Ski Areas Association of New Zealand Snow Blasting ... Sops final...NZ Snow Blasting SOPs Version 2014-2 3 Introduction These SOP’s were originally written by Mark Sedon, Treble

NZ Snow Blasting SOPs Version 2014-2 1

Ski Areas Association of New Zealand Snow Blasting Standard Operating

Procedures

Version 2014-2

SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION NZ


Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3

1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 4

2 Transport of Explosives to Site – Road Vehicle ..................................................................................... 5

3 Transport of Explosives by Over-snow Vehicle ..................................................................................... 6

4 Transport of Explosives by Aerial Lift .................................................................................................... 6

5 Transport of Explosives by Backpack .................................................................................................... 6

6 Storage of Explosives ............................................................................................................................ 7

7 Day Box ................................................................................................................................................. 8

8 Tracking ................................................................................................................................................. 8

9 Detonator – Safety Fuse Assembly ....................................................................................................... 9

10 Hand charge Assembly ...................................................................................................................... 9

11 Case Charge Assembly .................................................................................................................... 10

12 Avalanche Control Plan ................................................................................................................... 10

13 Deployment of Hand and Case Charges.......................................................................................... 11

14 Misfire Procedure ........................................................................................................................... 12

15 Dismantling Explosives .................................................................................................................... 13

16 Avalauncher Use ............................................................................................................................. 14

17 Helibombing .................................................................................................................................... 18

18 Aerial Tramway for Explosives Delivery .......................................................................................... 21

Document Control and Revision History ..................................................................................................... 21


Introduction

These SOP’s were originally written by Mark Sedon, Treble Cone Snow Safety Officer, after

attending Orica’s ‘Safe and Efficient Blasting in Snow’ course in Methven (June 2002). The

2002 HSNO regulations indicate that Ski Area personnel, particularly Supervisors, must take full

responsibility for their explosives, “from the cradle to the grave”. To ensure these SOPs

represent industry best practice, this document will be audited by a combination of explosives

and snow safety professionals annually. It is intended that these documents are continually

updated as better and safer techniques are discovered.

Since the original inception of this document there have been annual meetings held in

Christchurch to keep them current and abreast of with the changing Health and Safety

environment that exists in New Zealand currently.

In 2008, it was decided by the explosives working group that some external explosives expertise

was required to critique the document and the practices laid out within it. Simon De Bono was

engaged by SAANZ to perform a risk analysis on the processes outlined within the SOPs. With

this task achieved, in 2009 the working group agreed that an Approved Code of Practice should

be developed. Funding for this project was sought from SAANZ and work began immediately

with Simon De Bono. After first working through a gap analysis between current SOPs and the

level required for Approved Code of Practice it became apparent that the first step in this

process needed to be to further development of the SOPs. In October 2010 draft SOPs were

handed over by Simon De Bono to the working group and industry representatives. This version

of the NZ Snow blasting SOPs is based on very comprehensive work and covers details not

mentioned in previous versions.


1 General

1.1 These SOPs must be reviewed annually by a working group made up of both snow safety

professionals, and explosives industry professionals, and amendments put forward for ratification.

1.2 These SOPs are not a substitute for Avalanche control plans or operational safety plans. They

describe all aspects of explosives use for avalanche control and do not cover other overarching

safety issues associated with the Health and Safety Act of New Zealand.

1.3 Operations must comply with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisations Act and Regulations

including but not limited to:

a) Classes 1-5 Controls

b) Tracking

c) Emergency Management

d) Classification

e) Identification

1.4 All operations undertaking active avalanche control with explosives must ensure that all personnel

involved either have the appropriate training and certification for that activity, or are directly

supervised by someone who has that training and certification.

1.5 Class 1 substances must be under the personal control of an Approved Handler.

1.6 Class 1 substances may be handled by a person who is not an Approved Handler if an Approved

Handler is present at that location and has provided guidance to the person in relation to that

substance and is available at all times to provide assistance if necessary to that person.

