Application for a certificate of exemption from the Explosives (Safety Provisions) (Jersey) Regulations, 1972
1. Summary
Ronez Limited has requested permission for a certificate of exemption to be granted from the requirements of the Explosives (Safety Provisions) (Jersey) Regulations, 1972, to enable His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Andrew Ridgway, CB, CBE, to carry out the firing of a shot at their quarry in St John during the course of his visit on the 16th October 2009.
In view of the circumstances under which the proposed blast is to be carried out, it is recommended that the Minister grant the exemption.
2. Background
It is understood that His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Andrew Ridgway, CB, CBE is visiting Ronez Ltd. quarry, St John, on the 16th October 2009. Mr Steve Le Louarn, Operations Manager for Ronez Ltd. has advised that His Excellency has expressed an interest in observing the blasting procedure in the quarry, and asked whether he could press the button on the exploder device to initiate a blast, (legally termed as ‘attempting to fire a shot’).
The action of attempting to fire a shot is subject to the requirements of the Explosives (Safety Provisions) (Jersey) Regulations, 1972. The Regulations set out requirements for the safe use of explosives in construction and engineering work, and quarrying operations, with Regulation 21 requiring that only shotfirers who are defined under the Regulations as competent persons, aged over 21, and, in the case of a quarry, appointed by the occupier of the quarry, attempt to fire a shot.
Regulation 65 of the Regulations does permit the Minister for Social Security, by certificate in writing, to grant an exemption from any of the requirements of the Regulations, subject to such conditions as the Minister may decide
His Excellency will be under the close supervision of competent employees of Ronez Ltd., and his role will be limited to pressing a button on the exploder device to initiate the blast.
4. Conclusion and recommendation
In this instance, it is apparent that the firing of a shot by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, whilst under the direct and close supervision of an appointed shotfirer, will not result in a reduction in the arrangements for the safe use of explosives in the quarry.
It is, therefore, recommended that the Minister grant an exemption to Ronez Ltd. from the requirements of Regulation 21 of the Explosives (Safety Provisions) (Jersey) Regulations, 1972, to enable His Excellency to attempt to fire a shot at their quarries in St John, subject to the following conditions:
- His Excellency being under the direct supervision of a competent employee of Ronez Ltd.; and
- The date and time of the attempt to fire the shot being notified to the Health and Safety Inspectorate.
The Certificate of Exemption is attached to this report.
Colin Myers
Director of Health and Safety
8th October 2009
CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION
Health and Safety at Work (Jersey) Law, 1989
Explosives (Safety Provisions) (Jersey) Regulations, 1972
Certificate of Exemption 2009/02
Ronez Limited
In pursuance of the provisions contained in Regulation 65 of the Explosives (Safety Provisions) (Jersey) Regulations, 1972, the Minister for Social Security hereby exempts Ronez Limited from the requirements of Regulation 21 to enable His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Andrew Ridgway, CB, CBE to attempt to fire a shot at Ronez Limited quarry, St John, subject to the following conditions:
- His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Andrew Ridgway, CB, CBE being under the direct supervision of a competent employee of Ronez Limited; and
- The date and time of the attempt to fire the shot being notified to the Health and Safety Inspectorate.
Deputy Ian Gorst
Minister for Social Security
Date: