Section 21 - Appendix D: Safety Around Explosive Devices - Radiodetection RD1500 Operation Manual

Appendix D: Safety around Explosive Devices
Section 21 - Appendix D: Safety around
Explosive Devices
Concerns are expressed from time to time on the hazard of GPR products being used near
blasting caps and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Experience with blasting caps indicates that the
power of Radiodetection's GPR products is not sufficient to trigger blasting caps. Based on a
conservative independent testing house analysis, we recommend keeping the GPR transmitters
at least 6 feet (2m) from blasting cap leads as a precaution. Some customers do experimental
trials with their particular blasting devices to confirm safety.
We strongly recommend that GPR users routinely working with explosive devices develop a
systematic safety methodology in their work areas.
The UXO issue is more complex and standards on fuses do not exist for obvious reasons. To
date, no problems have been reported with any geophysical instrument used for UXO. Since
proximity and vibration are also critical for UXO, the best advice is to be cautious and
understand the risks.
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