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Fire Department Blasting Permits

Two types of permits are issued for blasting operations:
Routine Blasting permits are issued for predetermined locations or jobs that comply with Items I – III.

Pop Shot permits are issued for unexpected or unanticipated jobs that require the use of small amounts of blasting materials and comply with the items indicated by an asterisk (*) in the left column and with item IV.

I. Applying for the Blasting Permit
The following information is required before the issuance of a permit for blasting operations:

1. *An original corporate surety bond in the minimum sum of $1,000,000.00 or an original public liability insurance policy for the same amount. The bond or policy shall be in force for the duration of the blasting operations.
2. Two copies of a site plan, 8-½" x 11" minimum size, drawn to scale, indicating:
   1. .Blasting area(s).
   2. Any structures and their distances from the blasting site.
   3. Nearby railways or roads.
   4. Any barricades, whether man made or natural.
   5. Location and distances from any utilities.
3. A description of storage arrangements of explosives, amount of storage, and method of detonation.
4. * A description of the blaster setting forth the name, age, experience, business address and phone number of the blaster.
5. Before actual blasting, the Apex Fire Marshal shall be contacted for an initial site inspection for each different location. Contact the Fire Marshal at (919) 249-1032.
6. The Apex Fire Department strongly recommends pre-blast surveys be conducted of nearby structures. The blaster is responsible for following applicable federal and or state guidelines for minimizing ground vibrations and structural damage.  Blasting records shall be maintained for each blast and shall be made available to the fire inspector at his/her request.
7. When blasting operations extend beyond the corporate limits, permit issuance will be coordinated with the Wake County Fire Marshal's Office.
8. When blasting operations extend beyond the corporate limits of the Town of Apex; permit issuance will be coordinated with the Wake County fire Marshal's Office.
9. The Fire Inspector will deliver the permit to the site and give it to the contractor once final approval is given to conduct blasting operations.

II. Conditions of the Permit

1. A blasting permit shall remain valid for the duration of the job or for one (1) year,
        whichever comes first, or until the certificate of insurance expires.
2. * The permit or a copy thereof shall be kept at the blasting site, preferably in the blasting log, and made available to the fire Inspector for his/her review.
3. *The permit shall not be assigned or transferred.
4. *The permit shall not be issued to a person under 21 years of age.
5. *A holder of a permit to blast shall keep a daily record of all explosives materials received and fired or otherwise disposed of by the permit holder.  Such records shall be retained for five years and shall be made available to the issuing authority upon request.

III. Conditions for blasting operations

1. Forty-eight (48) hour notice shall be given to the Fire Inspector at (919) 249-1032 for site inspection of the initial blasting activity for each different location. Exception: "Pop Shots" for which a valid permit has been issued.
2. * All federal, state and local laws and regulations applicable to obtaining, owning, transporting storing handling, and using explosive materials shall be followed.
3. *Explosive materials shall be protected from unauthorized possession and shall not be abandoned.
4. *Explosive materials shall be used only by experienced persons who are familiar with the hazards involved and who hold all required permits.
5. *No explosive materials shall be located or stored where they may be exposed to flame, excessive heat, sparks or impact.
6. *No smoking shall be permitted within fifty 50 feet (15.25m) of any location where explosives are being handled or used.
7. *No blasting operation shall be conducted in a manner contrary to the instructions of the manufacturer of the explosive materials being used.
8. *All explosive materials not in the process of manufacture, being transported, or being used shall be kept in storage magazines.  Storage magazines shall comply with Federal Explosives Storage Requirements.
9. * When blasting is being conducted in a congested area or in close proximity to a structure, railway, or highway, or any other installation that may be affected, special precautions shall be exercised to prevent damage and to minimize earth vibrations and air blasts. Blasting mats or other protective devices shall be used to prevent fragments from being thrown. Pre-blasting property surveys are suggested when blasting in these areas.
10. *Persons authorized to prepare explosive charges or to conduct blasting operations shall use every reasonable precaution, including but not limited to warning signals, flags, barricades, mats, or other equally effective means to ensure the safety of the public and workers.
11. *Blasting operations shall be conducted during daylight hours except when authorized at other times by the Fire Marshal.
12. Whenever blasting is being conducted in the vicinity of gas, electric, water, fire alarm, telephone, telegraph, or steam utilities, the blaster shall notify the appropriate representative of such utilities at least 24 hours in advance of blasting specifying the location and intended time of such blasting.
13. Precautions shall be taken to prevent accidental discharge of electric blasting caps from currents induced by radar and radio transmitters, lighting, adjacent power lines, dust and snow storms, or other sources of extraneous electricity.  These precautions shall include, among others, the posting of signs warning against the use of mobile radio transmitters on all roads within 1,000eet. of blasting operations.
14. *If a misfire occurs, all personnel shall remain at a safe distance for at least one hour from the time of initiation. Correction of misfires shall be handled under the direction of the blaster in charge. A thorough search shall be made for unexploded charges before correction is attempted.
15. *All personnel shall remain a safe distance away from the area where un-discharged explosives are being disposed of.  Disposal of unexploded charges shall be in accordance with the N.C. State Fire Prevention Code.
16. *Transportation of explosives shall comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

IV. Pop Shots (Applicable to (*) items above)

1. Discharge of explosives shall be limited to 10lbs. total.
2. Explosives may not be distributed in more than six holes and must be discharged in a delay sequence of not more than 2lbs. per delay shot.
3. Explosives may not be discharged closer than 10 feet to a gas, water, electric or telecommunications line or closer than 50 feet to an occupied building.
4. Pop Shots shall be conducted by qualified blasters only after the blast is determined to be safe.
5. Blasting permits issued for Pop Shots shall remain valid for one (1) year or until the certificate of insurance expires.

Should emergencies or unforeseen circumstances requiring immediate attention arise, please call the Fire Department Communications Center at (919)362-8661. Other concerns may be directed to the Fire Marshals Office at (919)249-1032.