Section 1816.66  Use of Explosives: Blasting Signs, Warnings, and Access Control

a)         Blasting signs shall meet the specifications of Section 1816.11. The operator shall:

1)         Conspicuously display signs reading "Blasting Area" along the edge of any blasting area that comes within 100 feet of any public road right-of-way, and at the point where any other road provides access to the blasting area; and

2)         At all entrances to the permit area from public roads or highways, place conspicuous signs which state "Warning! Explosives in Use" and which clearly list and describe the meaning of the audible blast warning and all-clear signals that are in use, and which explain the marking of blasting areas and charged holes awaiting firing within the permit area.

b)         Warning and all-clear signals of different character or pattern that are audible within one-half mile of the blast shall be given.  Each person within the permit area and each person who resides or regularly works within one-half mile of the permit area shall be notified of the meaning of the signals in the blasting schedule.  The requirement to supply daily notice may be fulfilled by the audible warning signals.

c)         Access to the blasting area shall be controlled to prevent the presence of livestock or unauthorized personnel during blasting and until an authorized representative of the person who conducts the surface mining activities has reasonably determined:

1)         That no unusual circumstances, such as imminent slides or undetonated charges, exist; and

2)         That access to and travel in or through the area can be safely resumed.

d)         Proximity to buildings and other facilities

1)         Blasting shall not be conducted within 300 feet of any building used as a dwelling unless waived by the owner or within 300 feet of a school, church, hospital, or nursing facility.

2)         Blasting shall not be conducted within 100 feet of facilities including, but not limited to, disposal wells, petroleum or gas storage facilities, municipal water storage facilities, fluid-transmission pipelines, or water and sewage lines unless a waiver is obtained from the owner of the facility and submitted to the Department prior to blasting within 100 feet.

(Source:  Amended at 22 Ill. Reg. 20228, effective November 5, 1998)