513 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 23-29

Sections

29-3. Personnel Required Qualification/Training.

General Requirements for Blasting Personnel

Personnel in blasting operations must undergo training in explosives handling, transportation, storage, and safety protocols, including understanding of explosives types, activity schedules, and site security methods.
All persons involved in the transportation, storage, handling, or use of explosives or blasting agents must be at least 21 years old. If allowed by applicable national, state, or local regulations, workers at least 18 years old only handling explosive materials must be supervised by a licensed blaster.
Individuals handling explosives must be well-versed in the hazards, operational activities involving explosives, and emergency procedures for fires or explosions.

Transporting Explosive Materials

Vehicle operators transporting explosives must be physically fit, trained in safety instructions, and proficient in using portable extinguishers and adhering to DOT or DoD standards.
Only authorized personnel are allowed on vehicles carrying explosives, ensuring drivers and helpers are the sole occupants.

Blasters

Blasters must be trained, certified, and experienced in all aspects of explosives handling, familiar with relevant laws, and able to demonstrate competency and knowledge of the specific explosives and blasting circuits used.
Licensing for blasters is mandatory as per state and local regulations.

Blaster-in-Charge

The Blaster-in-Charge must possess a license from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or be a Competent Person (CP) in areas without an AHJ licensing program.

Attendants

Attendants must be knowledgeable about the explosives on their assigned vehicle, understand the associated risks, and be trained to handle the vehicle in emergencies.
They must remain vigilant, avoiding engagement in any activities that could distract from monitoring the vehicle and its explosive cargo.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

29-2. All persons involved in the transportation, storage, handling, or use of explosives or blasting agents must be _____.

trained on fire extinguisher use

supervised by a KO or COR

at least 21 years old

be at least 18 years old

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 29-3.

29-3. Personnel Required Qualification/Training.

a.  General. (29-3.a)

(1)  The personnel that are involved in blasting operations must be trained in the following:

(a)  The requirements for handling, transportation, and storage of explosives.

(b)  Employee training programs and certifications as required by state or company.

(d)  Schedule of activities and loading procedures.

(e)  Detailed blasting schedule.

(f)  Explosives transportation route.

(g)  Safety signals, methods, and locations.

(h)  Blast area clearance.

(i)  Methods for securing the site.

(2)  All personnel working with explosives must be in good physical condition to perform the necessary tasks.  Personnel must be able to understand and give written and verbal orders.

(3)  All persons involved in the transportation, storage, handling, or use of explosives or blasting agents must be at least 21 years old.  If allowed by applicable national, state, or local regulations, workers at least 18 years old only handling explosive materials must be supervised by a licensed blaster.

(4)  All persons involved in the transportation, storage, handling, or use of explosives or blasting agents must be trained and able to read and understand instructions in English.

(5)  All individuals handling explosive materials must be trained in the following areas:

(a)  The physical and health hazards of the explosive materials.

(b)  The operational activities involved in use of the explosives.

b.  Transporting Explosive Materials.  (29-3.b)

(1)  Operators of vehicles transporting explosive materials must be physically fit, careful, reliable, able to read and understand safety instructions (see para 18-3).

(2)  Only the authorized driver and helper are permitted to ride on any conveyance transporting explosive materials or detonators.

(3)  The driver must be trained in the use of a portable extinguisher (see chapter 9).

(4)  Drivers must be trained in the DOT or DoD applicable standards.

c.  Blasters.  Blasters must be trained and certified for the type of blasting performed onsite.  (29-3.c)

(1)  Blasters must be qualified, by reason of training, knowledge, or experience, in the field of transporting, storing, handling, and use of explosives.  The must have a working knowledge of state and local laws and regulations which pertain to explosives.

(2)  Blasters must be licensed, as applicable, according to state and local regulations.

(3)  Blasters must furnish satisfactory evidence of competency in handling explosives and performing in a safe manner the type of blasting that will be required.

(4)  Blasters must be knowledgeable about the use of each type of explosive material and blasting circuit that is being employed.

d.  Blaster-in-Charge.  The Blaster-in-Charge must be licensed by the AHJ.  When working in a jurisdiction without an applicable licensing program managed by the AHJ, the Blaster-in-Charge must be a CP.  See paragraphs 1-2 or 2-2, as applicable, for the definition of a CP. (29-3.d)

e.  Attendants. Attendants must be:  (29-3.e)

(1)  Aware of the class of explosive material in the motor vehicle and of its inherent dangers.

(2)  Familiar with the measures and procedures to be followed to protect the public from inherent dangers.

(3)  Familiar with the vehicle they are assigned to attend.

(4)  Trained, authorized, and enabled to move the vehicle when required.

(5)  Awake and alert and not engaged in other duties or activities such as phone conversations, texting, listening to music, or engaged in other electronic or internet activities that divert the Attendant’s attention from the vehicle and explosives.