1926.901: Blaster Qualifications
A blaster must be able to understand and give written and oral orders, be in good physical condition and not be addicted to narcotics, intoxicants or similar drugs. Blasters must be qualified by training, knowledge or experience in transporting, storing, handling and using explosives, know the State and local explosive laws, provide satisfactory evidence of competency, and be competent in each blasting method used.
Key takeaways
- 1926.901 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart U).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.901, "Blaster qualifications", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart U). It has 5 numbered paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
Show the full text of 1926.901 (5 paragraphs)
(a) A blaster shall be able to understand and give written and oral orders.
(b) A blaster shall be in good physical condition and not be addicted to narcotics, intoxicants, or similar types of drugs.
(c) A blaster shall be qualified, by reason of training, knowledge, or experience, in the field of transporting, storing, handling, and use of explosives, and have a working knowledge of State and local laws and regulations which pertain to explosives.
(d) Blasters shall be required to furnish satisfactory evidence of competency in handling explosives and performing in a safe manner the type of blasting that will be required.
(e) The blaster shall be knowledgeable and competent in the use of each type of blasting method used.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.901, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.901.
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Frequently asked questions
What communication skills must a blaster have?
A blaster must be able to understand and give written and oral orders.
How does a blaster show qualification?
By training, knowledge or experience in transporting, storing, handling and using explosives, and by furnishing satisfactory evidence of competency.
Must a blaster know local laws?
Yes. A blaster must have a working knowledge of State and local laws and regulations on explosives.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.901 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.