by pouring a known quantity
on surface and collecting it in a calibrated container (delivery takes time
coz diesel flows viciously).
b) Avoid any spillages at during the entire transport process (causes slippery
grounds).
c) Store diesel in robust containers that do not leak.
d) Never store more than 3 day‘s supply.
Note: Restriction on the quantity is to reduce the impacts that can occur
incase of an underground fire since diesel is flammable.
Construction-Re-fuelling station

(a) Well fenced and lockable gate with sign posts prohibiting naked flame in the
vicinity
(b) Adequate ventilation (c) Fire suppression units (d) Good lighting
(e) Building made of non-flammable material (f) Good drainage system
(g) Impervious-concrete floor that is supposed to be kept clean
Construction-Service station
vicinity
(g) Impervious-concrete floor that is supposed to
be kept clean
(h) Provision of inspecting vehicles from below
(i) Adequate space to allow people and machinery to maneuver freely
Construction-Battery charging bay

vicinity
(g) Impervious-concrete floor that is supposed to be kept clean
(h) Competent person to supervise (i) Good-regular water supply
(j) Never store any implements not to do with battery charging
Cleaning of the floor messed with diesel spillages

a) Ensure that a drainage that links the station with the sump with oil-wresters is
not blocked.
b) Wet the entire spoiled portion with water.
c) Sprinkle evenly Blue Chemserve / White Magnus Powder onto the wetted
surface.
d) Leave for twenty-four hours.
e) Water thoroughly the surface and use a wire brush to scrub off the dirty.

SAFETY
SAFETY DEVICES FOUND ON A MOBILE DIESEL ENGINE
 Bright light illuminating 30 meters  Hand brakes

in the direction of travel.  Horn
 Rear red reflective light.  Fire extinguisher
 Dead man‘s switch  Sprug chain and reverse alarm
 Main brakes
SAFETY DEVICES FOUND IN A SHAFT

 Ladders  Bells
 Code of signals  Overrun distance of 7 meters
 Catch plate  Runners
 Over winding trip switch  Buntons
 Tapered guides  Barricade around the shaft
SAFETY DEVICES FOUND ON THE HEADGEAR

 Permanent handrail ladders  Humble hook
 Permanent platform  Lightning conductor
 Elevation light
SAFETY DEVICES ON A HOIST

 Dead man‘s switch  Warning lights
 Depth indicator  Main brakes
 Direction indicator  Thrust brakes
 Code of signals  Fire extinguisher
 Control lever  No-entry sings
 Mirrors  Interlock system
 Over-winding and under –winding  Lily hoist controller
trip switch  Slack rope trip
SAFETY DEVICES ON CONVEYOR BELT

 Lock up system on control switch  Fire extinguisher
 Lights  Tail and lead pulley
 Alarm  Belt work procedure
 Pull switch/ trip wire switch
REQUIREMENTS OF LADDER WAY

 Shall be of strong construction  be securely fastened in position
 Not fixed in an overhanging  be maintained in good working
position order
 Properly fenced for protection of  Should project at least one meter
people above the mouth of the shaft.
 Be free from obstruction

 If at more than 700 they should  For less than 350 should be
be broken at 10m intervals provided with handrails and
 If at 350 to 700 should be broken wooden steps
at 20.
QUEBEC SAFETY SYSTEM
1. Check the entrance to place of man something about a tool, a

work piece of equipment or his
Concentrate on what you see as surroundings which is important
you travel to the place of work. to his safety.
Keep your mind on what is Or you may simply draw his
required and see that it is done attention to a point of interest in
promptly. blasting, machine guarding, eye
protection etc.
2. Are working place and
equipment in good order? 5. Can and will men continue to
The supervisor applies his mind work safely?
on one thing i.e. the place where This point is designed to maintain
men are working. Having proper ways of working in the
corrected any unsafe condition absence of the supervisor. It is of
noted in the entrance, he can particular importance in the
now turn his full attention and prevention of fatal accidents. It
ability to the working place. Here calls for careful consideration of
the items are equipment and men and circumstances. Clear
order. understanding instructions must
exist between supervisor and
3. Are men working properly? men. It also calls for careful
This point has reference to the consideration of possible
way men are working; how they changes in working conditions
handle the tools and equipment, which may result in accident and
how they go about their jobs, how injury. A supervisor must have
well they have corrected unsafe the ability to foresee what will be
conditions. A supervisor knows going to take place an hour or
from experience what the safe two after he has left, then he can;
and efficient way to work is. i. Give instructions to
cover such
4. Do an act of safety possibilities.
This is one of the most important ii. If necessary revisit the
points in the safety system. It is working place if the job
your tool for building up safety is particularly a
consciousness in yourself and dangerous one, or if
men. You train your men to do the men cannot be
efficient work by explaining, relied on due to
demonstrating and reminding. inexperience or a
Apply the same method to safety. tendency to disobey
It does not take long to show a orders.

SHE SAFETY COMPLAINS BOOK
This book is kept at the shaft offices where any safety complaint is entered. It
shall be signed daily by an official and once a month by the mine manager and
must be available at all times for inspection by the Inspector of mines.
USES OF COMPRESSED AIR IN UNDERGROUND MINING
BLOW PIPES
A blowpipe is an appliance by means of which water and compressed air are
channeled to form a spray and is used to clean holes. The blow pipe must meet
the following requirements:
 To be fitted with compressed air and water connection
 It must be made of non-ferrous material such as aluminium, copper or
brass
 The inspector may prohibit an unfit blow pipe depending on his opinion
 No use of blow pipe for cleaning holes, trucks or skips without adequate
supply of water to allay dust created.
WATERBLAST
Water blast is an appliance by means of which water is continuously projected in

the form of a fine spray by use of compressed air. A development end that has
advanced by more than 8m must be provided with the water blast which is
approved by the inspector. It must discharge within a distance of 8m to 15m of
the face being advanced, applied effectively to wet the face and broken down
rock at least 15min after blast and 15 minutes before re-entry. Waterblast is to be
tested daily before charging and no charging will take place if the water blast is
not working until repaired.
REQUIREMENTS OF A DRILLING MACHINE

 Be provided with front head release ports
 Should be of an approved design
 Water tube should enter the axial hole in the drill steel shank for at least
25mm when the machine is not operating.
 Water tube should not to fall short of the drill steel shank by not less than
6mm and more than 25mm and should be aligned to the axial hole of the drill
steel.

CONVEYANCE AND STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES
CONVEYANCE
Condition of the vehicle
 Should run on 4 wheels. they form part and parcel of the

 Be in serviceable condition. vehicle.
 Provided with efficient brakes.  The mass of explosive should not
 All metal portions should be exceed the gross vehicle mass of
covered with wood or rubber. the vehicle.
 The vehicle to have earth  Provision of a fire extinguisher
leakage chain on the chassis.  Explosives to be covered with
 Explosive should be securely tarpaulin.
fastened in the vehicle so that
Traveling in built up areas
1. When transporting explosives 4. Mechanically propelled vehicles

only gazetted routes shall be shall not exceed a speed of
used. 50km/hr
2. the vehicle should avoid towns 5. An animal drawn vehicle must not
and villages as far as is proceed at a faster speed than
practicable. walking pace.
3. Conveyance should be done only
between sunrise and sunset.
PROCEDURE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN IMMOVABLE MAGAZINE
 Submit to the chief inspector in  Contours of the land comprising

triplicate- the property concerned
 Plans of the design and  Concentric circles drawn on the
specifications of the proposed plan the magazine as the centre
magazine point and having radii
 A site plan drawn to scale proportionate to the distances
showing –location of the specified in the first schedule of
magazine in relation to nearby the explosives regulations of
roads, buildings, railway lines 1989.
power lines and boundary of the
property concerned.

Plan of a Magazine
Construction an Immobile Magazine

The magazine is to be fenced right round and be provided with a lockable gate.
Danger warning signs should be posted on the fence. It is surrounded with a fire
guard of 1m width in and outside the fence. From the fence there is a 20m clear
land free from vegetation. The magazine is surrounded by an earth mound as
high as the eaves of the magazine taking a general slope of an angle of repose.
The minimum width of the top of the earth mound should be 1m. The earth
mound entrance is staggered. As you enter there is a drain leading out of the
magazine. An earth resistance wire is erected above the magazine such that it
exceeds the height of the magazine by 1m. The door of the magazine is
positioned directly adjacent to the staggered entrance; this is because the door is
considered to be the weakest point of the magazine. It is made of steel plate
5mm in thickness lined with wood or non-ferrous material that no steel is
exposed inside the magazine and it must open outwards hung on a steel frame
securely set in the concrete building. It must have 5 lags hinges, 5 levers and 2
or more security concealed dead locks. The wall, roof and floor are to be made of
150mm thick reinforced concrete. Ventilation is by means of elbow flues.

Construction of a portable magazine
In the manufacture of a portable magazine:
a) the sides, top, bottom and door shall consist of mild steel plate, not less
than five millimetres in thickness;
b) All joints shall be welded;
c) The door shall conform with all the requirements of paragraph (h) of
section 75 and when closed shall be flush with the side;
d) The magazine shall be lined throughout with tongued and grooved

matchboard or other similar material not less than fifteen millimetres in
thickness secured by brass or copper screws or nails so that there is an
airspace of at least thirty five millimetres between the lining and the top,
bottom and sides of the magazine;
e) Ventilation shall be provided such that:

i) On opposite sides of the magazine there shall be not less than four
openings; and,
ii) These openings shall be twenty five square centimetres in size; and
iii) Covered with fine wire gauze; and
iv) Protected on the outside by a weather proof louvre and the inside by a
steel plate not less than five millimetres thick, set back ten millimetres
and overlapping the opening by twenty five millimetres all round; and
v) Placed one hundred and fifty millimetres above the bottom and one
hundred and fifty millimetres below the top on opposite sides of such
magazine; and
vi) The wooden or other lining as provided in paragraph (d) shall be drilled
opposite each opening with eight holes, ten millimetres in diameter;
f) If the magazine contains a separate chamber for detonators or capped

fuses:
i) There shall be an airspace of not less than two hundred and twenty
millimetres between the chambers and;
ii) If the door for the chamber for detonators or capped fuses does not
exceed five hundred millimetres in either dimension it may
notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (c) be secured by one
lock and three dog bolts.

Site Plan of a Magazine

STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVE
 To be stored in regular layers of 2m high

 Readily inspectable
 To be stored on wooden pallets
 300mm from the magazine sides
 150mm from the ceiling
 Temperatures
i. Use reliable max—min thermometer
ii. Max temperature 350C
iii. Min temperature 20C
OLD EXPLOSIVE BOX
 An old explosive box must be of robust construction of non-ferrous material.

 Provided with adequate locking arrangement and lock.
 Painted red and clearly marked with words ―OLD EXPLOSIVES‖.
 Indicate the type of explosive that may be placed therein. It must be kept
locked at all times except when removing explosives for destruction.
 Must be kept in a dry safe place not less than 15m from other box containing
explosives.
DESTRUCTION OF EXPLOSIVES
Explosives are not to be buried in hope that they are going to decompose or
naturally breakdown for they can be an ever present hazard.
Reasons for destroying explosives

 Deterioration
 When explosives are no longer needed
 Unexploded products after blast
 Mine closure
i. Destruction by Detonation
Detonation being instantaneous and complete is the safest method. It is
also less time consuming and is the most practical method where large
amounts explosives are to be destroyed.
Dig the pits spread 10m apart, 0.6m deep and large enough to take the
explosives. Place 5kg explosive in each pit and prime two of the top layers
of cartridges with either clipped capped fuse of suitable length or electric
detonator. Place a sheet of paper on top the explosives to prevent earth
from coming between cartridges. If a number of separate charges are to
be fired use ignitor cord to light individual fuses. Place guards at all access
points, clear danger area, and sound necessary warning signs before
detonation. Observe the re-entry time and examine after the blast.

When large quantities of explosives are to be destroyed detonation is the
best way. Detonation is not to take place closer than 1km from private
land for instantaneous charge of 25kg of explosives.
ii. Destruction by Burning

A burning bed is made using wood shavings, saw dust or well crumpled
newspapers. Wood shavings are most preferred. The thickness of bed is
not critical as burning takes place on the exposed surface area. The bed
should be 200mm wide and 25mm thick.
Only 5kg of explosives per burning bed are allowed. If detonation occurs
there should be no possibility of damage by concussion. Cartridges are to
be laid out on the bed lengthwise so that they do not contact one another.
The longest axis of the bed must lie parallel to the direction that the wind
is blowing.Trenches used for burning explosives should be 0.6m deep.
iii. Destruction by dissolving

ANFO can be destroyed by dissolving it in water, but taking into
cognizance the environmental effects of such
Precaution to be observed
 Placing of guards and warning must be observed.
 The site chosen should be free from vegetation and lose stones.
 The bed should be lit from the down wind side.
 To avoid sympathetic detonation remaining cases of explosives to be
stored away from the burning bed.
DOCUMENTS FOUND IN A MAGAZINE
 Magazine license to store explosives stating quantity of explosives, class,

expiry date and name of license.
 Magazine log book (Issuing and receiving).
 Letter of appointment of magazine master.
 Temperature record book.

ELECTRICAL BLASTING
There are three important electrical circuits that are used in electrical blasting
thus, series circuit, parallel circuit, and series in parallel circuit.
The diagrams below elaborate on the types of circuits.
SERIES
Advantages
1. Easy to connect
2. Does not require heavy duty cables.
3. Can be tested for continuity using a digital blasting ohmmeter or continuity
tester.
4. Resistance easily tested against firing capacity of short exploder
5. Low current, high voltage required.
6. No arching of detonators due to low currents.
7. Can be fired from a short exploder.
Disadvantages
1. Can not be fired from the mains due to the alternating nature of the circuit.
2. No protection against stray currents and other extraneous electricity, hence
can prematurely detonate.
3. One faulty detonator can affect the whole circuit.
4. Current leakage problem because of high resistance of the circuit.
5. Limited number of holes that be fired at a time depending on the type of
exploder used

PARALLEL CIRCUIT
9 Burn Cut (parallel circuit)
Advantages
1. Can be fired from the mains.
2. High current, low voltage.
3. Current leakage not a problem; low resistance of the circuit.
4. Protection against stray currents and other extraneous electricity.
5. No premature detonation because of high currents required.
6. One faulty detonator cannot affect the whole circuit.
Disadvantages
1. Requires high current.
2. Installation and maintenance cost are high, since it requires heavy duty
cables and transformers.
3. Cannot be tested for continuity.
4. Skilled persons required.

SERIES IN PARALLEL CIRCUIT
Advantages
1. Can be fired from the mains.
2. Faulty detonator can not affect the whole round, but row series only.
3. Continuity can be tested in row series.
4. Arching of detonators is reduced.
5. Requires high currents low voltage.
6. can use factory assembled detonators with buswires to speed up the
charging up process.
Disadvantages
1. It takes long to connect.
2. Requires heavy-duty cables and transformers.
3. Balancing of detonators is required.
4. Needs skilled labour to connect

TESTING OF CIRCUITS
Testing of electrical circuits is done by the following ways:
1. Visual Checking
This is walking down the line to ensure that all detonators have been
connected to the circuit.
2. Continuity Tester
This is a robust instrument that glows a red lamp to indicate electrical
continuity of blasting circuits. It indicates whether or not an open circuit
has been detected.
Situation: Far ends of cable separated (open circuit test)

The lamp does not glow.
Situation: Far ends of cable joined (closed circuit test)

The lamp glows with a red light, thus indicating continual flow of current in
the circuit.
3. Digital Blasting Ohmmeter

It is used to check resistance, ac and dc voltage and circuit leakage.
Situation: Far ends of cable separated.

