(1)The shotfirer shall, before a shot is charged, stemmed or fired, see that all persons other than his assistants, if any, in the vicinity, have taken proper shelter and he shall also take suitable steps to prevent any person approaching the shot and shall himself take adequate shelter, along with his assistants if any, before firing the shots.(2)In the case of an opencast working the shotfirer shall not charge or fire a shot-(a)unless he has taken the precautions laid down in sub-regu1ation (1);(b)unless sufficient warming by efficient signals or other means approved by the manager, is given over the entire area falling within a radius of 500 metres from the place of firing (hereinafter referred to as the danger zone) and that he has ensured that all persons within such area have taken proper shelter; and(c)where any part of a public road or railway lies Within the danger zone, unless two persons are posted, one in either direction at the two extreme points of such road or railway which fall within the danger zone who have, by an efficient system of telephonic communication or hooter or loudspeakers or other means approved by the Chief Inspector or Regional Inspector intimated clearance of traffic to the shotfirer and have also warned the passersby and whenever possible the vehicle a1so, if any, which have passed by such road or railway.(3)In the case of an opencast working, where any permanent building or structure of permanent nature, lies within the danger zone, the aggregate maximum charge per delay and per round shall be fixed by a scientific study and permission in writing for such blasting shall be obtained from the Chief Inspector, who may specify the conditions for such blasting.(4)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regu1ation (3), the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions all he may specify, exempt any mine or part thereof from the operation of all or any of the provisions of sub-regulation (3), on the ground that the observance of its provisions is not necessary or reasonably practicable on account of the special conditions existing thereat.(5)Where the working, either above or belowgroup offer insufficient protection against flying fragments or missiles, adequate shelter or other protection shall be provided.(6)When two working places belowground have approached within 9 metres of each other, the shotfirer shall not fire any shot in anyone of the said working unless all persons have been withdrawn from the other working place and the same has been so fenced off as to prevent persons inadvertently coming in direct line of the shot.
