|
|
Last Modified: 5/6/2008
Explosives and Blasting
The statutory responsibility of the Division of Explosives and Blasting is to maintain the safety of blasters in the commonwealth and to protect the public from harmful effects of blasting operations. The division is in charge of licensing blasters, answering and inspecting blasting complaints, seismograph monitoring, training, testing and issuing permits to purchase or possess explosives. This division also controls the manufacture, transportation, storage, distribution and eventual use of explosives. Currently, there are more than 1,500 blasters licensed in Kentucky, and more than 350 permits have been issued to purchase or possess explosives.
Jeff Taylor, Director
 Blasters will no longer receive retraining credit for attending the 30-hour class. This class is reserved for those blasters desiring the entire 30-hour session. The division will teach courses specifically geared toward retraining for credit hours needed to obtain renewal.
*Reminder: As of July 15, 2007, all Kentucky coal mine blasters, who had previously been exempt from the required retraining hours as stated in KRS 351.315, Section (4), will be required to demonstrate that they have completed both 8-hours of the Office of Mine Safety and Licensing required Surface Mine Annual Retraining and 8-hours of Division of Explosives and Blasting approved Blaster Retraining from division-approved instructors to be able to renew their blasting license. No blaster’s license will be renewed without documentation being provided of the required retraining. Prior to July 15, 2007, only the 8-hour Surface Mine Annual Retraining is required.
After July 15, 2008, all blasters will have to demonstrate that they have received a minimum of 16 hours of Division of Explosives and Blasting approved Blaster Retraining sometime in the three years prior to their current license’s expiration date before renewal may be granted.
-
Senate Bill 137 changed Kentucky’s retraining requirement for licensed blasters. Certified surface coal miners are no longer exempt from the 16-hours blaster retraining required in KRS 351.315(4). These changes will be effective July 15, 2006, but will be phased in over a two-year period becoming fully effective July 15, 2008. The Advisory Notice to Licensed Blasters outlines provisions and implementation dates.
-
Senate Bill 138 increased penalties assessed for violations of blasting statutes and regulations by licensed blasters, individuals holding a permit to purchase explosives and registered suppliers of explosives. These penalty schedule changes can be found in KRS 351.990. Please see the Advisory Notice of Civil Penalties for Explosives and Blasting for details.
Adobe Reader is required for both advisories above. You may obtain a free download by using the Adobe icon on the left.
The Division of Explosives and Blasting responds to all public complaints that concern ground vibrations, noise, flyrock and other adverse effects of blasting. The investigation of these complaints involves inspection of the operation generating the complaint and extensive seismic monitoring. The division makes over 200 investigations of public complaints annually and uses the seismograph to resolve the complaints.
Back to the top of the page
Click here to go back to the home page
|
|
|
DNR Division of Explosives and Blasting
1025 Capital Center Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-573-0140
Fax: 502-573-1099
E-mail: Jeff.Taylor@ky.gov
|
|
