What does 'charge weight' refer to in explosives?

'Charge weight' specifically refers to the weight in pounds of an explosive charge. It is a critical metric in the handling and application of explosives, as it influences the effectiveness of the blast, the design of the blast parameters, and safety considerations on the site. Understanding charge weight is essential for ensuring the proper amount of explosive is used for the intended job, which can affect factors such as fragmentation, displacement, and overall efficiency of the blast.

The other options do not capture the precise definition of charge weight. The total number of explosives in a circuit does not relate directly to the weight of the charge. The maximum weight allowed for explosives on-site generally pertains to safety regulations and not to the concept of charge weight itself. Additionally, the weight of all detonators used is a different measure that does not reflect the explosive charge weight, as detonators serve a different function in the blasting process. Therefore, the definition provided in the correct answer aligns accurately with established terminology in explosives management.