1.7 Approved handlers in possession of explosives require a Controlled Substances License (CSL).

1.8 A person without a CSL can only handle listed Class 1 Explosives (1.1D-1.1B Ski industry uses) if they

are in the direct sight and hearing of a CSL holder.

1.9 Smoking shall not be permitted at any time within 10m of explosives.

1.10 All personnel (including suppliers) involved in any phase of the explosive lifecycle in a snow

blasting operation shall be suitably clothed and equipped for the alpine environment.

1.11 Operational fire extinguishers shall be placed in all practicable locations where explosives are

likely to be stored, transported, constructed or dismantled.

1.12 Explosives assembly and dismantling areas should be restricted to authorized personnel, dry,

free of flammable materials, free from extraneous electrical currents and signed appropriately with

classes of explosives signs


1.13 Emergency plans for all likely emergency situations should be in place and trained for by all

relevant personnel.

1.14 All Class 1 Explosives must not be subject to any of the following that could result in an

explosion or fire:

a) Impact or pressure shock

b) Ignition source releasing spark energy

c) Ignition source generating heat or fire

d) Build-up of static electrical charges

2 Transport of Explosives to Site – Road Vehicle

2.1 At the start of each season, local enforcement agencies shall be contacted to inform them of the

commencement of snow blasting operations, and again at the end of the season upon cessation of

operations.

2.2 The driver of the vehicle must have an appropriate license for the operation of that vehicle and the

transportation of explosives within it.

2.3 All vehicles being used for the purpose of delivery of explosives to a site should be suitable for the

conditions likely to be encountered (e.g. chains, 4WD).

2.4 No explosives shall be carried in any passenger service vehicle (larger than 12 passenger).

2.5 Site specific protocols may be required, and should be communicated to all drivers before or on

arrival such as hazards or headlights on at all times.

2.6 Suitable fire extinguisher(s) must be fitted and accessible in the vehicle.

2.7 Two-way communications should be available in the vehicle.

2.8 Area where explosives are carried must be made of static free, non-sparking material.

2.9 Flammable products or items not necessary for the transport of explosives shall not be carried.

2.10 Any personnel not absolutely necessary for the delivery of explosives should not be carried

present in the delivery vehicle.

2.11 Vehicles carrying explosives shall not be taken into workshops.

2.12 No maintenance shall be undertaken on vehicles carrying explosives.

2.13 Vehicles carrying explosives should minimize time spent in public gathering areas.

2.14 Vehicle must proceed directly to explosives magazine via the appropriate route.

2.15 Vehicle must never be left unattended.


2.16 Explosives shall be unloaded and transferred directly into an approved and Test Certified

Magazine, or to another mode of transport to an approved magazine – see Storage section for

details.

3 Transport of Explosives by Over-snow Vehicle

3.1 Drivers of over-snow vehicles shall be authorized to operate such machinery by the operation.

3.2 All over-snow vehicles shall be assessed for suitability for the purpose of the transport of explosives.

3.3 Consideration shall be given to methods of increased visibility with the use of flashing lights for poor

visibility conditions.

3.4 Over-snow vehicle must be fitted with a suitable fire extinguisher (when carrying more than 25Kg).

3.5 Explosives shall be secured to the vehicle in a manner that ensures none will be lost in transit.

3.6 Explosives shall be supervised at all times by an Approved Handler.

3.7 Two-way communications shall be available to all personnel involved in the operation.

3.8 Explosives placards may be placed on the vehicle if operationally practical.

3.9 Explosives shall be transferred directly from the vehicle to an appropriate magazine or other secure

and supervised location for use.

4 Transport of Explosives by Aerial Lift

4.1 Explosives shall not be transported on aerial lifts in lightening lightning conditions.

4.2 Two-way communications should be in place between the Approved Handler in charge and the rest

of the ski area/ site in case of an emergency.

4.3 If possible, transporting of explosives on aerial lifts should be done outside of operational hours.

4.4 A space of at least 100m shall be maintained at all times in front of and behind an explosives carrier

and any public.

