What principle of explosive safety focuses on minimizing the overall risk during explosive operations?

The principle of explosive safety that focuses on minimizing the overall risk during explosive operations is known as the Cardinal principle. This principle emphasizes the importance of adhering to established safety guidelines and practices to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of personnel and equipment during explosive activities. By prioritizing safety, the Cardinal principle aims to mitigate potential hazards associated with explosive handling and usage.

This principle serves as a foundational guideline in explosive safety management, promoting a proactive approach to risk assessment and the implementation of controls to minimize risks. It reinforces the importance of maintaining a safe distance from explosive operations, ensuring proper training for personnel, and using appropriate personal protective equipment.

In contrast, the other options represent different aspects of safety management. The Operational principle focuses on safety measures during actual operations, the Contingency principle deals with planning for unexpected events, and the Risk-based principle emphasizes assessing risks to make informed decisions. However, none encapsulate the overarching goal of minimizing overall risk as effectively as the Cardinal principle.