Md. Code Regs. 26.20.22.08

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 19, September 20, 2024

Section 26.20.22.08 - Blaster Training Examination and Certification

A. As used in this chapter, a blaster is a person who is directly responsible for the use of explosives in surface coal mining operations and is certified under this regulation.

B. Qualifications. Persons applying to become certified blasters shall:

(1) Be at least 21 years old;

(2) Have received at least 1 year of qualifying experience under the direction and supervision of a certified blaster in the handling and use of explosives; and

(3) Receive training including, but not limited to, the technical aspects of blasting operations and State and federal laws concerning the storage, transportation, and use of explosives.

C. Training. Blaster training courses shall include training and discussion in the practical applications of:

(1) Explosives, including:

(a) Selection of the type of explosive to be used;

(b) Determination of the properties of explosives which will produce desired results at an acceptable level of risk; and

(c) Handling, transportation, and storage;

(2) Blast designs, including:

(a) Geologic and topographic considerations;

(b) Design of a blast hole, with critical dimensions;

(c) Pattern design, field layout, and timing of blast holes; and

(d) Field applications;

(3) Loading blast holes, including priming and boostering;

(4) Initiation systems and blasting machines;

(5) Blasting vibrations, airblast, and flyrock, including:

(a) Monitoring techniques; and

(b) Methods to control adverse effects;

(6) Secondary blasting applications;

(7) Current federal and State regulations applicable to the use of explosives;

(8) Blast records;

(9) Schedules;

(10) Pre-blasting surveys, including:

(a) Availability,

(b) Coverage, and

(c) Use of in-blast design;

(11) Blastplan requirements;

(12) Certification and training;

(13) Signs, warning signals, and site control;

(14) Unpredictable hazards, including:

(a) Lightning;

(b) Stray currents;

(c) Radio waves; and

(d) Misfires.

D. The Bureau shall ensure that courses that cover the topics identified in §C of this regulation are available to train competent persons responsible for the use of explosives in surface coal mining operations.

E. Examination.

(1) The Bureau of Mines shall examine candidates for blaster certification who have successfully completed a training course approved by the Bureau and covering the topics set forth in §C of this regulation or have received training and certification as a blaster in any state with a federally approved blaster certification program.

(2) The examination, at a minimum, shall include the topics set forth in §C of this regulation and shall review and verify the:

(a) Competence of persons directly responsible for use of explosives in surface coal mining operations through a written examination in technical aspects of blasting and State and federal laws governing the storage, use, and transportation of explosives.

(b) Practical field experience of the candidates as necessary to qualify a person to accept the responsibility for blasting operations in surface coal mining operations. The experience shall demonstrate that the candidate possesses practical knowledge of blasting techniques, understands the hazards involved in the use of explosives, and otherwise has exhibited a pattern of conduct consistent with the acceptance of responsibility for blasting operations.

F. Certification. Upon determination that a candidate for blaster certification has successfully passed the examination and has been found to be competent and have the necessary experience, the Bureau shall issue to the individual a certificate indicating that the individual is a certified blaster for a period of 3 years.

G. Suspension and Revocation.

(1) The Bureau, when practicable, following written notice and opportunity for a hearing, may, and upon a finding of willful conduct, shall suspend or revoke the certification of a blaster during the term of certification or take other necessary action for any of the following reasons:

(a) Noncompliance with any order of the Bureau;

(b) Unlawful use in the work place of, or current addiction to, alcohol, narcotics, or other dangerous drugs;

(c) Violation of any provision of the State or federal explosives laws or regulations;

(d) Providing false information or a misrepresentation to obtain certification;

(e) Refusal to exhibit his or her certificate to any authorized representative of the Bureau or the Office of Surface Mining, U.S. Department of the Interior, upon request.

(2) If advance notice and opportunity for hearing cannot be provided, an opportunity for a hearing shall be provided as soon as practical following the suspension, revocation, or other adverse action.

(3) Upon notice of a revocation, the blaster shall immediately surrender to the regulatory authority the revoked certificate.

H. Recertification.

(1) Recertification of all blasters is required every 3 years. Each applicant for recertification shall be currently certified and shall submit validated proof that he has had at least 1 year of blasting experience in the previous 3 years.

(2) Reexamination. A certified blaster may not be recertified two consecutive times unless upon the second application, the applicant also successfully passes the examination as required in §E of this regulation.

I. Protection of Certification. Certified blasters shall take every reasonable precaution to protect their certificates from loss, theft, or unauthorized duplication. Any occurrence of loss, theft, or unauthorized duplication shall be reported immediately to the Bureau.

J. Conditions.

(1) A blaster shall immediately exhibit his or her certificate to any authorized representative of the Bureau or the Office of Surface Mining, U.S. Department of Interior, upon request.

(2) Blaster certifications may not be assigned or transferred.

(3) A blaster may not delegate the blaster's responsibility to an individual who is not a certified blaster.

Md. Code Regs. 26.20.22.08

Regulations .08 were previously codified as COMAR 08.13.09.25 a A_H, respectively. Recodification occurred in April, 1993. For a history of these regulations before April, 1993, see "Administrative History of COMAR 08.13.09 before April, 1993" which follows COMAR 26.20.01.