BC SHIFTBOSS QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS(RATED A+)
Does the mixing of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil to form an explosive require any legal
approval? - ANSWERYes, only if the user has received written approval of the Chief
Inspector of Explosives
"What three methods may be used to destroy AN/FO explosives?" - ANSWER"-By
emptying the containers into a large body of stagnant water
-By emptying them into a pit and pouring water of them
-By scattering them on the ground and then covering them with dirt.
""How is primacord destroyed?""" - ANSWERThe preferred method is by burning in the
same manner as dynamite. It must not be burned on the spool, but strung out in parallel
lines at least 1cm apart.
"What is primacord?" - ANSWERIt is detonating cord consisting of high explosive core
contained in a waterproof textile covering.
"What is the proper method of attaching a blasting cap to a line of primacord?" -
ANSWERThe cap is attached to the side of the primacord by means of friction tape or
other suitable material.
"What is a "Nonel" assembly?" - ANSWERA plastic shock tube coated inside with finely
powdered explosive and securely crimped to a high strength (12 grain PETN) non-
electric delay detonator.
"Can a "Nonel" cap be used to detonate all types of explosives that are cap sensitive?" -
ANSWERYes, the shock tube will not disturb any column of powder as the shock tube
does not explode.
"How would you hook up "Nonel" caps?" - ANSWERHook up Nonel to a b-line trunk line
pulling excess tubing through the plastic connector, then attach a cap to b-line trunk line
and blast.
"Would you trim off excess Nonel tubing?" - ANSWERNo, each Nonel is a sealed unit.
One end of the tube is sealed by means of heat seals, the other end by the detonator. If
excess tubing is cut off moisture may enter and cause malfunction.
"Can Nonels be used in areas of possible stray current?" - ANSWERYes, Nonels are
not a conductor of electricity.
"What is the recommended exposure time for a Nonel detonator assembly in n
explosive that uses fuel oil as a component?" - ANSWER6 days (15 days for Nonel XT)
,"How should a blasting cap be attached to a detonator cord such as primacord?" -
ANSWERIt should be taped into position and the end of the cap must be positioned with
the base of the cap pointing in the direction of initiation.
"How should a blasting cap be attached to a procore primer or other high strength cast
primer?" - ANSWERThe end of the cap should be positioned within the primer, pointed
in the direction of the main charge.
"What is the detonation velocity of detonating cord?" - ANSWER~22,000f/s or 6,075m/s
"Can detonating cord be lit with a match?" - ANSWERDetonating cord cannot be lit with
a match.
"What is the chemical composition of the explosive used in detonating cord?" -
ANSWERPentaerythritol tetranitrate.
"How is the explosive strength of detonating cord usually expressed?" - ANSWERIn
grams of PETN per meter of foot of cord.
"What is a detonating connector relay?" - ANSWERA detonating connector relay is a
nonelectric device which provides a short interval delay in a detonation cord circuit. It is
also known as a delay connector, MS connector, or a relay.
"How is a pigtail detonating connector attached to detonating cord?" - ANSWERBy a
square knot or by taping together, with 4 overlap."
"What is the purpose of Nonel MS connectors?" - ANSWERNonel MS connectors are
used with detonating cord to provide millisecond delay intervals along a line of
propagation.
"How should detonating cord be cut?" - ANSWERWith a crimper, knife, or cord cuter on
a slight angle and with a pulling motion.
"Why should newly cut ends of detonating cord be sealed?" - ANSWERNewly cut ends
should be sealed with tape or plastic sleeves to keep the explosive core clean and dry,
as well as to prevent the PETN core from spilling out.
"May a factory splice (an overlap connection secured by a string tie) as found on a reel
of detonating cord be used in a blasting circuit?" - ANSWERNo, the string should be
removed and a connection made using a standard knot.
"Are a plastic connector and a plastic detonating connector the same thing?" -
ANSWERNo, a plastic connector is used to connect downlines to trunks. It does not
contain explosives and should not be confused with a plastic detonating connector.
,"What length of overlap is recommended when taping 2 lengths of detonating cord
together with electricians tape?" - ANSWER4 inches (10cm).
