Section 296-52-67135. Bulk delivery/mixing vehicles.

Note:	This section applies to both off-highway operations and public highway transportation.

(1) Vehicles. These vehicle requirements must be followed:

(a) Strength. A bulk delivery vehicle must be strong enough to carry a load without difficulty.

(b) Mechanical condition. A bulk delivery vehicle must be in good mechanical condition.

(c) Body. A bulk vehicle body for delivering and mixing blasting agents must:

(i) Be constructed of noncombustible materials.

(ii) Have closed bodies if they are used to transport bulk premixed blasting agents.

(d) Mixing system parts.

(i) All moving parts of the mixing system must be designed to prevent heat buildup.

(ii) Shafts or axles which contact the product must have outboard bearings with a minimum of one-inch clearance between the bearings and the outside of the product container. Special attention must be given to the clearances on all moving parts.

(e) Welding.

(i) Welding or open flames are not permitted in or around the mixing or storage area of the plant unless the equipment or area has been completely washed and all oxidizer material removed.

(ii) Before welding or repairing hollow shafts:

(A) All oxidizer material must be removed from the inside and outside of the shaft

AND

(B) The shaft must be vented with a minimum 1/2-inch diameter opening

(2) Vehicle operation. Operation of bulk delivery and mixing vehicles must comply with WAC 296-52-680, Transportation of explosive material, U.S. DOT placard requirements, and these requirements:

(a) Driver training. The vehicle driver must be:

(i) Trained in the safe operation of the vehicle, mixing, conveying, and related equipment.

(ii) Familiar with the load being delivered and general procedures for handling emergencies.

(b) Cargo and containers. Cargo and containers must:

(i) Haul either detonators or other explosives, but not both, it is permitted on bulk trucks provided a special wood or nonferrous-lined container is installed for explosives.

(ii) Be U.S. DOT specified shipping containers, according to 49 C.F.R. Chapter 1.

(c) Moving a vehicle in the blast area. When moving a vehicle in the blast area:

(i) The driver must exercise caution to avoid driving the vehicle onto or dragging hoses over firing lines, cap wires, or explosive materials

AND

(ii) A second person must help guide the vehicle driver's movements.

(3) Pneumatic loading. Pneumatic loading from bulk delivery vehicles into blast holes primed with electric detonators or other static sensitive systems must comply with these requirements:

(a) A positive grounding device must be used to prevent accumulation of static electricity.

(b) A discharge hose must:

(i) Have a resistance range that will prevent conducting stray currents

OR

(ii) Be conductive, to bleed off static buildup.

(c) A qualified person must evaluate all static sensitive systems to determine if they will adequately dissipate static under potential field conditions.

(4) Repairs. Bulk delivery vehicle repair must comply with the requirements of this section.

(5) Prohibited activities. The following are prohibited:

(a) In-transit mixing of materials.

(b) While in or about bulk vehicles in the process of the mixing, transferring or down-the-hole loading of water-gels at or near the blasting site:

(i) Smoking

AND

(ii) Carrying flame producing devices including matches and firearms near bulk vehicles in the process of mixing, transferring, or down-the-hole loading of water-gels, at or near the blast site.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050. WSR 02-03-125, § 296-52-67135, filed 1/23/02, effective 3/1/02.]

RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050. WSR 02-03-125, § 296-52-67135, filed 1/23/02, effective 3/1/02.

Rules

296-52-680,