National Fire Protection Association. 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA Phone: Fax:

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1 National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA Phone: Fax: M E M O R A N D U M TO: FROM: NFPA Technical Committee on Explosives Elena Carroll, Administrator, Technical Projects DATE: August 8, 2011 SUBJECT: NFPA 495 ROP TC Letter Ballot (F2012) The ROP letter ballot for NFPA 495 is attached. The ballot is for formally voting on whether or not you concur with the committee s actions on the proposals. Reasons must accompany all negative and abstention ballots. Please do not vote negatively because of editorial errors. However, please bring such errors to my attention for action. Please complete and return your ballot as soon as possible but no later than Monday, August 29, As noted on the ballot form, please return the ballot to Elena Carroll either via to ecarroll@nfpa.org or via fax to You may also mail your ballot to the attention of Elena Carroll at NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA The return of ballots is required by the Regulations Governing Committee Projects. Attachments: Proposals Letter Ballot

2 495-1 Log #CP1 Technical Committee on Explosives, Review entire document to: 1) Update any extracted material by preparing separate proposals to do so, and 2) review and update references to other organizations documents, by preparing proposal(s) as required. National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA NFPA 13 NFPA 70 NFPA 498 NFPA 1122 NFPA 1123 NFPA edition. NFPA 1125 NFPA 1126 NFPA NFPA 5000 Ontario, CA International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, 5001 E. Philadelphia Street, Institute of Makers of Explosives, th St., NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC American Table of Distances for Storage of Explosives, June Title 18, United States Code, Chapter 40, Importation, Manufacture, Distribution and Storage of Explosive Materials., 11th edition. Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections. NFPA 221, Standard for High Challenge Fire Walls, Fire Walls, and Fire Barrier Walls, edition. NFPA 1124, Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, and Retail Sales of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles, edition. NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code, edition. A wall, other than a fire wall, having a fire resistance rating. [ ] A building or structure, other than an explosives manufacturing building, approved for the storage of explosive materials. [1124, ] Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, or joint-stock association, including any trustee, receiver, assignee, or personal representative thereof. [5000, ] 1

3 NFPA 10, NFPA 30, NFPA 77, NFPA 400, National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA edition., edition., edition edition. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA ASTM A 1008, Institute of Makers of Explosives, th St., NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC Safety Library Publication No. 17, Safety in the Transportation, Storage, Handling, and Use of Explosive Materials, March Safety Library Publication No. 20, Safety Guide for the Prevention of Radio Frequency Radiation Hazards in the Use of Commercial Electric Detonators (Blasting Caps), July Safety Library Publication No. 27, Security in Manufacturing, Transportation, Storage and Use of Commercial Explosives, January United Nations, 1 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY th U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC Title 18, United States Code, Chapter 40, 7 Importation, Manufacture, Distribution and Storage of Explosive Materials. Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part , Process Safety Management Regulations. Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts , , , and , and , Hazardous Materials Regulations, U.S. Department of Transportation. The following documents or portions thereof are listed here as informational resources only. They are not a part of the requirements of this document. American National Standards Institute, Inc., 25 West 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY ANSI A10.7,, Institute of Makers of Explosives, th St., NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC Safety Library Publication No. 1, Construction Guide for Storage Magazines, August 1993 September Safety Library Publication No. 2, The American Table of Distances, June Safety Library Publication No. 3, Suggested Code of Regulations for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, Sale, Possession, and Use of Explosive Materials, March 2003 October Safety Library Publication No. 4, Warnings and Instructions for Consumers in Transporting, Storing, Handling, and Using Explosive Materials, March 2000 October Safety Library Publication No. 12, Glossary of Commercial Explosives Industry Terms, November 2002 February Safety Library Publication No. 14, Handbook for the Transportation and Distribution of Explosive Materials, May 2000 April Safety Library Publication No. 17, Safety in the Transportation, Storage, Handling, and Use of Explosive Materials, March Safety Library Publication No. 22, Recommendations for the Safe Transportation of Detonators in a Vehicle with Certain Other Explosive Materials, May 1993 February Don't Touch, pertaining to blasting cap safety. Emergency Instructions, pertaining to first response for transportation accidents involving explosives. Safe Storage of Explosive Material. Assorted posters pertaining to blasting cap safety, emergency responses, and other important safety issues.. Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc., Flintlock Ridge Office Center, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT

4 Sporting Ammunition and the Firefighter (video). "Smokeless Powder and the Fire Service" (video). U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC "DOD M, DOD Contractor's Safety Manual for Ammunition and Explosives, March 13, 2008". Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards, DOD STD, U.S. Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board, Washington, DC 20314, Federal Explosives Law and Regulations, ATF Publication 5400,7, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Washington, DC, September Explosive Hazard Classification Procedures, DLAR , Defense Logistics Agency, Washington, DC, Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations, Explosive Materials Regulations, Parts 55 and 181, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Atlas Powder Co. (Dallas, TX). Rev Borg, D. G., R. F. Chiappetta, R. C. Morhard, and V. A. Sterner.. Atlas Powder Co. (Dallas, TX) ISBN , D'Andrea, D. V., and L. R. Fletcher. Analysis of Recent Mine Blasting Accidents. Paper in Proceedings of the 9th Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, C. J. Konya, ed. (Dallas, TX, Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, 1983). Soc. Explos. Eng., Montville, OH, 1983, pp E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc. (Wilmington, DE)., 16th ed., Fischer, R. L.. MSHA Program Circular 7026, August Speed, Thaddeus, C., In-Process Hazard Classification of Explosives, Safety Management Services, Inc., West Jordan, UT, December To conform to the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects, referenced publications have been updated and all extracted text has been verified. In addition, SAAMI has another reference video and the DOD has a safety manual for ammunition and explosives Log #4 U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC Publication ATF P (9/0007), Federal Explosive Law and Regulations, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The referenced document has been updated. See Committee Action on Proposal (Log# CP1) Log #10 Delete the following definition: Adetonator with an integral delay element used in conjunction with and capable of being initiated by a detonating impulse. Term is not used in the standard. 3

5 495-4 Log #5 Before a person a blaster-in-charge supervises and performs the loading and firing of explosive materials, that person individual shall obtain the appropriate permit to blast, as specified in Table The permit discussed in this paragraph is intended to apply to individuals. Person is defined in 495 and includes organizations Log #14 The quantity distance (Q D) tables in shall apply to operating buildings. Clarifies the application of the paragraph Log #13 Where ammonium nitrate is included in a blasting agent, only 50 percent of its weight required to be included, only one-half of its mass shall be used due to its reduced blast effect. Makes the paragraph consistent with paragraph and more clear Log #12 Bins containing ammonium nitrate shall be separated from the storage of blasting agents and explosives in accordance with Table (a) or Table (b)Section Clarifies the intent of the paragraph. Currently, the paragraph could be misinterpreted to require strict adherence with the separation distances of the tables. However, it is permissible for the separation distances to not be met. If so, the AN mass is included in the Q/D calculation. 4

6 495-8 Log #6 No attempt shall be made to fight a fire that cannot be contained or controlled before it reaches explosive materials, except fires involving only Division 1.4S explosives. Clarifies that it is acceptable to fight fires involving only Division 1.4S explosives. No attempt shall be made to fight a fire that cannot be contained or controlled before it reaches explosive materials other than Division 1.4S explosives. See A Committee revised the recommended text to match existing text in and added reference to annex text Log #7 Blasting mats or other protective devices shall be used when determined to be necessary by the BIC to prevent fragments from being thrown from the blast area. Currently paragraph could be interpreted to require blasting mats on all shots. Clarifies when blasting mats are to be used. Blasting mats or other protective devices shall be used when determined to be necessary by the blaster-in-charge to prevent fragments from being thrown beyond the blast area. The committee modified the recommendation to remove the use of the acronym BIC since the term, blaster-in-charge, is already defined. The committee also clarified the area to which the fragments are being thrown Log #11 Nonelectric or nonelectronic initiating systems shall be used unless corrective action is taken to reduce the stray current below the limits indicated in Corrects typographical error. 5

7 Log # Blasting lead lines for electric detonators shall remain shunted (shorted). Clarifies that the paragraph applies only to electric detonators and does not apply to electronic detonators, EBWs EFIs and detonators designed to be static and RF resistant. Blasting lead lines for electric detonators shall remain shunted (shorted) until immediately before blasting. This section does not apply to electronic, exploding bridge wire, exploding foil initiator and other detonators designed to be resistant to stray currents. The committee clarified the recommendation by specifying the time duration for which the electric detonators shall remain shunted. Additionally, the committee added annex material to clarify what is included as an electric detonator. 6