No current should flow and therefore the resistance should show
infinite.
Situation: Far ends of cable joined

Current should flow and be indicated by resistance reading of
ohmmeter.
Situation: loose connection

Shows flickering of digital display
Testing of electrical detonator

The detonator must first be placed inside a metal pipe filled with sand to
guard against accidental detonation.
Situation: no open circuit

Current should flow and shown by a resistance reading on the
ohmmeter.
Situation: short circuit

A short can be detected by ohmmeter when resistance will be
significantly less than the calculated value.

CLASSES AND TYPES OF EXPLOSIVES
CLASSES OF EXPLOSIVES
There are seven classes of explosives namely:
Class Class
No Example
Gunpowder
1 Give Blasting powder, core of the safety fuse
Blasting
Agents
2 Back Water gels, slurries water emulsions
Nitro-
Compounds
3 Nothing Chemical compound consisting of nitro-glycerine.
Chlorite
Mixtures
4 Coz Any explosive that contains a chlorite.
Fulminates Chemical compound used for initiating detonation
5 Fools e.g. Nonel.
Detonators
6 Don't LPDs, SPDs, IEDs
Blasting
Initiators
7 Blast Ignitor cords , Shur starts
TYPES OF EXPLOSIVES
Explosives are classified as high and low.
High explosives Low explosives

 Speed of reaction is faster  Speed of reaction is slower
than the speed of sound. than the speed of sound
 They detonate or explode  They burn or deflagrate
producing a shattering effect.
 Examples are ANFO,  Examples are ignitor cords,
Explogel, Tovex, Megamite, dog bones, safety fuse.
and Power-gel.

Cap Sensitivity Explosives
Those that can be reliably initiated by a 6D detonator e.g. Dynamite and other
Nitroglycerine based explosives.
Non-Cap Sensitive Explosives

All those not reliably initiated by 6d detonator e.g. ANFEX, ANFO. More powerful
priming is required and this is attained by using an 8D detonator.
Capping of a Fuse
See Explosives Regulations
HIGH EXPLOSIVES
Nitroglycerine
Nitroglycerine is a highly adaptable type of explosive which can give
excellent results in small blast holes. However, with new generation of
explosives, the general trend has been to move away from N.G based
explosives due cost and ability to become unsafe as a result of severe
environmental conditions and lengthy storage. Examples are Amon
Gelginite, Dynagel amon, Dynamite Shaft trim.
ANFO
A low cost, high power, high safety explosive made from porous prilled
Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil at a ratio of 7.5litres F.O. to 100kg AN.
Once mixed it is usually charged pneumatically into blast hole. It has a
density of 0.85 and is not water resistant. Fuel shortage will create excess
oxygen condition. Nitrogen from AN combines with oxygen to form nitrous
fumes. Excess fuel increases carbon monoxide formed.
Optimum mixture of ANFO is given by the formula below:
Fuel Oil (l) = [6/94* Mass of AN] / 0.85
Watergels
These are essentially ANFO made water resistant by adding water and
forming a gel. Due to some of the additives like aluminium, they have a
high velocity of detonation and produce less nitrous fumes. Examples are
Explogel, Tovex and Enegex
Emulsions
Essentially ANFO made water resistant by adding oil water to create a
stable oil water emulsion of varying densities. These products are
considered to be the safest and do not become more dangerous during
prolonged charging periods.
FUSE BLASTING

Fuses are supplied with a detonator of a 6D or 8D on one end and an ignitor cord
connector on the other side.
 6D detonators are for use with nitroglycerine based explosives.
They are loaded with 0,35grams of PETN
 8D are used in combination with less sensitive explosives such as

 ANFEX. 8D detonators are loaded 0,78grams PETN twice as powerful as
the 6D detonator.
NONEL
Nonel is a small diameter hollow plastic tubing coated with a thin film of reactive
material. When initiated by a detonator or detonating fuse it transmits a shock
wave of 2000m/s inside the tube to a detonator crimped onto one end.
Long Period Detonators- LPDs

LPD range provides inter number delay varying between a quarter second
to two seconds and is more suitable for tunneling.
Short Period Delay Detonator- SPDs

The SPD range has inter number delays of between 14 and 100ms and
provides excellent fragmentations in all rock breaking applications.
Advantages of Nonel
 Resistant to accidental initiation by static electricity, stray currents, radio
transmission, flame, friction impact and lightning
 Immune to fires caused by current leakage in conductive ore bodies
 Simple to use, eliminate the need for electrical circuits and short firing
equipment
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN)

Pentolite booster are designed to initiate non-cap sensitive explosives in bulk
form or packaged. They contain a mixture of TNT and PETN, have a high VOD
(6000-000m/s) and are exceptionally powerful, yet much less sensitive to shock,
friction and impact than N.G.
SAFETY FUSE
Safety fuse is a cord like incendiary device which burns and does not explode
and does not contain its own means of ignition. Safety fuse provide a delay
interval between lighting of the fuse and initiation of the detonator by the fuse
flame. The diameter is between 4.7 to 5.0mm and the burning rate statutory limits
of 99-121s/m.

Chuckle Colour Speed (s/m)
Do Dark blue 99 - 102
You Yellow 102 - 105
Remember Red 105 -108
Baby Black 108 -111
Girl Green 111- 114
Loves Light blue 114 -117
Brown Brown 117 -121

IGNITOR CORDS
An ignitor cord is a cord like incendiary with different burining speeds and is used
for ignition of safety fuse using a connector attached to the safety fuse
There are 4 types of igniter cords being manufactured. Below is a table with the
properties of the various igniter cords

Type Colour Speed (s/m) Use
Fast Brown 1-6 Stoping and
secondary blasting.
Medium Purple/Grey 8-16 Stoping &

development.
Stopecord 9 Green 8-16 Stoping.
Ignitor Cord 57 Green 13-26 Stoping were
sequential firing is
necessary.
Stopecord 12 cream 13-26 Stoping
Slow White 30-45 Development/tunneling
TYPE BURNING RESISTANCE APPLICATION

RATE TO MOISTURE
s/m
Slow 30- 45 Good even if Tunnelling
protective
sheath is
damaged
Dura Cord 1- 6 Good if sheath All round up
is intact
Fast 1- 6 Good if sheath Stoping and
is intact secondary
Nil if sheath is blasting when
damaged sequential firing is not
necessary
Stope 8- 26 Good Stoping where

sequential
Firing is necessary
Stope line 12 13- 26 Good Stoping where
sequential firing is
necessary

CAPPED SAFETY FUSE
Two factors are considered in choosing an igniter cord.

The time taken to burn the fuse connector must be longer than the variation in
burning time between fuses.
The igniter cord flame must be sufficiently far ahead of the exploding shots as not
to be affected by the exploding shot i.e., in stoping 5 metres.
The slower the burning rate, the less critical is the burning variation of uses but if
too slow will result in a short burning front. By calculation, the igniter cord spacing
between two fuses must be a minimum 28cm for special pack fuses and 54cm
for fuses where bundles may have become mixed.
Slow Igniter Cord

 Has high water tolerance
 Has a wire in its core to prevent break ups
 It is slow hence good for sequential firing

ELECTRIC DETONATORS
Electric Detonator Inverted Wax Primer

 Not protected by wax  Protected by wax
 Cannot be pumped out  Can be pumped out
 No shunt wire- prone to blowing  Shunt wire serves as an earth
of fuse heads wire
 Commonly used for tunneling  Commonly used for shaft sinking
 Leaves short sockets- hence
preferred in shaft sinking
 Susceptible to premature  Not susceptible to premature
detonation due to stray currents detonation
Detonators
6D Detonators – for use with N. G based explosive
This detonator is loaded with 0.35g of PETN, which is a powerful explosive

charge. It is not readily ignited and therefore this charge is preceded in the
detonator by an initiating charge,
which is sensitive to the end spit of the safety fuse.
8D Detonator – For use with ANFEX only
This detonator is constructed the same way as for the 6D except that 0.78g of
PETN is used.
This makes it approximately twice as powerful as the 6d detonator. It is used with

anfex where the 6D are used with N. G explosives.

An interesting point noted about 6D and 8d detonators is the fallacy that the 8D
detonator is easier set off than the 6D detonator resulting in more accidents with
the 8D detonator. This is especially so when using the 8D with N.G explosives.
The 8d is a longer detonator than the 6D and it is believed that what really
happens is that the 8D pulls out of the primer and turns in the hole causing it to
wedge i9tself.
As previously mentioned the base charge is not easily set off and therefore
requires an initiating composition which is situated about half way up the
detonator. When the detonator is fitted at this point, the detonator may be set off.
What happens is that the detonator is wedged sideways in the hole and is struck
by the charging stick against this sensitive part of the fuse, causing it to detonate.
DOG BONES
Colour Speed
Blue 12ms
Green 25ms
Red 40ms

SHURSTART-ELECTRIC STARTER: for lighting igniter cords in
u/g operations

Smartdet Electronic Detonators: for open pit primary charging with 400
gram pentolite boosters

150Gram pentolite booster: for use in open pit secondary blasting (boulders &toes)
used together with handimaster 7m 25/500ms

Shock tube –Handimaster-7m 25/500ms used together with 150 gram booster
open pit sec blasting

400gram Pentolite boosters: used to make a primer in open pit
primary charging
DRILLING
Stoping and slipping
Drilling and blasting go hand in hand. Should one be incorrect, no results can be
expected from the other. This is where the miner must set his standards. The
standard he accepts is the standard he will get.
It is proposed to deal with the above subject under the following headings:
 Angle of holes
 Length of hole to be left uncharged and burden
 Effect of out of sequence shots
 Timing

Angle and direction of holes
It has been accepted that 70° angle to the line of the face is the optimum angle
for drilling at. This is so because the natural angle of break at the bottom of the
hole is 110°.
110°
70°
Holes at 70° short sockets and even face advance

Note:- Natural tendency for holes to break to 110°
Holes drilled at 90° to line of face.
Holes drilled at 90° long sockets and uneven face advance. Experimental blasts
have shown that 50° give more damage but better breaking efficiency. Damage

results in the blasting being thrown directly at the barricade and even up the face
causing damage to the barricade and even igniter cord cut off.
Length of hole left uncharged and burden
The length of hole left uncharged is governed by the burden placed on the hole.
Explosives tend to break to the nearest free face. That portion of the charge,
which is closer to the collar than to the free face, will therefore blast towards the
collar.
Explosive charge
Arrows indicate
direction of flow
Over break
Overcharged holes produce no significant improvement in breaking efficiency,

either from the aspect of increased burden or that of decreased socket length. In
fact they only result in an excessive air blast as well as excessive fly rock
causing the ignitor cord being ripped off or cut off and damage to the support and
blasting barricade.

Correctly charged hole
The above sketch shows a hole charged up correctly i.e 2/3 full. Distance A (hole
left uncharged) is equal to or more than distance B, i.e., the burden of the hole.
Now the rock is broken in the direction of the free face
Out of sequence shots

The burden, hole depth and angle are all factors that can influence the result of
an out of sequence shot.
Hole drilled at a shallow angle will not readily be affected as the face will correct
itself.
Holes drilled at 90° however could result in:-

 A lapse of 10 holes or more before the face shape is again attained
 A dump in the face causing cleaning problems
 Creating of bad hanging wall conditions as the burden has increased and
crack extend into the hanging wall
 Serious damage to support and barricade
 Cutting off of adjacent fuses and ignitor cord causing further misfires
Other methods of decreasing the shattering effect used mainly in

development are:-
1. smooth wall blasting
2. pre-splitting
3. post splitting
1. Smoothwall blasting
Should be used in all main development haulages, x/cuts and large excavations
i.e. pump chambers e.t.c
the objective is to create an even surface to the excavation and to cut it to exact
required shape and size. This is achieved by:-
1.1 The burden and spacing on the perimeter holes are made as small as
practical. Not more than 35cm
1.2 A decoupled weak charge is used to blast the perimeter holes
1.3 The holes must be drilled accurately
1.4 The timing of the round is normal with the perimeter holes being blasted last
With the guts of the blast already removed the remaining rock around the
perimeter has been virtually distressed. There is therefore no preferential
direction in which the blast fractures will go. This with the weak decoupled charge
ensures minimal transmission of shock waves and therefore less fracturing of the
rock

ENERGEX BARREL; for smooth blasting in u/g tunnel development

Spacing
Burden
Pre-splitting
Before firing the inner holes, the lightly charged perimeter holes are blasted
instantaneously using cordtex, creating a split between the blasting zone and the
proposed sidewalls.
Smooth blasting
The back holes are fired last as usual, relying on a reduced charge per hole for
over break control
Sidewalls of an end are badly affected by corner lifters being poorly drilled and
overcharged

Unnecessary
detonation of
Badly drilled sidewalls
corner lifters caused by
careless drilling
of corner lifters
POST SPLITTING
Used normally in large excavations and considered by many as the best way.
This comprises between pre splitting and smooth wall blasting.
In post splitting the periphery is carried 2 rounds behind the inside of the face,
and is blasted simultaneously with the rest of the round. See diagram below.

POST SPLITTING
SHAFT EXAMINATION
Check equipment and labour Installation of hood
 Check all equipment needed like  Collect shaft examination log
cutting torch, gas bottles, book
goggles,hammer, safety chain,  Go to hoist room and sign the
fire extinguisher, pinch driver‘s log book, the driver must
bar,chissel, spanners, hood, countersign
bolts,grease,safety chains and  Close the shaft by ringing 6-6
nuts  Take bellmen and shaft
 Check labour available examination signs to each level
 Install the hood

 Remove all equipment and the
Prepare for examination hood
 Load all equipment into the cage  Close the shaft gates
and hand tools on top of cage  Make a full return trip of the
 Check that all workers have conveyance.
secured their safety chains to the  Collect the bellmen and shaft
cage rope just above the humble examination signs
hook.  Ring 6-6-6 to open the shaft and
driver is to repeat the signal
 Go to the hoist room, log the
Examining the shaft completion time in the log book
 Ring 3-3 to examine the area and sign
above the bank up to the shivel  Log in the shaft examination log
 Ring 2-2 to go down, assisted by book all your findings(driver to
others check all runners, move at his own discretion 2-1
buntons, bolts, water and air before any operations or activity
pipes for leakages, ventilation  Time started and time finished must
columns, ladders, bad hangings, be noted.
power cables, lighting at stations,
barricades and shaft gates at
stations, test for gases.
 Ring 1 to stop where necessary
for examination.
Return to surface
 Ring 3-3 that you re-examine as
you go up to the bank
RE-ENTRY PROCEDURES
FROM SURFACE TO UNDERGROUND WAITING PLACE
1. At the surface collect your winze, collect both the blasting

Blasting token Book and check token book and Sinker‘s Sketch.
the time blasting was carried out. 2. Collect your detector tubes check
With reference to the clock on the safety clothing on your men at
shaft bank work out at 4 hours the ticket checkpoint and proceed
set aside for dust and fumes to underground. Leave the rest of
disperse have elapsed(re-entry the crew at the shaft station and
time). In the case of a shaft or a

take with you at least one where they can be clearly
competent person. seen and read by every
3. From the shaft station proceed person
towards the waiting place doing  Check for any other
the following; dangerous conditions and
 Testing for gases make sure that the area is
 Making sure fans are running safe before calling your men
and ventilation is adequate to enter – if it is safe then call
 Visually checking for bad your men.
hanging 5. At the waiting place do the
 Checking for any other waiting place procedures
dangerous conditions e.g.  Do head count of your men
pipe leaks.  Re-check for safety clothing
 Adopt the same procedure  Check the condition and
until you have reached the health of your men
danger barricade just before  Give safety talk with reference
the waiting place to safety creed
4. Open the danger barricade and  Discuss and identify the
enter the waiting place to problems faced in the
examine and make safe. This previous shift and correct
include; them
 Testing for gases (CO)  Allocate for the day‘s work
 Making sure there is adequate 6. Leave the rest of the crew at the
ventilation and the area is waiting place with the gang
properly supported and lit. leader. Take with you at least one
 Checking for bad hangings, competent person and proceed to
cracks and loose ground the storeroom which is normally
 Check if the notices are situated near the waiting place.
posted at conspicuous places