4.5 No other personnel shall be transported on the same carrier as the explosives.

4.6 Explosives must remain under the direct supervision of an Approved Handler at all times.

5 Transport of Explosives by Backpack

5.1 Backpacks must be suitable for the alpine environment.

5.2 Backpack must be able to carry a suitable load of explosives and other safety equipment required

for avalanche control routes.


5.3 Backpacks must be weather proof and have the ability to be securely closed to prevent loss of

product.

5.4 Backpacks loaded with explosives identifiable with orange explosive signs.

5.5 Any sparking or flammable materials not required for the control route/transport shall be removed

from the backpack when carrying explosives.

5.6 Care should be taken when packing live charges into backpack that the safety fuse does not get

kinked.

6 Storage of Explosives

6.1 Class 1 substances must be secured at a hazardous substances location in a container that meets

HSNO (Classes 1-5 Controls) Regulations unless under the personal control of an Approved Handler.

6.2 Each magazine must have a current Test Certificate for the magazine and the location, and adhere

to all test certificate requirements at all times.

6.3 Maximum quantities of explosives shall not be exceeded as per Location Test Certificate.

6.4 Magazine rules should be displayed clearly for all handlers using it.

6.5 Magazine shall be kept clean and well organized.

6.6 Stock should be dated as it is received and the oldest stock rotated to the front of the magazine.

6.7 Each magazine shall have a dedicated logbook kept up to date detailing the type and quantities of

stock stored there, and any stock movements in and out.

6.8 Maintenance or repairs must never be performed on a loaded magazine.

6.9 All magazines shall clearly be identified using appropriate signs...

6.10 Smoking within 10m is prohibited.

6.11 Explosive materials shall be stored in the correct magazines as below:

Class 1.1B 1.1D 1.4

Example Detonators Explosives, Det cord Safety fuse

6.12 Material Safety Data Sheets shall be kept on file and readily available for all explosive types in

use at the operation.

6.13 Suitable operational and accessible fire extinguisher(s) shall be in place within a distance of no

more than 30m from the explosives as per HSNO (Controls on Class 1-5) Regulation 21.


6.14 Magazine keys shall be kept in a secure location and signed out when required by Approved

Handlers.

7 Day Box

7.1 Some operations may require the use of a day box for the temporary storage of explosives during

control days. Others will deploy explosives direct to control teams from the assembly area.

7.2 Day boxes must:

a) Be constructed as per regulatory requirements; non-sparking, weather proof and labeled

b) Always be attended by an Approved Handler.

c) Have a log book with explosives signed in and out under an Approved Handlers name.

d) Maximum duration of explosives within the day box is two hours before that location must be a

‘designated use zone’ or certified Hazardous Substance Location.

8 Tracking

8.1 As per HSNO (Tracking) Regulations 2001, each magazine/storage location must have its own

dedicated logbook, clearly labeled with the magazine serial number and or location.

8.2 Any discrepancies in stock numbers shall be communicated to Ski Area ‘Person in Charge’ and

appropriate authorities immediately.

8.3 The entire life of explosives must be tracked, including:

a) Name and amount of the substance

b) Exact location of the substance

c) Name, position in the organisation and contact details of the Approved Handler in control of the

substance

d) Details of an transfers of the substance to another location

e) Details of any use or disposal of the substance

8.4 A central record of all transactions should be kept for each avalanche control day.

8.5 Individual handlers should log their personal explosives use.

8.6 Trainee approved handlers must log their personal explosives used, and have this signed off by their

supervising approved handler.


9 Detonator – Safety Fuse Assembly

9.1 Safety glasses shall be worn while constructing safety fuse assemblies (SFA’s).

9.2 Fuse cutting tools shall be suitable for the purpose and ensure a clean and perpendicular fuse cut

on a non-sparking surface.

9.3 Each roll of fuse must be tested for a burn time of 100 seconds, plus or minus 10% (10 seconds).

9.4 Fuse lengths shall be cut to a minimum length of 100cm but may be longer than this for operational

requirements.

9.5 Once appropriate lengths of fuse have been cut, anti-static caps shall be placed on one end of each

length.

9.6 Care must be taken to avoid moisture affecting fuse lengths, particularly if being stored for a longer

period of time – consider placing static caps on both ends in this instance.