8 Log #3 Jeffrey L. Dean, International Society of Explosives Engineers Add new text as follows: The International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) Blast Vibration and Seismograph Section provides a forum for the discussion of issues related to ground and air vibration from mine, quarry and construction blasting. The Vibration Limits Technical committee was established to promote the use of uniform safe ground and air vibration levels for blasting in mines, quarries and construction. The committee recognizes that reasonable and scientifically based levels and practices are critical for successful blasting projects and protection of the nearby public and property. It is the hope of this committee that this proposal will help improve the uniformity of regulatory practices between jurisdictions and help prevent the promulgation of unrealistic regulations. The ISEE, through the Blast Vibration and Seismograph Section has developed two documents that will form the basis for the proposed change: "Performance Specifications for Blasting Seismographs" (2000) "Field Practice Guidelines for Blasting Seismographs" (1999) The document "Performance Specifications for Blasting Seismographs" deals with the accuracy of blasting seismographs from a mechanical and electronic perspective. The second document "Field Practice Guidelines for Blasting Seismographs" recommends field deployment practices. If followed, the result should be more accurate field measurements. This proposal is to modify NFPA 495 Chapter 11 on the basis that seismographs are: 1. commonly available, 2. readily provide the required information in the field and 3. all operate with common characteristics for the purpose of monitoring blasts. Chapter 11 of the Explosives Materials Code 2006 Edition outlines limits on ground vibration, airblast and flyrock. Section 11.1 Ground Vibration lists five options: Peak particle velocity based on distance Figure (a) Frequency vs. Particle Velocity Graph Figure (b) Maximum Allowable Particle Velocity vs. Blast Vibration Frequency Graph Scaled distance equations Modified scaled distance equations. Four of the options clearly come from vibration regulations promulgated for use at surface coal mines in 30 CFR When 30 CFR was written, seismographs did not have the capability to provide frequency information readily in the field. However, peak particle velocity measurements were readily available. Thus, provided a simple method for showing compliance based on just the peak particle velocity. Figure (a) is from United States Bureau of Mines RI This graph was developed based on measured structural response to blast-induced ground vibration from many different sources. The graph also accounts for a statistically significant degree of non-damage probability at the limit lines. Figure (b) is from 30 CFR and is a minor modification of (a). Table is based on Table to the extent that following the scaled distance values would tend to ensure that the peak particle velocity would not exceed the vibration limit referenced in Table Once again, this option arose from the inability of blasting seismographs at the time to provide readily available frequency data. Section allowed for the use of a modified scaled distance equation where site specific data clearly showed that use of the equation would not violate the limits noted in Table Digital blasting seismographs have been readily available for many years. It is no longer difficult to analyze blast recordings for compliance with graphs like Figure (a) and Figure (b). Given that Table can easily be in conflict with (a) and (b), it would be best to standardize on one option that takes into account both amplitude and frequency. Two options for limiting ground vibration are proposed. One option requires monitoring with a blasting seismograph and compliance with the graph in (a). We selected (a) because it is founded in rigorous scientific research while (b) is simply a modification of (a). The second option allows the use of scaled distance where monitoring is not conducted. 7

9 Table 11.2 Airblast Limits, recommends limits based on the sensitivity of the microphone. When the United States Bureau of Mines researched air overpressure effects, there were seismographs with both 6 Hertz and 2 Hertz high pass measuring systems. Also, in some cases, blasts were monitored with both a seismograph and a sound level meter. Thus, the need for different acoustic limits based on the low frequency response of the measuring system. Today, all blasting seismographs contain microphones with the same sensitivity as established by the ISEE performance guidelines. As a result, only one limit is proposed. The Vibration Limits Technical Committee of ISEE is proposing the current 2006 Version of NFPA 495, Chapter 11, be replaced with the following a re-write of the Chapter. Ground and air vibrations should be monitored with blasting seismographs that meet the guidelines established by the International Society of Explosives Engineer's document "Performance Specifications for Blasting Seismographs" (2000) developed by the ISEE Standards Committee. Blasting seismographs should be deployed in the field according to the guidelines established by the International Society of Explosives Engineer's document "Field Practice Guidelines for Blasting Seismographs" (1999) developed by the ISEE Standards Committee. These standards apply to any dwelling, public building, school, church, or commercial or institutional building issued a certificate of occupancy (where applicable) or its equivalent (hereinafter called building). These standards do not apply to buildings owned, leased, or contracted by the blasting company or on property for which the owner has provided a written waived to the blasting company. These standards provide for a high level of non-damage probability concerning damage of any sort including small, hairline cosmetic cracks in weak wall coverings, even in those structures that are old and distressed. Engineered structures and utilities, including those constructed of masonry and concrete, can withstand higher levels of excitation (vibration). Whenever the term damage is used in this document it shall be construed to apply to threshold cosmetic cracking. These standards are based upon scientific visual observations of cosmetic cracking as documented in US Bureau of Mines RI 8507, 8896 and 8485, and any change requires similar documented technical justification. At all blasting operations, the maximum single axis ground vibration (particle velocity) shall not exceed the limitations specified in Figure at any building. When blasting is not monitored with a blasting seismograph, the operation shall comply with the following scaled distance factors at the nearest building: Scaled distance is defined as the distance to the building in feet divided by the square root of the maximum charge weight in pounds detonated within any eight millisecond interval. The use of the above scaled distance factors provides a high level of confidence for the prevention of damage. However, seismograph monitoring provides the best data for gauging the effect of vibrations. Thus monitoring with a blasting seismograph supersedes the necessity of designing blasts with the above ultra-conservative scaled distance factors. Furthermore, a nonmonitored blast, involving a lower scaled distance, does not imply causation of cracking. Higher ground vibration limits for buildings, man-made structures or utilities other than those described in Section may be independently established based on technical justifications by engineers or qualified personnel familiar with blasting related projects. Air overpressure shall not exceed the maximum limit of 133 db at the location of any building. However, the limit of 133 db is primarily based on perception and has no substantiated potential to cause damage to buildings. Higher air overpressure limits for buildings, man-made structures or utilities other than those described in Section may be independently established based on technical justifications by engineers or qualified personnel familiar with blasting related projects. 8