FLAT END
1. With your competent person you reach the water blast control
collect the necessary tools valve and close it.
namely 4. Tell the competent person to
 pinch bar with bar gasket (for connect the ½‖ hose t the water
baring down) valve outlet. With the aid of the
 approved two way blow pipe competent person, water down
(for pumping out sockets) the area around the entrance to
 ½‖ water hose (for watering expose the cracks. Bar down
down) thoroughly.
 CO and NO detector tubes 5. At 2m intervals test for gases,
and Auer gas tester- do pre- water down thoroughly and bar
test to make sure that they down. Adopt the same procedure
are operational at 2m intervals till you reach the
2. Proceed to the blasting point and face. Test for gases near the
short-circuit the firing cables. muck.
Open the main compressed air 6. Water down the whole area
valve to operate the water blast around the face to expose the
and check time. Go back to the cracks. Water down the muck
waiting place, with your tools and thoroughly to dissolve nitrous
the competent person proceed to fumes trapped in the muck until
the blasted end and on the water runs from the bottom of the
traveling-way; muck clear. Bar down the whole
 Test for gases especially Co area thoroughly. Visually check
 Make sure fans are running for misfires, short circuit the firing
and ventilation is adequate cables and water down for at
 Visually check for bad least 8m from the face.
hanging and other dangerous 7. After making sure that the whole
conditions – adopt the same area is safe for people to work
procedure until you have there – check if the ventilation is
reached the danger barricade reaching the face adequately.
at the entrance to the blasted Extend ventilation columns. Call
end your lashing crew and give
3. Upon reaching the danger instructions to;
barricade just before the blasted  Be on the lookout for misfires
end. Check if 15min have  Continuously check bar down
elapsed from the time you as the face is exposed
opened the compressed air to  Continuously water down the
operate the water blast. If they muck pile to allay dust
have elapsed – open the danger  Report any dangerous
barricade, enter and close it conditions encountered
behind you. Test for gases until immediately

STOPE
1. Collect the necessary tools for 5. Open the danger barricade and
the reentry from the store room secure yourself to the lifeline.
namely: Test for gases, water down
 Pinch bar fitted with a bar thoroughly and bar down. If there
gasket is need for competent person to
 Safety chain enter the area to help make sure
 Approved blow pipe ½‖ water that he secures himself to a
hose lifeline chain.
 CO and NO detector tubes 6. Upon reaching the blasted end
and Auer Gas Tester/Electric  Test for gases
monitors.  Water down and bar down
2. Proceed to the blasting point and thoroughly
short circuit the firing cables and  Visually check for misfires
if there is no through ventilation,  Water down muck pile to
open the main compressed air dissolve nitrous fumes
valve to operate the Auxiliary air.  Call for a blowpipe and pump
Go back to the waiting place. exposed sockets clean
3. From the waiting place with your  Water down at least 8m from
tools and the competent person, the face
proceed towards the blasted end 7. Check if the ventilation is
and on the traveling way; adequate or leave auxiliary air
 Test for gases especially CO slightly open to augment
 Make sure that the fans are ventilation.
running and ventilation is  Make sure that every person
adequate working in stopes is safe
 Visually check for bad guarded from the dangers of
hangings and any other falling by a lifeline chain.
dangerous conditions from  Call your men o commence
upper levels. lashing
4. Upon reaching the danger  Give them safety with regards
barricade check time if at least 15 to safety
minutes has elapsed from the  Note: Always start re-entry in
time you operated the Auxiliary stopes from the top or above
air. If it has elapsed close the so that you can remove bad
valve. hangings easily before
carrying out your activities.

RAISE
Additional tools; pinch bar fitted 4. Before climbing up give specific

with a gasket, safety chain, 2lb instructions to your competent
hammer, ½‖ hose, CO and NO person to;
detector tubes and Auer tester,  Disallow anyone past him
grizzly hook and fibre rope also  Listen to your instructions and
electric monitors can be used. stand clear off the raise
5. at 2m intervals;
1. adopt the same procedure as in  secure yourself to a secure
other procedures till you reach anchorage
the danger barricade at the foot  test for gases
or bottom of the raise  sound for loose ground with a
2. Check if 15min has elapsed from hammer
the time you operated the water Adopt the same procedure till you
blast and auxiliary air, if they reach the position of the safety
have elapsed – open the danger platform pinholes and secure
barricade and close it behind you. yourself.
Test for gases till you have 6. Tell your competent person to tie
reached the water blast control the other end of the water hose
valve and close it. Tell your and pull up the end and wash the
competent person to connect the platform pinholes. Drop the other
hose to the water valve outlet. end of the fibre rope and pull up
Water down the whole area the platform pins and install them.
around the bottom of the raise to Pull the shutting and rig the
expose cracks and bar down safety platform.
thoroughly the whole area. With 7. Climb on the safety platform,
the grizzly hook standing clear off secure yourself and test for
the raise with the aid of your gases, sound for loose ground.
competent person, shake the Wash clean drilling platform pin
chain ladder to; holes and pull up the pins and
 dislodge any rock which might shutting and rig the drilling
have been caught up platform.
 make sure that the chain 8. Climb on the drilling platform,
ladder is still secure and that secure yourself and;
they are still on pins.  Test for gases, visually check
3. Take CO detector tube and gas for misfires at the face
tester and put them in your top  Water down the whole area to
pocket, put a rope on your expose cracks
shoulder, secure your safety belt,  Pull up the pinch bar and bar
put 2lb hammer under your belt, down the whole area
tie the ½‖ hose pointing your  Pull up the blow pipe and
face, tell your competent person pump all sockets and ring
to connect the hose to air and them with a chalk or paint
slightly turn it on to blow fresh air 9. After making sure that the area is
to your face. safe, call one of your drilling crew

members. First he must secure  Keep secure the eye bolts
himself to an eye bolt with a  Drill on marked position
safety chain. With his aid pull up  Follow direction lines
the chain ladder and install it to  Dress the face after drilling
its new position  Not to practice dry collaring
10. If marking procedure is to be  First drill the platform pinholes
done pull up brush and paint. for the next drilling platform
Mark your face profile. Mark the  Report any dangerous
position of your drilling holes conditions encountered
150mm away from any sockets immediately
and mark your direction lines. Climb down and slightly turn
11. Mark the holes of the next drilling on the auxiliary air to
platform augment ventilation
12. Give the following safety
instructions to your crew
WINZE
1. Collect the tools as in raise 6. Upon reaching 8m from the

2. Adopt same procedure till you bottom, tell your competent
reach the barricade and check if person to lower water hose and
15min have elapsed, if they have water down the whole area.
elapsed, open barricade and test Descend 2m intervals testing for
for gases till you reach air valve gases, watering down and
or water blast and close it. sounding for loose rock and
3. Close the barricade and proceed dress the area up to as far as
to test the winze and kibble. your hand can reach.
4. Open the barricade and secure 7. Upon reaching the face water
yourself with the safety chain. down the muck to allay dust and
Test for gases at the collar and fumes. Call competent person to
water down the whole area lower pinch bar fitted with a
around the collar. Clear off any rubber gasket, from a safe
dirt or tools around the collar for a distance bar down thoroughly
distance of at least 2m. Shake and check for misfires.
the chain ladder. 8. After lashing call for blowpipe and
5. Leave your competent person at with the use of a sinker sketch
the collar to warn people and pump all sockets clean and mark
control the valves. Collect your thereon positions of misfires.
hammer under your belt. Detector Endorse and date it in ink and
tube and gas tester in your top then pass it on to official in
pocket. At 2m intervals descend charge of drilling operations.
test for gases, sounding loose
rock and secure your safety
chain.

SHAFT
1. Collect your appropriate tools for there is anything dangerous ring

use such as approved two way 1 to stop conveyance and for the
blowpipe, pinch bar fitted with a purpose of making safe that area.
rubber gasket, 4lb hammer, 8. NB adopts the same procedure
safety chain, herm rope, till you get to the Galloway stage.
appropriate gas tester tubes Inspect the Galloway stage if it is
2. Proceed to the blasting point and not broken and still secure
short circuit the blasting cables. 9. Leave your competent person at
Open the main compressed air the Galloway stage and give him
valves to operate water blast and instructions to:
auxiliary air. Observe your time. i. Monitor progress
3. Go back to the waiting place not ii. Listen to what you instruct
forgetting to test your gases as him to do.
you proceed towards the shaft. 10. Put your detector tubes in your
4. On reaching danger barricade pocket and the gas tester. Fasten
just before shaft leave competent your safety chain and put your
person behind the barricade, 2lb hammer under your belt.
check your time if 15min have Shake the chain ladder with a
elapsed from time operating your hook to make sure that it is tight
water blast, if it has elapsed open and secure before going down.
barricade and test for gases till 11. At 2m intervals, secure your
you reach control valve and close chain, test for gases, sound for
it. loose ground and check for any
5. Secure yourself with safety chain dangerous conditions. Always
and test for gases. Water down test and check for the condition of
thoroughly the whole area to the ladder as you go down.
expose cracks and bar down 12. At 8m from the face or shaft
thoroughly. Clear any debris 2m bottom, tell your competent
around the shaft. person to lower the other end of
6. Inspect the kibble and make safe the water hose, test for gases
the whole area around the small and water down the whole area
hoist. Call the driver of the small and muck. Sound for loose
hoist and instruct him to operate ground using 2lb hammer. Call
the conveyance the full distance for Al pinch bar and bar down the
up and down to the lowest point. areas you can reach. Adopt the
7. After inspecting your kibble put same procedure at 2m intervals
tools in kibble with your till you reach the face.
competent person get into the 13. Upon reaching the face, test for
kibble and ring 2-2 to go down gases, water down the sidewalls
slowly. Make sure that you fasten and muck to dissolve nitrous
yourself with your safety chains. fumes, visually check for bad
Test for gases and visually check misfires.
for bad hangings and any other 14. After making sure that the whole
dangerous condition. Whenever area is safe, make sure that

ventilation is reaching the shaft
bottom adequately. Call upon iii. Report any dangerous
lashing crew. conditions encountered
15. Give them instruction to: immediately.
i. Be on the lookout for iv. Observe the safety
misfires precautions of raising and
ii. Continuously bar down as lowering the kibble during
face is being exposed. sinking operations.
ABANDONED AREA
1. Get permission from the 8. When conducting re-entry leave

inspector the auxiliary air slightly open to
2. Lodge the stopped end log book augment ventilation.
of the last round or on surface 9. At 2m intervals test for gases,
where hole were drilled on a water down and bar down. Upon
survey pattern and such area reaching the face test for gases,
was closed down by the water down and bar down. Call
inspector. Lodge the plan of the for blowpipe. Remove socket
last round blasted. plug if any and pump out all the
3. Never enter any abandoned area sockets using an approved blow
alone or with an inexperienced Pipe and re-plug the sockets with
person. wooden or concrete plugs.
4. Call for the proto team if 10. Water down the area up to about
necessary. 8m from the face
5. When entering abandoned area 11. Check if ventilation is reaching
always be on the lookout for: the face adequately. Call men to
i. Dangerous accumulation repair and extend ventilation
of water columns, water and air pipes
ii. Atmosphere deficient of after making sure that the whole
oxygen area is safe.
iii. Presence of noxious
gases Note: Stopped end logbook
iv. Misfires contains the following
v. Bad hangings and lose information:
ground i. Name and signature of
vi. Deterioration support person who examined
6. Establish mechanical ventilation, the area
water blast and auxiliary air. ii. Date when the area
7. Before entry, open auxiliary air or was examined
water blast for at least 15min to iii. Name and number of
drive out foul air and provide the end/area
fresh air. iv. Reason for stopping
the end and dangers
encountered.

RESCUE PROCEDURES
WINZE
1. Rush to the collar and open 4. Upon reaching the gassed

auxiliary air fully to drive out and person, tie a figure of ‗8‘ around
dilute gases and to supply fresh the chest and arms and shout for
air to the bottom of the winze the men to pull up the rope while
2. Send a person to phone the you climb the ladder guiding the
officials and the ambulance and person from rubbing against the
to ring for the skip/cage. Send for sidewalls.
the first aid box, rope and 5. On reaching the collar render first
stretcher. aid. If the person is not breathing
3. Tie wet mutton cloth on your apply artificial respiration. Mount
mouth. Leave at least two men at on the stretcher and take him to
the collar at fresh air intake. the skip.
These men should be strong 6. Barricade off the area and make
enough to pull the gassed sure no person enters the area.
person. Leave with them one end 7. Take yourself and the rest of the
of the rope while you go down men involved to the hospital for
with the other end. At intervals observation and be admitted for
anchor yourself with a safety at least 48hrs. While entering
chain and test for gases, visually such area a full re-entry
check for bad hangings and procedure is to be adopted.
record your findings down.
RAISE
1. Rush to the bottom of the raise 4. As you go up at intervals anchor

and open auxiliary air yourself with a safety chain and
2. Send for the officials, ambulance test for gases, visually check for
and the skip. Send for the first aid bad hangings and record your
box, rope and stretcher. findings down. Upon reaching the
3. Tie a wet mutton cloth on your gassed person unfasten him off
mouth,also half inch hose turned his safety chain. Insert the rope
on slightly blowing over your through the eyebolt, pull it up and
nose and climb up the ladder with tie a figure of ‗8‘ around the chest
one end of the rope. Leave at of the gassed person. Tell your
least two men holding the other men to lower the person by
end of the rope, also make use of slackening the rope slowly while
a safety chain. The rope should you guide the person from
be long enough to cover the rubbing against the sidewalls.
distance to the top and back to 5. Upon reaching the bottom, put
the bottom of the raise. the person on the fresh air intake
zone and render first aid. Mount

him on the stretcher and dispose observation. A full re-entry
him into the cage. procedure to be adopted when
6. Put a danger barricade that no entering such an area.
one enters the area till it has
been made safe. Take everyone
involved to hospital for
FLAT END
1. Rush to the entrance and open 4. If not breathing apply artificial

auxiliary fresh air fully respiration, mount on a stretcher
2. Send for officials, ambulance and and carry him to the cage. Put a
cage. Send for the first aid box, danger barricade and take all the
rope and stretcher. men involved to the hospital for
3. With at least one competent observation and be admitted for
person tie a wet mutton cloth at least 48hrs. Do complete re-
around your mouth, enter the entry procedure when entering
area and at intervals test for the area.
gases, visually check for bad
hangings and record your
findings down. Bring the person
out of the end to fresh air base.
BAD HANGING
1. Send for officials, ambulance and 3. Render first aid, immobilize and
cage. Send for first aid box, rope treat all wounds and put on
and stretcher. stretcher. Carry to the skip.
2. Remove such a person from the 4. Barricade off the area.
danger area as quickly as 5. Make sure that no person enters
possible or further injury. such an area till a reentry has
been made.
DEALING WITH A BAD HANGING
1. Test for gases and water down 4. Measure the distance of the
the whole area thoroughly to hanging up from the floor. Cut a
expose cracks. timber prop of that length. Make a
2. Attempt to bar down the bad hitch in the footwall and erect a
hanging with a long pinch bar prop to support the hang up or;
from safe distance or; 5. If it is a busy area like haulage
3. Employ remote drilling to drill where tramming cannot be
short holes. Charge and fire stopped. Holes are drilled at the
these holes to blast the bad ends of the hang up. Grouted
hanging or; with rock bolts erect straps

crossing the hang up. Drill hang up and insert a rock bolt
another hole at the center of the and grout it.
<>
HOLING PROCEDURES
Two Ends Approaching Each Other

 At more than 15m blast ends simultaneously.
 At 15m blast ends alternatively.
 As you drill make sure that you examine the other end before commencing
drilling of the other end.
 Always use searching holes, known as pilot holes to search for the holing
point of the ends.
 At 7.5m stop one end, examine thoroughly and close it by barricading, put
no entry sign, and record in the holing end log book.
 Proceed blasting from the other end to hole until you hole, making sure
that before each blast you examine the other end.
 After holing, log in the holing log book that you have holed safely, the date
and name of end holed.
In accessible dangerous area

 Look and examine the sinker‘s sketch of the last round blasted in the case
of a winze or a shaft
 Ensure that emergency flood devices are ready for use any time
 Use a pilot hole inclined at a safe angle its length 1.5 times the length of
the drill holes
 Grout in a valve which has been opened
 Drill pilot hole through the valve grouted

VENTILATION
This is the supply and control of large quantity of air to underground areas in
order to create and maintain ambient conditions.
PURPOSE OF VENTILATION
 To supply and control atmospheric air for human beings.
 To dilute and remove all contaminants.
 Control ambient conditions defined in terms of temperature and humidity.
 To meet legal requirements.
TYPES OF VENTILATION SYSTEMS

There are two types of ventilation systems that is:
1. Mechanical ventilation.
2. Natural ventilation.
Mechanical ventilation
This type of ventilation is induced by means of mechanical machines such as
fans. It is classified as negative pressure system and positive pressure system.
1. Negative pressure system

The exhaust fan is placed at the collar of the shaft, with the fan in operation a
negative pressure is developed and air enters the underground through
downcast shafts.
Intake air is then split off on the various levels and the air quantity per level is
directly proportional to the productivity of that level.
2. Positive pressure system

In this system the fan is located below the main intake shaft and it draws air into
the mine. This system is common in mines that have got glory holes such that it
is difficult to control air into underground through a defined airway. The glory
holes would then be used as return airways.
Natural ventilation
The provision of fresh air underground without the use of mechanically propelled
machines such as fans. This is possible if the relation of the down casting shaft
and the up-casting shaft are such that they allow geothermal gradient to take
place. The down casting shaft should be located at a lower elevation than the up-
casting shaft to allow for airflow to take place.

