Sec. 29.06.01.10. Blasting Operations General Requirements

A. Notifications. Written notification by email or facsimile shall be provided to the Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad at least 24 hours prior to each blast. The name of company or contractor performing the blasting and the location, date, and approximate time shall be identified. The geographical coordinates (longitude and latitude) shall be provided.

B. Complaints. If requested by a property owner registering a complaint and considered necessary by the State Fire Marshal, measurements on three consecutive blasts, using approved instrumentation, shall be made near to the structure in question.

C. Special Precautions. When blasting operations, other than those conducted at a fixed site such as a quarry, are to be conducted within 200 feet of a pipe line or high voltage transmission line, the contractor shall take additional precautionary measures and shall notify the owner of the line, or the owner’s agent, that blasting operations are intended.

D. Records.

(1) A record of each blast shall be kept. All records, including seismograph reports, shall be retained for at least 3 years, be available for inspection, and include the following items:

(a) Name of company or contractor;

(b) Location, date, and time of blast. The geographical coordinates (longitude and latitude) shall be identified;

(c) Name, signature, and Social Security number of blaster in charge;

(d) Type of material blasted;

(e) Number of holes, burden, and spacing;

(f) Diameter and depth of holes;

(g) Type of explosives used;

(h) Total amount of explosives used;

(i) Maximum amount of explosives per delay period of 8 milliseconds or greater;

(j) Method of firing and type of circuit;

(k) Direction and distance in feet to nearest dwelling house, public building, school, church, and commercial or institutional building not owned or leased by the person conducting the blasting;

(l) Weather conditions including such factors as wind direction, etc.;

(m) Height or length of stemming;

(n) If mats or other protection to prevent fly rock were used;

(o) Type of detonators used and delay period used;

(p) Seismograph records including seismograph readings when required containing:

(i) Name and signature of the individual operating the seismograph,

(ii) Name of the individual analyzing the seismograph records, and

(iii) Seismograph reading; and

(q) The maximum number of holes per delay period of 8 milliseconds or greater.

(2) The person taking the seismograph reading shall accurately indicate the exact location of the seismograph, if used, and shall also show the distance of the seismograph from the blast.

E. Liability Insurance for Explosives Handlers.

(1) As provided in Public Safety Article, Title 11, Annotated Code of Maryland, proof of liability insurance shall be provided by an applicant for a license to:

(a) Manufacture explosives;

(b) Engage in the business of dealing in explosives; or

(c) Possess any explosives other than for use in firearms.

(2) The minimum amount of liability insurance required for licensing for the activities specified in §E(1) of this regulation is $1,000,000.