Attachment_Blasting Requirements.docx

Contract Preparation and Administration

1. All blasting contracts will comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations and the information contained in the latest edition of Forest Service Guide for Using, Storing and Transporting Explosives and Blasting Materials.

2. In addition, contracts for road and bridge construction that contain blasting should reference, “Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads And Bridges on Federal Highway Projects, FP-03,” Section 205, Rock Blasting, and the "Forest Service Supplemental Specifications, FSSS.”

3. All contracts should include the following:

1. A sample blasting plan

2. A blasting plan checklist

3. An experience sheet

4. A request for proof of insurance

5. A request for proof of licensing and hazmat permit (more than 55 lbs. of 1.1 or 1,000 lbs. of 1.4, 1.5)

6. A list of Forest Service approved blast products

4. Contractor Requirements: Contractors will prepare blast plans in accordance with the most current edition of the Guide for Using, Storing, and Transporting Explosives and Blasting Materials (FSM 6745.06) (and section 205 of the Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects, FP-03, And FS Supplemental Specs) before commencing any contracted blasting operations and activities within National Forest System boundaries or on other lands and properties administered by the Forest Service. Such blast plans shall include, but are not limited to:

a. Precautions necessary to maximize safety and protect the contractor's employees, Forest Service employees, and the general public during blasting operations and activities.

b. Methods proposed to prevent damage to resources outside the immediate blast area by minimizing earth vibrations, air blast, and thrown fragments.

c. The contractor will provide the contracting officer copies of magazine records and shot logs to account for all explosives items and components and blasting materials brought onto, used, and removed from the contract area.

d. The contractor must conduct all blasting operations and activities in accordance with warnings and instructions adopted by the Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME) contained in every box of explosives and blasting caps, and in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

Contract Review

1. Contract Proposal - Proposed contracts containing blasting should be reviewed by a certified blaster or qualified COR/ER prior to submittal to the CO. If the proposal is complex in nature or contains special considerations, a certified blaster or lead blaster should review the plans. (Complex nature refers to unusual applications such as, tree-topping, pothole development, structure removal, etc.) If the CO receives a proposed package that is complex or has special considerations and has not been properly reviewed, it should be returned.

2. General Blasting Plan – Required for both “Road and Bridge Construction Contracts” or “Specialty Blasting” contracts such as trail work, fishery improvement or tree blasting. The general plan will contain information on working procedures and safety precautions for storage, transportation and use of explosives.

The plan will detail the type of explosive used, detonation system, primers, delays, information on holes, burden and spacing and applicable drawings of the shot layout. For Road and Bridge Construction contracts, after a contract containing blasting is awarded, the contractor will submit a “general blasting plan” for acceptance at least 14 days before drilling begins per FP-205.05, (a). For other types of blasting contracts, the CO will ensure the plan is reviewed and approved before work commences.

3. Site Specific Plan – For “Road and Bridge Construction Contracts” - Upon acceptance of the general plan, the contractor will submit a “site-specific plan” to be reviewed by a Forest Service certified blaster. (FP205.05 b).

Special Considerations for Blasting Contracts

1. Buildings – How far from blast? Is pre-blast condition survey a necessity? (FP-03, 205.06)

2. Wildlife – Nesting birds, endangered species, close to streams

3. Cultural Resources – Distance away from blast

4. Flight Corridors – Check w/dispatch

5. Highways, public roads – Distance away from blast

6. Transmitters/Translators – Distance away from blast

7. Recreation Areas, Trails, Rivers

8. Fire Danger – Prohibit surface blasting and detonation cord Pre-Work Meeting

1. CO should ask for proof of insurance, blasting license and Federal Hazmat Permit 2 Ensure contractor has all necessary forms 3 Discuss the blasting plan

4. Discuss possible infractions Blasting Plan Considerations

1. Transporting Explosives

a. Contractor or vendor?

b. Method-truck, pack stock, ATV?

c. Schedule for delivery

d. Route plan

e. Placards?

2. Storage

a. Type of magazines (While on FS property)

b. Storage site (Temporary, approved by BATF)

c. Security (Who is in charge, who has keys)

d. Records (Must be kept by contractor)

e. Length of storage (Shorter the better if located on FS property)

3. Traffic Control/Protecting The Public

a. Guards - Number and position

b. Communication – 5 watt radios okay

c. Signing – Post at 1000’, stop traffic at 700’ (MUTCD Standards apply)

d. Warnings – Verbal and/or horn. Pre and post blast

5. Notifications

a. Public Utilities – At least 24 hours in advance, precautions include use of blast mats, delays, seismic monitoring

b. FAA , Military, Forest Dispatch Office for blasting potentially impacting flight corridors

c. Local local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency response agencies, and any other persons or entities that use the area on a regular basis

6. Use of Explosives

a. Care shall be taken to use the proper types and amount of explosives and delays

b. The use of fuse-initiated explosives is prohibited

c. Detonating cord may be used for trunk lines and branchlines with CO approval

d. Blasting machines for all electric detonators shall be either capacitor discharge or generator-type

e. No explosives will be left unattended

f. Blasting will occur during daytime hours, no weekends or holidays unless approved by CO

7. Emergency Procedures

a. Fire

b. Lightning

c. Theft of explosives

d. Accidents

e. Misfires – Must be guarded 24/7 until resolved

Contract Review – Up to 3 reviews are needed, depending on the scope of the contract;

(1) Contract proposal, (2) Contractor General Plan (3) Contractor Site-Specific Plan (FP-03, Section 205.05 and FSM 6745..3)