Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Chapter 130 - COAL SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION REGULATIONS
Part 850 - Training, Examination, and Certification of Blasters
Section 4VAC25-130-850.13 - Training

Universal Citation: 4 VA Admin Code 25-130-850-13

Current through Register Vol. 41, No. 3, September 23, 2024

(a) Persons seeking to become certified as blasters may receive training by contacting the DM office in Big Stone Gap. The training includes, but is not limited to, the technical aspects of blasting operations and State and Federal laws governing the storage, transportation, and use of explosives; and

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

(c) The DM course shall provide training and discuss practical applications of:

(1) Explosives, including:
(i) Selection of the type of explosive to be used;

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

(iii) Handling, transportation, and storage;

(2) Blast designs, including:
(i) Geologic and topographic considerations;

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

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

(iv) Field applications;

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

(4) Initiation systems and blasting machines;

(5) Blasting vibrations, airblasts and flyrock, including:
(i) Monitoring techniques, and

(ii) 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:
(i) Availability,

(ii) Coverage, and

(iii) Use of in-blast designs;

(11) Blast plan requirements;

(12) Certification and training;

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

(14) Unpredictable hazards, including:
(i) Lightning,

(ii) Stray currents,

(iii) Radio waves, and

(iv) Misfires.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-230 of the Code of Virginia.

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