WAC 296-52-809   Retrieving misfired explosives (duds).  (1) The following requirements shall apply to all kinds of avalanche control blasting:

     (a) Each person who ignites a charge or propels a charged projectile with any kind of apparatus shall note whether or not the charge actually detonates.

     (b) A conscientious effort shall be made to promptly retrieve any misfired explosives.

     (i) If conditions make it impractical or dangerous to promptly retrieve a misfired explosive, a search shall be conducted as soon as conditions permit.

     (ii) Any area which contains a misfired explosive shall be closed to entry to all personnel except the search team until such time as the area has been searched and pronounced safe by the designated search leader.

     (c) When searching for a misfired explosive on an uncontrolled avalanche slope (a slope which has not released), the procedures used shall be consistent with good mountaineering practices.

     (d) A hand charge misfire shall not be approached for at least thirty minutes.

     (e) A hand charge or avalauncher misfired explosive may be blown up with a secondary charge where they are found or may be disarmed at that location by fully trained and qualified personnel.

     (f) Military warhead misfired explosives shall not be moved. They shall be blown up where they are found by secondary charges except that trained military personnel may disarm and transport such misfired explosives when approved by the governmental branch having jurisdiction.

     (2) Records.

     (a) Accurate records shall be maintained for every explosive device which does not detonate.

     (b) Misfired explosives records shall include the following information:

     (i) The suspected location;

     (ii) A description of the misfired explosive;

     (iii) The date the misfired explosive was lost;

     (iv) The date the misfired explosive was found and disposed of.

     (3) Misfired explosive frequency.

     (a) Misfired explosive frequency should be maintained below one misfired explosive for every five hundred detonating attempts.

     (b) All employers who do not maintain a misfired explosive frequency below one misfired explosive per five hundred detonation attempts shall investigate all aspects of the blasting program and take prompt corrective actions as indicated.

     (4) Misfired explosives warning signs.

     (a) Requirements for warning signs. Ski area operations which use any form of explosive device for avalanche control shall display warning, information placards and/or signs as found in this chapter, Part H.

     (b) Signs shall be posted at readily visible locations and in such a manner as to give both employees and the public ample opportunity to be informed of the potential existence of misfired explosive avalanche charges. Locations may include but are not limited to:

     (i) Ticket sales and lift loading areas;

     (ii) Food and beverage service facilities;

     (iii) Restrooms and locker rooms;

     (iv) Safety bulletin boards;

     (v) Along general access routes.

     (c) Signs shall be distinctive in appearance from the surrounding background where they are posted.

     (d) Signs shall be maintained in legible condition.

     (e) Signs shall include the following information:

     (i) The word "WARNING" or "DANGER" at the top of the sign in the largest lettering on the sign;

     (ii) The words "EXPLOSIVES ON THE MOUNTAIN";

     (iii) A colored pictorial illustration which also provides information on dimensions of each type of explosive device used in the area;

     (iv) The sign wording shall conclude with specific instructions to be followed by anyone who locates an unexploded explosive device.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 06-19-074, § 296-52-809, filed 9/19/06, effective 12/1/06.]