9.7 After a long period of storage, 5 cm of fuse from the end should be removed and discarded from the

roll.

9.8 Detonators must be visually inspected for defects and or foreign objects, and if present tipped

upside down to remove it. If the foreign body will not come out, the detonator shall be put aside,

tagged as defective, and destroyed at a later stage.

9.9 The Number 8 type 1.1.B detonator is carefully crimped using an approved crimping device.

9.10 Prior to inserting fuse in detonator, check that the end is cleanly cut, perpendicular and that an

anti-static cap is on the other end.

9.11 Fuse is inserted smoothly until it stops inside the detonator well, never twist or force as this can

cause premature detonation of the detonator.

9.12 Insert the detonator and fuse into the approved crimping device and proceed with crimping the

detonator onto the fuse. Care must be taken to ensure detonator is inserted fully into the crimping

device as incorrect placement can cause premature detonation.

10 Hand charge Assembly

10.1 Charges shall be primed as close as practicable to the detonation location.

10.2 Explosives products should be inspected for any defects or damage.

10.3 The packaged explosives must have a hole the length of a detonator pierced in the side by a

wooden skewer, so that the detonator can be pushed into the packaged explosive without force.


10.4 Once the detonator is pushed inside the package explosive, the safety fuse needs to be curved

around the bottom of the packaged explosive and secured effectively to the packaged explosive.

11 Case Charge Assembly

Not all operations use a cast booster. Some use a part stick of gel explosive.

Safety Note: Safety fuse and #8 detonator cap assembly must not be inserted directly inside the

case charge or the cast primer unless using an anti-static bag.

The following two options are available for use by operations requiring case charges:

Option 1 – Use of a primer (cast or gel stick) initiated by detonating cord only.

11.1 The cast primer must be initiated inside the case charge using detonating cord.

11.2 Cast booster and detonating cord must be inspected for any signs of damage.

11.3 Two separate lengths of detonating cord of a minimum length of 50cm must be cut using

approved cord cutters.

11.4 Once the two lengths of cord have been threaded through the detonator wells a knot must be

tied at the end of the cords to ensure they do not slip out of the primer. If required insulation tape

can also be used.

11.5 The cast booster and detonator cord assembly must be placed into the center of the case

charge, ensuring it is completed surrounded by ANFO.

11.6 The bag must be sealed around the cord with insulation tape so that the cast booster assembly

does not move from the center of the ANFO charge.

11.7 Option 2 – Use of safety fuse and #8 detonator cap assembly to directly initiate a primer located

within an anti-static bag and placed in the center of the ANFO charge, thus not requiring detonator

cord.

11.8 When double priming, double tape both safety fuses 250mm from static caps.

12 Avalanche Control Plan

12.1 A flexible but structured plan for the deployment of explosives shall be in place for each

avalanche control day coordinated by a supervising Approved Handler.

12.2 This plan outlines how many charges are thought to be needed on each control route but with

flexibility for the control team to make decisions based on field observations.


12.3 Effective communication throughout the operation shall be in place to ensure all departments

are aware of the plan and blasting areas. And all control teams are aware of each other’s locations.

12.4 The possible run out zone of each avalanche path must be closed to all unauthorized personnel

and public while control work is being completed.

12.5 The avalanche control plan shall identify and mitigate risks such as runaway bomb trajectories

and overlapping control teams.

13 Deployment of Hand and Case Charges

13.1 When moving in avalanche terrain for avalanche control purposes, control team members must

be suitably trained and qualified to do so, holding at minimum, an NZMSC Avalanche Stage 1

certificate and an Approved Handler Test Certificate, or be directly supervised by someone holding

these certificates.

13.2 All team members must be wearing and have with them:

-A 457 kHz avalanche transceiver.

-A non-ferrous snow shovel.

-An avalanche probe.

-A two way radio.

-First aid equipment.

-Level 4 ear protection.

-Pull wire igniters.

-Watch / timing device

13.3 The control route leader is responsible for the team and must ensure that the team has the

appropriate information and equipment for the route they have been designated, are aware of

potential hazards on the route and designated safe zones to retreat to when charges are deployed.

