FAQ
- A description of work to be done
- The date and approximate time blasting will begin
- The anticipated duration of the blasting operation
- An explanation of the blasting signals to be used and the meaning of those signals
- The name and phone number of the blasting operator’s employer.
preceding the blast, 12 short whistle signals must be sounded at one-second intervals;
two minutes must elapse after the last warning signal before initiating the blast;
following the blast and after the area has been examined and found safe, one prolonged whistle signal of at least 5 seconds duration must be sounded, to signify that permission is granted to return to the blast site. (Section 21.69)
a description of the work
dates and duration of the work
signals and warning methods
a contact at the blasting company
a contact at the blaster's insurance company
Add definitions to the regulation to clarify industry-specific terminology.
Add permit requirements for rock breaking in addition to blasting.
Increase fees for blasting and institute fees for certain rock breaking.
Require the application include a copy of the blaster certification.
Increase the insurance requirement to $5,000,000 from $2,000,000
Require a map of the area within 300 metres of the blast site to provide context.
Provide a limit to the timeline (2 weeks) for Affected Owners to allow entry for pre-blast inspection.
Require an arborist report to document the plan to protect potentially impacted trees.
The rock removal areas of the site must be clearly marked.
Limit the volumes of rock that can be removed in low density residential areas (maximum 400m3 for lots less than 885m2 and maximum 600m3 for lots 885m2 or more)
Rock hammering is only permitted for breaking of up to 10m3 of rock
Set an expiry date for a blasting (20 days for lots less than 885 m2 and 30 days for lots 885m2 or larger) and rock breaking permits (30 days).
Limit each property to one blasting / rock breaking permit per year.
The area of notice provided will increase from a 100 metre radius (current) of the blast site to a 150 metre radius of the blast location (proposed, in alignment with provincial regulations).
Add blasting permit applications to the Oak Bay Development Tracker
Allow blasting only 8am - 4pm on weekdays and prohibit blasting and rock breaking all other times, including weekends and holidays, and from December 24 to January 2, inclusive.
Increase the blasting permit fee to $1,000 and a rock breaking fee to $500, with an addition fee ($250) for an extension of time and rock removal beyond permitted limits ($100/m3).
Who oversees blasting processes in BC?
Under the Operational Health and Safety Regulation Part 21, WorkSafeBC oversees blasting work practices in British Columbia. All blasters must be certified and blasting work performed must be within the scope of qualifications indicated on the certificate. All blasting certifications may be endorsed with any restriction that WorkSafeBC deems necessary.
What notification of blasting is required by WorkSafeBC?
WorkSafeBC requires 48 hours of written notification to those within an affected zone. The notice must include:
What does the District currently require of the blaster?
The District requires blasting companies to provide proof of insurance and to notify nearby property owners before blasting work can occur. In addition, the District notifies residents within 100 metres of a blast site.
What is the warning signal of a blaster before a blast?
The blaster must ensure that an audible signalling device, distinct from other signalling devices in the area, is used to give the following warning signals:
What are the current hours for blasting?
Current regulations limit blasting to 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
What is a pre-blasting survey?
Blasting companies are often required by their commercial insurance providers to complete surveys, with required radiuses varying by company/insurer. A pre-blast survey is a detailed record in written form, accompanied by photos/video, of the condition of private or public property, prior to the commencement of blasting operations.
What can I do to alleviate damage to my property from blasting?
If you have been notified that blasting will occur near you, you may wish to take photographs of walls, ceilings, floors and foundations to record the pre-blasting conditions of your home. You could also retain a home inspector to create a report for you.
What do I do if blasting damages my home or property?
If you believe blasting has caused damage to your home or property, contact your own insurance as well as both the blasting company and their insurance representative immediately at the contact information provided on the notice delivered to your home.
What notification is the blaster required to provide me?
WorkSafeBC requires that If blasting is planned within 300 metres for schools/hospitals and 150 metres for residents (other potentially occupied structures), the blasting company is required to provide you with a notification that includes:
How can the District manage potential liability to the municipality from blasting?
The District requires evidence of blaster certification, a Letter of Assurance, and minimum insurance requirements.
How do other municipalities manage blasting?
Most municipalities leave the management of blasting to the provincial and federal authorities depending upon the aspect of blasting requiring regulation. Blasting activities in neighbourhoods are regulated by WorkSafeBC.
West Vancouver has a more prescriptive blasting bylaw due to the extent of rock breaking and blasting required to build on the side of the Coast Mountains.
What is proposed that is new?
Several additions to the regulation are under consideration. Feedback on these potential changes is appreciated.