Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is blasting necessary?Blasting is often required to remove rock to make way for foundations, septic tanks, utility trenches, roads, and driveways.
2. What are the minimum qualifications for an individual doing the blasting?All blasting operations must be carried out by skilled and experienced personnel who are currently licensed by the state to conduct blasting operations. For additional information, please contact your local fire marshal’s office.
3. Is notification of blasting to adjoining properties required?Blast notification is not required. However, we always notify owners of all property located within 500 feet of the blast site of exactly when and where blasting will occur. We also offer pre-blast survey to these parties.
4. What is a pre-blast survey?The survey is an inspection, usually photographed and/or videotaped, of the foundation and other parts of homes or other structures to document conditions prior to blasting. Technically, inspections are prescribed by a contractor’s insurance carrier. Residents have the right to refuse a pre-blast survey.
5. Why should I allow a pre-blast survey?For your own protection. A pre-blast survey documents conditions before blasting is done. All parties are then aware of any damage caused by the blasting operations.
6. How is blasting monitored?Seismographs are placed at the site to monitor vibration levels. The seismograph is typically placed on the property line at the closest home or structure. Additionally, blasting operations must be carried out in such a manner that they will not cause fly rock or damage from the air blast overpressure or ground vibrations.
7. Does the state, city or town inspect the blasting operations?The blasting contractor must keep daily blasting logs for all blasting operations and make them available for inspection by the Fire Marshal, Department of Safety, OSHA, MSHA, and any city or town building officials. Inspectors may also make periodic inspections and check seismograph records, but are not required to be present at all blasting operations.
8. Will the blasting damage my house?Although people start feeling blasts at .05 inches per second, a structure can withstand considerably higher levels.
   
   The US Bureau of Mines built a house near a surface mine. The house was subjected to vibrations from a total of 753 blasts with peak velocities ranging from 0.10 to 6.94 inches per second. 108 of those tests were within 300 to 700 feet. Although the house sustained blast-induced hair-line cracks, the house remained structurally stable. Upon completion of the mine blasting, the house was mechanically shaken to produce fatigue cracks. The first crack occurred after what was the equivalent of 28 years of blast-generated vibrations of 0.50 inches per second twice a day.
9. How close to the property line can blasting be done?Blasting can be done anywhere on an adjoining property as long as it is done in a manner that does not damage adjoining property and seismograph readings are within state and local limits
10.   Who do I contact first, if I feel blasting has damaged my property?
    East Coast Drilling & Blasting, Inc.
    919-570-0804
11.   Will there be a warning signal before each blast?
    
    

    AUDIBLE WARNING SIGNALS
    Pre Blast Warnings
    5 Minutes Before Blast	A series of 3 Long Horn Blasts
    1 Minute Before Blast	A Series of 2 Short Horn Blasts
    Verbal Announcement "Fire in the hole"
    Post Blast Warning
    5 minutes After Blast	1 Prolonged Horn Blast Indicating All Clear