Explosives have been an indispensable tool for mankind since their discovery and continue to play a vital role in many industries. One such important application is in construction and demolition activities where explosives are systematically used to break, move or compact various materials. This article discusses some of the commonly used industrial explosives, their applications, safety precautions and regulations.

Types of Industrial Explosives

Nitrated explosives: Nitrated explosives like dynamite and ANFO are the most widely used industrial explosives. They contain oxidizing compounds like nitrogen that enables combustion without need of external oxygen.

- Dynamite: Dynamite consists of nitroglycerin or other nitrated explosive compounds mixed with an absorbent material like diatomaceous earth or sawdust. It is effective for controlled blasting in construction.

- ANFO: ANFO or ammonium nitrate fuel oil mixtures use cheaper ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer and fuel oil to increase energy output. It is mainly used for large scale mining and quarrying.

Pyrotechnic explosives: These explosives produce gas upon combustion and find niche applications like detonators, igniters and flares.

- Detonators: Detonators use primary explosives like lead azide or tetryl to generate a fast shock wave for reliably initiating larger secondary explosives.

- Igniters:igniters utilize pyrotechnic compositions to generate heat and gases for ignition of main explosives from a safe distance.

Applications in Construction

Earthworks: Industrial explosives are ideal for excavation and earthmoving activities involving hard rock. Accurate blasting helps efficiently break and lift material using minimal explosives.

Demolition: Controlled implosions using explosives are the safest way to demolish large concrete structures. Precise placement and timing brings down buildings in seconds minimizing collateral damage.

Heavy construction: Large scale projects like dams, canals, road/rail construction rely on explosives for tasks like rock fragmentation, trenching and hard material compaction.

Mining applications: Surface and underground mining extensively employ explosives for rock fragmentation to facilitate ore/mineral extraction and transportation.

Safe Handling and Regulations

Proper storage: Explosives must be stored in certified magazine structures as per license conditions, away from inhabited areas and heat/friction sources to prevent accidental detonation.

License and training: Only authorized and trained personnel are allowed to transport, handle, use or demolish explosives. Licenses are issued after verification of training certification and safe operating standards.

Blast planning: Detailed plans involving explosive type selection, blast hole layout, initiation sequence, population evacuation zone are reviewed and approved by regulatory authorities.

Post-blast inspection: Areas are inspected after controlled blasts to ensure complete detonation and retrieval of unused explosives. Remnants are safely dismantled as per protocols to avoid future hazards.

Some Key Regulations

- Explosives Act 1884 and Explosives Rules 2008 in India govern licensing, manufacturing, transport and usage of commercial explosives.

- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in US regulates explosives storage, handling and use in mining operations.

- Construction Blaster Certification Program by Occupational Safety and Health Administration certifies competent users.

- International standards like SS 506:Part 1 provide specifications and tests for construction explosives and auxiliary products use.

Conclusion

In summary, industrial explosives will continue playing an indispensable role in facilitating construction, earthmoving, mining, demolition and other activities by economically and safely breaking hard and strong materials. Strict regulatory oversight and operator training are necessary to balance their utility while minimizing hazards through compliant handling and usage. Overall, with proper authorization and safety protocols, explosives remain the tool of choice for many heavy industrial applications.