The statutory responsibility of the Explosives and Blasting Branch is to maintain the safety of blasters in the Commonwealth and to protect the public from harmful effects of blasting operations. The branch is in charge of licensing blasters, answering and inspecting blasting complaints, seismograph monitoring, training, testing and issuing permits to purchase or possess explosives. The Explosives and Blasting Branch 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.
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 branch will teach courses specifically geared toward retraining for credit hours needed to obtain renewal.
The Explosives and Blasting Branch 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 branch makes over 200 investigations of public complaints annually and uses the seismograph to resolve the complaints.