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.

(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.