1. Ensure that the stemming material is suited to the stemming length to achieve the required result
2. Water in the stemming area will affect the effectiveness of a consolidated stemming
3. Bottom charge all water-filled holes. This will result in water on top of the charge
4. Remove the water and explosives gunk in the stemming length with a water extractor before stemming the hole. The hole will be dry and the stemming can affectively be consolidated.
5. 10% aggregate is normally used when;
   - holes are situated in a pool of water
   - to ensure the optimum fragmentation in very hard rock
   - a short stemming is needed i.e., hard rock in collar area that may create slabbing.
   - no flyrock is allowed in restricted areas

Drill chippings (not fine sand) can be used effectively in dry holes as indicated below