CES CES Emergency Response & Incident Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard waiting time before approaching a misfired electric blast?
- 5 minutes
- At least 30 minutes after the last attempt to fire, with the blasting machine disconnected and shorting clips applied to lead wires (Correct answer)
- 10 minutes regardless of conditions
- No waiting time is required if the blaster is experienced
Correct answer: At least 30 minutes after the last attempt to fire, with the blasting machine disconnected and shorting clips applied to lead wires
Industry standards and ATF guidelines require waiting at least 30 minutes before approaching a misfired electric blast, with the circuit shunted to prevent stray current ignition.
Question 2: Which federal agency has primary jurisdiction over investigating explosive-related incidents at commercial mines?
- FBI
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) (Correct answer)
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Correct answer: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
MSHA has jurisdiction over explosives incidents at mining operations under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act, and is required to investigate fatal or serious injury events.
Question 3: What personal protective equipment (PPE) is specifically important when handling post-blast fumes and residues in an underground blast area?
- Only standard hard hat and steel-toe boots
- Respiratory protection (SCBA or supplied air) to protect against toxic nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide fumes (Correct answer)
- UV-protective eyewear only
- Electrical insulating gloves
Correct answer: Respiratory protection (SCBA or supplied air) to protect against toxic nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide fumes
Post-blast gases including NOx and CO are toxic and may accumulate in underground excavations, requiring respiratory protection before re-entry.
Question 4: What is the purpose of 'hot seat' or 'blow-out' monitoring after an unexploded ordnance (UXO) encounter on a construction site?
- To measure heat generated by friction during excavation
- To ensure UXO items are identified, marked, and the area evacuated before a licensed EOD specialist responds (Correct answer)
- To calculate the charge weight of the UXO for cost estimation
- To verify that excavation equipment is covered by insurance
Correct answer: To ensure UXO items are identified, marked, and the area evacuated before a licensed EOD specialist responds
When UXO is encountered, work stops immediately, the area is marked and evacuated, and a licensed EOD contractor is called — never attempt to move or disarm UXO without specialized training.
Question 5: Which NFPA standard provides guidance on emergency response to explosives incidents at storage magazines?
- NFPA 1: Fire Code
- NFPA 495: Explosive Materials Code, which includes storage, safety distances, and emergency procedures (Correct answer)
- NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm Code
- NFPA 13: Standard for Sprinkler Systems
Correct answer: NFPA 495: Explosive Materials Code, which includes storage, safety distances, and emergency procedures
NFPA 495 governs the manufacture, transportation, distribution, storage, and use of explosive materials and includes emergency procedures for magazine incidents.
Question 6: What does 'sympathetic detonation' mean in the context of an explosive storage emergency?
- The emotional response of witnesses to a blast accident
- The unintended detonation of one explosive charge triggered by the shock wave or heat from an adjacent detonating charge (Correct answer)
- Detonating two charges simultaneously by design
- The use of a detonating cord trunk line to initiate multiple charges
Correct answer: The unintended detonation of one explosive charge triggered by the shock wave or heat from an adjacent detonating charge
Sympathetic detonation occurs when a detonating explosive initiates a nearby explosive through shock transmission, which is a key reason for separation distances in magazine design.
CES CES Emergency Response & Incident Management 2
What is the standard waiting time before approaching a misfired electric blast?