10 Flyrock traveling in the air or along the ground shall not be cast from the blast site in an uncontrollable manner that could result in personnel injury or property damage. Flyrock shall not be propelled from the blast site onto property not contracted by the blasting operation or onto property for which the owner has not provided a written waiver to the blasting operation. Where blasting operations do not conform to or , the authority having jurisdiction shall require that special precautions be employed to reduce or control flyrock. None given. Replace 11.1 and 11.2 with the following and renumber 11.3 and 11.4 accordingly: This chapter provides for a high level of non-damage probability concerning damage of any sort including small, hairline cosmetic cracks in weak wall coverings, even in those structures that are old and distressed. Engineered structures and utilities, including those constructed of masonry and concrete, can withstand higher levels of excitation (vibration). Whenever the term damage is used in this document it can be construed to apply to threshold cosmetic cracking. This chapter shall apply to buildings and other structures. This chapter applies to dwellings, public buildings, schools, churches, or commercial or institutional buildings. Other structures can be included as required by the AHJ. This chapter shall not apply to buildings or other structures owned, leased, or contracted by the blasting company or on property for which the owner has provided a written waiver to the blasting company. Blasting seismographs used to monitor ground and air vibrations shall comply with ISEE "Performance Specifications for Blasting Seismographs". For information on the ISEE documents go to Where used, blasting seismographs shall be deployed in the field according to the ISEE "Field Practice Guidelines for Blasting Seismographs". See A The ground vibration requirements of this chapter are based upon scientific visual observations of cosmetic cracking as documented in US Bureau of Mines RI 8507 and 8896 and any change requires similar documented technical justification. At all blasting operations, the ground vibration on any axis (particle velocity) shall not exceed the limitations specified in Figure at the location of any building or structure. ***Insert Figure Frequency vs. particle velocity graph Here*** When blasting is not monitored with a blasting seismograph, the operation shall comply with the following scaled distance factors at the nearest building or structure: ***Insert Table Scaled Distance Equations Here*** Scaled distance is defined as the distance to the building or structure in feet divided by the square root of the maximum charge weight in pounds detonated within any eight millisecond interval. The use of the scaled distance factors provides a high level of confidence for the prevention of damage. However, seismograph monitoring provides the best data for gauging the effect of vibrations. Thus monitoring with a blasting seismograph supersedes the necessity of designing blasts with the ultra-conservative scaled distance factors. Ground vibration limits for buildings and other structures, or structures not defined in such as public 9