TYPES OF FAN SYSTEMS
There four types of fan systems i.e.:
1. Force system
The air leaving the duct, providing that the duct termination is within 10m of the
face will sweep the working area and remove any contamination during mining
operations.
Advantages
 Air delivered to the face has not been contaminated in the drift leading to
the face.
 Leakage easy to detect.
 Can use cheap flexible ducts.
 Minimal blast damage to duct since use can remove the collapsible
ducting prior to blasting.
 Cheap, since only a single fan is used.
Disadvantages
 Workmen men travel in return airway.
 Heat from the fan is also forced to the face.
 Leakage might be easy to detect but are difficult to repair.

2. Exhaust Fan
The ducting is connected leading from the face leading to the return airway. The
fan is positioned such that it draws foul air from the face to the main return
airway.
Advantages
1. Traveling in fresh air
2. Leakage easy to repair
3. Quick re-entry
Disadvantages
1. Leaks might be easy to repair but are difficult to detect.
2. Not all-fresh air reaches the face.
3. The fan can quickly get worn out due to foul air drawn.
4. Fixed ducts are used thereby there re easily damaged.

3. Force –exhaust overlap system
The overlap system has exhaust column that removes the contaminants
produced by the mining operations and maintains the access and the face in
fresh air.
The forcing overlap ensures that the face is rapidly cleared and provides a high
velocity jet of air to the face.
Advantages
 Rapid re-entry
 Workmen travel and work in a fresh air zone.
 Foul air is easily controlled
 Leakage easy to control
Disadvantages
 Expensive, use of two fans.
 Airway size limitations due to two ducts.

4. Four gate system
This system is commonly used in shaft sinking operations.
When the fan is forcing fresh air enters through door A into door B and finally into
the shaft. Door C and D would be closed. In case of exhausting door C and D
would be open, while door A and B would be closed.

SUPPORT SYSTEM
It‘s defined as the systematic way of making sure that the sidewall and hanging
wall does not collapse. This is achieved by using applications discussed below.
TYPES OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS
1. Active support system

The element of support becomes part and parcel of the reinforcement soon after
installation. On this subject candidates should pay particular attention to the
differences of active support and passive support.
Examples of active support are as follows:

1. Tensioned hydraulic props.
2. Natural pillars.
3. Tensioned anchor bolts
4. Tensioned cable bolts
2. Passive support system

This support does support the rock as a response to the load imposed on it by
the rock mass.
Examples of passive support are as follows:
1. Shotcrete 4. Sand filling.
2. Rock bolts such as shepherd 5. Cam locks.
crooks, tendon straps. 6. Mat packs.
3. Props and head boards. 7. Drive sets.

SITUATIONAL QUESTIONS
Q Can you tell the board how you are going to blast boulders on the grizzley?
An arrow in the haulage shows the direction of airflow.
PROCEDURE
 Test for gases
 Examine the area as well as washing of the boulders to check if there are any
misfires and pump them out.
 Know the quantity of explosives you need to use.
 Collect only explosives enough for your task.
 Leave explosive with your competent person and remove all people in the
vicinity of the area you are to blast, making sure that I remove people working
below the grizzly and place them at a fresh air base.
 I barricade all areas leading to the grizzly and put no entry signs written
secondary blasting in progress.
 Prepare my charges and lay them on boulders and cover them with mud, I
inform my assistant to go to the fresh air base shouting bomber, bomber
bomber. He has to open the auxiliary air whistle for me to blast, as I also go
bomber shouting to the fresh air base
 The blast has to be instantaneous.
 I will wait for an interval approved by the mine manager for re-entry.
 I will take my assistant with me for re-entry; I test for gases, water down and
scale down.
 If the area is safe, I will inform my assistant to close the alarm (hooter) and let
people go to their respective places of work.

Q The diagram below shows an LHD lashing, drilling crew and a drain man
lying on the floor saying he is feeling headache. You left these guys working
properly on the beginning of shift but on your routine checks you find the drain
man lying on the floor saying he is feeling headache. Can you tell us your
rescue procedure?
PROCEDURE
 I know this guy so I have to call  I quickly test for gases
him by his name to ascertain if he  Stop the LHD.
is unconscious  Stop the drilling crew.
 I take him to fresh air base and  Place the LHD at the fresh air
render first aid. intake, and barricade off the area.
 Mobilize assistants, and send  Augment ventilation.
one guy to phone the officials,  Record in gassed incident record
one to call for the cage, one to book
collect the first aid kit and  Take the guys and those involved
stretcher. in the rescue procedure to the
 I suspect that he might have hospital for a 48hr observation by
been injured by the LHD, or a medical doctor.
gassed by fumes from the LHD,  I present the results of my gas
or since he is opening the drain testing to the doctor.
he might have stirred stagnant
water and liberated hydrogen
sulphide.

Q Below is a diagram showing fallen ladders. Can you re-install these
ladders.
Q The guy below has fallen into the box while he was coming in for re-entry.
Can you tell us the rescue procedure? As you are going down the
concentration of CO is increasing as shown, what would you do?

Q Ladders have fallen as shown on the diagram below, can you re-install
them?
Q Three guys are going towards a blasted end. As you can see them their
heights are different, who is going to be the first one to be gassed?
Q You have encountered weak ground as you are mining through the drive as
shown below. Tell the board how you area going to support this area?

Q As you are drilling Geology detects that you are to meet weak ground at
6meters, tell the board how you are going to manage this situation?
Q Below is a diagram of a shaft, can you show us the hanging wall and the
footwall.
Q Also why do you drill this way?

Q A shaft has been lying idle for 5 years and you are told to go and deepen it,
tell us your procedure?
45m deep
Q How are to ventilate B?

PROCEDURE
 Plug off the water area
 Get to understand the distance to B
 Install a force fan
 Plug off old stope and leave a hole.
See diagrammatic representation below
Q The raise below has just holed, can you advance drive B?

Q The diagram above shows a boom rig drilling and an L.H.D lashing. The Miner
who last drilled this area was very careless; he left misfires and sockets. What
safety precautions are you going to take?
Q Below is a shaft that has been lying idle as indicated by the dates, you are
required go sink this shaft.
What is your procedure?
Muck

Q The diagram below shows two decline shafts which are being sunk at the
same time (simultaneously). The declines are parallel dipping at 150.
Pillars of 3m x5m are left behind as support, can you ventilate these two declines
using exhaust overlap system?

Q Below is a diagram showing an inaccessible area full of water. You are
required to drill the raise and hole into this area, can you tell us your procedure?
Inaccessible area with

accumulation of water
20m
10m
Q) What are the three main components of a Jackhammer?

R) Back head, Cylinder, Approved water tube.
Q) What item of equipment do you check before charging up?

R) Working condition of the waterblast and its distance from the face to be
blasted must not be more than 15m.
Q) How do you treat a misfired hole other than in fuse blasting that is
electrical?
I will short circuit the lead wires remove sufficient tamping by means of an
approved copper scraper, roll the lead wires into the misfired hole, plug it using a
wooden socket plug and encircle it with chalk or paint and write M.F warn
everyone of its existence and position then reblast at the end of the shift.
Q) What do you do before conducting shaft examination?

R) I will warn the Hoist Driver operating the conveyance in such compartment
and enter the warning in the Drivers‘ log book including the time and the Driver

shall countersign. I will clean 2m around the shaft collar post notices/warning
signs on all shaft stations starting from the lowest level going up
Install the canopy, inspect and test the pull bell with the help of an electrician.
Everyone must have a safety belt with him.
Q) What do you understand by permissible quantity?

R) It is the maximum allowable concentration of gas by volume measured in
parts per
million.
Q) What is N=1 and N=10?

R) N= represents the number of strokes or pumps one is required to take for that
particular tube.
N=1 is done when testing exhaust fumes of a diesel mobile unit
underground.
N=10 is done when testing concentration of fumes in the general body of air
where a diesel engine works.
Q) What is the purpose of the two graduations?

R) We read at scale N=1 at the end of the first stroke and at scale N=10 for the
rest of the remaining strokes.
Q) Two pieces of slow igniter cord 1m each are cut from the same reel
which one burns out first?
R) Any of the two can burn out first because slow igniter cord burns fromm 30-
45s/m.
Q) What is the V.O.D of an I.E.D.?

R) Instantaneous
Q) Why is it instantaneous?
R) Because it does not have a delay element.
Q) What is overwinding?
R) Is when the conveyance exceeds the highest landing place for persons before
it comes into contact with any fixed obstacle.
Q) What is underwinding?
R) Is when the conveyance exceeds its lowest landing place for persons before it
comes into contact with any fixed obstacle.
Q) What do you think of when you hear about slack rope?

R) These are ropes placed in the Head gear or at a point where the winding rope
enters the winding engine room to cut off power to the engine if the rope slacks
or sags excessively.

Q) You have two drilling crews one in the drive and one in the raise, whats
your holing procedure?
I will do complete re-entry procedure of both ends. Mine both ends until the
distance apart is reduced to 15m. At 15m apart I, will alternate the ends until the
distance apart is reduced to 7.5m. at 7.5m I will stop the drive examine, make
safe, log in the stopped ends book indicating end examined and made safe for
holing and barricade off the end.I will mine the raise until I reach the holing point,
stop, examine and make safe, barricade off the area and log in the Stopped Ends
book indicating end examined and safe for holing. I will mine the drive and hole
into the raise and log in the holings book.
Q) One of your crew members was conducting re-entry in the raise and
suddenly a bad hanging falls and close the brow of the raise, how do you
rescue him?
I will operate auxilliary air pipe, send a person to inform the Officials, Ambulance,
collect first aid equipment, rope and a stretcher, ring for the skip. With at least 4
other competent people I will tie wet mutton cloth on my mouth and nose, test for
gases using a functional Auer gas tester and valid detector tubes. Was and bar
down, examine the boulder for misfires, then collect 14 lbs hammer, safety
goggles, leg guards, gloves. Break the boulder using the hammer while another
person removes the pieces of rock into the wheelbarrow. I will continue testing
for gases until the boulder is completely removed. I will only enter the raise if the
concentrations of CO are below the legal limits. Take the casualty to a fresh air
zone, render first aid, barricade off the end and take myself, casualty and the
whole rescue party to hospital for 48hrs observation, log in the Persons
Withdrawal book, Accident Report book and Gas recording book. Inform the
Manager who will in turn inform the Inspector Of Mines & Explosives by the
quickest means available.
Q) Tell the Board the dangers you would encounter in the mine?
R) Gases, underground fires, methane explosions, bad hangings, support
deterioration, dust, tripping, falling from a height, falling objects, atmosphere
deficient in Oxygen, stagnant water, misfires, noise, concussion, heat stroke, air
blast.
Q) Tell me the legal books that you know?

R) Safety complaints, gas tests record book, Driver‘s log book, machinery record
book -shaft equipment, stopped ends book, rope record book, appointment book,
magazine register, holing book, Persons withdrawal book, blasting token book,
T/way examination book, accident report book.

Q) What is cumulative effect?
R) This is whereby the blood will absorb CO 300 times much faster and more
readily than O2 hence there is a continuous build up of CO in the blood stream
which arrests the body and this is irreversible.
Q) What do you do if you want to put explosives in the cage?

R) Ring 5-5 to the driver informing him that I want to put explosives in the cage.
The driver will ring 5-5 as acknowledgement that he has understood the signals; I
will then put the explosives in the cage and ring to the required station.
What determines the support of a particular rock ?

Support is determined by the nature and class of the rock. Classifications as at
that particular mine is from class 1b is the most competent ground and 5b is the
weakest. So before supporting an area I will check on the class of the rock I‘m
dealing with and then use the appropriate method.
Breakdown happens during transportation of explosives from Kwekwe to

Zvishavane, What do you do?
I will move my vehicle off the road and place a triangular sign , warn other traffic
and persons against loitering near the explosives. Inform the Local authority,
Police and the Inspector of mines & Explosives about the breakdown and time.
You are charging holes at a Quarry and a Lion charges at you, what’s your
procedure?
I don‘t expect to see a Lion in such an area because before a mine is established
all game and the other occupants of the area are relocated to other areas eg
Diamond Murowa relocated the Mazvihwa people to Mushandike area in
Masvingo. But in this scenario i will run to my vehicle because i can not risk my
life.
Describe self-supporting ground?

It is a competent ground which does not need to be supported and can withstand
any forces.
Name seven methods of support?

Spiling bolts, shortcrete, strapping, drive setts, packs, props, bull nosing, and
arches.
How else can you do your pre-test of the Auer gas tester?
By visual checking.
Why is the P.P.M of carbon dioxide very high at 5000ppm?

It is always present where people work. It is not poisonous unlike other gases like
Co & NxOy.

It even gives a warning of its presence and is also regarded as a ―MINERS
FRIEND‖
Its effects cease upon exposure to fresh air.
Can you tell me the charging procedure?

Wash and bar down the face. Pump clean all holes and inspect the holes if they
have been drilled to correct length and direction.
Test the waterblast, check ventilation and count the number of the holes
Remove all unnecessary people, equipment and barricade off the area.
Go and order explosives using two chola bags.
Transport explosives, barricade off end while charging and post a warning
―charging in progress‖
List eight items that you find in an immovable magazine?

Storage licence, Magazine register, Temperature record book, Issuing and
receiving book, Maximum and minimum thermometer, Appointment letter for the
Magazine master, explosives, wooden pallets.
How do you lash the last 10cm of stoff in a sinking shaft?

Blow the stoff with compressed air to one side, check for misfires and then to the
other side and lash.
What do you know of the gases found underground?

