Layout should be prepared, which contains different stages involved in quarrying operation.
The machines used should be tested to operate them easily and quickly.
If the top surface of the site contains soft soil, then it should be removed and dumped.
The removal of stones should be done carefully, otherwise, there may be chances of landslides or slips, which can cause severe damage to the lives of labor.
A detonator is in the form of a copper cylinder, closed at one end. It contains 6 to 9 gm of culminating of mercury. It is used when dynamite is used as an explosive and is fired either by a fuse an electric spark.
Explosive adopted and are generally blasting powder and dynamite. Blasting powder is also known as gun powder. It is a mechanical mixture of charcoal, saltpeter, and sulfur.
Dynamite consists of 25% of sandy earthsaturated with 75% of nitroglycerine. It is in the form of a thick paste.
Fuses are required to ignite the explosives. They are in the form of cotton rope with a core of continuous thread of fine gun powder.
Exploration and Site Selection: Quarrying begins with the identification of potential stone deposits. Geologists and surveyors study the geological formations and identify areas with suitable stone resources. Factors such as stone quality, quantity, accessibility, and market demand are taken into consideration during site selection.
Clearing the Land: Once a suitable site is identified, vegetation, topsoil, and other debris are removed to expose the stone deposit. This clearing process ensures easy access to the stones and prepares the site for further operations.
Drilling and Blasting: Quarrying often involves the use of explosives to break the stone into manageable sizes. Holes are drilled into the rock formation using specialized equipment. Explosives are then placed in these holes and detonated, fracturing the stone into smaller pieces. This process is carefully controlled to minimize the impact on the surrounding environment and neighboring structures.
Rock Falls and Collapses: Quarrying activities can destabilize rock formations, leading to the risk of rock falls and collapses. Loose rocks or unstable slopes can pose a significant hazard to workers, causing injuries or fatalities. Proper slope stabilization measures, such as scaling and rock bolting, should be implemented to minimize the risk of rock falls.
Dust Exposure: Quarrying of stones generates a significant amount of dust, which can lead to respiratory issues such as silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Prolonged exposure to dust can also cause other respiratory problems, eye irritation, and skin conditions. Dust suppression techniques, such as using water sprays and dust collectors, should be employed to reduce dust levels and provide adequate ventilation in work areas.
Noise Pollution: Quarrying operations can produce high levels of noise, especially during drilling, blasting, and crushing activities. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can cause hearing loss and other hearing-related problems. Workers should wear appropriate hearing protection, and noise control measures like enclosing noisy equipment or using noise barriers should be implemented to minimize exposure to high noise levels.