Blasting Blasters perform tasks such as detonating explosives to destroy structures and loosen and move heavy materials, keeping records of blasts and an inventory of explosives and blast devices, operating supplemental power equipment such as drills and jackhammers, manually inserting explosives into intended demolition areas and calculating the amount and type of explosive, blast pattern and blast intensity to employ based on structure analysis.LegislationThe Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act, in part, states that it is the employer’s responsibility to provide workers with information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities to ensure their safety, health and welfare.Part 34 – Explosives from the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation requires the employer to develop and implement safe work procedures to ensure the safe use of explosives and procedures for the removal of any misfire, including:training blasters and other workers who may be working in the vicinity of blasting in those safe work proceduresensuring that the blasters and other workers comply with those safe work proceduresIt is important to note that the safe work procedures that are developed and implemented by the employer must be consistent with the Code of Practice for Working with Explosives issued by the director of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Branch.Workers working with explosives must be trained and pass an examination before they can be certified and become a blaster.The Blaster Certification is subject to renewal based on the class and at the discretion of the director of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Branch.Employers are responsible for monitoring and reporting any unsafe activity performed by the blaster to the director and ensuring the blaster does not perform any further duties as a blaster. The director can suspend the blaster’s certification, and the blaster will not be allowed to use explosives until the suspension has been lifted.Blasting procedures cover all safety aspects and must be followed. These procedures include the following:only blasters may be authorized to blastblasters are not allowed to work aloneproof of Blaster Certification must be providedemployer must ensure the proof is receivedexperienced blasters must supervise blasting operationspost-blast inspection and clearance by blasterno smoking or burning material near explosivesIn addition to requirements under the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations, the Explosives Act of Canada regulates the use of explosives in Canada.Refer to Part 34 of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulations for full regulatory requirements.Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act and associated regulations are in place to protect the safety and health of workers in Manitoba. View the regulation part associated with this safety topic using the links below:Part 34 Explosives Introductory Provisions Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and RegulationPart 6 Personal Protective Equipment Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and RegulationRelated linksHazards and exposures topic list
