Warning Signals

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

5.1.6.5 WARNING SIGNALS

Each DOE explosives testing facility shall use standard audible signals to warn personnel of any

impending firing in a test area. Signals shall be established by each facility and approved by facility

management.

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

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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