13.4 When in position to deploy a charge, it is removed from the backpack one at a time and then

the backpack is remounted on their back prior to lighting and deploying a charge.

13.5 The charge should be inspected for damage.

13.6 A thin rope or cord can be tied around the charge to ensure it doesn’t slide out of position.

13.7 The following process must be followed by all handlers deploying hand and case charges.

a) Team Leader must confirm the emergency plan if an uncontrolled situation occurs.


b) Team leader must identify where the SAFE ZONE is located that the team will retreat to once the

charge is deployed (must provide safety against avalanches and explosive effects)

c) Handler must advise by radio that the charge is being prepared and identify the location where

the hand charge will be deployed.

d) Handler deploying the hand or case charge must ensure the control team is ready.

e) Handler must ensure that the area is clear and must make a visual check that the area is clear as

well.

f) Handler must remove the static cap from the safety fuse and place the igniter placed on the end

of the safety fuse.

g) Handler must confirm verbally to control team that the igniter is placed on the safety fuse.

h) Handler to release safety wire and must state “SAFETY OFF”.

i) Handler must call “1,2,3....PULL” and pull on the igniter to light the safety fuse.

j) Handler must check for positive burn of the safety fuse leaving igniter on. Regardless of a

positive burn the hand or case charge must be treated as live.

k) Handlers assistant (or handler) must make a call over the radio...”FIRE IN THE HOLE AT XXXX

LOCATION”.

l) Handler must throw or slide the hand charge using an underhand throw once this call has been

made.

m) If the case charge is not already in position the Handler must slide the case charge into position.

n) Handler and team must move to the identified safe location and wait for positive detonation.

o) Within the last 30 seconds of the burn time of the safety fuse the handler can give a final call

over the radio stating 30 seconds until detonation.

p) Team leader or handler must record the position and results (as per NZMSC Guidelines) of the

blast.

14 Misfire Procedure

14.1 Misfired explosives must not be approached until at least 1 hour of time has elapsed.

14.2 All relevant personnel shall be informed of the location of the misfire.

14.3 The location of the misfire shall be secured from unauthorized personnel.

14.4 Misfires must be dealt with as soon as possible.

14.5 Misfires must be disposed of as follows:


ONE: Where misfire can be safely accessed

a) A new charge can be placed beside the misfired charge (but not touching) and detonated.

b) If the misfire has sunk into snow a non-sparking shovel can be used to access the misfire, a new

charge can be placed beside the misfired charge (but not touching) and detonated.

c) If the misfire has detonating cord attached a new safety fuse assembly can be attached to the

cord and detonated.

TWO: Where misfire cannot be accessed but the misfire has a rope attached.

d) Another charge can be attached to the rope using a key ring. The charge should be slid down

the rope to the misfired charge and detonated.

THREE: Where misfire cannot be accessed and the misfire does not have a rope attached

e) A rope can be attached to a new charge and be positioned by sliding or throwing the hand

charge using an underhand throw so it can be dragged towards the misfired charge and

detonated.

14.6 Positive detonation of both charges must be confirmed by the control team.

14.7 If the misfire cannot be accessed due to conditions on the day, the location must be secured and

checked regularly until such time that it can be dealt with.

15 Dismantling Explosives

15.1 Dismantling gel type hand-charges shall be done by using an approved knife to cut a small slit in

the plastic wrapping and removing the detonator by grasping the detonator itself never pull the

safety fuse.

15.2 Pulling on the fuse can introduce a small gap in the detonator between the fuse and the high

explosives inside the detonator. For this reason, detonators that have been used in hand-charges

shall be destroyed once charges are dismantled.

15.3 Detonators can be removed from cast boosters once detonator well is checked for obstructions.

15.4 Used detonators shall be set to one side, tagged as used and destroyed when practical.

15.5 Case charges can be dismantled by carefully removing booster, then, following the above steps,

the booster can be dismantled.