Name of gas, chemical composition, specific gravity, permissible quantity,
sources, properties, effects, methods of detection, method of eradication.
Can you classify the gases according to their effects?

POISONOUS - CO, H2S, NH3, HCN, CL2
INFLAMMABLE - CH4, H2
ASPHYXIATING - CO2, CH4, H2
Describe to me the scene in a sinking shaft?
The kibble stops at 4m (mark) when going down and the lashers clear from the
centre to the sidewalls to utilise cover provided the Galloway stage. It is rung
down (2-2) by one of the men at the bottom of the shaft and is loaded below the
level of the brim. It is rung 3-3 to go up slowly and is stopped at the 2m (mark)
where its sides and bottom are cleaned and steadied. It is then rung 1 to go up
and on reaching the Galloway stage it picks up the cross head without undue
shock.
How do you remove hang ups in the shaft say above the Galloway stage and
below?
When it is above the stage I will raise the stage to just beneath the hanging and
then bar down on to stage and break it using a hammer. If it is big hoist it to
surface by the kibble. When it is below I, will use a kibble and bar down from the
hanging that is I, will be on top of the hanging when barring down also protect
material in the shaft with sand bags.

How do you lower the kibble?
The kibble shall not be lowered directly to the bottom of the shaft but shall be
stopped at least 4m from the bottom of the shaft to give chance to men working
below to stand clear and prevent being struck by the kibble. It only goes down
when it is rung 2-2.
Tell us the safety devices on a winder that you know and how they work?
 overwinding and underwinding trip switch
 Slack rope
 Catch plate
 Humble hook
 Tappered guides
 Dead mans switch
 Deacceleration limit
 Dial depth indicator
 Pressure gauge
 Warning light
 beacon
Tappered / rigid guides

Applicable to vertical shafts only, these arrest the conveyance in the event of
overwinding and underwinding. They are usually made of wood pine.
Limit switches
In both vertical and inclined shafts to cut off power automatically to winding
engine in case of overwinding and underwinding both in head gears and shaft
bottom.
Slack rope
Located in the head gear or at a point where the winding rope enters the winding
engine room to cut off power in case the rope slacks or sags.
What are the uses of a Galloway stage?

 It is used as a platform.
 Supports workman whilst inspecting and barring down the shaft after
blasting.
 Serves as a protective shield for sinkers at the bottom of the shaft.
 The two wire ropes supporting the platform act as guides for a sinking
bucket which passes thru the central opening to reach the shaft bottom,
another opening at the end of the platform provides clearance for the
pipes.

Have you ever done Jackhammer drilling? Can you relate to the Board how
you did it?
I will do a complete re-entry procedure from the waiting place, collect tools from
the store room, drilling equipment.
Water down the face at least 8m back from the face, install props and rock stop
mesh ,expose lifters 2.0m back from the face, pump out, examine and plug all
sockets. Put old explosives in an old explosives box provided. Blow hoses, pour
oil into the lubricator, drill support and grout, remove props and mesh.Drill holes
on marked positions 150mm from sockets, lifters to be drilled first and plugged.
Ensure water is coming out of the drillsteel.
This drive has been lying idle, you want to lash the muck pile at X, what’s
your procedure and what causes floor lifting?
Re-entry first use a Pelving machine to get rid of the uplift, lash the area,
reconstruct the floor and then go and lash. Floor lifting is caused by
compressional forces.
During shaft examination you find this pipe leaking in the shaft what do
you do?
There is no way a single pipe can be found hanging in the shaft only a complete
column should be found in the shaft. Well given the situation, stop the
conveyance by ringing 1 mark position of the buntons, ring 3-3 so that the driver
can raise the conveyance to surface. At the surface close the valves and post a
notice ―DO NOT OPEN-MEN WORKING ON PIPES‖. Go back and repair the
pipe and continue with the examination.
This man wanted to rig the raise and you receive a report that he is hanging
in the raise like that, tell us how you handle the situation?
I suspect that this man has been affected by CO. I will operate auxiliary air first
then tram the box just to open up space and allow free circulation of air. Send a
person to inform the officials, ambulance and ring for the skip, first aid box, rope
and stretcher.
Tie wet mutton cloth on my mouth and nose, ½‖ hose pointing to my face,
functional Auer gas testers, valid CO detector tube, secure my safety belt and a
rope which is long enough to accommodate the distance to the top and bottom of
the raise. I will test for gases before going up the raise, if the concentration
permits me, will go up, secure myself to an eye bolt then insert the rope thru an
eye blot pull it up and tie figure of eight around the chest and arms of the gassed
person. I will shout to the men at the bottom to pull the rope so as to position the
casualty in an upright position, unfasten his safety belt. Instruct men at the
bottom to slacken the rope slowly while i go down guiding the person from
rubbing against the side walls.

On reaching the collar take him to a fresh air zone, barricade off the area and
render first aid, mount him on a stretcher and take him to the skip. Enter the skip
after exchanging appropriate signals with the driver, at the surface report to the
Manager who will in turn report the accident to the Inspector of mines and
explosives. I will take the casualty, myself, the whole rescue crew to hospital for
48hrs observation and log in the Accident report book, person‘s withdrawal book,
gas recording book.
How do you distinguish sockets and drill holes?

Colour of socket plugs, size of plugs, and string on socket plugs.
What is the difference between a cross head and the canopy that you put
during shaft examination?
A cross head is an overhead protection which is installed slightly above the
kibble for the protection of men in shaft sinking and it is also used to prevent the
kibble from swaying in the shaft that is it is fixed and is used during sinking
operations.
The canopy/hood is an overhead protection used during shaft examination and
is not fixed to the conveyance, but it is installed when about to examine the shaft.
What instrument is used to measure dust?

Konimeter or Gravitational sampler.
What instrument is used to measure noise?

Docimeter
What is dust?
Finely divided solid matter.
What do you suspect could have happened to that guy and how do you
rescue him?
Re-entry, rescue procedure, switch off power, put prohibition sign, operate
auxiliary air get rescue team , tie wet mutton cloth , test for gases, rescue the
man using a dry stick.
This mine was stopped in 1986. You have been hired to resume operations
and you want to hole in an inaccessible drive, what’s your procedure?
Get permission from the Inspector of mines, get plans and other legal documents
such as stopped ends book and the survey lay out.
Fence off the area around the shaft, introduce ventilation fan, headgear,
examine the rope and the shaft compartment and replace worn or broken
services. Install a submersible pump, pump out the water from the shaft construct
t/way and test for gases in the drive. Construct a pent house then drill after
making safe.

Why are I.E.D.s not used in parallel circuits?
They do not have delay elements so when current is supplied to the detonator it
passes from the fuse head straight to the base charge via the initiating
composition. The detonator which receives current first will be the first to fire
thereby cutting off the bass wires before other detonator have received current
because of fly rock.
They cause misfires and poor fragmentation.
How do you mine and support the area?
Conduct a full re-entry procedure, mine waste first and tip into waste pass and
mine ore to the ore pass.
You have just initiated an end and on coming back you find one of your
guys has fallen into the winze, how do you rescue him?
Impossible because the winze is barricaded off, or is covered with a platform.
Also the section is cleared of all personnel prior to primary blasting.
A force has been installed but is blowing in the opposite direction, why?
 Wrong direction
 Wrong connection
 Broken blades
 Closed pitch of blades
You have finished mud charging and you see a box containing explosives,
what do you do?
Impossible because as a blasting licence holder i will be in possession of the
keys to the magazine and I, will draw sufficient explosives for the task.
Why don’t you leave the box containing explosives and blast them together
with the boulders?
To avoid damage to support, walls, noise and concussion, airblast, dust, gases.
Why it that a force fan is is smaller than the exhaust fan?

 To avoid build up of foul air in the overlap section.
 To increase the pressure of the air entering the workings.
Too much stretch in a rope can mean two things, what are they?
Overloading and elongation due to wear.
Why is rust so dangerous on a steel wire rope?

It makes the wires brittle.

If rust is the problem due to water getting the rope, what can you do to
prevent it?
Lubricate the rope.
Kinks in a rope can cause two things to happen what are they?
It reduces the breaking strengthen of the rope and wear at the point when
passing over the sheave.
How many types of deterioration can you name in a winding rope?

Wear, corrosion, fatigue, surface brittlement, accidental damage.
What will an undersized drum or sheave have on the rope?

Wire breaks in fatigue.
Name three things we look for when examining a sheave wheel?

Chipped or cracked flanges, free rotation, groove for pit marks.
What four things occur when ropes are not lubricated?

 Reduction in breaking force.
 Corrosion
 Wires become brittle
 Wear due to friction
What are the two causes of rope bird caging?

Shock loading and turns induced in the rope.
How do you mine and hole the ends below?
Collect a survey lay out, adopt a complete re-entry procedure first starting from
the waiting place to the end. I will adopt the same procedure as I mine the two
ends until the distance apart is reduced to 15m.
At 15m apart I, will alternate mining of both ends.
At 7.5m apart mining operations on one end shall cease, I, will choose one end
which is near the tipping point to reduce lashing distance and continue mining
that end only.
I will stop the other end examine and make safe –wash and bar down 8m from
the face, lash 2m back from the face to expose lifters, pump out and plug all
sockets after ascertaining their depth, direction and cleanliness. Remove
services to safety, barricade off the end and put a notice ―NO ENTRY-END
STOPPED‖, log in the Stopped ends book indicating end examined and made
safe for holing, date, sign and hand over to responsible Mining Official for counter
signature in ink.
I will proceed to mine from the other end only when the end is within 7.5m of the
other working I, will drill a Pilot hole with every round to:-

 To determine the length of my round
 To search for the intended destination of holing
 To detect dangers where I am going to hole.
Immediately the pilot hole and test for gases go to the other end and remove
socket plugs and barricade of the end. Reduce length of round to create burden,
hole and log in the Holings book indicating that end has holed safely and submit
to Mining Official to counter sign.
Name two methods of rope testing?

Non destructive and tensile destructive tests.
What are the precautions when a conveyance is suspended on two ropes?

The ropes shall be of approximately equal size and strength. Adequate
arrangements shall be made to equalize the tension in the ropes, In calculating
the breaking force of the ropes each rope shall be assumed to carry an equal
share of the load.
What is cutting and recapping and when is it done?

This is the periodic cutting of a 4m portion of a winding rope of the end attached
to the conveyance and the sample sent to an approved testing station for testing
and is done every 6 months.
If a person gets gassed at a place where re-entry has been done, how can
you know that the re-entry was inefficiently done?
By testing using a functional auger gas tester and valid detector tubes.
When do you discontinue using a winding rope?

When its breaking force determined by a test is less than 0.9 times its breaking
force when new, When a detailed examination of cleaned portions of the rope
indicates that the rope is no longer in a safe condition, When marked external
corrosion appears, When the extent of internal corrosion indicates that the rope
is no longer in a safe condition, When it has been used for a period of two years.
What do you suspect could have happened to that guy and how do you
rescue him?
I suspect gassing or slipping.

Operate auxiliary air, send a person to inform the official, ambulance, first aid
box, rope and a stretcher.
Go down, stop tramming and barricade off the haulage, secure safety belt, tie
wet mutton cloth on your mouth and nose, tie ½‖ hose pointing to my face,
detector tube for NxOy and CO2, functional auger gas tester, lower the chain
ladder to reach the casualty.
Leave at least three men at the collar with a rope while I, go down testing for
gases until I reach the casualty and tie him a figure of eight. I will signal to the

man at the top to pull up the rope while I go up guiding the person from rubbing
against the side walls.
At the collar I, will take the casualty to a fresh air zone, render first aid and
barricade off the area. Mount him on a stretcher and take him to the skip, put in
the skip after exchanging appropriate signals with the driver.
At the surface I, will also report to the Manager who will in turn report to the
Inspector of Mines by the quickest means available. I, will take myself, rescue
crew, and the casualty to hospital for 48hrs observation, log in the accident report
book, persons withdrawal book and gassing report book.
A 4m portion of a conveyor belt has been cut off accidentally, what

measures will you take?
I will activate the trip switch. Switch off the breaker and isolate by removing the
fuse then lock the panel and place a prohibition sign. Carry the key with me until
repair work is complete (remove fuses to prevent any stray currents)
Which type of primer do you use when doing shaft sinking?

Inert inverted wax primer.
What are the advantages of using this primer?

Less hazardous during the pumping out of misfires as the impact sensitive
detonator is at the bottom of the hole below the main charge and is only retrieved
when all the other explosives have been recovered.
Promotes the formation of short socket thus facilitating the drawing up of the
sketch plan of sockets from the previous round.
Charging up time is reduced as primers do not have to be made up.
Which circuit do you use when doing shaft sinking and why?
Parallel circuits because they provide good protection against stray currents and
any forms of extraneous electricity due to heavy current required to fire the
round.
Misfires will usually not affect the breaking of the round while their detection and
treatment is greatly assisted by using a wax primered detonator in the bottom of
each hole.
You are in the main intake airway and you have three lashers, working in a
drive and during routine checks one of them comes to you and tells you
that he is no longer feeling well what will you do?
I will first communicate with the guy and find out when it all started then secondly
I suspect that it‘s a gasing incident. I will call the lashers working at the face by
flashing my cap lamp, retrieve them to a fresh air base and test for gases and
barricade off the end. Render first aid to the casualty, At the surface inform
manager who will in turn report the accident to the Inspector of mines by the
quickest means available.

Log in the persons withdrawal book, accident report book and gas-recording
book.
Take myself and those were involved in the gasing incident to the hospital for
48hours observation.
Tell us two most dangerous gases that you know?

Carbon monoxide and Nitrous fumes
Specify on which human body part they affect?

Carbon monoxide affects the brain and nitrous fumes affect the lungs.
How do you mine the raise to connect with the winze above, the area is
inaccessible?
10m
Collect survey layout, sinkers‘ sketch for the last round blasted at the winze,
superimpose sinkers‘ sketch and the lower level to determine angle of drill hole
and position of sockets.
Construct a sump in the fresh air area, put two pumps and construct a good
drainage system, flood gates. Install a force fan .Drill a 0.5m hole before holing
and grout in a high pressure valve anchor it
How do you hole into an old abandoned stope that is full of water?
Collect survey lay out, log stopped ends book find out if end was examined and
made safe before stopping. Consult Mining Official and discuss the way forward.
Before I, start mining operations I, will construct a sump in the main return airway
and put two pumps in there.

I will ensure flood gate devices are ready and a good drainage is constructed
leading to the sumps. I will mine the end and measure and book the advance
daily subtracting from the stope.
When I‘m left with 7.5m to hole I, will mine using a pilot hole on every round
which will be twice the length of my round. When according to my measurement
I‘m left with at least 3.0m to hole I, will drill a 0.5m hole, ream it and grout in a
high pressure valve, secure on the face with chains. I, will drill a pilot hole thru
that valve while standing at a safe angle to prevent any injuries due to sudden
rush of water, mud. I will close the flood gates as soon as water is encountered,
close off the valve retrieve the drillsteel, test for gases mainly H2S. Join a flexible
hose leading to the sump, open the valve to drain the water, test for H2S at the
sump and pump out the water to surface.
When the water is drained out mine a 1.5m round, don‘t blast and allow the mud
to settle, then mine and hole and log in the Holings Book, submit to Mining
Official for counter signature in ink.
What are the uses of a pilot hole?

