Section 90. Underground shot firer

A. Applicants shall possess two years coal mining experience underground, one year of the two years shall have included handling and using explosives underground under the direction of a certified underground shot firer, or appropriately related work experience approved by the chief.

B. Applicants shall pass the underground shot firer and gas detection examinations.

C. Beginning August 25, 2005, a certified underground shot firer must be recertified every five years by:

1. Presenting written proof that he has performed underground blasting duties in his work during two of the last three years immediately preceding the expiration date;

2. Retaking and passing the underground shot firer examination; or

3. Presenting verification of completion of underground mine foreman or other continuing education that included underground blasting safety training.

D. Failure to maintain education or training requirements shall result in suspension of a person's certification pending completion of continuing education or training. If the continuing education or training requirement is not met within two years from the suspension date, the certification shall be revoked by the BCME.

E. The division shall send notice of any suspension to the last address the certified person reported to the division in accordance with 4VAC25-20-20 I. Upon request, DMME will provide the mine operator and other interested parties with a list of individuals whose certification is in suspension or has been revoked.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR480-04-2 § 2.5, eff. June 30, 1994; amended, Volume 13, Issue 22, eff. August 20, 1997; Volume 20, Issue 23, eff. August 25, 2004.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.28, 45.1-161.29, and 45.1-161.34 of the Code of Virginia.