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 Utah Administrative Code (Current through November 1, 2019)
 R645. Natural Resources, Oil, Gas and Mining; Coal
 R645-105. Blaster Training, Examination and Certification
 

  R645-105. Blaster Training, Examination and Certification  

R645-105-100. Introduction
Latest version.

The rules in R645-105-100 present the requirements for blaster training, examination and certification at coal mining and reclamation operations. The Division is empowered to delegate, through contract or other means, the blaster training, examination, and certification program or any part thereof. The object of such delegation will be to minimize duplication of efforts of Utah agencies in certifying, licensing, or training mining personnel.
R645-105-200. Training
Latest version.

210. To receive certification, a blaster will receive training from a program approved by the Division. Training may be provided by a permittee, industry, and/or the Division.

220. Training includes, but is not limited to, the technical aspects of blasting operations, and Utah and federal laws governing the storage, transportation, and use of explosives. Blasting courses will provide training and discuss practical applications of explosives.

230. Persons who are not certified and who are assigned to a blasting crew or assist in the use of explosives will receive direction and on-the-job training from a blaster.

240. Training will include course work in, and discuss the practical application of:

241. Explosives, including:

241.100. Selection of the type of explosive to be used;

241.200. Determination of the properties of explosives which will produce desired results at an acceptable level of risk; and

241.300. Handling, transportation, and storage;

242. Blast designs, including:

242.100. Geologic and topographic considerations;

242.200. Design of a blast hole, with critical dimensions;

242.300. Pattern design, field layout, and timing of blast holes; and

242.400. Field applications;

243. Loading blast holes, including priming and boostering;

244. Initiation systems and blasting machines;

245. Blasting vibrations, airblasts and flyrock, including:

245.100. Monitoring techniques; and

245.200. Methods to control adverse effects;

246. Secondary blasting applications;

247. Current federal and Utah rules applicable to the use of explosives;

248. Blast records; and

249. Schedules.

250. Training will also include course work in, and discuss the practical application of:

251. Preblasting surveys, including:

251.100. Availability;

251.200 Coverage; and

251.300. Use of in-blast design;

252. Blast-plan requirements;

253. Certification and training;

254. Signs, warning signals, and site control; and

255. Unpredictable hazards, including:

255.100. Lightning;

255.200. Stray currents;

255.300. Radio waves; and

255.400. Misfires.
R645-105-300. Examination
Latest version.

310. Candidates for blaster certification will meet the following qualifications:

311. Have one year practical field experience involving blasting prior to taking the examination;

312. Take an approved blaster training course as required by R645-105-210;

313. Pass the written examination; and

314. Be twenty-one years of age or older.

320. Examination will be administered by the Division or its designee and will include, at a minimum, the topics set forth in R645-105-240 and R645-105-250.
R645-105-400. Certification
Latest version.

410. Upon successful completion of the training and examination process identified in R645-105-200 and R645-105-300, the candidate for blasting certification will be awarded a certificate for three years from the date of issuance.

420. Blasting certificates may be renewed by attending a refresher course approved by the Division.

430. Refresher courses will review the topics identified in initial training in R645-105-200.

440. Suspension and revocation of certification.

441. The Division, when practicable, following written notice and opportunity for hearing and upon a Board finding of willful misconduct, will suspend or revoke the blaster's certification during the term of the certification or take other necessary action for any of the following reasons:

441.100. Noncompliance with any blasting-related order issued by the Board;

441.200. Unlawful use in the work place of, or current addiction to, alcohol, narcotics, or other dangerous drugs;

441.300. Violation of any provision of Utah or federal explosives laws or regulations; or

441.400. Providing false information or a misrepresentation to obtain certification.

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

443. Upon notice of suspension or revocation of a blaster certificate, the blaster shall immediately surrender the revoked or suspended certificate to the Division.

450. Protection and Conditions of Certification.

451. Protection of Certification. Certified blasters will take every reasonable precaution to protect their certificates from loss, theft, or unauthorized duplication. Any such occurrence will be reported immediately to the Division.

452. Conditions of Certification. In addition to the recertification described in R645-105-420, the following conditions for maintaining certification apply to all blasters:

452.100. A blaster will immediately exhibit, upon request, his or her certificate to any authorized representative of the Division and the Office;

452.200. Blasters' certificates will not be assigned or transferred; and

452.300. Blasters will not delegate their responsibility to any individual who is not a certified blaster.