 To predict what is in front of the round
 For drainage purposes
 For ventilation purposes and to know the intended destination of holing.
You are doing re-entry and you find there is 4% NxOy and 90% Co whats
your conclusion?
I, will not work in such an area because NxOy must be 0.0005% when converted
to percentage and CO must be 0.01% when converted to percentage.
90/100 x 1000 000/1 = 900 000 ppm
4/100 x 1000 000/1 = 40 000 ppm
How do you know that someone has been gassed by NxOy and CO without
testing?
For Co the person will have a pinkish complexion, bluish colour on the gums and
will often show signs of muscular strain in that strenuous but fatal attempts were
made to escape from the gas. But these signs are usually seen by a Doctor on a
dead gased person.
For NxOy the person will have saliva and mucus coming out of his mouth and
nose, bulging eyes and coughing and spitting blood stained sputum.
What do you test for on a lightning conductor?

Resistance
Q) What is the maximum resistance of a lightning conductor?

R) Maximum is 7 ohms and minimum is 4 ohms.

What if it’s below 4 ohms?
It attracts but it won‘t discharge current into earth.
What if it’s above 7 ohms?

It wont attract it will cause sparks.
So how do you remedy the situation?

Add salt to moisturize the ground.
You are developing point (B) on your re-entry you reach point (A) and find
concentration of gases to be too high, what do you suspect?
A)
I, suspect gases trapped in the sub-drive.
Q) Tell us your procedure if you want to support the area (X) with rock
bolts?
Starting from the waiting place I, will do a complete re-entry procedure, operating
waterblast for 15 minutes, testing for gases, checking if fans are running,
adequate ventilation, attachment to cables, obstructions in drains bad hangings
and any other dangerous conditions. Open the danger barricade, enter close it
behind and put a ―No Entry ―sign. Construct an overhead platform at the raise,
wash and bar down at the flat end lash the footwall 2m back from the face to
expose lifters and also expose the footwall to search for sockets and misfires on
area to be supported. Pump out, examine and plug all sockets with wooden
plugs, bring mesh wire and install temporary support by means of props, mark
position of holes to be drilled 150mm away from sockets. Use a starter drillsteel
when collaring. Leave the area undisturbed for 24hrs to allow cement to cure
then remove support equipment to a safe place.
Why do you say CO is the most dangerous gas found underground?

It does not give a warning of its presence. It is absorbed 300 times faster than
oxygen in the blood stream hence arresting the body and has a cumulative
effect. It cannot be detected by human senses i.e. it is odourless, colourless and
tasteless.

You have been hired to blast in a built up area tell us your procedure?
I, will avail all the necessary details on what I intend to do to the Inspector of
Mines.
I will the given conditions by the Inspector such as:-
 Manner in and times at which such blasting operations may be carried out.
 Maximum quantity of explosives that may be used in any charge.
 The number of charges to be exploded at one time.
 The interval of time that shall elapse between explosions.
I will fence off the area and display warning signs potraying my blasting
schedule.
I will drill holes and plug them, with the help of the Police go, clear and place
guards with red flags at all avenues of approach. Instructs guards not to allow
anyone to pass thru them, not to leave the guard points until I come back to
relieve them of their duties and to count the number the of shots exploded.
I, will inform the Local Authority, neighbourhood of what I, intend to do.
I will charge using instantaneous electric delay detonator and detonating relays
to provide delay intervals along the line of propagation in conjunction with
detonating fuse which shall extend the full depth of each hole for initiating the
charge.
I, will cover the charges with steel, rubber mats first and sand bags on top to
prevent flying debris, sound the siren for three minutes prior to firing. I, will fire
using a shot exploder from a safe place. After firing I, will remove the key and
carry it myself.
Why did we choose a canary bird for testing Co and not any other animal?
 It breathes faster
 It has a low blood volume
 It is very active
What must be there for an explosion to take place?

 gas must be produced
 there must be sufficient oxygen
 the gas must reach its explosive range
 the gas must be ignited by a spark
What causes static electricity during pneumatic charging?

It is generated by the friction between the charging hose and the ANFEX.
Draw a sketch of an elbow flue and show the interior and exterior and why
it is shaped like that?
It is shaped like that to prevent the inadvertent pushing in foreign material thru
them and also to prevent flooding of the Magazine

Draw a sketch plan of an immovable magazine and all features around it?
What is the difference between a 6d and a 8d detonator?

an 8d detonator has a larger base charge than a 6d detonator
an 8d det has got 0.78g PETN while a 6d det contains 0.35g PETN.
an 8d det is used for initiating the less sensitive Anfex while a 6d det is used for
initiating N.G based explosives.
Q) What is -?
Stink Damp ------- hydrogen sulphide

White Damp ------- carbon monoxide
Black Damp ------- carbon dioxide
Fire Damp ------- methane
After damp ------ Atmosphere after a methane explosion containing CO
&CO2

Tell me three possible ways of initiating an effective blast using the items
below?
Power cord shot exploder

Matches bass wires
Igniter cord anstart
ANFEX 6d electric det
Electric starter 6d durafuse
R) (1) (2) (3)

anfex anfex anfex
anstart anstart anstart
6d durafuse 6d electric det 6d durafuse
Igniter cord baswires igniter cord
Electric starter shot exploder matches
What is the difference between a safety fuse and a detonating fuse?

Safety fuse contains gunpowder while detonating fuse contains PETN
Safety fuse burns while detonating fuse explodes
Safety fuse is a low explosive while a detonating fuse is a high explosive.
What is burning speed?

Speed of the igniter cord flame measured in metres per second.
What is sequential firing?

It means blast holes will detonate in the planned order from point of initiation.
What is interconnector spacing?

The length of igniter cord between any two consecutive fuses.
What is burning front?

Distance of the burning igniter cord ahead of the exploding shots.
Your two drives have holed on different elevations, what is wrong?

 Drillers not following gradeline.
 Lashers not exposing lifters.
You are the miner in charge and your mine asks to deepen a shaft which is
currently in use, what will you do?
Firstly I, will introduce ventilation, pump out all the water, put required services ie
pent houses, ladderways.Get the the survey lay out and the sinkers‘ sketch of the
last round blasted at the shaft. Lash or pump out the mud then match sockets on
the face with those on the sketch plan and pump them, mark position of the holes
to be drilled and show the new holes on the sinkers‘ sketch.

One long ring and you are told it’s a man who has fallen into the shaft
which is 2km deep, how do you rescue the guy?
Accident in the shaft, stop all winding operations in all compartments,
communicate with all shaft stations if they had seen anything falling past their
level station. After ascertaining the position of the man that‘s when I will move the
conveyance to nearest upper level and leave it there. I will proceed down
searching for the men using the ladderway. I will communicate with my
assistance at the top level that I, have found the man and what I am going to do
next. I, will tie the man a figure of eight and arrange my assistants in series in the
ladderway i.e. every platform must have a man to direct the injured thru the man
hole until he reaches the level where the conveyance is, render first aid and
mount him on a stretcher .Put him in the conveyance after exchanging
appropriate signals with the driver. I, will ring to surface and without delay take
the casualty to hospital, inform the Manager who will in turn inform the Inspector
of Mines and log in the accident report book.
What is the difference between a water spray and a waterblast?

A waterblast is used in blasted ends and uses a combination of water and
compressed air, while a water spray is used at shaft loading boxes, scraper
gullies and at grizzlies and it uses water only.
What is oxygen imbalance?

An atmosphere deficient in oxygen.
What is sympathetic detonation?

Is caused by a shock wave from an adjacent hole after detonation.
What is premature detonation?

Any detonation caused stray currents, negligence and static electricity before
primary blasting in the actual way.
What is the purpose of a shunt wire?

It helps to neutralise the potential difference in case of stray currents thus
preventing premature detonation to take place.
You want to bar down in a shrinkage stope, what is your procedure?

Conduct re-entry from the waiting place, secure safety belt attached to lifeline,
barricade tramming level and post ―No entry‖ signs.

Support the area which goes five years without support?
Adopt a full re-entry procedure from the waiting place , thru the gulley , making
safe up to the face and support the area by means of mat packs placed at 10m
grid square apart.
What is the difference between ANFEX and ANFO?
ANFEX is pre-packed factory made while Anfo is mixed on site

ANFEX has a long shelf life while Anfo must be used within 48hrs
ANFEX Is stored at the magazine while ANFO is stored at the stores and is not
regarded as an explosive until it is mixed with fuel.
This raise has been abandoned for three years without services. Tell me
your procedure until you reclaim the chain ladder?
Advance with services testing for gases, barring down until you reach the muck
pile, water down thoroughly test for gases. Take the lashing crew with their
mouths and nose tied with mutton cloth lash the muck with continual testing of
gases and watering down until there is an opening. Remove all labour force to a
place of safety; leave the auxiliary air blowing barricade with a danger sign ―No
entry‖ for 4 hours.
When you come back tomorrow adopt the same procedure until you get to the
bottom of the raise. Proceed with services and leave 1‖pipe of compressed air
and waterblast pointing into the raise, leave them for 4hrs.
The following day adopt the same re-entry procedure and continue with services
blow in a lot of fresh air, shake the chain ladder,secure safety belt , put 2kg
hammer under your belt ,fibre rope, functional auger gas tester, valid detector
tubes, climb ladder with 1½‖hose blowing your face, testing for gases at regular
intervals until you reach the anchorage of the ladder.
Install a temporary platform, install eye bolt at the top of the ladder anchorage.
Put a rope thru an eye bolt (2 turns) and tie the ladder, climb down and tie the
rope to a safe anchorage tightly. Climb up and unhook the ladder from the pins.
Dismantle the platform and climb down. Untie the bottom end of the rope from
the anchorage and let it down.
You are conducting re-entry in a raise and on your way up your assistant
tells you that there is bad hanging about 5m from the brow of the raise
which you did not see, what will you do?
I will not allow my assistant to stand directly below the raise and I will sound the
sidewalls on my way up so there won‘t be any bad hanging.
How many types of misfires do you pump out?

When you have charged using a 6d or 8d durafuse
When you have charged using an inert inverted wax primer and NONELS.

Q) List four factors affecting the rate at which different persons respond to
gassing?
R)
 -rate of doing work
 individual physiology
 duration of the exposure
 concentration of the gas
Q) Draw me an open and closed chevron blasting pattern in open cast

mining. When would you use each of these patterns?
Open chevron pattern

Muckpile - scattered over a long distance, not compact.
Closed chevron pattern

Muckpile - deposited in a compact manner over a short distance.
Q) Describe a drager gas detector?
R)
USE: is used to determine the amount of gas present in the air in ppm.
PRINCIPLE: a bellow is used to suck air thru the detector tube broken on both
ends.
Different tubes are used for different gases.
HOW TO USE:
Test the bellows by inserting an unbroken tube into squeezed bellows. The
bellows should remain deflated.
Break off both ends of the detector tube and insert the tube with the arrow on the
detector tube facing the bellows.
For 1 pump read on N=1 scale
For 10 pumps read on N=10 scale
Q) What is a scrubber or a water box?

R) This is a device fitted to the exhaust system of an I.C.E to cool down exhaust
gases, remove sparks and reduce the concentration of toxic gases prior to the
gases being expelled to the atmosphere.
Q) Apart from using a scruber, how else can you deal with ICE exhaust
gases?
R) by using turbo-charged ICE engines with an inter cooler.
By use of a catalytic converter
by use of a jet flow fume diluter

Q) Classify the gases found u/g on their solubility?
R) extremely soluble: ammonia
Very soluble: nitrous fumes, hydrogen sulphide
Soluble: carbon dioxide
Slightly soluble: carbon monoxide, methane
Q) Why do we use slow burning I.C in development?

R) water resistant
- has a wire to avoid cut off of I.C hence less chance to set off premature
lighting of other fuses due to a steady flame.
Slow therefore good for sequential firing.
Q) You have cleaned your socket clean and there are no misfires inside.
Can you drill into the socket?
R) No, especially if the explosives are NG based because the NG being
waterproof will smear around the socket and should they be drilled into might
explode due to adiabatic compression of entrapped air gases.
Q) You want to destroy a large quantity of weeping explosives, what is

your procedure?
 Inform - inspector of explosives

 local authority
 police
 neighbours
 methods
Methods - detonating
Burning (demerits) change of wind
Exploding instead of burning
Can scatter unexploded explosives everywhere
Site- Old slimes dump
Quarry or sand velds
Q) Are all types of ropes recapped, if not how do you examine such ropes?
R) Ropes on a Koepe winder do not allow for recapping. These are tested at 6
months intervals by Non destructive means with approved equipment.
Q) Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are produced from the same
sources, where do they differ in their mode of production?
R) Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion; carbon dioxide is a
product of complete combustion.

Q) What happens physiologically when a person inhales nitrous fumes?
R) The lungs are moist so when nitrous fumes are inhaled, they react with this
moisture to produce an acidic solution. This acidic solution acts on the lung
tissue to produce blasters which will with time burst and drown the lungs.
Q) You are in charge of 2 development ends, two workers are lashing at

one end and a LHD lashing at the other . One of your guys collapses what
do you suspect is the cause and what is your procedure?
I would suspect that the guy has been affected by fumes from the LHD so I would
stop the LHD from operating call persons doing handlashing at face , open
auxiliary air and carry gassed person to fresh air base and barricade off the end.
Admit myself, the whole and gassed person to hospital for 48 hrs inform mining
official who will in turn report the accident to the Inspector, log in the persons
withdrawal book, gas recording book and accident report book.
Q) During re-entry on the drilling shift how can you locate misfires using
the sketch?
R) The position of chain ladders can be used and also a reference hole drilled on
side wall of the shaft.
Q) Why are nitrous fumes not a miners’ friend like carbon dioxide?
R) Although these gases give warning (smell, colour and irritation) if one is taken
to fresh air he will feel okay but has a delayed effect, unlike carbon dioxide
whose effects cease upon exposure to fresh air.
Q) How do you ventilate the two gullies when you only have 2x30”fans?
Q) What is the safest distance one is allowed to fall down an excavation?

R) Length of my safety belt.
You have been assigned to blast the boulders in 2X/C and your airflow is
indicated by those arrows, tell me where you place your guards and how
you are going to do the secondary blasting
I will go and order explosives from the distribution point together with my
assistant and log in the Magazine register. I will also collect old explosives from
the old explosives boxes. My assistant will move in front carrying fracture
explosives whilst I will be following behind with detonators/capped fuses. On
reaching the x/cut I will enter and close the barricade behind me and put a ―NO
ENTRY –CHARGING IN PROGRESS‖ sign.

After charging I will go and evacuate people working in the Main Return Airway
and barricade off the area with a ―NO ENTRY – SECONDARY BLASTING IN
PROGRESS sign at the first T/Way to the haulage. I will take them clearing the
section and placing guards at the points shown on the diagram. I will instruct the
guards not to allow anyone to pass thru them, count the number of shots
exploded and not to leave the guard points until I myself have relieved them off
their duties. I will go to the waiting place and do a head count of my men. I will
sound the siren and light up from a safe place (the igniter cord will be lengthened
to give myself enough time to reach a place safety before the first shots go off)
After the stipulated re-entry interval, I will proceed towards the x/cut testing for
gases, checking for bad hangings and adequate ventilation.
I will wash and bar down the whole area, check for any unexploded explosives,
close the siren after making safe, remove the barricades and guards and resume
operations.
You want to apply shortcrete in the drive and one of your guys discovers
an electric misfire at the face, what will you do?
I don‘t expect to see a misfire at the face now.

