UTAH REGULATORY PROGRAM

UTAH ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (UAC)
NATURAL RESOURCES
R645.  OIL, GAS AND MINING; COAL
(Current as of March 1, 2003)

UAC R645-105.       BLASTER TRAINING, EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATION.
     UAC R645-105-100         Introduction.
     UAC R645-105-200         Training.
     UAC R645-105-300         Examination.
     UAC R645-105-400         Certification.

NOTE:
Cross references to OSM's federal regulations and SMCRA appear in double braces to the right of the Rule or
Section number, e.g., "UC Sec. 40-10-3          DEFINITIONS.                                  {{ SMCRA Secs. 526, 701 }}"
or "UAC R645-100-400          APPLICABILITY.                    {{ 30 CFR 700.11 }}".  The cross references were
compiled using the preambles to OSM's approval of amendments to the Utah Regulatory Program published in the
Federal Register and from the file of Utah's regulatory material in the COALEX Library in LexisNexis.

ALSO NOTE:
The official form for citing to the Utah Code is as follows: "Sec. 40-10-1, Utah Code".  The format used here is for
short-hand purposes.


UAC R645-105-100    INTRODUCTION.  

   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.  


UAC R645-105-200    TRAINING.                          {{ 30 CFR 850.13 }}

UAC R645-105-210.  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.  

UAC R645-105-220.  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.  

UAC R645-105-230.  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.  

UAC R645-105-240.  Training will include course work in, and discuss the practical application of:  

     R645-105-241.  Explosives, including:  

     R645-105-241.100.  Selection of the type of explosive to be used;  

     R645-105-241.200.  Determination of the properties of explosives which will produce desired results at an
acceptable level of risk; and  

     R645-105-241.300.  Handling, transportation, and storage;  

     R645-105-242.  Blast designs, including:  

     R645-105-242.100.  Geologic and topographic considerations;  

     R645-105-242.200.  Design of a blast hole, with critical dimensions;  

     R645-105-242.300.  Pattern design, field layout, and timing of blast holes; and  

     R645-105-242.400.  Field applications;  

     R645-105-243.  Loading blast holes, including priming and boostering;  

     R645-105-244.  Initiation systems and blasting machines; 

     R645-105-245.  Blasting vibrations, airblasts and flyrock, including:  

     R645-105-245.100.  Monitoring techniques; and  

     R645-105-245.200.  Methods to control adverse effects;  

     R645-105-246.  Secondary blasting applications;  

     R645-105-247.  Current federal and Utah rules applicable to the use of explosives;  

     R645-105-248.  Blast records; and  

     R645-105-249.  Schedules.  

UAC R645-105-250.  Training will also include course work in, and discuss the practical application of:  

     R645-105-251.  Preblasting surveys, including:  

     R645-105-251.100.  Availability;  

     R645-105-251.200 Coverage; and  

     R645-105-251.300.  Use of in-blast design;  

     R645-105-252.  Blast-plan requirements;  

     R645-105-253.  Certification and training;  

     R645-105-254.  Signs, warning signals, and site control; and  

     R645-105-255.  Unpredictable hazards, including:  

     R645-105-255.100.  Lightning;  

     R645-105-255.200.  Stray currents;  

     R645-105-255.300.  Radio waves; and  

     R645-105-255.400.  Misfires.  


UAC R645-105-300    EXAMINATION.  

UAC R645-105-310.  Candidates for blaster certification will meet the following qualifications:  

     R645-105-311.  Have one year practical field experience involving blasting prior to taking the examination;  

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

     R645-105-313.  Pass the written examination; and  

     R645-105-314.  Be twenty-one years of age or older.  

UAC R645-105-320.  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.  


UAC R645-105-400    CERTIFICATION.                     {{ 30 CFR 850.15 }}

UAC R645-105-410.  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.  

UAC R645-105-420.  Blasting certificates may be renewed by attending a refresher course approved by the Division. 


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

UAC R645-105-440.  Suspension and revocation of certification.  

     R645-105-441.  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:  

     R645-105-441.100.  Noncompliance with any blasting-related order issued by the Board;  

     R645-105-441.200.  Unlawful use in the work place of, or current addiction to, alcohol, narcotics, or other
dangerous drugs;  

     R645-105-441.300.  Violation of any provision of Utah or federal explosives laws or regulations; or  

     R645-105-441.400.  Providing false information or a misrepresentation to obtain certification.  

     R645-105-442.  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.  

     R645-105-443.  Upon notice of suspension or revocation of a blaster certificate, the blaster shall immediately
surrender the revoked or suspended certificate to the Division.  

UAC R645-105-450.  Protection and Conditions of Certification. 

     R645-105-451.  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.  

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

     R645-105-452.100.  A blaster will immediately exhibit, upon request, his or her certificate to any
authorized representative of the Division and the Office;  

     R645-105-452.200.  Blasters' certificates will not be assigned or transferred; and  

     R645-105-452.300.  Blasters will not delegate their responsibility to any individual who is not a certified
blaster.  

KEY: reclamation, coal mines
Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: November 17, 2000
Notice of Continuation: June 1, 2000
Authorizing, Implemented, or Interpreted Law: 40-10-1 et seq.