"What type of detonator is recommended to be used to initiate detonating cord?" -
ANSWERA High Strength" detonator."
"How should the detonator be oriented when taped to detonating cord?" - ANSWERThe
base end of the detonator should be taped pointing in the direction of the initiation or
shock wave path.
"How should detonator cord be unreeled?" - ANSWERBy using a handheld rod or
stand.
"What are 2 kinds of non-electric detonating delay systems?" - ANSWER"A) Nonel
system
B) Cordline system
""There 2 types of detonating systems, name them and indicate the difference between
the them.""" - ANSWER"A) The Nonel system may be used with cap sensitive
explosives.
B) The Cordline system can only be used with insensitive explosives such as ANFO or
slurry blasting agent. Cordline is a low strength detonating cord having an inner core of
PETN, it can side initiate sensitive explosives. Manufactured under the name
ANOLINE"".""
""What is a Nonel assembly?""" - ANSWERA assembly is a non-electric detonator
factory crimped to a length of Nonel shock tube. It has a plastic connector for clipping
onto a trunkline of detonating cord. The assembly is a sealed unit and must not be cut
to shorten the tubing.
"How is a shocktube of a Nonel detonator constructed?" - ANSWERThe shock tube is a
hollow plastic tube lined with finely powdered explosives, when properly initiated it
propagates a shock wave to the detonator causing it to explode.
"What is the velocity of propagation in the Nonel shock tube?" - ANSWER2,000m/s or
6,560f/s
"What is the important feature of the Nonel assembly in blasting?" - ANSWERThe tube
remains intact during propagation and therefor has no effect on explosives in contact
with it. Thus, the Nonel assembly can be used with any explosive regardless of
sensitivity.
"What are 2 types of Nonel tubing available and what are their respective uses?" -
ANSWER"A) Plain - for general application
B) XT - very durable and intended for deep holes and adverse conditions.
, ""How must Nonel tubing be stored?""" - ANSWERSealed, dry, and uncontaminated.
"Is Nonel tubing impervious to oil in ANFO?" - ANSWERNo, fuel oil can penetrate the
plastic tubing. Tubing must not be exposed to ANFO or other oil containing explosives
in a loaded hole for a period exceeding 6 days (15 days for Nonel XT).
"Is there a hazard in holding or being in close proximity to Nonel tubing when it is
initiated?" - ANSWERYes, a flaw in the manufacturing or damage to the tubing could
cause serious injury.
"How are Nonel assemblies connected into a circuit?" - ANSWERTrunkline (detonating
cord) is used to connect Nonel assemblies into a circuit. The type and strength of cord
depends on the Nonel assembly being used.
"Why should Nonel tubing never be cut?" - ANSWERMoisture will enter the tubing and
the explosive lining will be rendered insensitive. Also, a blowout will occur through the
cut end and the detonator may not initiate.
"How is Nonel tubing and trunkline designed to e initiated?" - ANSWERBy a High
Strength" detonator. Any other explosive is considered unreliable."
"How do you check that Nonel tubes have been initiated?" - ANSWERCut a piece of
tubing off blow through it into the palm of your hand, if a silvery powder gets blown out,
it has not been initiated. A cut tube can no longer be used.
"While transporting detonators and capped fuse and shock tubes they shall be kept
separate from explosives by a partition consisting of what?" - ANSWERMade of 6
(15cm) thick wood to height of 6" (15cm) above the explosives."
"What risks are present when burning ANFO and ammonium nitrate?" - ANSWERThey
may explode the same as NG explosives when heat builds up. They must be guarded
as per proper blasting procedures.
"What are dual delay detonators and how do they differ from a Nonel detonator?" -
ANSWERThey combine non-electric in-hole and surface initiation in one product. On
one end is either an MS or LP delay and on the other is a low strength MS delay
initiator.
"Capped safety fuse and Nonels can be safer than electric blasting in which situation?" -
ANSWERWhen electrical hazards are present.
"When connecting a Nonel detonator to B-Line, you must ensure that:" - ANSWER"A)
The tubing runs in a straight line from B-Line to the hole/collar.
B) the tubing leading to the hole/collar must be at right angles to the B-Line.
C) The B-Line does not touch or cross over any tubes leading to the holes/collar.