15.6 Any damaged products must be tagged and taken out of stock to be destroyed when practical.


16 Avalauncher Use

16.1 Individual avalauncher models will have specific manufacturers procedures stated and these

procedures must be followed as the primary training and policy document. Described in this section

are those generic procedures that apply to any operation utilizing a pneumatic projectile launcher

(avalauncher).

16.2 Safety Precautions:

a) Ensure all required area closures are in place to ensure no personnel (public or staff) can enter

the firing area.

b) No persons or explosives may be forwarded of the avalauncher when firing is occurring.

c) No talking other than shooting sequence commands should occur during or immediately

preceding firing.

d) Gunners Isolated through blast protection

e) Extended remote firing device

f) Cylinders of compressed nitrogen must be transported secure against movement with their

protective caps in place.

g) Holding containers used for transportation of the assembled projectiles must have well-fitting

padded lids which can be secured during transport so as to prevent movement of projectiles.

16.3 Equipment:

a) Stable platform with unit mounted securely (some operations will require housing to protect

from the environment)

b) Compressed Nitrogen.

c) Barrel

d) Explosive projectiles, and tail fin assemblies.

e) Approved detonators.

f) Range cards (for all relevant targets on the shoot).

g) Record book (field book or similar) for recording results.

h) Ear protection.

i) Two-way communications.

j) Any other site specific equipment.


16.4 Each operation must outline clearly what responsibilities are the Gunner’s and what are the

Assistant’s so that there are no misunderstandings and the team can work efficiently. These roles

may vary on the day for training purposes but the ultimate responsibility for overall safety will lie

with the Approved Handler / Gunner present.

a) Gunner responsibilities: Safety of the entire operation, supervising the assembly and

transportation of the projectiles, preparation and transport of the equipment, setting and

checking the required pressures, elevations and angles, handling the safety lever, firing and

ensuring the area closure is complete.

b) Assistant responsibilities: Helping in the preparation and transportation of the projectiles and

equipment, handling of the nitrogen cylinder, handling of the barrel, loading the projectiles,

removing the safety pin, checking that the area is clear and recording all shot data.

16.5 Projectile Preparation:

a) All projectiles shall be fitted with Recco chips in case of a misfire occurrence.

b) Tail Fin Assemblies checked for cracks and other malfunctions.

c) Rattle striker pin against bore rider pin. CAUTION, do not remove bore rider pin as striker pin

can slide up against primer and explode.

d) Check arming wire is through bore rider pin, check spring action.

e) Check safety pin.

f) Projectile bodies are checked for cracks or weaknesses.

g) Check body fits tail fin assembly; they should require twisting and lock into place with no play at

stops. Discard and return to supplier if any malfunctions are suspected.

Prior to loading for firing:

h) Check detonator for foreign materials.

i) Place detonator into detonator well at base of projectile body ensuring base of detonator is

flush with bottom of the body.

j) Carefully screw tail assembly into bottom of the projectile body until screws reach their stops.

k) Projectiles MUST not be dismantled or stored – and MUST be fired or destroyed by detonation.


16.6 Avalauncher Preparation:

a) Operations should adhere to manufacturers’ specifications for detailed procedures on

avalauncher set-up. Some generic requirements are listed below:

b) Place the safety valve in the closed position.

c) Ensure that the gun opening is free of obstructions.

d) Ensure that both supply hose valves are closed.

e) Attach the gas supply hose to the nitrogen cylinder.

f) Check the level of test pressure in the gun.

g) Open the nitrogen cylinder valve.

h) Check the gun for changes in pressure level. Do not proceed further unless gas pressure level in

avalauncher is steady.

i) Attach the barrel loading tray to the gun and tighten the securing nuts (assistant).

j) Fit the barrel loading tray, seat firmly and tighten the securing clamp (assistant).

k) Ensure that the blasting area closure is complete and that the area has been swept (gunner).

l) Bring the gun up to test pressure (gunner).

16.7 Run through pre-firing test cycle using following plan:

1) “Area Clear” - Check visually that surrounding area is clear.

2) “Test Pressure” – bring the main cylinder pressure to test pressure (minimum 50 psi).

