SPX SPIDAR NIC-500s, Operation Manual

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Appendix I: Safety around Explosive Devices
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Appendix I: 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 Sensors &
Software Inc.’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 5 feet (2m) from blasting cap leads as a precaution. Some customers do
experimental trials with their particular blasting devices to confirm with 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.