Even on the most experienced blasting crews safety can sometimes become less of a focus. This can be a very big concern for obvious reasons, and spending the time to ensure that all staff is routinely checking all safety procedures when using an electronic det in any blasting situation is critical.
Anyone in or around the explosion area or those handling explosive materials needs to have a focus on safety at all times. Companies that provide blasting equipment, teams and support for others routinely train their staff in safety systems as well as correct procedures for handling all types of blasting equipment.
Safety and Detonators
One of the most important safety features on the electronic det is the use of very specific and multiple verification processes prior to each detonation. This has dramatically reduced the concerns that occurred with electronic detonators that historically could be initiated from outside sources of electrical currents.
The electronic det is considered to be extremely safe and allows for as many as 1600 units to be safely and reliably initiated with one blast and one from one blasting machine.
Through this precision sequenced of detonations can be planned to have delay ranges of up to 20,000 milliseconds, using DigiShot or as small as l millisecond. This blast sequence is controlled by a programmed device known as a logger that carries out the sequence of blasts in perfect precision.
Safer Environment
With the use of the electronic detonator, there is also less damage to the environment and the resulting blast area can be more closely created to the shape and configuration required. This is particularly important in mining, quarries and for construction types of applications.
As there is no concern about electricity in the environment resulting in unsafe detonation, these types of detonators can be used in environments where electricity is present. This adds to the versatility of these options while also keeping the blasting site safe during preparation and the actual blast. With lower air blast and ground vibration, this type of detonator can be safely used in areas where it would be unsafe to use other detonators.
Anyone using an electronic det should be fully trained in safety and correct usage of the system. As with any blasting system, there is the potential for incorrect use and unsafe practices, and without training employees may not recognize these issues, leading to serious accidents and potential loss of life.