Federal, provincial and municipal agencies impose restrictions and laws pertaining to ground vibration and air overpressure from blasting operations. These limits are based on extensive research conducted by international agencies and specialists. One of the leading agencies, and one of the most restrictive, is the United States Bureau of Mines. The USBM has contributed a major part of the technical data on blast design and control. Current legal and recommended vibration limits result from this research. By adhering to these limits, and by following safe blasting procedures, the blaster minimizes or eliminates risk to the surrounding area.