1926.910: Inspection After Blasting
Right after a blast, the firing line must be disconnected from the blasting machine, or power switches locked open or off. Enough time must pass for smoke and fumes to clear, not less than 15 minutes in tunnels, before returning. The blaster must inspect the area and rubble to confirm all charges exploded before employees return, and in tunnels after the muck pile is wetted down.
Key takeaways
- 1926.910 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart U).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.910, "Inspection after blasting", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart U). It has 2 numbered paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
Show the full text of 1926.910 (2 paragraphs)
(a) Immediately after the blast has been fired, the firing line shall be disconnected from the blasting machine, or where power switches are used, they shall be locked open or in the off position.
(b) Sufficient time shall be allowed, not less than 15 minutes in tunnels, for the smoke and fumes to leave the blasted area before returning to the shot. An inspection of the area and the surrounding rubble shall be made by the blaster to determine if all charges have been exploded before employees are allowed to return to the operation, and in tunnels, after the muck pile has been wetted down.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.910.
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Frequently asked questions
What must be done immediately after a blast?
Disconnect the firing line from the blasting machine, or lock power switches open or in the off position.
How long must workers wait in tunnels after a blast?
Not less than 15 minutes for smoke and fumes to leave the blasted area.
Who checks that all charges went off?
The blaster must inspect the area and surrounding rubble before employees return.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.910 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.