Utah Admin. Code 614-4-15

Current through Bulletin 2024-12, June 15, 2024

Section R614-4-15 - Slurry, Water Gel and Emulsions

A. General Provisions. Unless otherwise set forth in this rule, slurry, water gels, and emulsions shall be manufactured, transported, stored and used in the same manner as explosives or blasting agents in accordance with these regulations.

B. Types and classification.

1. Slurry, water gels, and emulsions which are cap-sensitive as defined in R614-4-2.B. under Blasting Agent shall be classified as an explosive and manufactured, transported, stored, and used as specified for "explosives" in this rule.

2. Slurry, water gels, and emulsions which are not cap-sensitive as defined in R614-4-2.B.of this section under Blasting Agent shall be classified as blasting agents and manufactured, transported, stored, and used as specified for "blasting agents" in this rule.

3. When tests on specific formulations of slurry, water gels, and emulsions result in Department of Transportation classification as a Class B explosive, bullet-resistant magazines are not required. See R614-4-12.

C. Fixed Location Mixing

1. Buildings or other facilities used for the mixing of slurrys, water gels and emulsions shall conform to the following minimum requirements.

2. Buildings shall be of noncombustible construction or sheet metal on wood studs.

3. Floors shall be of concrete or other non-absorbent material. They shall be constructed without enclosed floor drains and piping into which molten materials could flow and be confined in case of fire.

4. All fuel oil storage facilities, including heating oil and process oil, shall be separated from the mixing plant, and located in such a manner that in case of tank rupture the oil will drain away from the mixing plant, or diked in a manner to contain the tank contents in case of rupture.

5. The building shall be well ventilated.

6. Only heating units which do not depend on combustion processes, properly designed and located, may be used in the plant. Electric heaters with exposed resistance elements are prohibited. All direct sources of heat shall be provided from units located outside the mixing building.

7. Internal-combustion engines, such as diesel or gasoline-powered generators, when the hazard exists, shall be located outside the mixing building or shall be properly ventilated and isolated by a permanent firewall. The exhaust systems on all such engines shall be provided with spark-arrester mufflers, or be remotely located, so that any spark emission will not be a hazard to any materials in or adjacent to the building.

D. Ingredients of Slurry, Water Gels and Emulsions.

1. Ingredients of slurrys, water gels, and emulsions shall conform to the requirements of this subdivision.

2. Ingredients in themselves classified as Class A or Class B Explosives shall be stored in conformity with R614-4-15 of this rule.

3. Nitrate-water solutions may be stored in tank cars, tank trucks, or fixed tanks without quantity or distance limitations. Spills or leaks which may contaminate combustible materials shall be cleaned up immediately.

4. Metal powders such as aluminum shall be kept dry and shall be stored in containers or bins which are moisture-resistant or weathertight. Solid fuels shall be used in such manner as to minimize dust explosion hazards.

5. Ingredients shall not be stored with incompatible materials.

6. Peroxides and chlorates shall not be used.

E. Mixing Equipment

1. Mixing equipment shall comply with the requirements of this subdivision.

2. The design of the processing equipment, including mixing and conveying equipment, shall be compatible with the relative sensitivity of the materials being handled. Equipment shall be designed to minimize the possibility of frictional heating, compaction, overloading, and confinement.

3. Both equipment and handling procedures shall be designed to prevent the introduction of foreign objects or materials.

4. Mixers, pumps, valves and related equipment shall be designed to permit regular and periodic flushing, cleaning, dismantling, and inspection.

5. All electrical equipment including wiring, switches, controls, motors and lights, shall conform to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S.

F. Bulk delivery and mixing vehicles

1. The provisions of this subparagraph shall apply to off-highway private operations as well as to all public highway movements.

2. The design of vehicles shall comply with the requirements of this subdivision.

a. Vehicles used over public highways for the bulk transportation of water gels or of ingredients classified as dangerous commodities, shall meet the requirements of the Department of Transportation and shall meet the requirements of this Part.

b. When electric power is supplied by a self-contained motor generator located on the vehicle the generator shall be at a point separated from where the water gel is discharged.

c. The design of processing equipment and general requirements shall conform to the requirements of this Chapter.

d. A bulk delivery vehicle shall be strong enough to carry the load without difficulty and be in good mechanical condition.

e. A positive action parking brake which will set the wheel brakes on at least one axle shall be provided on vehicles when equipped with air brakes and shall be used during bulk delivery operations. Wheel chocks shall supplement parking brakes whenever conditions may require.

G. Operation of bulk delivery and mixing vehicles shall comply with the requirements of this subdivision.

1. The operator shall be trained in the safe operation of the vehicle together with its mixing, conveying, and related equipment. He shall be familiar with the commodities being delivered and the general procedure for handling emergency situations.

2. The operator shall be familiar with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations governing the transportation of explosive materials to the location and on the site.

3. No person shall be allowed to smoke, carry matches or any flame-producing devices, or carry any firearms while in or about bulk vehicles effecting the mixing, transfer, or down-the-hole loading of slurry, water gels, and emulsions, at or near the blasting site.

4. Caution shall be exercised in the movement of the vehicle in the blasting area to avoid driving the vehicle over or dragging hoses over firing lines, cap wires, or explosive materials. The employer shall assure the driver the assistance of a second person to guide the driver's movements.

5. No in transit mixing of materials shall be performed.

6. The location chosen for slurry, water gel, and emulsions or ingredient transfer from a support vehicle into the borehole loading vehicle shall be away from the blasting hole site when the boreholes are loaded or in the process of being loaded.

Utah Admin. Code R614-4-15