AK Blasting Contractor Exam
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1.
What is the primary purpose of a blasting plan?
A. Reduce equipment maintenance
B. Improve worker comfort
C. Increase powder factor
D. Ensure safe and efficient blasting operations
Rationale: A blasting plan outlines design, safety, and operational steps to
control risk and ensure efficient shot execution.
2.
Which federal agency regulates the storage of explosives in the U.S.?
A. OSHA
B. EPA
C. ATF
D. DOT
Rationale: ATF regulates explosives under 27 CFR Part 555, including
storage in approved magazines.
3.
What is the term for the smallest amount of explosive required to initiate
another explosive?
A. Burden
B. Initiation sensitivity
,C. Powder factor
D. Overbreak
Rationale: Initiation sensitivity describes how easily an explosive can be
initiated by another charge or device.
4.
What is the minimum recommended distance from a blast to an occupied
building, unless otherwise engineered?
A. 50 ft
B. 100 ft
C. 150 ft
D. 300 ft
Rationale: Standard safety practice recommends 300 ft unless site-specific
engineering reduces the required distance.
5.
Which blasting component is used to control timing between holes?
A. Boosters
B. Det cord
C. Primers
D. Delay detonators
Rationale: Delay detonators establish precise millisecond or second delays
between charges for fragmentation control.
6.
What is burden in blasting terminology?
A. Hole depth
B. Distance between charge and face
C. Depth of subdrill
D. Spacing between holes
Rationale: Burden is the distance from the borehole to the nearest free face
and affects fragmentation.
7.
, Which explosive is most sensitive to water?
A. ANFO
B. Black powder
C. Emulsion
D. Slurry
Rationale: Black powder loses effectiveness when wet; water contamination
ruins its combustion properties.
8.
Which factor most increases airblast?
A. Deeper subdrill
B. Smaller burden
C. Inadequate stemming
D. Too much delay
Rationale: Poor stemming allows gases to escape quickly, producing higher
airblast pressures.
9.
What is the primary reason for decking charges?
A. Reduce powder cost
B. Improve hole alignment
C. Prevent stemming blowout
D. Control vibration and distribution of energy
Rationale: Decking reduces continuous charge energy, lowering vibration
and tailoring energy along the hole.
10.
The legal age to handle commercial explosives under federal regulation is:
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. 25
Rationale: ATF requires handlers and possessors of explosives to be at
least 21.
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1.
What is the primary purpose of a blasting plan?
A. Reduce equipment maintenance
B. Improve worker comfort
C. Increase powder factor
D. Ensure safe and efficient blasting operations
Rationale: A blasting plan outlines design, safety, and operational steps to
control risk and ensure efficient shot execution.
2.
Which federal agency regulates the storage of explosives in the U.S.?
A. OSHA
B. EPA
C. ATF
D. DOT
Rationale: ATF regulates explosives under 27 CFR Part 555, including
storage in approved magazines.
3.
What is the term for the smallest amount of explosive required to initiate
another explosive?
A. Burden
B. Initiation sensitivity
,C. Powder factor
D. Overbreak
Rationale: Initiation sensitivity describes how easily an explosive can be
initiated by another charge or device.
4.
What is the minimum recommended distance from a blast to an occupied
building, unless otherwise engineered?
A. 50 ft
B. 100 ft
C. 150 ft
D. 300 ft
Rationale: Standard safety practice recommends 300 ft unless site-specific
engineering reduces the required distance.
5.
Which blasting component is used to control timing between holes?
A. Boosters
B. Det cord
C. Primers
D. Delay detonators
Rationale: Delay detonators establish precise millisecond or second delays
between charges for fragmentation control.
6.
What is burden in blasting terminology?
A. Hole depth
B. Distance between charge and face
C. Depth of subdrill
D. Spacing between holes
Rationale: Burden is the distance from the borehole to the nearest free face
and affects fragmentation.
7.
, Which explosive is most sensitive to water?
A. ANFO
B. Black powder
C. Emulsion
D. Slurry
Rationale: Black powder loses effectiveness when wet; water contamination
ruins its combustion properties.
8.
Which factor most increases airblast?
A. Deeper subdrill
B. Smaller burden
C. Inadequate stemming
D. Too much delay
Rationale: Poor stemming allows gases to escape quickly, producing higher
airblast pressures.
9.
What is the primary reason for decking charges?
A. Reduce powder cost
B. Improve hole alignment
C. Prevent stemming blowout
D. Control vibration and distribution of energy
Rationale: Decking reduces continuous charge energy, lowering vibration
and tailoring energy along the hole.
10.
The legal age to handle commercial explosives under federal regulation is:
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. 25
Rationale: ATF requires handlers and possessors of explosives to be at
least 21.
