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WorkSafeBC

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FAQs


Frequently Asked Questions for Blasting

Where can I take a blasting exam?
You must register and pre-pay for a blasting exam, but exams may be taken at several WorkSafeBC offices in British Columbia. Download the blasting schedule for 2013 (PDF 134 KB) or 2012 (PDF 408 KB).

Candidates must telephone 604-276-3090 or toll free 1-888-621-7233, local 3090, to register in advance of any exam.

How much does the exam cost?
The following fees are effective July 1, 2010:
Blasting exam - $140
Upgrade - $140
Restriction removal - $140
Out of Jurisdiction Certification - $140
Replacement certificate (lost or stolen) - $25 (plus tax)
Payment must be made at the time of registration. Payment may be made by cheque, money order, or credit card. Cash cannot be accepted as a form of payment for any reason.

What about study materials?
All materials that are necessary to write the exam are included in the exam fee. These materials will be mailed to you, via regular mail, once you have registered and paid for your exam. Note: Certification Services cannot guarantee that these materials will reach you prior to your exam.

For other information regarding blasting exams, including the cancellation policy, please read the examinations schedule document (PDF 134 KB).

Does WorkSafeBC recognize blasting certificates from other Canadian jurisdictions?
Yes, blasting certificates from other Canadian jurisdictions are recognized. They must meet the following criteria for a blaster to be issued a WorkSafeBC blasting certificate:

  • Certificates must be valid and up to date. Certificates issued by WorkSafeBC will expire on the same date as the out-of-province certificate. Certificates with no expiry date are acceptable; however, certificates issued by WorkSafeBC will only be valid for 5 years.
  • The out-of-jurisdiction blasting certificate must have been issued by a Canadian government body or regulatory agency.
  • The out-of-jurisdiction blasting certificate is mandatory to perform blasting operations in the issuing province or territory.
  • The scope of activities covered by the out-of-province blasting certificate are similar to the blasting codes that are recognized by the WorkSafeBC blasting certificate.

For more information, see the Jurisprudence Package for Out of Jurisdiction Blasting (PDF 537 KB).

Are there any restrictions on my blaster's certificate?
Blaster's certificates will normally be issued for a period of 5 years and may be endorsed with any restriction that WorkSafeBC (the Workers' Compensation Board) deems necessary. After 5 years, a blaster must re-certify by writing another blasting exam.



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