Test Setup

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

5.1.6.1 TEST SETUP

In setting up a test at a firing site, all preparatory work shall be completed before explosives are

received. Such work shall include the following items:

1. Checking all firing site safety devices at regular intervals. Such safety devices include

warning lights, door and gate firing circuit interlocks, emergency firing circuit cutoff switches,

and grounding devices (including those that are remote from the firing bunker).

2. Completing all firing pad and shot stand setup work that requires power tools or other

potential spark-producing devices. The firing pad shall be cleared of all unnecessary gear.

Special precautions and procedures shall be developed and implemented if power tools or

other spark-producing devices are needed after the explosive has been received at the firing

pad.

3. If a special structure is required, as much work as possible shall be accomplished on it,

including assembly of all materials.

4. When possible, all diagnostic equipment shall be set up and checked, and dry runs shall be

performed.

5.1.6.2 PIN SWITCHES AND OTHER NONINITIATING CIRCUITS

Whenever pin switches and other noninitiating circuits are to be checked (such as for charging

current or leakage) and are in contact with or close to explosives, the check shall be performed

remotely. Other noninitiating electrical circuits include strain gauges, pressure transducers, and

thermocouples, which may be affixed to or close to the explosives within an assembly. If a

continuity-only (resistance) check is desired, this may be accomplished as a contact operation

with an electrical instrument approved for use with the particular explosive device. When low-

firing current actuators are involved, it may be advisable to conduct these tests remotely.

5.1.6.3 LIGHTNING STORMS

All operations in open test-firing areas shall be discontinued during lightning storms when

explosives are present. Completion of a test after receipt of a lightning alert should be allowed

only if test preparation has progressed to the extent that discontinuance of testing would

represent a greater personnel risk than would completion of testing.

5.1.6.4 LOW-ENERGY ELECTROEXPLOSIVE DEVICES

When using hot-wire or low-energy EEDs for a test firing, the following requirements shall be

applied:

1. Establishment of procedures to ensure that RF, FM, and TV transmitters having

sufficient output energy to initiate an EED at the test site are either restricted to a safe

distance from the site or not operated. Tables 5-2, 5-3, and 5-4 specify minimum safe

distances for the various types of transmitters at several output power levels.

2. Blasting caps and other low-firing current igniters or detonators shall be kept separate

from explosives at all times, except during actual test charge assembly and setup.

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