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Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Info-Gram
June 2000
Explosives Accident
 A serious
explosives accident occurred recently at a District 8 area mine.
The accident involved a new shaft and slope sinking project under
development by a mining construction company. The accident
occurred when one of the construction workers, utilizing an air
drill, struck an apparent misfire from a previous day's shot. The
non -detonated portion of the explosive charge consisted of one
eight inch stick of blasting powder. Five construction workers
were in the shaft when the blast occurred. Three persons
sustained injuries from the force of the blast. Two men were
treated at a local hospital, kept overnight, and released the
next day. The third man received multiple injuries and remains in
the hospital after undergoing surgery.
BEST PRACTICES
- Make adequate examinations for hazardous conditions in all
workplaces prior to beginning any work.
- Tests for methane must be performed immediately prior to
firing any shots.
- A qualified person should perform adequate and thorough
examinations for misfires immediately after the blasting area has
cleared.
- When misfires occur, only work by a qualified person to
dispose of the misfire, or to protect persons in the affected
area should be performed.
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This information was provided by concerned
miners in an effort to eliminate accidents. Accident or "close
call" information within District 8 may be shared by contacting
the MSHA office at (812) 882-7617.
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