Safety Protocol for The Drilling, Blasting and Handling of Explosives in The Operational Area of The Goldmins Mining Civil Society.

Abstract

This bibliographic review develops and grounds a safety protocol for drilling, blasting, and explosives handling within the operational area of Sociedad Civil Minera Goldmins. These mining activities present complex and overlapping hazards mechanical, energetic, chemical, and human-factor related that require an integrated occupational safety and health (OSH) management response. The research question driving the review is: what procedures, controls and accountabilities should a safety protocol include to minimize incidents and harm during drilling, blasting and explosives handling at Goldmins? Using a systematic review of secondary sources scientific articles and relevant Ecuadorian legislation the paper synthesizes best practices and adapts them to the company’s operational context. Key components examined include pre-operation risk assessment, permit to work systems, secure storage and transport of explosive materials, stepwise procedures for charging and firing, exclusion zoning and signage, mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), pre-operation checklists, emergency response and communication plans, and incident reporting and investigation processes. The protocol emphasizes clear allocation of responsibilities among management, technical safety staff and field crews, aligning roles with legal and regulatory obligations. The review highlights that effective implementation demands more than documentation: it requires sustained training, active supervision, a reporting culture, resource allocation, and continuous monitoring and improvement. Combining technical controls, administrative measures and behavioral interventions is essential to reduce both likelihood and consequences of events related to explosives handling and blasting. The proposed protocol provides a structured framework tailored to Goldmins that is compatible with national regulations and international OSH standards, and supports safer, more resilient drilling and blasting operations.