ANSWERS(RATED A+)
Does the mixing of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil to form an explosive require any legal
approval? - ANSWERYes, only if the user has received written approval of the Chief
Inspector of Explosives
"What three methods may be used to destroy AN/FO explosives?" - ANSWER"-By
emptying the containers into a large body of stagnant water
-By emptying them into a pit and pouring water of them
-By scattering them on the ground and then covering them with dirt.
""How is primacord destroyed?""" - ANSWERThe preferred method is by burning in the
same manner as dynamite. It must not be burned on the spool, but strung out in parallel
lines at least 1cm apart.
"What is primacord?" - ANSWERIt is detonating cord consisting of high explosive core
contained in a waterproof textile covering.
"What is the proper method of attaching a blasting cap to a line of primacord?" -
ANSWERThe cap is attached to the side of the primacord by means of friction tape or
other suitable material.
"What is a "Nonel" assembly?" - ANSWERA plastic shock tube coated inside with finely
powdered explosive and securely crimped to a high strength (12 grain PETN) non-
electric delay detonator.
"Can a "Nonel" cap be used to detonate all types of explosives that are cap sensitive?" -
ANSWERYes, the shock tube will not disturb any column of powder as the shock tube
does not explode.
"How would you hook up "Nonel" caps?" - ANSWERHook up Nonel to a b-line trunk line
pulling excess tubing through the plastic connector, then attach a cap to b-line trunk line
and blast.
"Would you trim off excess Nonel tubing?" - ANSWERNo, each Nonel is a sealed unit.
One end of the tube is sealed by means of heat seals, the other end by the detonator. If
excess tubing is cut off moisture may enter and cause malfunction.
"Can Nonels be used in areas of possible stray current?" - ANSWERYes, Nonels are
not a conductor of electricity.
"What is the recommended exposure time for a Nonel detonator assembly in n
explosive that uses fuel oil as a component?" - ANSWER6 days (15 days for Nonel XT)
,"How should a blasting cap be attached to a detonator cord such as primacord?" -
ANSWERIt should be taped into position and the end of the cap must be positioned with
the base of the cap pointing in the direction of initiation.
"How should a blasting cap be attached to a procore primer or other high strength cast
primer?" - ANSWERThe end of the cap should be positioned within the primer, pointed
in the direction of the main charge.
"What is the detonation velocity of detonating cord?" - ANSWER~22,000f/s or 6,075m/s
"Can detonating cord be lit with a match?" - ANSWERDetonating cord cannot be lit with
a match.
"What is the chemical composition of the explosive used in detonating cord?" -
ANSWERPentaerythritol tetranitrate.
"How is the explosive strength of detonating cord usually expressed?" - ANSWERIn
grams of PETN per meter of foot of cord.
"What is a detonating connector relay?" - ANSWERA detonating connector relay is a
nonelectric device which provides a short interval delay in a detonation cord circuit. It is
also known as a delay connector, MS connector, or a relay.
"How is a pigtail detonating connector attached to detonating cord?" - ANSWERBy a
square knot or by taping together, with 4 overlap."
"What is the purpose of Nonel MS connectors?" - ANSWERNonel MS connectors are
used with detonating cord to provide millisecond delay intervals along a line of
propagation.
"How should detonating cord be cut?" - ANSWERWith a crimper, knife, or cord cuter on
a slight angle and with a pulling motion.
"Why should newly cut ends of detonating cord be sealed?" - ANSWERNewly cut ends
should be sealed with tape or plastic sleeves to keep the explosive core clean and dry,
as well as to prevent the PETN core from spilling out.
"May a factory splice (an overlap connection secured by a string tie) as found on a reel
of detonating cord be used in a blasting circuit?" - ANSWERNo, the string should be
removed and a connection made using a standard knot.
"Are a plastic connector and a plastic detonating connector the same thing?" -
ANSWERNo, a plastic connector is used to connect downlines to trunks. It does not
contain explosives and should not be confused with a plastic detonating connector.
,"What length of overlap is recommended when taping 2 lengths of detonating cord
together with electricians tape?" - ANSWER4 inches (10cm).
"What type of detonator is recommended to be used to initiate detonating cord?" -
ANSWERA High Strength" detonator."
