What should be done to a stope after blasting to ensure safety?

• A. Wait for 30 minutes
• B. Check as soon as smoke has cleared
• C. Inspect at the end of the shift
• D. Call the supervisor to inspect later

Answer: (B)

After blasting, it’s crucial to verify safety before anyone goes back in. Gases and smoke from the blast can linger, ventilation may be disrupted, and rock can shift or spall, creating hidden hazards. Inspecting the stope as soon as the smoke has cleared lets the crew confirm air quality is returning to safe levels, check for any misfires, and ensure there are no immediate dangers or unstable ground. This timely check supports safe re-entry, proper ventilation adjustments, and necessary precautions before work resumes. Delaying the inspection or deferring to later won’t catch evolving hazards in time, and waiting until the end of the shift or after notifying a supervisor misses the critical window for a safe re-entry.