3) “Safety Off” – (gunner)

4) “Fire” – release firing mechanism sending gas through the unloaded unit.

5) “Safety On” – (gunner)

6) “Piston Seated” – when piston seats with a good audible clunk.

16.8 Firing procedures – items in bold are verbal commands issued by one team member and

repeated by the other as a double check system.

a) Position gun at required angle and elevation.

b) Open barrel or breach to allow loading.

c) Check projectile is complete.

d) Set projectile in the breach – “Half Load”

e) Remove safety pin – “Pin out”

f) Fully load the projectile and close the breach – “Full load”


g) Note: there may be some procedures required for tray loading avalaunchers including sliding the

barrel down and locking it with a clamp – add these in if relevant.

h) Confirm target “Angle x degrees, elevation x degrees” from range card.

i) Confirm firing pressure “Pressure x psi” and ensure that gun is brought to firing pressure if not

already at that pressure (this will depend on manufacturer’s requirements).

j) Confirm target area is clear “Area clear”.

k) Take safety off – “Safety off”.

l) Gunners are to move behind Blast protection

m) Fire the avalauncher “Firing” extended remote firing device.

n) Confirm that the base plate has fallen from projectile “Base plate off”.

o) Close firing valve and safety valve.

p) Re-seat the piston as soon as possible and confirm “Piston seated”.

q) Record all shot data.

r) If gun has fired and round becomes jammed in barrel, barrel is to be removed to safe area and

misfire (14.5) procedure is to be carried out.

16.9 Shut down procedure:

a) Record any misfires and communicate these to Snow Safety Supervisor.

b) Inform Snow Safety Supervisor of termination of the shoot.

c) Dismantle avalauncher and secure for storage.

d) Return any unused projectile components to appropriate storage locations.


17 Helibombing

17.1 Blasting team and pilot must hold appropriate Test Certificates and or licenses for helibombing

in accordance with HSNO regulations. An uncertified ‘trainee’ may be permitted if under constant

supervision by fully qualified Bombardier.

17.2 Pilots, blasters and assistants shall ensure that a familiarization session is conducted prior to

each mission to cover the plan, route, emergency procedures and communications.

17.3 Pilot will make all decisions regarding weather conditions and flight safety.

17.4 Personnel – Bombing crew consists of a pilot, bombardier and a spotter. An assistant

bombardier is optional.

a) Pilot – responsible for operation and safety of the aircraft and occupants.

b) Bombardier – responsible for igniting and dispatching charges. They have overall responsibility

for the team’s safety re explosives, including closures.

c) Assistant Bombardier (optional) – Approved Handler for hand charging (minimum) and trained

in helibombing procedures. No responsibilities.

d) Spotter – Approved Handler for hand charging (minimum) and trained in helibombing

procedures. Responsible for guiding pilot to shot locations, timing fuses, keeping accurate

records. A good spotter will save time and thus money but not a key safety position other than

timing shots.

17.5 Sections 10 Hand charges and Section 11 Case Charges must be adhered to in addition to the

supplementary requirements outlined below.

All charges shall be pre-primed (as per Sections 10 & 11) with two standard fuse assemblies double

taped together 250mm from the static cap and stored in a secure and appropriate manner and in a non-

sparking, non-conductive container, such that they aren’t attached to the helicopter, and can be

jettisoned if required. At no time shall a primer or explosive charge be assembled or dismantled in a

helicopter.

Detonator cord should be avoided in the back of the helicopter, thus case charges will need to be

made (as per Section 11 – Option 2) with anti- static bags.


Case charges may not be in an approved container due to weight, but should be easily jettisoned if

required

Pull-wire igniters must be stored separately.

