NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
Lightning warning for blasting operations.
Authors
Santis LD
Source
J Explos Eng 1988 Jan; 6(1):24-38
NIOSHTIC No.
10006149
Abstract
If lightning strikes an explosive or blasting circuit, detonation is very probable regardless of the precautions taken. Even a near miss will probably cause a detonation. Many studies have shown that a lightning strike can initiate electric blasting caps several miles away. Only a direct strike will initiate nonelectric initiation systems. When explosives prematurely detonate, the chances of death or serious injury are very high. Since 1962, premature initiations caused by lightning killed at least 10 miners and injured 17; 31 incidents were reported. More incidents have occurred but, quite often, when no one was hurt, the incident went unreported. U.S. Bureau of Mines accident studies report that lightning was reponsible for 16 out of 80 premature initiations of explosives from 1978 to 1985, more than any other single cause. This paper reviews the lightning warning systems available to the mining industry.
CODEN
JEXEDL
Publication Date
19880101
Document Type
OP; Journal Article
Fiscal Year
1988
Identifying No.
OP 112-88
Issue of Publication
1
ISSN
0889-0668
NIOSH Division
PRC
Source Name
The Journal of Explosives Engineering
State
PA
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division