Learn what the construction standard requires of a blaster and the general rules a blaster applies every day: control of explosives, ignition sources, stray electricity, and protecting people and property.
Based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.900 and 1926.901 (construction blasting) · about 6 min read
Need proof of training? The full course (25 min) adds practice questions, a job scenario, the final quiz and a certificate your employer can verify.
You furnish the evidence. Blasters are required to furnish satisfactory evidence of competency in handling explosives and in performing, in a safe manner, the type of blasting that will be required.
Method by method. You must be knowledgeable and competent in each type of blasting method used. Know each method you use before you use it.
Only authorized and qualified persons. The employer may permit only authorized and qualified persons to handle and use explosives.
Supervised loading and firing. All loading and firing must be directed and supervised by competent persons thoroughly experienced in this field.
Good practice: if a helper is not authorized and qualified, they do not handle explosives, even for "just a minute."
Accounted for at all times. You always know where every explosive is.
Locked up when not in use. Explosives not being used are kept in a locked magazine, unavailable to persons not authorized to handle them.
Records. The employer must maintain an inventory and use record of all explosives. Good practice: reconcile what you drew, used and returned at the end of each shift so the record is right.
Report problems. Appropriate authorities must be notified of any loss, theft or unauthorized entry into a magazine.
Never abandon. No explosives or blasting agents may be abandoned, including leftovers after a shot.
No impairment. No person may be allowed to handle or use explosives while under the influence of intoxicating liquors, narcotics or other dangerous drugs.
Carry them correctly. Use original containers, or Class II magazines, to take detonators and other explosives from storage magazines to the blasting area.
Do not use bad product. Explosives, blasting agents and blasting supplies that are obviously deteriorated or damaged shall not be used.
Authorized hands only. Delivery and issue may only be made by and to authorized persons, and into authorized magazines or approved temporary storage or handling areas.
Empty packaging. Empty boxes and paper and fiber packing materials that held high explosives shall not be used again for any purpose. They are destroyed by burning at an approved location.
Prohibited: smoking, firearms, matches, open flame lamps, and other fires, flame or heat producing devices and sparks. This applies in or near explosive magazines, and while explosives are being handled, transported or used.
When fire threatens explosives: no fire shall be fought where the fire is in imminent danger of contact with explosives. All employees shall be removed to a safe area and the fire area guarded against intruders.
Electric blasting caps can be set off by current you cannot see. Sources named in the standard include radar, radio transmitters, lightning, adjacent powerlines and dust storms. Due precautions must be taken, including:
Short-circuit detonators in holes that have been primed and shunted until they are wired into the blasting circuit.
Electric storms: suspend all blasting operations and remove persons from the blasting area during the approach and progress of an electric storm.
Radio signs: prominently display adequate signs warning against the use of mobile radio transmitters on all roads within 1,000 feet of blasting operations.
Close transmitters: mobile radio transmitters less than 100 feet away from electric blasting caps that are in other than original containers must be deenergized and effectively locked.
IME recommendations: comply with the recommendations of the Institute of the Makers of Explosives with regard to blasting in the vicinity of radio transmitters, as stipulated in IME Publication No. 20, March 1971.
Exception for the 1,000 feet: where that distance would create an operational handicap, a competent person is consulted and alternative provisions may be made that are designed to prevent premature firing. A description of the alternatives must be reduced to writing and certified by the competent person consulted as meeting the purposes of the rule. The description is maintained at the construction site during the duration of the work and is available for inspection by representatives of the Secretary of Labor.
Electric firing. All blasts must be fired electrically with an electric blasting machine or properly designed electric power source, except as provided in 1926.906(a) and (r). Those exceptions are not covered in this course.
No black powder. The use of black powder is prohibited.
Daylight. Insofar as possible, blasting operations above ground are conducted between sunup and sundown.
Congested areas and nearby structures. When blasting in congested areas or near a structure, railway, highway or any other installation that may be damaged, the blaster must take special precautions in the loading, delaying, initiation and confinement of each blast, with mats or other methods, to control the throw of fragments and prevent bodily injury to employees.
Warnings. Employees authorized to prepare explosive charges or conduct blasting operations must use every reasonable precaution to ensure employee safety, including but not limited to visual and audible warning signals, flags or barricades.
Fact-checked against the regulation text on October 09, 2026. This certificate records completion of awareness training based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.900(a) through (r) and 1926.901. It is not an OSHA card or license and does not qualify anyone to handle explosives. Sections 1926.900 and 1926.901 set no separate employer training requirement, and this certificate does not by itself meet the blaster qualifications of 29 CFR 1926.901. Your employer must still permit only authorized and qualified persons to handle and use explosives (1926.900(a)), and a blaster must still be qualified, by reason of training, knowledge, or experience, in the field of transporting, storing, handling, and use of explosives, have a working knowledge of State and local laws and regulations which pertain to explosives (1926.901(c)), and furnish satisfactory evidence of competency in handling explosives and performing in a safe manner the type of blasting that will be required (1926.901(d)).
This guide explains the rule in plain words. Always read the regulation itself and your employer's site-specific procedures.