Firing Leads

DOE-HDBK-1092-98

5.1.6.6 FIRING LEADS

All detonator lead wires shall be electrically insulated. Firing leads or cables of low-energy

detonators for explosive assemblies shall be kept properly shorted during setup on the firing point.

5.1.6.7 ELECTRICAL TESTING INSTRUMENTS FOR USE WITH EXPLOSIVES

SYSTEMS (EXCEPT THOSE COVERED BY DOE 5610.3)

Testing instruments shall meet certain criteria and be certified and labeled for the types of testing they

are permitted to perform.

5.1.6.7.1 CLASSIFICATION

Testing instruments shall be assigned to categories on the basis of electrical characteristics that affect

their safe use with explosives systems. Specifically, instrument categories shall be established so that

testing instruments in each category can be safely applied to one or more of the following classes of

explosives systems:

1. Low-energy or hot-wire initiators (blasting caps, actuators, squibs, etc.)

2. High-energy initiators (exploding bridgewires, slappers, etc.)

3. Noninitiating electrical circuits.

Testing instruments that do not meet the safety criteria may be used on an explosives system only

if the activity is considered a remote operation and adequate personnel shielding or separation

distance is provided.

5.1.6.7.2 CERTIFICATION

Each DOE facility using electrical testing instruments on explosives systems shall establish a formal

system for reviewing and certifying those instruments. Procedures for marking instruments to show

their approved use and restrictions on their use shall also be established, so that every testing

instrument is prominently labeled with its approved use and with a warning if there is a restriction

on its use.

Inspection and calibration of certified instruments shall be required at prescribed intervals or

whenever the instrument is opened for servicing or repair.

Records of all certified testing instruments shall be maintained by each DOE facility using electrical

instruments to test explosives systems. These records shall include type, manufacturer, model,

electrical specifications, wiring diagrams, and failure mode analyses. The Explosives Safety

Committee chairperson shall be notified in writing by DOE facilities when they approve new

electrical testing instruments for use with initiating systems. The chairperson shall disseminate this

information to all committee members.

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