Eligibility

A worker of at least 18 years old can qualify to apply for a blaster’s permit by meeting at least one of the following four criteria:

  • has successfully completed an approved explosive’s training course
  • has qualifications acceptable to the Director of Inspection
  • has written proof of 6 months of employer-endorsed experience within the last 36 months as a blaster or blaster’s assistant in the same type(s) of blasting operation
  • has a valid blaster’s permit from another Canadian jurisdiction for the comparable type(s) of blasting operation

Equivalencies

Alberta recognizes similar certifications from other Canadian jurisdictions. Certified blasters from other provinces are required to obtain an equivalent Alberta Blaster’s Permit.

Permit expiry

  • A blaster’s permit is issued for a maximum of 5 years.
  • A Director of Inspection may issue a permit for less than 5 years. This is determined on a case-by-case basis
  • For equivalency permits, the expiry date will stay the same as the date on the original permit.

Fees

Normal processing: $50

  • Permit is issued within 5 working days after the Director of Inspection approves your application.

Rushed processing: $75

  • Permit is issued within 24 hours after the Director of Inspection approves your application.

Payments

Permit payments will be routed through the Government of Alberta’s MyAlberta e-Services.

How to apply

Step 1. Fill out application

Use the instructions on the application form.

To fill out form:

  1. Fill out the form online, then save a copy to your computer. Print and sign the completed form. Validate your printed form. Scan the signed form if sending by email.

    OR

  2. Print form and fill out by hand, then sign. Validate your printed application form.
  3. Pay Processing Fee at the Government of Alberta's MyAlberta e-services platform.

Documentation required to be submitted with application

  • Blaster’s permits are issued with a picture of the applicant affixed to the permit. Applicants are required to submit high-resolution photos with their application.
  • Applicants must submit a photocopy of a secondary piece of government photo identification along with their permit application, so that the applicant’s identity can be confirmed.
  • Applicants must also submit an Approval Letter that has been issued by Chief Inspector of Explosives, Natural Resources Canada or an equivalent document with their application.

Equivalent documents include:

  • permis général issued under Quebec’s An Act respecting explosives
  • FAST card (free and secure trade card) issued by the Canada Border Services Agency
  • NEXUS card issued by the Canada Border Services Agency
  • Firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) issued under the Firearms Act

Step 2. Submit application

Send in your completed form, with supporting documents and application fee by mail or email.

Alberta Labour
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Policy and Legislation
8th Floor, 10808 99 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta  T5K 0G5
Email: lbr.ohsgpasblasting@gov.ab.ca

Step 3. After you apply

  • the Director of Inspection will review your application to ensure it meets requirements
  • the Director may contact you for additional information or documents
  • if your application is approved, your blaster’s permit will be mailed to your personal address as entered on the application form, and
  • you must carry your blaster’s permit at all times while working

Contact

To connect with OHS:

Phone: 780-415-8690 (Edmonton)
Toll free: 1-866-415-8690 
TTY: 780-427-9999 (Edmonton)
TTY: 1-800-232-7215

Ask an Expert