IRISH INDUSTRIAL EXPLOSIVES LTD PRODUCT INFORMATION + TECHNICAL DATA

RADIO-FREQUENCY
DETONATION
1. INTRODUCTION
The likelihood of a premature detonation resulting from radiofrequency (RF) radiation is extremely remote. Nevertheless a
hazard exists when given the correct combination of
circumstances.

2. ENERGY INPUT INTO BLAST CIRCUIT

2.1 If electric detonators are in a string RF radiation field,
unshielded leg wires and connecting wire within a circuit
(whether connected to a blasting machine or not) or short
circuited or alternatively with open endswill act as an
antenna similar to that on a radio or TV set. This antenna
will absorb RF energy from the transmitter RF field and the
electric current produced in the leg wires will flow into the
detonator.
2.2 In certain cases depending on the strength of the RF field
and the antenna configuration formed by the leg wire
and connecting wire circuit and its orientation, sufficient
RF energy may be induced in the wires to fire one or
more detonators.
2.3 Electric detonators may also be initiated by direct contact
with a transmitting antenna or some metallic structure
behaving as an unintended antenna.

3. SOURCES OF RF ENERGY
Possible sources include the following:
3.1 Fixed and mobile radio and television transmitters
3.2 Radar transmitters
3.3 Geophysical survey equipment
3.4 Mobile phones
With the exception of 3.3 the above sources may be airborne,
and possible RF hazards from low-flying aircraft should be
considered.

4. DETONATORS IN TRANSIT
When electric detonators are wound in figure-of-eight coils as
supplied by the manufacturer, they are safe in any field strength
likely to be encountered.

5. RADIO RECEIVERS
There is no hazard when a radio is in the receiving mode.
However, in order to prevent accidental transmission, it is advisable
for the operator to be positioned at a safe distance from the blast
area. (See 9.1)

6. ASSESSMENT OF HAZARD
In order to ascertain whether a potential hazard exists at a
particular distance, the power output of the transmitter in
question together with its operating frequency must be known.
Calculations may then be carried out and/or reference made to BC
6657:1991 Prevention of inadvertent initiation of electro-explosive
devices by radio-frequency radiation.

7. RF RADIATION ABOVE SAFE LEVEL

In the even to the calculated RF radiation being above the safe
level, the source must be removed. If this is not possible electric
detonators must not be used in the blasting operation.

8. RF RADIATION WITHIN SAFE LEVEL

8.1 If the RF radiation is within a safe level, the following
precautions should be taken:

The information and recommendations are given without warranty,

expressed or implied, statutory or otherwise, and no liability shall be
accepted for the consequence of any reliance placed thereon.
Recipients should make their own tests to determine the suitability of
products for their particular purposes.

8.1.1 A detonator or its leg wires should not be allowed

to come into contact with any radio antenna or feeder
line at any time.
8.1.2 The leg wires should not be unwound until the
detonator is required for use.
8.1.3 When loading in a borehole the leg wires should be
unwound to a minimum extent sufficient for making up the
primer and then unwound further only when the primer is
inserted in the borehole.
8.1.4 For use outside the borehole the detonator leg
wires should be unwound to a minimum extent for
preparing the charge and unwound further only when the
firing circuits to be connected.
8.1.5 Excess leg wire and/or connecting wire should be
kept as close together and as near to the ground as the
shot firing circuit allows in order to minimise any loop
area.
8.1.6 The use of a twin core firing cable in good
condition considerably reduces the risk of radio
interference. The cable should also be kept at ground
level with the ends of the cable short circuited at the firing
point.
8.1.7 All wires in the shot firing circuit should be kept
insulated from the ground. Special joint insulators
supplied by Irish Industrial Explosives Ltd. are
recommended.

9. RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1 Portable walkie-talkie equipment, mobile telephones
and vehicle transmitters should not be operated
closer than 100m from the blast site.
9.2 For stronger transmitters the following distances are
suggested:

Transmitter
strength
(KW)

Safe distance
from
transmitter (m)

Up to 1
300
110
2000
10100
4000
1001000
10000
These figures are not intended to suggest that blasting
should not be undertaken within these distances but to
indicate that a hazard might exist. An expert survey
should be obtained before planning the blasting
operation.

10. CLARIFICATION
Clarification and advice on any of the above points is available
from Irish Industrial Explosives Ltd.

REFERENCES
1. British Standard Guide to Prevention of Inadvertent
Initiation of Electro-Explosive Devices by Radio-Frequency
Radiation. BS 6657:1991. Published by British Standards
Institution.
2. Blasting Practice. 4th Edition. Published by Nobel
Explosives Company Limited.
3. Radio Frequency Energy. Safety Library Publication No.20
of Institute of Makers of Explosives.

NOTE: If in any doubt concerning the correct use of the

above products contact Irish Industrial Explosives Ltd.
IMPORTANT: If considering destruction of surplus
products in the field please refer to Recommended
methods for the destruction of Explosives and Accessories.

IRISH
INDUSTRIAL
EXPLOSIVES
LTD
87/89
WATERLOO ROAD
DUBLIN 4
TEL: 01 668 5193
FAX: 01 668 5248
FACTORY
CLONAGH
ENFIELD, CO. MEATH
TEL: 0405 41086
FAX: 0405 41383
DEPOT
BALLYGIBLIN
MALLOW
CO. CORK
TEL: 022 27817
FAX: 022 27690
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