“If conventional methods cannot be safely employed to remove a dangerous tree, blasting or other acceptable methods must be used.”
Workers Compensation Act Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 26.26(3)
Dangerous Tree Blasting for Fallers
The Dangerous Tree Blasting course is intended to prepare certified, *qualified fallers to work safely and effectively with explosives to remove trees that are too dangerous to fall by conventional methods.
Blasting is a practice that helps the faller manage the risks associated with dangerous trees. This training makes blasting more readily available to falling operations, and therefore more likely to be used to overcome the risks of managing dangerous trees, jackpots, hang-ups, or windthrow stacks.
This training is acceptable to WorkSafeBC for fallers wishing to write the WCB blasting exam to obtain dangerous tree blasting certification.
Applicant Pre-requisites
In order to attend this training, you must:
*Documented proof of 320 days of falling experience (and the letter of reference) will need to be provided to the instructor at the training course. The letter must attest to your character, knowledge, qualification and experience and that, as a faller, you would be able to competently handle explosives. The letter should include the company / employer contact information and must be signed by the person endorsing the faller applicant.
Goals & Objectives
Participants will gain basic knowledge of:
• Part 21 of the OHS Regulation relating to blasting
• Duties of Blaster of Record
• Blasting log requirements
• Explosives possession/magazine requirements
• Handling/initiation/storage of explosives
• Transportation of explosives to TDG requirements
Evaluation & Certification
Participant evaluation is based upon: pre-workshop activities (reading material and participant self-evaluation), successful completion of Dangerous Tree Blasting workshop, demonstrated competency in dangerous tree blasting, and a minimum 80% grade on WorkSafeBC Safety Fuse / Dangerous Tree Blasting exam.
Certification: Successful candidates will be granted a two-year blaster’s ticket that is restricted to dangerous tree blasting under the supervision and mentoring of the sponsoring company/employer.
Pre-course Preparation
Participant responsibilities include:
• Pre-course reading completed
• Completion of study assignments
• Review of WCB Blasters’ Handbook
• Review of WC Act & OHS Regulation
• Complete dangerous tree blasting self-evaluation
What is the course duration?
The DT Blasting Course for Fallers covers four days: 8am start time each day.
Also included is a Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) evening course (a mandatory component). The WorkSafeBC blaster’s certification exam is taken at the end of the training.
What do I need to bring with me?
Lunch, Drinking water, weather-appropriate clothing, caulk boots with good ankle support, falling safety gear, Hi-vis, tape measure, pocket calculator, pens/pencils, Optional (but recommended) are a camera and binoculars.
Where and when is the training offered?
Scheduled sessions are listed on the Council training calendar, which is found on our home page.
How do I register?
If you are interested in participating in dangerous tree blasting training for fallers, please submit a completed enrollment form and course fee to the Council.
What if I’m interested in this training but not available until later?
If you would like to have your name placed on an “interest” list, contact us, either by e-mail at training@bcforestsafe.org or call toll free 1-877-741-1060, Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm PT
