Blasting shall be done only by persons experienced in the handling of explosives and in accordance with the recommendations of Section 9 of the Associated General Contractors of America’s Manual of Accident Prevention in Construction. In locations where flying rock or debris would constitute a hazard to persons or property, explosive charges shall be of limited size and shall be covered by woven metal protective blasting mats; provided, the use of these procedures does not release the permit holder from responsibility for damage to life and property but acts only as an added assurance to the public that the damage will not occur. (Code 1981 § 16-104. Code 1995 § 70-136.)