Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 7990. Section 7990.
In any tunnel or mine under jurisdiction of the division, the use of explosives shall be limited to persons licensed by the division.
CHAPTER 3. Licensing and Penalties [7990. - 8004.]
Cal. Labor Code - LAB 3.
in effectCal. Labor Code - LAB § 7991. Section 7991.
(a)
To obtain a license under Section 7990, and to renew that license, a person shall pass an oral and written examination given by the division. The division shall offer the examination in Spanish, or any other language, when requested by the applicant. The division shall administer an examination orally when requested by an applicant who cannot write. Licenses shall be renewable every five years.
(b)
The division shall set a nonrefundable fee for processing applications for licenses required by Section 7990 and a fee for administering examinations under this section. In fixing the amount of these fees, the division may include direct costs and a reasonable percentage attributable to
the indirect costs of the division for administering this chapter. Those fees shall be deposited into the Occupational Safety and Health Fund.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 7992. Section 7992.
The board shall determine qualifications for persons seeking an “explosive blaster’s license” and rules and regulations for use of explosives in tunnels or mines.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 7993. Section 7993.
Any person holding an “explosive blaster’s license” who is convicted of violating any safety order involving the use or handling of explosives shall have his license suspended for not less than 30 days upon hearing by the division, in addition to any other penalties he may be assessed.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 7994. Section 7994.
Any person holding an “explosive blaster’s license” who is convicted of violating safety orders involving use or handling of explosives in which the violation is judged to be responsible for an accident involving serious injury or death shall have his or her license revoked for at least one year, in addition to any other penalties he or she may be assessed. Any person who has had his or her “explosive blaster’s license” revoked may apply for a new license after the minimum period of revocation expires. He or she shall be required to pass all examinations before a new license is granted.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 7995. Section 7995.
Any person who has had his “explosive blaster’s license” revoked who is subsequently convicted of violations of a safety order involving the use or handling of explosives shall have his license permanently revoked in addition to other penalties he may be assessed.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 7996. Section 7996.
All safety equipment required to provide safe employment in tunnels or underground mines shall be U.S. Bureau of Mines approved, or acceptable to other authorities recognized by the division, and acceptable by the division.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 7997. Section 7997.
The board shall review and update general orders for tunnels and mines at least every two years. Representatives of the unit inspecting tunnels and mines shall be consulted during each review and shall be permitted to submit suggested changes to the general orders at any time.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 7998. Section 7998.
The division shall also develop tests, available in English, Spanish, or other languages where a sufficient portion of employees exists to show need, to qualify gas testers and safety representatives in tunnels and mines.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 7999. Section 7999.
No person shall be qualified to operate as a gas tester, or serve as a safety representative in a tunnel or underground mine unless he holds a certificate issued by the division. No certificate may be issued or renewed unless the applicant or licensee, as the case may be, has passed an examination given by the division.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 8000. Section 8000.
Requirements established by the board shall preempt local government rules, regulations, and laws requiring certification or licensing as gas testers or safety representatives. However, local governments may contract with the division for testing applicants and issuing certifications.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 8001. Section 8001.
The division shall charge a fee sufficient to cover the direct and indirect costs of the division to administer the examination and certification of gas testers and safety representatives for tunnels and mines. Renewals shall be made every five years.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 8002. Section 8002.
All fees from applications shall be nonrefundable. Those fees shall be deposited into the Occupational Safety and Health Fund.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 8003. Section 8003.
Violation of regulations, rules, orders, or special orders adopted by the board or division as a condition of certification shall be punishable by suspension or revocation of certification, unless such violation is responsible for death or injury to employees, in which case it shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.
Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 8004. Section 8004.
The provisions of this part shall not apply to the normal operation, maintenance, or repair of any completed tunnels owned or operated by a utility as defined in Section 229 of the Public Utilities Code. However, it shall apply to the initial construction or substantial modification of such a tunnel.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026