21:1A-138. Blasting operations

A. Persons authorized to conduct blasting operations and their employers or persons in charge of the operation shall comply with all provisions of this act and rules and regulations promulgated hereunder. No employer shall employ any person to prepare explosive charges or conduct blasting operations unless such person holds a valid permit to use explosives issued by the commissioner, provided however, that

(a) explosives may be used by a miner in underground mining operations without a permit to use explosives if the blasting operations are under the direct supervision of a person in possession of a valid permit.

(b) explosive charges may be prepared by a person at least 18 years of age without a permit to use explosives if such work is done under the direct supervision of a person in possession of a valid permit.

(c) persons not less than 15 years of age shall be permitted to assist in the preparation or use of propellants in amateur rocket experimentation when such work is done under the actual control and supervision of a person in possession of a valid permit to use explosives, and in such a manner and place as to insure the safety of persons and property where such work is performed, and in conformity with rules and regulations promulgated under this act.

B. The amount of explosives taken into a blast area shall never exceed the amount estimated by the blaster as necessary for the blast.

C. When commercial explosives are used in conjunction with nitro-carbo-nitrates, all safety precautions and rules and regulations for commercial explosives shall be observed.

D. Except when nitro-carbo-nitrates are mixed at the site of the blast for immediate use, any such mixing shall be deemed to be manufacturing of explosives and shall be subject to all applicable provisions relating thereto.

L.1960, c. 55, p. 481, s. 11.