§ 30-2-501 — Blasting to be done by certified shot-firers or certified trona utility shot-firers; qualifications and examinations; issuance of certificate; revocation of certificate; requirements when work being done

Wyoming § 30-2-501

• Jurisdiction: Wyoming
• Title 30: Mines and Minerals
• Ch. 2: MINING OPERATIONS
• Art. 5: SHOT-FIRERS

Text

(a) All blasting or shot-firing in mines, including
charging and tamping of holes shall be done by or under the
direct supervision of certified shot-firers. Shot-firers shall
pass an oral and written examination prepared and administered
by the inspector or his deputies testing knowledge of blasting
and shot-firing operations and safety procedures. To take the
shot-firer exam the applicant shall have at least two (2) years
practical, hands-on experience in the type of operation for
which he is applying. The state mine inspector shall give one
(1) year experience credit for two (2) years mine engineering
experience related to shot-design and shot-planning. An
applicant may receive a maximum of one (1) year experience
credit for mine engineering experience. Each applicant must
provide verifiable documentation of his practicable experience
or mining degree and experience.
(b) The inspector or his deputies shall certify
shot-firers and shall issue certificates to qualified persons. A
shot-firer's certificate may be revoked by the inspector or his
deputies after notice and hearing under W.S. 16-3-101 through
16-3-115, if the holder has violated laws governing firing of
any shots or blasts, or has endangered life or property by his
actions as a shot-firer.
(c) No miner shall return to any place where shots or
blasts have been fired, until given permission by the
shot-firers or other mine officials authorized by law. When
shot-firers are engaged in the work of firing shots, the
shot-firing cable must be disconnected from battery, and cable
leads must be short circuited at battery and before connection
is made to detonating cap at face. All employees other than the
one (1) connecting cable to cap at face are forbidden to handle
battery while the work of firing shots is being carried on. The
cable connecting battery to detonating cap or caps shall be not
less than one hundred fifty (150) feet in length.
(d) Blasting other than the extraction of an in-situ trona
mineral for production purposes, including charging and tamping
of holes, shall be done by or under the direct supervision of
certified trona utility shot-firers or certified shot-firers.
(e) Each trona utility shot-firer applicant shall:
(i) Be at least twenty-three (23) years of age;
(ii) Have at least two (2) years mining or blasting
experience before taking the trona utility shot-firer
examination;
(iii) Complete and file an examination application
with the state mine inspector;
(iv) Pass an oral and written examination prepared
and administered by the inspector or his deputies testing
knowledge of blasting and shot-firing operations and safety
procedures;
(v) Provide verifiable documentation that he has
completed the training required by paragraph (ii) of this
subsection and any requirement included in the trona utility
blasting training plan as approved by the state mine inspector.
(f) Each mine operator shall submit for approval by the
Wyoming state mine inspector, a trona utility blasting training
plan outlining training requirements, safe blasting procedures
and methods. The training plan shall include a record of a
practical, "hands-on" demonstration of competency. The plan
shall require that no single round shall exceed one hundred
fifty (150) pounds of explosives.