Construction Work - Rock Blasting - Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Purpose and scope

This specification sets out requirements for preventing carbon monoxide poisoning during rock blasting work at construction sites.

The requirements of this specification are also intended to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning for workers and people who live near construction sites.

The requirements of this specification also aim to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide that is produced during blasting operations as well as gases build up and travel through the ground.

This specification applies when blasting is used in ditches or for other types of excavation.

NOTE — This specification is not specifically intended to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in mining operations or gravel pits, but could be fully or partially applied in such contexts. It is the responsibility of mine and pit operators to ensure it applies to their activities.

This specification does not apply to blasting operations (secondary blasting) involving fully excavated erratic blocks (boulders) which are exposed on all sides other than the bottom.

The requirements of this specification are intended for general contractors, trade contractors and any natural person or legal entity developing specifications for construction work that involves blasting work.

WARNINGS —

1      The application of the requirements of this specification does not relieve the contractor from their obligation to comply with current laws and regulations in their industry.

2      The carbon monoxide alarms mentioned in this specification are designed to trigger an alarm based on the levels specified in their reference standards. Levels under the established threshold that do not trigger an alarm could still affect vulnerable individuals (pregnant people, infants and young children, people with heart conditions). Users of this specification should take this into account.

3      In some cases, the requirements of this specification may not be enough to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and special measures or project-specific measures may be necessary. If so, the requirements of this specification can be amended and expanded in a separate document as a particular specification. Each user of this specification is responsible for ensuring it meets their needs and amending or expanding it, if applicable.