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Blaster Training

Blaster providing on-the-job training to an apprentice.

Welcome to the Blaster Training page.  To become a certified blaster at a coal mine a person must be trained, gain experience and pass an examination.  Here you will find information on the technical and regulatory issues that a blaster must know to have a reasonable expectation of passing the examination.  The requirements can be found at 30 CFR 850.13 Certification and Training of Blasters - Training.  For coal mines, these requirements are the same for each state although individual states may have more requirements than specified here.

(1) Explosives, including--

  • Selection of the type of explosive to be used; 
  • Determination of the properties of explosives which will produce desired results at an acceptable level of risk; and 
  • Handling, transportation, and storage; 

 (2) Blast designs, including-- 

  • Geologic and topographic considerations; 
  • Design of a blast hole, with critical dimensions;
  • Pattern design, field layout, and timing of blast holes; and
  • Field applications;

(3) Loading blastholes, including priming and boostering; 

(4) Initiation systems and blasting machines; 

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

  • Monitoring techniques, and 
  • Methods to control adverse affects; 

(6) Secondary blasting applications; 

(7) Current Federal and State rules applicable to the use of explosives; 

(8) Blast records; 

(9) Schedules; 

(10)Preblasting surveys, including--

  • Availability, 
  • Coverage, and 
  • Use of in-blast design; 

(11) Blast-plan requirements;

(12) Certification and training;

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

(14) Unpredictable hazards, including--

  •   Lightning, 
  •   Stray currents, 
  •   Radio waves, and 
  •   Misfires. 

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

US Department of Transportation

  • Transportation of Hazardous Materials on Public Highways, 49 CFR Part 177
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Safe Operation of Vehicles, 49 CFR Part 393

 

The following groups provide best practices guidelines on the use of explosives.  Some references may need purchased.

US Department of the Interior Documents

International Society of Explosive Engineers

Institute of Makers of Explosives, Safety Library Publication

  • Safety in the Transportation, Storage, Handling & Use of Commercial Explosive Materials, SLP 17 

The following venues provide in-person continuing education opportunities for blasters.  The number of credit hours for each vary by regulatory authority.

  • PA, Ebensburg – Blasting Licensing Class, March 5-7, 2025
  • WV, Morgantown – NTTP Blast Inspection Class, April 1-3, 2025
  • SD, Spearfish – Best in the West, April 23-25, 2025
  • WV, Charleston – NTTP Advanced Blasting Class (BLIA), May 20-22, 2025
  • PA, Harrisburg – Blasting Licensing Class, July 9-11, 2025
  • UT, Salt Lake City – NTTP Blast Inspection (BLI), Sept 9-11, 2025
  • PA, Ebensburg – Blasting Licensing Class, Oct 22-24, 2025
  • NEW to PA, TBD – Seismograph compliance and competency seminar, Apr 28, June 9, Sept 22, 2025
  • New to PA, TBD – Magazine keeper compliance and safety seminar, Apr 29, June 10, Sept 23, 2025

Online Continuing Education Opportunities

Note:  Verify with state blasting coordinators prior to enrolling to ensure CEU hours are approved for the state you are seeking renewal.

ISEE Certification Program - ISEE Certificate Program - International Society of Explosives Engineers

IME Safety Library Publications - IME | eLearning program

Wyoming DEQ Blasting Webinars - Blasting - Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality