Consumer FAQ’s
A. Blasting complaints should be submitted to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Please submit a complaint online at: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/resources-services/file-a-complaint.html.
You may also call (615) 741-2241 to report a complaint.
A. We recommend contacting your local codes and planning department.
A. The firm conducting blasting operations is required to provide notice to the Department of Commerce and Insurance of the exact location a blast or blasts will occur seventy-two (72) hours before blasting commences.
A. The State allowable vibration level is 2.0 inches per-second Peak Partial Velocity (PPV) and 140 decibel (140 dB) level air blast.
A. Nearby citizens may feel vibrations stemming from blasting operations. A majority of the energy released from the blast is channeled to fracture the rock. Energy can travel from the blast site in the form of ground vibrations and airwaves, which may rattle windows or cause objects hanging from walls to fall. The area may be monitored with seismographs to measure earth vibration levels in a particular area.
A. The State Fire Marshal’s Office determines if there were violations to the blasting standards and regulations. The fire marshal does not determine whether damage to a building was caused by the blasting. The State cannot provide legal advice. If you believe your home may have sustained damage due to blasting, consult your insurance company or legal counsel to discuss your options. Whether limitations are exceeded or not, it does not prevent a property owner from commencing a civil action.
A. Any dwelling house, public building, school, church, commercial or institutional building normally occupied within three hundred feet (300') of any blast hole, the responsible blasting firm shall offer the owner or occupant a pre-blast survey at no charge. This requirement applies only in cases where the standard table of distance is exceeded. Each survey shall document all structural and cosmetic flaws noted at that time.
A. Blasting firms are only required to warn personnel in the blasting area so they can retreat to a safe location. When a blast is about to be fired, ample warning shall be given to allow all persons to retreat to a safe place, and care shall be taken to ascertain that all persons are in the clear. Each blaster shall follow a definite plan of warning signals that can be clearly seen or heard by anyone in the blasting area.
The blasting area is the area including the blast site and the immediate adjacent area within the influence of flying rock, missiles and concussion.
A. When a reportable accident occurs, the blaster in charge shall cease blasting operations immediately and shall be prohibited from conducting further blasting operations until such time as the department's investigation is completed. In no event, however, shall this cessation last longer than five (5) working days, unless the commissioner determines that a longer period of time is necessary based upon the commissioner's finding of just cause
A. Unless prior approval has been given by the Commissioner or his or her authorized representative, tunneling and surface blasting operations shall only be conducted during daylight hours.