Equipment for helibombing:

e) Helicopter (fitted with normal safety equipment including fire extinguisher)

f) Intercom headsets

g) Stopwatch (nice to have 2)

h) Field book and pencil

i) Explosives container

j) Pull wire igniters

k) Approved blasting tools and accessories (clip board with oblique’s)

l) Harness and attachment system

m) Explosives double primed with fuses double taped together 250mm from the static cap

17.6 Helibombing Procedure:

a) Initiate area closure.

b) Pre-flight briefing covering weather, avalanche conditions, flight plan and shot placements.

c) Pilot must prepare the machine for mission including removing relevant doors and ski baskets or

any other obstructions on the skid that may obstruct the dropping of charges.

d) Pilot ensures intercoms are working properly.

e) Load explosives into helicopter in appropriate storage box or containers.

f) Bombardier should sit behind pilot so pilot can visually see the charge had been deployed.

In some helicopters better to sit behind spotter, sliding locking door. Must have 2 people that

can see shots away.

g) Bombardier shall be attached to helicopter using a secure hard point and harness.

h) All personnel shall wear seatbelts if supplied in aircraft. Why if attached by harness?

i) All team members must be in constant communication via intercom.

j) Spotter directs pilot to location ensuring area closure is in place and visually checking no

unauthorized personnel are in area.

k) As helicopter approaches avalanche start zone, once pilot and spotter happy with location, Pilot

advises bombardier. “prepare charge”.


l) Bombardier opens the door if required, removes charge from container and puts igniter on and

says “igniter on”.

m) When in position, Pilot? advises bombardier “light fuse” and fuse.

n) Bombardier repeats this call while placing igniters on fuses and says “3,2,1…pull” and firmly

pulls igniter tags towards open door to avoid any sparks in machine. Time starts!

o) Bombardier: “fuse lit” Spotter: “fuse lit” leave igniters on fuse.

p) Pilot: “throw when ready”.

q) Bombardier leans out door, and pushes charge down and away from helicopter. Under no

circumstances shall charge be thrown up, behind or underneath the helicopter.

r) Bombardier: “shot sway”, Spotter or pilot: “shot away, and secure”. Two team members must

watch the departure of the charge. If the charge does not stick to slope “roller” should be called

and the pilot will follow the shot to see final resting place.

s) Helicopter shall move to safe location to observe detonation and results.

t) Spotter informs team over intercom when 90 second has passed with a 1m fuse...

u) After expected detonations, a check for misfires should be done.

v) Spotter records results.

w) Move to next target and repeat process.

x) Notify snow safety supervisor or appropriate person when blasting mission is complete and area

closures can be lifted.

y) Return to staging area and return any unused charges to dismantling area and then to certified

magazine or destroyed.

17.7 If helicopter malfunction occurs, on command from pilot, explosives are to be jettisoned down

and away from the helicopter.

17.8 The bombardier may jettison explosives if he/she feels there is a malfunction in the system.

They must inform pilot immediately of this action.

Some operations have more than one explosive charge on the snow surface at once, each spaced

outside the blast radius of any other. This technique is not only faster overall, but a quick ‘one – two’

detonation of adjacent slopes is often more effective than single shots over a longer time period.


18 Aerial Tramway for Explosives Delivery

18.1 If using aerial bomb tram to deliver an explosive charge, an appropriate length (no shorter than

100s or 1m) fuse shall be used.

18.2 The operator must be familiar with the mechanics of the system prior to using it.

18.3 Ensure that all relevant area closures are in place for control work to be undertaken.

18.4 Remove all rime from cable, drop-line, retrieve line and spools.

18.5 Ensure there are no crossed lines or tangles and that the cable will run freely through pulleys

without twists.

18.6 Run the tram fully out and back to test movement prior to loading charge onto it.

18.7 Attach charge securely to carrier and fit igniter to the safety fuse. Follow procedures for hand

charging in Section 10.

18.8 Adjust position of charge until in desired location for shot.

18.9 Move to safe location and wait for detonation.

18.10 After detonation, check and record results, damage to tram cable and return carrier to start

position and cover reels.

Document Control and Revision History

Version Reviewer Ratification Date

2011-1 SAANZ Ski Patrol Working Group 11 June 2011

2014-2 SAANZ Ski Patrol Working Group 2 June 2014

Documents

Ski Areas Association of New Zealand Snow Blasting ... Sops final...NZ Snow Blasting SOPs Version 2014-2 3 Introduction These SOP’s were originally written by Mark Sedon, Treble