Loading, Firing and Misfires (Blasting Crew)

Last Updated: October 6, 2026

1 Section
1 Lesson

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Loading, Firing and Misfires (Blasting Crew)

1 Lesson

Interactive course

Learn how the construction standard requires loading, electric and fuse initiation, detonating cord, firing, post-blast inspection and misfires to be handled by the blaster and blasting crew.

This certificate records completion of awareness training based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.905, 1926.906, 1926.907, 1926.908, 1926.909, 1926.910 and 1926.911. It is not an OSHA card or license and does not qualify anyone to handle explosives. These sections have no separate training requirement. Your employer must still post a code of blasting signals equivalent to Table U-1 in one or more conspicuous places at the operation and require all employees to familiarize themselves with the code and conform to it (29 CFR 1926.909(a)). Check the State and local requirements that apply to blasters.

What you will learn

Load holes the way the standard requires and keep the blast area controlled
Handle electric firing circuits and know who connects and fires
Handle safety fuse and detonating cord correctly
Give and follow the blasting signals, and inspect after the blast
Respond correctly to a misfire

Course outline

Loading the holes: Before and while you load; Tamping, equipment and the blast area; Old holes and holes that did not fire
Electric firing: Before you adopt electric firing; Circuit and firing equipment; Who connects and who fires
Safety fuse and detonating cord: Safety fuse rules; Detonating cord rules
Firing and inspection: Warn everyone, then fire; After the blast
Misfires: When a charge does not fire
On the job