Which action is prohibited during a misfire?

Which action is prohibited during a misfire?

• A. Wait appropriate time
• B. Pull on the cap, wires, or primer
• C. Reprime and attempt
• D. Wash the hole

Answer: (B)

Touching the cap, wires, or primer is extremely dangerous during a misfire. Those parts are the initiating devices, and any disturbance can trigger a detonation or a delayed, unpredictable blast. Because a misfire means the charge didn’t go off as planned, you don’t want to tamper with the initiation system—even a small tug or manipulation could set it off. The proper approach is to treat the hole as live, keep everyone clear, wait the prescribed time, and have a qualified blaster inspect the site to decide the next steps. Repriming and attempting again, or washing the hole, are not actions you should take in the immediate aftermath of a misfire; they can introduce serious new hazards and aren’t appropriate without proper procedures and supervision.

Touching the cap, wires, or primer is extremely dangerous during a misfire. Those parts are the initiating devices, and any disturbance can trigger a detonation or a delayed, unpredictable blast. Because a misfire means the charge didn’t go off as planned, you don’t want to tamper with the initiation system—even a small tug or manipulation could set it off. The proper approach is to treat the hole as live, keep everyone clear, wait the prescribed time, and have a qualified blaster inspect the site to decide the next steps. Repriming and attempting again, or washing the hole, are not actions you should take in the immediate aftermath of a misfire; they can introduce serious new hazards and aren’t appropriate without proper procedures and supervision.