As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
AIRBLAST
An airblast is an airborne shock wave resulting from the
detonation of explosives. The movement of overburden or release of
expanding gas in the air resulting from the detonation of explosives
may also cause airblast. Airblast may or may not be audible.
APPLICANT
The person, company or corporation, or the employee of any
person, company or corporation, responsible and accountable for managing
and conducting the blasting operations.
BLAST AREA
The area of a blast within the influence of flying rock missiles,
gases, and concussion. The area including the blast site and the immediate
adjacent area that is owned-leased or controlled by the blast operation.
BLAST SITE
The area in which explosive materials are being or have been
loaded and include all holes loaded or to be loaded for the same blast
and for a distance of 50 feet in all directions.
BLASTING
The detonation of an explosive device as defined by the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 495 Explosive Materials Code.
BLASTING MAT
A rubber or steel mat used to protect personnel, dampen sound,
keep the charge in the hole, prevent flyrock and contain debris.
BLASTING OPERATION
All blasting anticipated to be undertaken during the completion
of a contract or series of contracts, for demolition, excavation,
construction, and development. A blasting operation includes all work
involving the preparation, drilling, loading and detonation as well
as the excavation and clean up of the blasted area, the location of
blasting magazine, and quantity of explosives.
EXPLOSIVES
Those materials as defined in New Hampshire Code of Administrative
Rules Saf-C 1600 and RSA 158:29, XI, and any chemical compound, mixture,
or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by
explosion; that is with substantially instantaneous release of gas
and heat, unless such compound, mixture or device is otherwise specifically
classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation. All material
which is classified as Class 1 Explosives by the U.S. Department of
Transportation (49 CFR 173.50,) Classification of explosives by the
U.S. Department of Transportation is as follows:
A.
Division 1.1. Explosives. Consists of explosives that have a
mass explosion hazard. A mass explosion is one which affects almost
the entire load instantaneously. Examples: dynamite, detonator (cap)
sensitive emulsions, slurries, water gels, cast boosters, and mass
detonating detonators.
B.
Division 1.2. Explosives. Consists of explosives that have a
projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard. Examples: certain
types of ammunition, mines, and grenades.
C.
Division 1.3. Explosives. Consists of explosives that have a
fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection
hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard. Examples: certain
types of fireworks, propellants, and pyrotechnics.
D.
Division 1.4. Consists of explosives that present a minor explosion
hazard. The explosive effects are largely confined to the package
and no projection of fragments of appreciable size or range is to
be expected. An external fire must not cause virtually instantaneous
explosion of almost the entire contents of the package. Examples:
safety fuse and certain electric, electronic, and nonelectric detonators.
E.
Division 1.5. Consists of very insensitive explosives. This
division is comprised of substances which have a mass explosion hazard
but are so insensitive that there is very little probability of initiation
or of transition from burning to detonation under normal conditions
of transport. Examples: blasting agents, ANFO, non-cap sensitive emulsions,
blends, slurries, water gels, and other explosives that require a
booster for initiation.
F.
Division 1.6. Consists of extremely insensitive articles which
do not have a mass explosive hazard. This division is comprised of
articles which contain only extremely insensitive detonating substances
and which demonstrate a negligible probability of accidental initiation
or propagation.
FIRE CHIEF
The Chief of the Merrimack Fire Department or a named and
authorized designee.
FLY ROCK
Any rock or material that is propelled through the air or
has the potential to be propelled through the air beyond the blast
area.
GROUND VIBRATIONS
The shaking of ground that is registered and documented by
a seismograph caused by the blast wave emanating from the detonation
of an explosive.
HABITABLE STRUCTURE
A structure which persons are occupying or may occupy, including
residential dwellings, commercial and industrial buildings, garages,
sheds, barns, and storage buildings.
HERTZ
A term used to express the frequency of ground vibrations
and airblast. One hertz is one cycle per second.
NFPA
The National Fire Protection Association.
PARTICLE VELOCITY
A measure of ground vibration. "Particle velocity" describes
the velocity at which a particle of ground vibrates when excited by
a force producing ground motion such as an earthquake or an explosion,
measured in inches per second.
PEAK PARTICLE VELOCITY (PPV)
A measurement of maximum ground vibration, in any of the
three mutually perpendicular components of particle velocity.
PREBLAST SURVEY
An evaluation of a structure within the required distance
to identify any structural problem before the commencement of the
blasting operation.
SEISMIC MEASURING EQUIPMENT
That equipment utilized to measure ground effects of blasting
and/or explosive detonation which may include but is not limited to
creepmeters, seismographs, seismometers, strainmeters, or magnetometers.
These meters shall always be placed on undisturbed soil and not placed
on sand or heavy sand soils.
SEISMOGRAPH
An instrument that measures and records earthborn vibration.
The instrument shall produce a direct printout of ground motion frequency,
acceleration, particle velocity and amplitude, or produce a record
from which any of these parameters can be calculated.
SITE
The area as outlined by the boundaries which are identified
as a map and lot number by the Town.
STRUCTURE
Anything which is built or constructed on a property (i.e.,
property improvements) including activity for which a building permit
or site permit is required, such as foundations, driveways, roadbeds,
parking lots, swimming pools, wells, waste disposal systems, and utility
installations.
TOWN
The Town of Merrimack, New Hampshire.