According to the regulations the blasting licence examines and makes safe to
ascertain that there are no misfires remaining, then barricade off the end and put
a ―NO ENTRY-END STOPPED‖ sign. Log in the stopped ends book and submit it
to the Mining Official for countersignature in ink.
But given the above situation, I will short circuit the lead wires, roll them back into
the hole and plug off with a wooden socket plug, encircle it with chalk and write
―MF‖ warn everyone of its existence and position and barricade off the end.
Report to the Mining Official (NB you cannot blast a rock in-situ during the shift)
So I will extend the services to within 15metres of the face, test the waterblast to
see if it hits the face. Extract sufficient tamping by means of an approved copper
scraper wire, insert a fresh primer in contact with the charge, tamp it, remove the
shortcreting machine to safe place and blast at primary blasting time.
FROM SURFACE TO UNDERGROUND WAITING PLACE
On arrival at the mine security gate I, will identify myself by producing my I.D
card and proceed to the change house to change into my P.P.E i.e gumboots,
overalls, hard hat, caplamp belt, gloves. At the Checkers‘ Office I, will collect the
blasting token book and check the time blasting was carried out with reference to
the clock on the shaft bank I, will set my watch according to official time, work out
to see if 4hrs set aside for dust and fumes to dissipate have elapsed. Collect a
functional Auer gas tester, valid detector tubes for different gases ,collect my
caplamp check if its not leaking, check safety clothing on my men at the
checkers‘ office and proceed underground. I will leave the rest of the crew at the
shaft station and take one competent person.

I will enter the skip after the bellmen has exchanged appropriate signals with the
driver.
From the shaft station I, will proceed towards the waiting place doing the
following:-
Testing for gases

Checking if fans are running & ventilation is adequate
Visually checking for bad hangings
Checking for any other dangerous conditions
I, will adopt the same procedure until I reach the danger barricade just before the
waiting place. I, will open the barricade, enter and close it behind me and put a
―NO ENTRY‖ sign. At the waiting place I, will test for gases make sure there is
adequate ventilation and the place is properly supported & lighted check for bad
hangings cracks and any loose rock check if notices are posted up at
conspicuous places where they can be clearly seen and read by every person.
Check for any other dangerous conditions and make sure the area is safe before
calling my crew. After making safe I, will send for my crew and do the waiting
place procedures:-
 do a head count of my men and mark the register

 Re-check the condition and availability of their safety clothing
 check to see if men are fit and sober
 Give a safety talk
 Discuss & identify problems faced in the previous shift & correct them.
 Allocate duties for the day‘s work.
I, will collect tools from the store room, leave the rest of the crew at the waiting
place with a team leader to man the waiting place and instruct him not to allow
anyone to leave the waiting place until I, come back or send for them.
FLAT END
Before I, leave the waiting place I, will delegate one competent person to man
the waiting place until I, come back. I will collect the following tools from the store
room:-
 Two pinch bars fitted with rubber gaskets

 Approved blow pipe
 ½‘‘ hose
 Functional auger gas tester and valid detector tubes for different gases.

With my competent person I, will proceed towards the main danger barricade,
open it, enter and close it behind me and put a ―NO ENTRY‖ sign. I, will open the
main compressed air valve to operate the waterblast and check time, retreat to a
safe place.
After the expiry of 15 minutes or more I, will proceed towards the main danger
barricade, open, enter and close it behind me and put a ―NO ENTRY‖ sign.
On the travelling way I, will:-
 test for gases

 make sure fans are running and ventilation is adequate
 unexpected holings along the drive
 attachment to cables and pipes
 blockages in drains
 visually check for bad hangings and any other dangerous conditions
Adopt the same procedure until I, reach the danger barricade at the entrance to
the blasted end. I, will open the barricade, enter and close it behind me and put a
―No Entry‖ sign, test for gases until I, reach the waterblast control valve and close
it. Instruct my competent person to connect the hose to the water outlet. With his
aid I, will wash and bar down towards the face testing for gases at regular
intervals. At the face I, will check for misfires; water down the muck pile
thoroughly to dissolve NxOy trapped in the muck pile. I, will water down until
clean water runs from the bottom of the muck pile. I will wash and bar down at
least 8 metres from the face.
I, will check the tipping barricade and send for the remaining crew and give them
instructions:-
 to be on the look out for misfires

 to continuously bar down as the face is exposed
 to continuously water down the muck pile to allay dust and soluble gases
 to avoid undercutting the muckpile
 to do house keeping and clean fly rock first before they start lashing
 to open up the drain as they lash
 to report any dangerous conditions encountered immediately
 Before I, move on I, will tell them where they would find me in case of
emergency
RAISE.
With my competent person I, will collect the following tools from the store room:-
 two pinch bars fitted with rubber gaskets

 safety belt
 2kg hammer

 half inch hose
 3m grizzley hook
 hemp rope
 functional auger gas tester and valid detector tubes
the waiting place until I, come back.
open it , enter and close it behind me and put a ―NO ENTRY‖ sign. I, will open
the main compressed air valve to operate the waterblast and auxiliary air and
check time go back to a fresh air zone.
On the traveling way I, will:-
 test for gases

 make sure fans are running and ventilation is adequate
 unexpected holings along the drive
 attachment to cables and pipes
 blockages in drains
 visually check for bad hangings and any other dangerous conditions
the end. I, will open the barricade, enter and close it behind me and put a ―No
Entry‖ sign, test for gases until I, reach the waterblast control valve and close it.
Water down the whole area around the bottom of the raise and bar down. Then
with a grizzely hook and standing clear off the raise with the aid of my competent
person , shake the chain ladder to:-
 To dislodge any rock which might have been caught up.

 Make sure the chain ladder is still secure and intact.
Take Co detector tube and auger gas tester put it in my top pocket, put a rope
on my shoulder, secure my safety belt, put 2kg hammer under my belt, tie the
half inch hose pointing my face and slightly turn it on to blow fresh air to my face.
Before climbing up I, will give specific instructions to my competent person:-
 not to allow anyone to pass thru the raise

 to listen to my instructions and stand clear off the raise.
I, will climb up the chain ladder, secure myself to a secure anchorage, test for
gases, sound for loose ground with hammer at regular intervals until I, reach the
position of the safety platform pinholes. I will secure myself, drop the other end of
the hemp rope and request a water hose and wash the platform pin holes,
request for ―L‖ pins and install them, pull up the gum planks and round poles one
at a time and rig the safety platform.

I, will climb on the safety secure myself to a secure anchorage, test for gases,
sound for loose ground, wash clean drilling platform pin holes, request for ―L‖
pins and install them, pull up gum planks and round poles one at a time and rig
the drilling platform.
I will climb on the drilling platform, secure myself to a secure anchorage:-

Test for gases, visually check for misfires water down the whole area, pull up
pinch bar and bar down the whole area pull up blow pipe and pump all sockets
clean ring all sockets with yellow paint
After making safe I, will call one of my drilling crew members. First he must
secure himself to any eye bolt with a safety belt. With his aid I, will pull up the
chain ladder and install it to its new position. I will pull up brush and paint and
mark the face profile mark drill holes 150mm parallel to sockets and mark the
next drilling platform pin holes.
I will give instructions to my drilling crew:-
 keep secured to eye bolts

 drill on marked positions
 follow direction lines
 dress face before drilling
 use a starter drill steel when collaring
 do not practice dry collaring
 first drill platform pin holes for next round
 report any dangerous condition encountered immediately
I, will tell them my next destination before I move, climb down and group socket
plugs below raise to indicate number of sockets.
WINZE
Collect sinkers‘ sketch from the Mining Official

 safety belt
 2kg hammer
 half inch hose
 hemp rope
 functional auer gas tester and valid detector tubes

the main compressed air valve to operate the waterblast and auxilliary air and
check time go back to a fresh air zone.
On the travelling way I, will:-test for gases make sure fans are running and
ventilation is adequate unexpected holings along the drive attachment to cables
and pipes blockages in drains visually check for bad hangings and any other
dangerous conditions
the end. I, will open the barricade, enter and close it behind me and put a ―No
Entry‖ sign, test for gases until I, reach the waterblast control valve and close it.
Proceed to test the winch and the kibble. Secure my safety belt, test for gases at
the collar and water down the whole area around the collar, clear off any dirty or
tools around the collar for a distance of at least 2 metres- shake the chain ladder
with a grizzley hook.
I will leave my competent at the collar to warn people and control valves.
Collect under my belt, functional auger gas tester and valid detector tubes in my
top pocket
I will descend securing myself and testing for gases, sounding the sidewalls at
regular intervals. Upon reaching at about 8 metres from the bottom, I will tell my
competent person to lower a water hose and water down the whole area, test for
gases, and dressing down the areas I can reach.
Upon reaching the face, water down the muck pile thoroughly to dissolve NxOy,
call for a pinch bar and bar down, visually check for misfires.
After making safe I will call my lashing crew. After lashing I will call for a blow
pipe and with the use of a sinkers‘ sketch, pump all sockets. Mark thereon the
positions of misfired holes endorse and date it in ink and pass on to the miner in
charge of drilling operations.
SHAFT
On arrival at the mine security gate I, will identify myself by producing my I.D
card and proceed to the change house to change into my P.P.E i.e gumboots,
overalls, hard hat, caplamp belt, gloves. At the Checkers‘ Office I, will collect the
blasting token book and check the time blasting was carried out with reference to
the clock on the shaft bank I, will set my watch according to official time, work out
to see if 4hrs set aside for dust and fumes to dissipate have elapsed. I will
proceed to the Mining Official‘s office to collect a sinkers‘ sketch and Collect a
functional Auer gas tester, valid detector tubes for different gases, collect my
caplamp check if it‘s not leaking, check safety clothing on my men at the
checkers‘ office and proceed underground. I will leave the rest of the crew at the
shaft station and take one competent person.

I will enter the skip after the bellmen has exchanged appropriate signals with the
driver.
From the shaft station I, will proceed towards the waiting place doing the
following:
 testing for gases

 checking if fans are running & ventilation is adequate
 visually checking for bad hangings
 checking for any other dangerous conditions
I will adopt the same procedure until I reach the danger barricade just before the
waiting place. I, will open the barricade, enter and close it behind me and put a
―NO ENTRY‖ sign. At the waiting place I will:
 test for gases

 make sure there is adequate ventilation and the place is properly
supported & lighted
 check for bad hangings cracks cracks and any loose rock
 Check if notices are posted up at conspicous places where they can be
clearly seen and read by every person.
 Check for any other dangerous conditions and make sure the area is safe
before calling my crew.
After making safe I, will send for my crew and do the waiting place procedures:-
 do a head count of my men and mark the register

 re-check the condition and availability of their safety clothing
 check to see if men are fit and sober
 give a safety talk
 Discuss & identify problems faced in the previous shift & correct them.
 Allocate duties for the day‘s work.
I will collect tools from the store room, leave the rest of the crew at the waiting
place with a team leader to man the waiting place and instruct him not to allow
anyone to leave the waiting place until I, come back or send for them.

 safety belt
 2kg hammer
 half inch hose
 hemp rope
 Functional auer gas tester and valid detector tubes

the main compressed air valve to operate auxiliary air and check time go back to
a fresh air zone.
On the travelling way I, will:-test for gases make sure fans are running and
ventilation is adequate unexpected holings along the drive attachment to cables
and pipes blockages in drains visually check for bad hangings and any other
dangerous conditions
the shaft. I, will open the barricade, enter and close it behind me and put a ―No
Entry‖ sign, test for gases until I, reach the auxilliary air valve and close it. Secure
my safety belt, test for gases and water down the whole area around the collar to
expose cracks and bar down all accessible areas, clear any tools or dirt around
the collar for a distance of at least 2 metres from the shaft collar.
Go to the winding engine driver and verbally warn him of what I intend to do in
the shaft and enter the warning in the drivers‘ log book including the time, the
driver shall counter sign as having understood the warning. The kibble will travel
a complete trip up and down
to make sure it is safe for use (after ringing 2-1 to the driver)
After inspecting the kibble I will put tools in the kibble, get into the kibble with my
competent person and ring 2-2. I will test for gases and visually check for bad
hangings as we go down. I will adopt the same procedure until I reach the
galloway stage.
I will climb out and put tools on the galloway stage, check the attachments to the
galloway stage, fit it is still secure and intact.
I will leave my competent person at the galloway stage and give him instructions,
to watch my progress and to listen to my instructions as I go down.
I will put valid detector tubes and a functional auger gas tester in my top pocket,
secure safety belt and 2kg hammer under my belt, unreel the chain ladder from
the galloway stage and lower it down.
I will go down the chain ladder securing myself to a secure anchorage, test for
gases and sound for loose ground with a hammer at regular intervals. I will adopt
the same procedure until I reach at least 8 metres from the bottom of the shaft.
At about 8 metres from the shaft bottom I will tell my competent person to lower a
water hose and water down the whole area including the muck pile, call for a
pinch bar and bar down the sidewalls as I go down.
Upon reaching the face I, will test for gases, water down the sidewalls and the
muck pile to dissolve NxOy and visually check for misfires.

I will ring the skip down by ringing 2-2 and stop it at the 4m mark and ring the
mark signal 4-4 and driver shall also ring 4-4 as acknowledgement that he has
understood the signals.
I will ring the skip down by ringing 2-2 and stop it at the 2m mark and ring the
mark signal 4-4 and driver shall also ring 4-4 as acknowledgement that he has
understood the signals.
I will lower an air pump and pump all the water, call my lashers and give them
instructions:
 to be on the look out for misfires
 to continously bar down as the face is being exposed
 to observe the safety precautions of raising and lowering the kibble
 not to overload the kibble above the level of the brim
On completion, mark on sinkers‘ sketch any misfired holes located and endorse
and hand over to miner in charge of drilling operations.
Q) How do mix 25kg of ANFO given the ratios 94:6%

Ans D/A*25kg divided by 0.85mg =
Q) Detail procedure into an old working
OLD
WORKING
1996
Q) What are the requirements of 50m raise ?
Q) Explain what you know about I.C.Engines u/g in detail.

Q) A careless Miner left misfires in a stope and you are told to go and drill to
hole as below from the lower level into the upper level .What safety aspect would
you put into place?
LHD
Stope
15m
mm
mm
RIG

Full Blasting Licence Preliminary Questions 21/06/05
1. List the sources of danger underground?

2. What is dangerous about explosives and blasting operations?
3. What are the gases that you get from blasting and from what kind of
explosives are these?
4. What gases are produced by mobile diesel engines? What do you do
when these are above the legal limits?
5. What do you do if you find the concentration of carbon monoxide to be
5ppm?
6. What is used to reduce gases in mobile diesel engines?
7. Draw a scrubber box.
8. How is diesel stored underground? Why are the pipes drained after use?
9. How do you conduct a shaft exam?
10. How do you bar down a bad hanging in a shaft?
11. Explain your procedure for shaft re-entry for lashing?
12. What items are on the sinkers sketch?
13. Differentiate between a Penthouse and a Galloway stage?
14. How do you use a Draeger Tester?
15. Explain your Re-entry procedure into a drive for lashing that has a bad
hanging that cannot be removed?
16. How do you support a bad hanging?
17. How do you install timber support on the bad hanging and what do you
use to measure the length of timber required?
PRELIMINARY AND BOARD QUESTIONS MAR&NOV 2007
1) At re entry time you come and find the raise ladder blasted out as shown
in the diagram below. Tell us your procedure for installing a new ladder.
R) Knowing where the pin holes for the first platform I will wash them and
install a platform. From that platform I will pull the ladders up to the pins and
remove the plat form and install it to the next pins and pull the ladders further
to the top. I will do the same procedure till I reach to the top of the raise.

30m
2) At what distance are the control valves from the mouth of the raise.
R
At list two metres
3) What do you understand by the term Re-entry?
R) It‘s the re-entering of the mine after blast or any part of the mine that has been
left idle for the period of more that six hours.
4) If your mine does take a blast at 4p.m and then you come back at 5p.m, what
do you call this?
5) How can a mine carry out its re-entry 11/2 hrs after a primary blast?

