Nearly 85 attendees and eight presenters gathered in Birmingham, Alabama for the Southeast Blasters Workshop. The event, hosted by the Alabama Chapter of the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ASEE), filled training requirements for blasters in several states including Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and Alabama.
“I would like to thank the Alabama Chapter for holding the Southeast Blasters Workshop. The workshop provided very useful information on legal requirements and applicable changes, and updated developments on improved techniques for rock breakage and ways to mitigate vibration risks. It also provided a forum for learning what other blasters are doing to overcome a variety of challenges, as well as an opportunity to satisfy license requirements for continuing education. The workshops are always helpful,” says Tim Key of Russo Corporation and Past President of the ASEE.
Blasters and industry professionals enjoyed a day of presentations from Vulcan Materials Company, Austin Powder Company, ATF, Sauls Seismic, Dyno Nobel, Nelson Brothers, RESPEC and Rajkovich, Williams, Kilpatrick and True, PLLC.
The Alabama Chapter of the Society of Explosives Engineers realizes the importance of research and education to promote the safety, security and controlled use of explosives.
“The Alabama State law requires coal mine blasters to have 12 hours of blasting continuing education during the 36 months prior to renewing their three year blasting certification,” says Ed Sheehan of the Alabama Surface Mining Commission. “The ISEE Southeastern Blasters Workshop is the only course available south of Kentucky and West Virginia, so it serves a vital service to blasters in our area. The workshop was very professionally administered this year.”
Sponsorships from Vulcan Materials Company, Boren Explosives, Nomis Seismographs, Sauls Seismic, Dyno Nobel and Nelson Brothers provided lunch for everyone during training as well as an evening reception and networking event.
