- The blast holes made more than 3 metre in depth may be called deep-holes and where deep-holes are blasted in an opencast mine, the following provisions shall apply:-(a)the position of every deep-hole to be drilled, shall be distinctly marked by the overman so as to be readily identified by the driller;(b)no drilling shall be commenced in an area where shots have been fired, until the Shot-firer has made a thorough examination at all places, including the remaining portion of old blast holes for unexploded charges;(c)no drill rod or pick shall be inserted in remaining portion of old blast holes;(d)after completion of drilling the holes shall be kept plugged or covered till loading is commenced;(e)notwithstanding anything contained in clause (b) of sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 194, the firing of deep-holes shall be done by a person holding a manager's or an overman's Certificate;(f)shots shall not be fired except during the hours of day light, as far as practicable, either between the shifts or during rest interval or at the end of the work for the day:Provided that all holes charged on any one day, shall be fired on the same day:Provided further that where special conditions exist, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may, specify therein, relax from the operation of this clause any working in case of which special difficulties exit which in his opinion make compliance with the provisions thereof not reasonably practicable or unnecessary;(g)during the approach and progress of an electric storm,-(i)no explosive or detonators shall be handled;(ii)if loading or charging operations have begun, the work shall be discontinued until the storm has passed;(iii)if the shots are to be tired electrically, all exposed wires shall be coiled up and if practicable, placed in the mouths of the holes or kept covered with non-metallic objects;(h)when detonating fuse is used for blasting, such fuse shall not be cut after it has been inserted into a shot hole;(i)no cartridge of any explosive shall be dumped freely into a shot hole without using proper lowering device;(j)no person shall be allowed to possess or use any mobile phone or radio transmitters during transport and handling of explosives.
