Section 312IAC25-9-5. Examinations

   (a) The competence of an applicant for certification as a certified blaster will be evaluated by reviewing and verifying the following:

(1) The ability of the applicant to be directly responsible for the use of explosives in surface coal mining and reclamation operations through a written examination in the technical aspects of blasting and applicable Indiana and federal laws and regulations governing the storage, use, and transportation of explosives.

(2) The practical field experience specified in subsection (c).

  (b) An applicant for registration as a certified blaster shall be examined in the topics set forth in section 3(c) of this rule.

  (c) Admission to examination will be denied or deferred if the applicant lacks the necessary training required by section 3 of this rule or a minimum of one (1) year practical field experience. An applicant denied or deferred admission will be so notified, in writing, stating any reason for such denial or deferral.

  (d) An examination notice will be sent to all applicants admitted for examination approximately six (6) weeks in advance of the regularly scheduled examination. This notice will establish the time and place of the examination and other instructions pertinent to the examination. Failure to appear for an examination will result in termination of the application unless the director, for good reason, extends the time for appearing.

  (e) Only pass-fail grades will be issued. A passing grade will be issued to applicants who correctly respond to at least seventy percent (70%) of the questions contained on the written examination.

  (f) Any applicant may review his or her examination answer sheets in the department's Jasonville office at any time during normal working hours after the applicant has received notice of the examination results. The answer sheets will be retained in the department's office for a period of one (1) year after the examination date after which time they will be destroyed.

  (g) An applicant failing an examination may retake the examination two (2) times without reapplying. An applicant failing the examination three (3) times must retake the certified blaster training course. An applicant must notify the director, in writing, within sixty (60) days from the date of notice of failing of their intention to retake the examination. The applicant will be scheduled for reexamination at the next scheduled examination. Failure to notify the director will cause the application to be terminated, and the applicant must reapply for examination under section 4 of this rule. (Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 25-9-5; filed Jun 21, 2001, 2:53 p.m.: 24 IR 3608, eff Dec 1, 2001; filed Apr 23, 2004, 10:45 a.m.: 27 IR 2714, eff Nov 1, 2004; readopted filed May 29, 2007, 9:51 a.m.: 20070613-IR-312070146RFA; readopted filed Sep 19, 2013, 10:12 a.m.: 20131016-IR-312130125RFA)