(a) Every person engaged in any use of explosives regulated by this article shall apply for and obtain certification from the office prior to using any explosives. No person shall detonate explosive materials or supervise the conduct of blasting operations unless that person has obtained certification from the office.

(b) The following persons are eligible for certification:

(1) Any person who is 21 years of age or older, with not less than two years' experience as a blaster in this state, may be certified without examination up to one year from October 1, 1993. The applicant shall furnish proof of experience satisfactory to the office.

(2) Any person engaged in any use of explosives regulated by this article on October 1, 1993, shall have one year after October 1, 1993, to obtain a blaster certification required under this article.

(3) After this article has been in effect for one year, any person who is 21 years of age or older with two or more years of experience as a blaster may be certified only by passing a written comprehensive examination given by the office relating to the use of explosives.

(4) Certifications may be granted by the office to any person holding a certification from another state, provided that the requirements for a certification in that state are equivalent to, or more stringent than, those of the State of Alabama, as determined by the State Fire Marshal.

(c) No person may detonate explosive materials or supervise the conduct of a blasting operation unless that person has obtained a certification card from the office.

(d) Each person certified shall pay a one hundred dollars ($100) fee to the office.

(e) Certification shall expire one year following the date of its issuance, or renewal, and shall become invalid unless renewed by payment of the certification fee.