HB 1902 -- Certification of Explosive Blasters

Sponsor:  Broach

This bill requires the Missouri Division of Fire Safety to
certify qualified individuals as blasters.  Applicants for
blaster must pay a $25 application fee, meet qualifications
required for certification, and be 21 years old.  Blasters will
be certified for 3 years.  Certification reciprocity may be
granted to applicants from other states.

Certificates authorize a blaster to use explosives and explosive
materials.  Certifications issued to blasters must be posted at
the site of work or carried by the blaster.  The division may
suspend, revoke, or deny a certificate.  Suspension, revocation,
or denial may by appealed.  The Attorney General must bring
action for a restraining order or injunction against any person
violating or threatening to violate blasting laws.

The division must approve training courses and instructor
qualifications for blasters.  The courses must comply with
blasting laws.  When evaluating a course the division must
determine whether the course offers competent instructions in
the transportation, storage, and use of explosive materials and
includes information about requirements imposed by federal
regulations.  Course approval will be effective for 2 years.

The division must approve a standard examination for the purpose
of qualifying individuals certified as blasters.  Applicants
must complete an approved training course before taking the
examination.  Persons administering the examination must provide
a written statement within 30 days as to whether a person has
failed or passed.

This bill contains exemption from blasting laws and penalties
for persons found in violation of blasting laws.