Mining Product: Toolbox Training on Flyrock Awareness

Original creation date: December 2005

Authors: NIOSH

Reference - December 2005

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20029875

Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2005 Dec

Flyrock has killed and injured people. Flying material, both within the blast area and outside it, is responsible for over half of all blasting-related injuries and fatalities. Records from the Mine Safety and Health Administration for 1994-2001 show that in surface mining, 32 people were killed or badly hurt because the blast area was not cleared. Another 17 people were injured or killed by rocks that were thrown outside of the blast area. This total (49 people) is greater than the combined total of the other blast accident causes in mining (premature blast, transporting explosives, fumes, and misfires). Flyrock is a potential hazard anytime and anywhere there is blasting.

The objective of this toolbox training on Flyrock Awareness is to improve blast safety by providing information about blasting to those who work around blast sites.

Materials included in file download:

  • Instructor Copy- Includes four pamphlets with tear-off cards
    • Toolbox Lesson A - What is flyrock?
    • Toolbox Lesson B - Recognize Blast Area and Signals
    • Toolbox Lesson C - Clear the Blast Area
    • Toolbox Lesson D - Protect Yourself
  • Student Handout - Worker Hazard Alert Pamphlet
  • Student Handout - Visitor's Hazard Alert Pamphlet

One side of each pamphlet describes the dangers and safety problems that could exist around blasting. The reverse side has a list of best practices and a set of talking points. There is a set of postcards for three of the pamphlets, which contain related photos and drawings. There is also a record sheet, which can be photocopied and used to record training activities.

All materials are designed for duplex (double-sided) printing.

Audience: Workers, blast crew members, trainees

Image of a blast
Reference - December 2005

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20029875

Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2005 Dec


Page last reviewed: December 16, 2022
Page last updated: September 21, 2012