Open School BC

Overview

A BC Mines Underground Blaster 1st Class (Underground Coal) Certification allows you to perform underground blasting operations in underground coal mines only.

In order to apply for this certification, you must have completed:

• BC Mines Underground Blaster 2nd Class Certification.
• Experience working with a certified “Shot Firer” (Underground Blaster 1st Class) for 12 underground coal blasting operations or equivalent from another jurisdiction.

The certification process includes two online exams (one regulatory, one technical) that you must pass before scheduling a face-to-face interview. You have three attempts to pass each exam and you must pass the regulatory exam before taking the technical exam. (If you need more than one attempt to complete an exam, you must wait at least one week between attempts.) Once you pass both exams, you'll set up a face-to-face interview with a Inspector of Mines.

You must provide the following documents at your face-to-face interview

• A completed and signed Application for BC Mines Blaster Certification.
• Proof of ID.
• A criminal record check.
• Proof of experience (e.g., logbook) and/or letter of reference from your employer or a certified BC Mines Blaster or certified blaster.

The online component provides:

• An overview of all BC Mines Blaster Certifications.
• Access to supporting resources including videos about safety and blasting on BC Mines sites (e.g., magazines, care and handling of explosives, guarding, and transportation safety).
• Access to a BC Mines Blaster Certification Application Form and information on how to set up a face-to-face interview with a Inspector of Mines, including the documentation you're required to bring with you.
• The Regulatory Exam:
  • Covers parts of the Health, Safety, and Reclamation Code for Mines in BC, the Explosives Act (Federal) and the Explosives Regulation 2013 (Federal).
  • You need a passing grade of 75% or higher. You must pass this exam before attempting the technical exam.
  • It is closed book (i.e., no books or resources may be referenced during the exam).
  • May take up to three hours and must be completed in one sitting.
• The Technical Exam:
  • Covers specific questions related to BC Mines Underground Blaster 1st Class (Underground Coal) (i.e., underground coal mine blasting techniques and working in a coal environment).
  • You need a passing grade of 80% or higher.
  • It is closed book (i.e., no books or resources may be referenced during the exam).
  • May take up to four hours and must be completed in one sitting.

You can take the exams at any time (remembering that you must pass the regulatory exam before attempting the technical exam) and you have six months (from the time of registration) to pass both exams.

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