PURPOSE:
Reduce worker exposure to blasting fumes by determining the causes of
excessive blasting fumes and the toxic fumes generation of various
blasting agents under different blasting conditions. Develop strategies to
minimize exposure to the fumes.
RESEARCH SUMMARY:
All explosives generate toxic fumes
when detonated. The composition of these fumes is typical of what might be
expected from any combustion process and includes carbon monoxide (CO),
nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ammonia (NH3).
Care must be taken to ensure that workers are protected from the fumes. As
mines have switched from high explosives to ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO)
over the past 30 years and blasts have increased in size, the problem of
toxic fumes generation in blasting has increased.
To address the hazards of toxic fumes, a chamber has been constructed
in which up to 10 pounds of blasting agent may be detonated and the toxic
fumes confined. Following detonation, the fumes are sampled to determine
the quantities of CO, NO, NO2, NH3, and other toxic
gases. Blasting agent formulations typical of those employed in industry
are evaluated to determine their relative fumes generation. The blasting
agent is loaded in steel pipes of various wall thicknesses to simulate a
variety of confinements. The blasting agent is soaked in water to simulate
loading blasting agent in wet boreholes. Additionally, a variety of
contaminants may be added to the blasting agent to determine their effect
on fumes generation. Opportunities to extend this research into the field
through cooperative agreements with mines are being explored.
This research is carried out in partnership with the Institute of
Makers of Explosives, its member companies, and the members of the Wyoming
Mining Association, all of which are aware of the hazard and are seeking
solutions.
