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Blasting

Explosive blasting

Explosive blasting is mostly used in sinking shafts and tunnels, and demolishing old buildings (e.g. high rise flats or office blocks). However, little explosive is used, as blasting is very dangerous, and must only be carried out by properly licensed organisations. All local residents and necessary authorities must receive details of the nature of the intended blasting, so that necessary safety and security arrangements can be made.

Key environmental issues include:

• protection of nearby buildings or vulnerable services in the ground from physical damage caused by vibration
• protection of the public from nuisance or harm
• noise and dust created as a result of explosions.

Sand/shot blasting

This form of blasting involves the firing (under pressure) of small particles (e.g. sand) at a surface to remove unwanted material.

Key environmental issues include:

• noise and dust created as a result of firing
• consider duration of activity and working hours
• ensure that the slurries do not dry out and create dust
• pollution prevention of watercourses or groundwater (e.g. grit)
• use additional, localised shielding/ barriers around pumps and compressors and at the work face
• use silica free material for all abrasive cleaning as the inhalation of silica dust is harmful
• use wet processes wherever possible.

Go to relevant Guidance.

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