Users Manual
Table Of Contents
PDP User’s Guide Appendix D:Safety around Explosive Devices
D-1
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.