229Safety fuse firing

229 Safety fuse firing (1) This section applies if a shot-firer uses safety fuse in a blasting (a) before the fuse is used— (i) a sample of at least 1m is burnt to work out the burning rate of the fuse; and (ii) the burning rate of the sample is between 90 and 120 seconds per metre; and (b) sufficient fuse (of at least 1m) is used to enable the shot-firer to withdraw to a safe place without undue haste after the fuse has been ignited; and (c) the end of the fuse to be inserted into the detonator is clean and cut square, and inserted into the detonator by pushing gently without twisting; and (d) detonators are crimped on the fuse with a crimper; and (e) the fuse is not ignited until— (i) the charge has been fully inserted into the blast hole; and (ii) all necessary stemming and tamping has been completed; and (iii) if applicable, an effective means of screening the blast is in position; and (f) if more than 1 fuse is to be ignited at any single firing— (i) only a safety fuse igniter approved for igniting more than 1 fuse is used; and

(ii) no more than 8 fuses are ignited at any single firing location, unless igniter cord or an electrical igniter approved by an inspector is used; and (iii) the firing of charges is arranged to enable the number of explosions to be accurately counted from safe locations. (3) If the shot-firer has any doubt about the number of charges that have exploded, the shot-firer must— (a) assume that there has been a misfire; and (b) comply with the requirements of division 2.9.11 (Misfire precautions). (4) If 2 or more shot-firers fire explosives near each other, the shot-firers must arrange the order of firing to avoid confusion in counting the number of explosions.