11 utilities shall be permitted to be independently established based on technical justifications by engineers or qualified personnel familiar with blasting related projects, subject to the approval of the AHJ. The air overpressure requirements of this chapter are based upon scientific visual observations of window damage as documented in US Bureau of Mines RI 8485, and any change requires similar documented technical justification. Air overpressure due to blasting operations shall not exceed the maximum limit of 133 db(l) (0.013 psi) at the location of any building or structure. The limit of 133 db(l) (0.013 psi) is primarily based on perception and has no substantiated potential to cause damage to buildings. Air overpressure limits for buildings and other structures, or structures not defined in such as public utilities shall be permitted to be independently established based on technical justifications by engineers or qualified personnel familiar with blasting related projects, subject to the approval of the AHJ. The committee corrected and clarified the recommendation to change permissive language to mandatory language. Additionally, the committee added and moved recommended material to the annex. Also, the committee updated the references Log #1 Mark Svinkin, VIBRACONSULT At all blasting operations, the maximum ground vibrations at any dwelling, public building, school, church, or commercial or institutional building near low-rise residential houses adjacent to the blasting site shall not exceed the limitations specified in Table , except as otherwise authorized or restricted by the AHJ. The areas of application of the empirical limitations specified in Table are similar to the areas of application of the USBM vibration limits which were built up on the basis of the two decades research studies of a correlation between ground vibrations and observations of cracking damage in 1-2 story houses, and these limits are applied for ground vibrations as the criteria of the possible crack formation in houses. The USBM research study has been recognized as the great achievement which provides the safety of low-rise residential houses from vibrations generated by surface coal mining blasting. Note: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. The material and evidence presented did not demonstrate that the existing requirements were non-conservative or inadequate. The committee believes that in general structures that are not low-rise residential can withstand higher levels of vibrations without sustaining damage. See Committee Action and Statement on Proposal (Log #3). 10

12 F2012_495_L3_Fig _R

13 Table Scaled Distance Equations Distance from the Blasting Site Ft (m) Scaled Distance* Equation lb (kg) feet W (lb) = [D (ft)/50] 2 ( meters) W (kg) = [D (m)/22.6] feet W (lb) = [D (ft)/55] 2 (91.7 to meters) W (kg) = [D (m)/24.9] feet and over W (lb) = [D (ft)/65] 2 (305.1 and over) W (kg) = [D (m)/29.4] 2 Notes: (1) W equals the maximum weight of explosives in pounds (or kilograms) that can be detonated per delay interval of 8 milliseconds or longer. (2) D equals the distance in feet (or meters) from the blast to the nearest building, not owned, leased, or contracted by the blasting operation, or on property for which the owner has not provided a written waiver to the blasting operation. *To convert English units of scaled distances (ft/lb 1/2 ) to metric units (m/kg 1/2 ), divide by a factor of NFPA 495 L3 Tb Rec F2012 ROP

14 Log #2 Mark Svinkin, VIBRACONSULT In lieu of Table , a blasting operation shall have the option to use the graphs shown in either Figure (a) or Figure (b) to limit peak particle velocity based upon the frequency of the blast vibrations. These limits are applied for ground vibrations generated by surface coal mining blasting as the criteria of the possible crack formation in 1-2 story houses. The area of application of the vibration limits must be determined. In Section , the areas of application of referenced figures are missing. Figure (a) is the result of the USBM Report Investigation Figure (b) is the derivative version of Figure (a). The USBM vibration limits were built up on the basis of the two decades research studies of a correlation between ground vibrations and observations of cracking damage in 1-2 story houses, and these limits are applied for ground vibrations as the criteria of the possible crack formation in houses. The USBM research study has been recognized as the great achievement which provides the safety of low-rise residential houses from vibrations generated by surface coal mining blasting. The USBM criteria without doubt are good for the specific blast design, soil conditions and the types of structures they were developed for, but they cannot be automatically used in a number of cases with different blast, soil and structure conditions. This problem was underlined in RI 8507; Siskind, D. E Vibrations from Blasting, ISSEE; and AASHTO Designation: R 8-96 (2004). Note: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. The material and evidence presented did not demonstrate that the existing requirements were non-conservative or inadequate. The committee believes that in general structures that are not low-rise residential can withstand higher levels of vibrations without sustaining damage. Additionally, the committee believes that data exists to substantiate that the criteria applies to blasting beyond surface coal mining. See Committee Action and Statement on Proposal (Log #3) Log #9 Institute of Makers of Explosives, th St., NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC Safety Library Publication No. 1, Construction Guide for Storage Magazines, August 1993 September Safety Library Publication No. 2, The American Table of Distances, June Safety Library Publication No. 3, Suggested Code of Regulations for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, Sale, Possession, and Use of Explosive Materials, March 2003 October Safety Library Publication No. 4, Warnings and Instructions for Consumers in Transporting, Storing, Handling, and Using Explosive Materials, March 2000 October Safety Library Publication No. 12, Glossary of Commercial Explosives Industry Terms, November 2002 February Safety Library Publication No. 14, Handbook for the Transportation and Distribution of Explosive Materials, May 2000 April Safety Library Publication No. 17, Safety in the Transportation, Storage, Handling, and Use of Explosive Materials, March Safety Library Publication No. 22, Recommendations for the Safe Transportation of Detonators in a Vehicle with Certain Other Explosive Materials, May 1993 February Updates existing references. See Proposal (Log #CP1). 11