"How should the detonator be oriented when taped to detonating cord?" - ANSWERThe
base end of the detonator should be taped pointing in the direction of the initiation or
shock wave path.
"How should detonator cord be unreeled?" - ANSWERBy using a handheld rod or
stand.
"What are 2 kinds of non-electric detonating delay systems?" - ANSWER"A) Nonel
system
B) Cordline system
""There 2 types of detonating systems, name them and indicate the difference between
the them.""" - ANSWER"A) The Nonel system may be used with cap sensitive
explosives.
B) The Cordline system can only be used with insensitive explosives such as ANFO or
slurry blasting agent. Cordline is a low strength detonating cord having an inner core of
PETN, it can side initiate sensitive explosives. Manufactured under the name
ANOLINE"".""
""What is a Nonel assembly?""" - ANSWERA assembly is a non-electric detonator
factory crimped to a length of Nonel shock tube. It has a plastic connector for clipping
onto a trunkline of detonating cord. The assembly is a sealed unit and must not be cut
to shorten the tubing.
"How is a shocktube of a Nonel detonator constructed?" - ANSWERThe shock tube is a
hollow plastic tube lined with finely powdered explosives, when properly initiated it
propagates a shock wave to the detonator causing it to explode.
"What is the velocity of propagation in the Nonel shock tube?" - ANSWER2,000m/s or
6,560f/s
"What is the important feature of the Nonel assembly in blasting?" - ANSWERThe tube
remains intact during propagation and therefor has no effect on explosives in contact
with it. Thus, the Nonel assembly can be used with any explosive regardless of
sensitivity.
"What are 2 types of Nonel tubing available and what are their respective uses?" -
ANSWER"A) Plain - for general application
B) XT - very durable and intended for deep holes and adverse conditions.
, ""How must Nonel tubing be stored?""" - ANSWERSealed, dry, and uncontaminated.
"Is Nonel tubing impervious to oil in ANFO?" - ANSWERNo, fuel oil can penetrate the
plastic tubing. Tubing must not be exposed to ANFO or other oil containing explosives
in a loaded hole for a period exceeding 6 days (15 days for Nonel XT).
"Is there a hazard in holding or being in close proximity to Nonel tubing when it is
initiated?" - ANSWERYes, a flaw in the manufacturing or damage to the tubing could
cause serious injury.
"How are Nonel assemblies connected into a circuit?" - ANSWERTrunkline (detonating
cord) is used to connect Nonel assemblies into a circuit. The type and strength of cord
depends on the Nonel assembly being used.
"Why should Nonel tubing never be cut?" - ANSWERMoisture will enter the tubing and
the explosive lining will be rendered insensitive. Also, a blowout will occur through the
cut end and the detonator may not initiate.
"How is Nonel tubing and trunkline designed to e initiated?" - ANSWERBy a High
Strength" detonator. Any other explosive is considered unreliable."
"How do you check that Nonel tubes have been initiated?" - ANSWERCut a piece of
tubing off blow through it into the palm of your hand, if a silvery powder gets blown out,
it has not been initiated. A cut tube can no longer be used.
"While transporting detonators and capped fuse and shock tubes they shall be kept
separate from explosives by a partition consisting of what?" - ANSWERMade of 6
(15cm) thick wood to height of 6" (15cm) above the explosives."
"What risks are present when burning ANFO and ammonium nitrate?" - ANSWERThey
may explode the same as NG explosives when heat builds up. They must be guarded
as per proper blasting procedures.
"What are dual delay detonators and how do they differ from a Nonel detonator?" -
ANSWERThey combine non-electric in-hole and surface initiation in one product. On
one end is either an MS or LP delay and on the other is a low strength MS delay
initiator.
"Capped safety fuse and Nonels can be safer than electric blasting in which situation?" -
ANSWERWhen electrical hazards are present.
"When connecting a Nonel detonator to B-Line, you must ensure that:" - ANSWER"A)
The tubing runs in a straight line from B-Line to the hole/collar.
B) the tubing leading to the hole/collar must be at right angles to the B-Line.
C) The B-Line does not touch or cross over any tubes leading to the holes/collar.