45m
6) The shaft has been idle for five years so you are required to re-deepen the
shaft how do you go about it
R
I will have to look for the sinker sketch for that shaft and get the information for
what last activities which took place last in the shaft. I will check the hoist
condition and insure all safety devices are present and in good order‘s i will go in
to the driver‘s log book and give instruction to the hoist driver. At the shaft I will
clear the mouth of the shaft for 2m then signal 2-1 for the driver to test the hoist
up and down the competent person for the hoist repairing will be close monitoring
the hoist. Once satisfied with the condition I will get the following with me
a) Assistants
b) Pinch bars
c) 4lb hammer
d) Safety chains
e) 24‘ spanners * 2
f) Rope
g) Hooks.
h) Planks and pins
i) Dragger pumps and tubes
Having all this now I give the picture of what I am going to do to my assistants.
we then give the signals to the driver and proceed down slowly, in the skip will be
standing on back to back position visually checking the side walls of the shaft
barring scraping and testing the strength of the platforms of the shaft repairing
and replacing warn out materials in the shaft. Testing gases as we will be going
down

7) How do you conduct re-entry on the following end
A) Choked raise
B) Flat end
C) Winze
8) What is the re-entry?
9) Go and lash in a shaft
9level
socketss
15m
10level GD
10)
You are drilling long holes using a GD machine as illustrated above. On the level
above, there are some sockets. Tell us your procedure.
VENTILATION-GASES
1. Consider the scenario illustrated below: A man was instructed to go and

make safe in a winze in a sub crosscut, on his way down he fell 20m down
into a box

8level
70pppm
80ppm
9level
2. Detail your rescue procedure for the guy who has fallen into the box.
3. What do you think happened to the guy?
4. You take CO gas readings and you find the results as shown, what do you
suspect and what do you do?
5. As you proceed down to the casualty and suddenly your assistant at the
top are no longer communicating what will you do?
Lhd
X 2 guys
opening drain
Orepass
6. You get to point X and you see the two guys who you left opening a drain
now seated. What do you suspect and what do you do.

7. Detail your rescue procedure for removing these guys from that end.
8. What gases do you suspect could have affected these guys and why
9. When entering the drive you see a cloud of dust at point what do you do?
10. Who is supposed to go for observation?
11. Your Mine Manager comes and says all the guys are ok and he needs
them back at work. What is your comment?
12. Explain how you would ventilate these ends.
13. What do you understand by the terms cumulative effect and delayed
effect?
14. What do you understand by PPM?
15. I.C.Es underground?

16. What is the use of scrubber box and Catalistic Converter, draw and label
17. How is diesel handled underground
18. What is the advantage of the force overl Tell me what you know about
Co
19. Tell me what you know about the use of ap system underground
20. Draw and label F.E.O system
21. What is the different between the water blast and the water spray
22. What are the percussive drilling machines and what are their
requirements
23. What are the exhaust ppm of Co and N0x?

24. How do you test for exhaust gases quantities
25. What are the requirements of ICE engine underground?
26. The LHD operator has just been informed you that he saw the operators
lying down, what is you reaction as the miner in charge of the section
27. What are the eight differences of Co and No
28. List three most dangerous gases that are found underground
29. Supporting systems
(1) What type of support do you use at your mine and tell me its
advantage.

40m
30. b) You intersected faulted ground. Give the procedure for supporting this
area.
31. c) Drill in to the ore board passed the fragile ground.
General Questions
1. .Your mine has just bought a distometer. Give the procedure to be taken
before the instrument is used. What are the hazards of using this
instrument?
2. What is a development end and what is a production end
3. What is the deferent between a penthouse and Galloway stage
4. How is the actual recapping of the rope done
5. What is contained in a rope certificate
6. What is tramming
a. What is a full blasting license?
7. Name the types of maps you find underground
8. Illustrate a dump, Pit, shaft, raise and winze underground
9. What are the safety devices you find on the head gear, the winding rope
and the winding compartment?
10. What are the duties of a miner
11. What are the duties of a person in charge
12. What are the duties of a guard
13. What are the duties of a hoist driver
14. What is recapping
15. How often is it done

16. WHAT quantity of air do require given that a combination of L.H.D and
Dump truck is being used in a twin decline development which is being
work at high speed
17. List the hazards
18. Tell the inspector the last accident occurred at your and the safety
precaution taken.
19. List 15 dangers that found underground
20. DRILLING AND BLASTING
a. Tell me the holing procedure on the table below

21. Its winze lying idle for 3 months
Level 2
Fragile
ground
Water
Level 3
22. A 3ton dimension rock has fallen in Gweru Urban at a 10m radius to
building. You have tasked to blast how you would do it.
23. Draw a series, parallel and parallel series connection

24. What do you understand by continuity testing
25. Tell me your blasting procedure
26. How do you blast a building in GWERU city centre

27. EXPLOSIVES
28. Describe the low explosive and the high explosive and what do you mean
by detonating and deflagrate then give examples of explosives under
these categories.
29. Describe the immovable magazine and what is the need for earthen
mound
30. You have been asked to transport explosives from Dyno Nobel to Ngezi
tell me how you would do it.
31. What are the old explosives
32. How do you destroy 25 kgs of explosives
33. Tell the shaft examination procedure
34. DRAW a sinker sketch and explain everything there.
35.
36. How do you transport explosive from Sweden
37. Can you conduct a secondary blasting in a draw point on a boulder which
removed by the LHD
38. Given the application for the establishment of magazine can you analyse
it and give the respond to the applicant
39. Draw the elbow flues of an immovable magazine
40. What is the cause of deterioration of explosives in a magazine
41. How do you deal weeping explosives
42. TELL ME THE CLASSES OF EXPLOSIVES
43. What quantity of diesel do you mix with a 25kgs of ANFO
44. Describe the requirements of storing explosives of 6kgs and below
45. List 16 gases and give 4 gases produced from ICE

46. Draw ANFO loader
47. TELL me the different between the capped fuse and the detonating fuse
48. Tell me the different between the ANFO AND ANFEX
49. What is the low explosives
50. What will happen if you use a ration of 96;4
51. What is the dura fuse and what is the burning speed arrange them in order
and their colour codes?
52. What is the arcing of electric detonator
53. Draw and label an electric detonator(delay)
54. What is the Vulcan fuse head and where is it used

FULL BLASTING LICENCE PRELIMINARY
QUESTIONS 21/06/05
1. List the sources of danger underground?

2. What is dangerous about explosives and blasting operations?
3. What are the gases that you get from blasting and from what kind of
explosives are these?
4. What gases are produced by mobile diesel engines? What do you do
when these are above the legal limits?
5. What do you do if you find the concentration of carbon monoxide to be
5ppm?
6. What is used to reduce gases in mobile diesel engines?
7. Draw a scrubber box.
8. How is diesel stored underground? Why are the pipes drained after use?
9. How do you conduct a shaft exam?
10. How do you bar down a bad hanging in a shaft?
11. Explain your procedure for shaft re-entry for lashing?
12. What items are on the sinkers sketch?
13. Differentiate between a Penthouse and a Galloway stage?
14. How do you use a Draeger Tester?
15. Explain your Re-entry procedure into a drive for lashing that has a bad
hanging that cannot be removed?
16. How do you support a bad hanging?
17. How do you install timber support on the bad hanging and what do you
use to measure the length of timber required.
FULL BLASTING LICENCE PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS

(FEBRUARY 2008)
1) List ten hazards found at a mine.

2) List 15 gases encountered during mining operations.
3) Which gas is a miners friend and why?
4) How can you identify a copse of a CO gased victim?
5) What do you understand by DELAYED EFFECT?
6) Tell me about ammonia.
7) What are the three main differences between ANFO and ANFEX?
8) Draw me an ANFO loader.
9) What is the purpose of the earthing chain on an ANFO loader and why is it
connected to the earth?
10) What is the amount of fuel needed for mixing 25Kg of AN.
11) You have been charging using an ANFO loader and you want to handle
emulite what do you? W
12) What is a Penthouse?

13) What is a Galloway Stage?
14) What is the difference between a penthouse and a Galloway stage?
15) Illustrate a 9-hole burn cut and connect it using the parallel connection.
16) Illustrate a series-parallel electric firing circuit on a round with a 9-hole burn
cut.
17) Illustrate a parallel electric firing circuit on a round.
18) What are the advantages of a parallel-series connection over a parallel
connection?
19) List the ventilation systems that you know.
20) Draw and label the force-exhaust overlap system and give specifications of
the vent. columns.
21) List the requirement for an IC engine used U/G.
22) Draw and label a scrubber box and a catalytic converter and explain how
each works.
23) What does N=1 and N=10 mean.
24) Define a shaft.
25) On re-entry you find there is a misfire at a point in a sinking shaft, how do you
determine its position from any point in a shaft?
26) What types of detonators are used in a shaft and why? Give three
advantages of using this det.
27) You have tasked a guy to go and open a drain at A and on returning you find
him at X. He complains of a headache. What might have happened and what
do you do? How would you ventilate the area? See diagram below.
X Stagnant H2O

Level 24
CO-50ppm
BOX
Level 25
28) You have tasked your gang leader to go and make safe the winze. He
accidentally falls into the winze. Detail your rescue procedure. You find that
the level NxOy to be 50ppm at the mouth of the winze. What do you do? See
diagram above.
29) You leave your drilling crew and the L.H.D operator working on returning you
find a cloud of dust at the entrance to the drive as shown below what do?
L.H.D
DRILLER

30)
L.H.D
DRILLERS
O/PAS
S
One of the drilling crew members complains of a headache, what do you do?
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
“Competent Person” means any person who:
1. is qualified by virtue of his knowledge, training and experience to organise the

work and its performance and is familiar with the provisions of the Act and the
regulations which apply to the work to be performed;
2. has been trained to recognise any potential or actual danger to health or safety in
the workplace or at the machinery where the work is to be performed; and is in
possession of the appropriate certificate of competency
“dead end” means any excavation or tunnel, which has advanced twice its largest width, or
more, beyond ough ventilation without a second outlet.
“flammable gas” means methane gas, hydrogen gas and/or any natural flammable
gas, which is liberated and may be encountered underground.

“flammable gas warning device” means an instrument designed to give a clearly
audible or a clear visible warning, or both, should it be placed in an atmosphere
containing more than one point four parts per hundred by volume of flammable gas
and approved for the purpose and which complies to the requirements of SABS
1515.
“Flammable gas trap” means any high point in the workings where Flammable gas
may accumulate due to inadequate ventilation and/or controls.
“proficiency Certificate” means a certificate which provides proof that the holder of
such certificate has received the necessary instructions and training as regards
flammable gas and on examination has been found competent to conduct tests for
flammable gas with the instrument ordinarily in use in the mine.
“controlled re-circulation” means that a portion of the air from a working face or
place returns to the same working place or face under pre-determined conditions;
“explosion protected apparatus” means any apparatus designed for the use in a
hazardous location and selected in accordance with the guidelines as defined in the
South African Bureau of Standards Code of Practice SABS 0108. ―The classification
of hazardous locations and the selection of apparatus for use in such locations‖, as
amended.
“hazardous locations” means any location on surface or underground at any mine

where there may be a risk of igniting gas, dust, vapour or any other explosive
substance.
“general atmosphere” means any point within a radius of 150mm away from the
source or point of issue.
“effective tool barricade” means a barricade that prevents the entry of persons
through the barricade unless the use of tools is required to gain entry to an
abandoned area.
6.13 “apparatus” means welding, cutting or heating torches, including hoses,

cylinders, regulators and blowpipes, blowlamps, electric welding plant,
grinding machines and electronic photographic equipment, and any other
equipment certified as IS.
a. “intrinsically safe” means apparatus that is suitable for use in a

hazardous location and in which all circuits are intrinsically safe, or
apparatus that is designed to form part of an intrinsically safe system.
b. “Abandoned End” means all development ends temporarily or

permanently stopped.
c. “HDPE” means high density polyethylene.

F.B.L SYLLABUS MINISTRY OF MINES
Section One: Ventilation
Gasses
(a)Sources, permissible quantities, specific gravities and chemical composition of
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous fumes, methane, hydrogen, hydrogen
sulphide, chlorine, aldehydes, ammonia, propane, Freon, hydrogen cyanide
(b)Properties(physical and chemical ),detection,testing,physiological and other

effects in persons, methods of getting rid of carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide,nitrus fumes, hydrogen sulphide and methane.
(c) Internal combustion engines.

The use of ICE‗s underground, sampling scrubber box, catalytic converters,
diesel handling underground.
(d) Use of compressed air in underground ventilation.

Waterblast, Auxiliary, percussive drilling machines.
Section two: Re-entries

(a)Development and re-entry on blasted raises winzes and flat ends.
(b)Rescue procedures
Explosives
(a)Types of explosives high and low explosives, ANFO.
(b)Storage: Immovable magazine, Portable magazine.
(c)Conveyance: Vehicles, Build up areas, containers
(d)Use: Old explosive box, destruction.
(e)Open pit blasting.
(f)Nonel blasting
Section three: Blasting practice.

(a)Fuse blasting; Incendiary cords types and burning speeds, inter-connector,
sequential firing, velocity of detonation and burning front.
(b)Electric blasting, series, parallel, series parallel connections, continuity testing
(c)Testing an electric misfired end using an Ohmmeter.
(d)Drilling, charging and blasting procedures in development of flat ends, raises,
winzes and shaft.
(e)Post split, pre-split and smooth wall blasting.
(f)Secondary blasting
(g)Blasting in built-up areas and quarries.
(h)Holing procedure for:
(a) 2 ends approaching each other
(b) Inaccessible dangerous areas.
END

FBL

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FULL BLASTING LICENCE GUIDE

NOTES, SITUATIONAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Compiled:B KANDAMBI&CHIDAMBA K (ND Mining, ZSM)

A mine is our second home it is up to us to make it a better home….

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 3

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 4

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 5

 What to be known about gases:

 Maximum permissible  Detection

2. Internal combustion engine

 The use of I.C.E.s underground, sampling, scrubber box, catalytic converters,

 Waterblast, blow pipe and percussive drilling machines

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 6

 Types of explosives: high and low explosives , ANFO

 Fuse blasting, igniter cord

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 7

CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)

S.G 1.53 MPQ > 5000PPM of more dangerous gases ahead

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

S.G 0.97 MPQ > 100PPM O-odourless C–not support

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 8

NITROUS FUMES ( NyOx)

S.G 1.04 to 1.6 MPQ>5PPM Physiological effects

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 9

S.G 0.6 MPQ > 50PPM  Blisters formed

HYDROGEN SULPHIDE (H2S)

S.G 1.2 MPQ > 20PPM Explosive range 4.0%-44%

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 10

S.G 0.55 MPQ > 1.25% Physiological effects

S.G 0.96 MPQ > 10PPM T-sweetish taste C-not support

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 11

S.G 1.79 MPQ > 5PPM Physiological effects

Physical Chemical Eradication

S.G 1.04 MPQ > 5PPM T-tasteless I-does not burns

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 12

S.G 0.07 MPQ > 2PPM Physiological effects

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 13

Nitrogen volumes if greater than Physiological effects

SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2)

S.G 2.26 MPQ > 2PPM Physiological effects

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 14

A principal constituent of air (21% by volume) and is essential to life.

EFFECT ON HUMAN BEINGS

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 15

Chemical tubes of COCL2 and a detector tube or Electric monitors

1 part per million (ppm) by volume of air in general body of air.

SOURCES OF DANDER UNDERGROUND

1. Breathing 9. Burning of synthetic material

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 16

Reasons for Dust Sampling

Effects of Dust on Human beings

The three conditions below give respiratory problems such as

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 17

Auer Gas Tester

Detector tube Trigger

Auer Gas Tester Cont…

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 18

Before commencing any gas tests the following checks should be

PRE – CHECKS Cont…..

Auer Gas Tester

 The Gas Tester is sufficiently leak tight if the green indicator

 If the leak tightness is not sufficient make a report of such

FBL Guide-HARD ROCK 19

CO :-10 Carbon Monoxide

Having ensured that the tester is in good working order