The distribution of responsibilities depends on the type of work being carried out and on who has overall control of the workplace.

The employer's responsibility

As an employer, you are responsible for preventing risk in blasting operations, just as you are responsible for all other aspects of the work environment. You must be familiar with the Work Environment Act and other applicable work environment regulations.

You are also responsible for ensuring that employees possess the appropriate skills and training, and that they receive the information necessary to work safely. You must appoint a designated blasting foreman and, ensure that the blasting foreman has sufficient knowledge and experience to plan and carry out blasting operations safely.

If blasting takes place at a shared workplace, such as within a construction project, you as an employer must ensure that clear arrangements for cooperation are established and communicated to all parties. For example, where blasting is carried out underground, employees must regularly practice evacuation and rescue procedures, so that they are prepared in the event of a rockfall or underground fire.

You must provide the blasting foreman with all relevant information about the blasting object that is important for the safe execution of the work.

Other authorities' regulations require the presence of an explosives manager. The roles of explosives manager and the blasting foreman may be held by the same person, although this is not mandatory. Within a designated planning zone, a blasting supervisor must be present in accordance with the police permit application.

The blasting foreman

The blasting foreman plays a key role in ensuring safety during blasting operations. The blasting foreman must ensure that the work is carried out professionally and in accordance with the employer´s instructions.

The blasting foreman takes parts in the planning of the blasting work, prepares and follows the blasting plan. The blasting foreman must also ensure that other employees in the work team carry out their tasks safely. At shared workplaces, the blasting foreman is also required to cooperate with and provide information to the coordination manager or the building work coordinator (Bas-U). In a construction project, the Bas-U must be able to ensure that the workplace is safe, including for those who will handle the blasted rock.

The employer must ensure that the blasting foreman is responsible for the safe storage and use of explosives and other blasting equipment at the workplace. In a construction project, the blasting foreman often needs to collaborate with others to achieve this. Explosive and related equipment must have designated storage areas where they can be kept safely, and they must be able to be handled and moved within the workplace without risk.

The blasting foreman should inform the Bas-U of both the planned quantity of explosives to be used and the final quantity used in each salvo. This information should be part included as part of the blasting plan.

Client, Bas-P and Bas-U – when the work is part of a construction project

If the blasting work is part of a building or civil engineering project, parties other than the employer also bear responsibility for the work environment, including the client, Bas-P and Bas-U.

Coordination of work environment management in shared workplaces

If two or more employers or sole proprietors are working simultaneously at the same workplace, you must cooperate and coordinate work environment management. In a mine or quarry, the person in charge of the workplace is responsible for coordinating safety measures and ensuring thar others carrying out activities there are not exposed to work environment risks.

Employees and safety representatives are key contributors to a good work environment

Employees and safety representatives play an important role in work environment management. As an employer, you must provide all employees with the opportunity to participate in managing work environment. For example, you can allow employees to suggest safety measures or provide feedback on measures you have implemented.

Employees' participation in work environment management

As an employee, you are required to participate in work environment management and assist in implementing the measures necessary to achieve a safe and healthy workplace. You must follow the employer's instructions and report immediately to your employer or safety representative if the work involves imminent and serious risk to life or health.

Regulations in addition to work environment regulations

Under the Act on Flammable and Explosive Goods, a manager is required to oversee the handling of explosives. The manager's role is to ensure that operations comply with legal requirements and all relevant safety standards. The same individual may serve as both explosives manager and blasting foreman, although this is not mandatory.

When applying to the police for blasting within a designated planning zone, a blasting supervisor is also required. The blasting supervisor must be trained in safe blasting practices with in the planning zone and is responsible for maintaining a blasting log.