Blaster qualification requirements

A blaster must be able to clearly understand directions and communicate instructions both verbally and in writing so blasting work is done safely.

• This means the blaster must comprehend job plans, checklists, and written procedures and must be able to issue clear oral commands to crew members during planning, loading, firing, and post-blast operations. See 1926.901(a).
• Practical examples include reading and following load diagrams, writing or signing pre-blast plans, giving evacuation and firing instructions, and confirming that crew members heard and understood orders.

Yes. The standard requires a blaster to be in good physical condition and not addicted to narcotics, intoxicants, or similar drugs, so an employer may deny blasting duties to someone who is addicted.

• The rule is stated in 1926.901(b).
• Employers should apply any drug- or alcohol-related policies consistently, follow applicable state laws, and consider fitness-for-duty evaluations or medical guidance where appropriate.

A blaster must be qualified by training, knowledge, or experience in transporting, storing, handling, and using explosives and must know applicable State and local laws and regulations.

• The exact requirement appears in 1926.901(c).
• Practical training topics include: proper packaging and labeling, vehicle and magazine storage rules, safe handling procedures, firing systems and initiation methods, blast design basics, misfire procedures, and local licensing or permit requirements.

Satisfactory evidence of competency can include documented training, certificates, written examinations, demonstrated hands-on experience, and employer or third-party verification that the person can handle explosives and perform the required blasting tasks safely.

• The standard requires blasters to "furnish satisfactory evidence of competency" in 1926.901(d).
• Examples of acceptable evidence: certification from a recognized blasting training program, records of supervised blasting work, written and practical test results, signed statements from a responsible supervisor, or records of prior licensing.
• Keeping these records makes it easier to demonstrate competency during hiring or inspections.

Yes. The standard requires the blaster to be knowledgeable and competent in the use of each type of blasting method used on the job.

• See 1926.901(e).
• In practice this means if an employer uses different initiation systems (electrical, nonel, or detonating cord), bulk versus cartridge explosives, or specialty techniques (e.g., underground, underwater, or seismic blasting), the blaster must be competent in each specific method before supervising or performing that work.

Yes. The standard explicitly requires a blaster to have a working knowledge of State and local laws and regulations that pertain to explosives.

• This requirement is stated in 1926.901(c).
• Practical steps: review local statutes and permitting rules, confirm transport and storage limits, keep current copies of applicable regulations, and consult local authorities when rules differ between jurisdictions.

No. Because the standard requires blasters to furnish satisfactory evidence of competency and to be competent for each method used, trainees should not perform blasting unsupervised unless they meet the competency requirements.

• See 1926.901(d) and 1926.901(e).
• In practice, trainees may perform limited tasks while closely supervised by a qualified blaster and after receiving appropriate instruction, but responsibility for safe performance remains with the qualified blaster.

Yes—while 1926.901(d) requires blasters to furnish satisfactory evidence of competency, keeping written records is the practical way to meet that requirement and to show competency to inspectors or clients.

• The requirement that blasters "furnish satisfactory evidence" appears in 1926.901(d).
• Employers commonly keep certificates, training rosters, practical test results, and supervised-work logs. Although 1926.901 does not prescribe the exact record format or retention period, written documentation makes compliance and enforcement easier to demonstrate.
• For other workplace programs, OSHA has discussed the value of written certification in a hazard and PPE context; see the PPE hazard assessment guidance at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28 for how written documentation supports compliance practices.

A blaster must be qualified by training, knowledge, or experience in transporting and storing explosives, so classroom training may be sufficient if it provides the necessary knowledge, but hands-on experience or supervised practice is often needed to demonstrate real competency.

• The underlying rule is 1926.901(c).
• Employers should evaluate whether classroom instruction plus demonstrations, supervised on‑the‑job experience, or practical testing provides satisfactory evidence of competency for the specific transport and storage tasks.

Yes. Competency can be context-specific: a blaster may be competent for particular explosives, equipment, or blasting methods used by one employer but not for different methods or materials used by another.

• This follows from 1926.901(c) and the requirement in 1926.901(e) that the blaster be knowledgeable and competent in each blasting method used.
• Employers who hire blasters from other companies should verify method-specific experience, request documentation, and, if needed, provide additional training or supervised familiarization.

An employer should obtain and review documented evidence of the blaster's training, certifications, work history, references, and any practical test results, and confirm that the candidate understands local State and municipal explosives regulations.

• The requirement for qualification and knowledge of local rules is in 1926.901(c) and the "satisfactory evidence" requirement is in 1926.901(d).
• Verify competency by checking certificates, contacting prior supervisors, reviewing records of supervised blasting tasks, and confirming the blaster has reviewed the State and local laws that apply to the new job.

No. The standard requires blasters to be competent and to furnish satisfactory evidence of competency but does not specify a frequency for re-demonstration or retraining; employers should implement periodic evaluation and refresher training as needed to ensure ongoing competency.

• See 1926.901(d).
• Best practices: perform periodic skills checks, retrain after incidents or changes in methods/equipment, and keep records of refresher training to demonstrate continuing competency.

Yes. Internal employer training and supervised on-the-job experience can serve as satisfactory evidence of competency if the training and evaluation convincingly demonstrate the worker's ability to handle explosives and perform blasting safely.

• The directive that blasters must "furnish satisfactory evidence of competency" is in 1926.901(d).
• Make internal training stronger by using written curricula, practical evaluations, instructor sign-offs, and documented supervised blasts so the evidence will be persuasive to inspectors and clients.