Safe distances when using explosives

How to reduce or eliminate the workplace health and safety risks from general blasting operations by setting up safe distances.

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What it contains

This guidance notes outlines how to safely prepare for fire blasting explosives (shotfires) at sites other than mines and quarries. It explains how to:

  • calculate safe distances for blasting, including evacuation distances
  • plan an exclusion zone
  • assign roles to people in the exclusion zone
  • notify emergency services
  • prepare for delays and misfires