242Blasting strategy to deal with misfire

242 Blasting strategy to deal with misfire (1) This section applies if— (a) a charge misfires in a blasting or relieving hole; and (b) the shot-firer proposes to deal with the misfire by refiring the charge in the same hole or firing a further charge in the same hole or a relieving hole. (2) The shot-firer may deal with the misfire by following whichever of the following procedures applies: (a) if the shot-firer believes on reasonable grounds that there is no likelihood of injury to a person or damage to property if the charge is refired—by refiring the charge in the same hole; (b) if paragraph (a) does not apply—by firing a further charge in the same hole, in accordance with subsection (3); (c) if it is impractical to fire a further charge in the same hole— subject to subsection (6), by firing a further charge in a relieving hole in accordance with subsection (4) and subsection (5).

(3) If subsection (2) (b) applies, the shot-firer must ensure that— (a) stemming and any water destructible explosives are removed from the hole— (i) with pressurised water, or a combination of pressurised water and compressed air, using a rubber or plastic hose or tube; or (ii) if pressurised water or air is not available—with water and a wooden implement; and (b) the hole is reprimed with a fresh primer. Note For any further firing, the shot-firer must comply with the other requirements of this part relating to blasting operations. (4) If subsection (2) (c) applies, the shot-firer must ensure that the relieving hole is drilled— (a) parallel to the misfired hole as far as possible; and (b) at a distance sufficient to prevent the drill from entering any part of the misfired hole; and (c) for a misfire in a mine or quarry— (i) from a remote or safe location; and (ii) only with the approval of an inspector. (5) If subsection (2) (c) applies, the shot-firer may drill multiple relieving holes to be fired together to deal with the misfire. (6) However, a shot-firer must not use a relieving hole (or holes) to deal with the misfire if— (a) the blast hole has been bulled; or (b) it is otherwise unsafe to do so.