Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction

Time Connect And Initiate A Blast Of A Stope Face Using Fuses And Igniter Cord Training

SAQA US 119096 | NQF 3 | Credits 6 | Duration 3 Days
From $967 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the skills and knowledge to safely time connect and initiate a blast of a stope face using fuses and igniter cord in a mining environment. It covers the legal requirements, safety procedures, and practical techniques for effective blast initiation. The training ensures compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act and promotes a culture of safety in blasting operations.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply legal and safety requirements related to time connecting and initiating a blast using fuses and igniter cord.
  • Demonstrate the correct procedures for preparing, connecting, and testing igniter cord and fuse assemblies.
  • Analyze blast design parameters to determine appropriate timing and sequence for initiation.
  • Implement safe practices for handling, storing, and transporting explosives and accessories.
  • Evaluate potential hazards and implement control measures before, during, and after the blast.
  • Design a blast initiation plan that includes timing, sequence, and emergency response procedures.

Target Audience

This course is designed for underground miners, blasting assistants, and shift supervisors who are responsible for or involved in blasting operations in a stope face. It is also suitable for learners seeking to obtain a blasting certificate or improve their blasting competencies.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment

Course Outline

Day 1: Fundamentals of Blasting Safety and Fuse Systems

Objectives:
• Understand legal and safety requirements for blasting operations in South African mines
• Identify components and characteristics of fuse and igniter cord systems
• Explain the principles of time delay and initiation sequences
• Demonstrate knowledge of risk assessment and hazard control measures

Topics:
• Overview of Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) and relevant regulations
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency procedures
• Types of fuses: safety fuse, igniter cord, and connectors
• Time delay fundamentals: burn rates and timing calculations
• Blasting area preparation: barricading, signage, and communication
• Handling, storage, and transport of explosives and accessories
• Pre-blast safety checks and inspection procedures

Day 2: Connecting and Initiating Blast Systems

Objectives:
• Demonstrate correct procedures for connecting fuses to igniter cord
• Calculate and set appropriate delay times for stope face blasting
• Apply safe initiation techniques using igniter cord
• Conduct pre-blast checks and troubleshoot common connection issues

Topics:
• Step-by-step connection of fuses to igniter cord: crimping and securing
• Calculating delay times based on burden, spacing, and rock conditions
• Trunk line and branch line configurations for multiple blast holes
• Initiating the igniter cord: approved lighting devices and procedures
• Common faults: misfires, cut-offs, and incomplete burns
• Post-connection inspection and verification
• Blast area clearance protocols and all-clear signals

Day 3: Practical Application and Integration

Objectives:
• Execute a full blast sequence from setup to post-blast inspection
• Apply correct procedures for handling misfires and unexploded ordnance
• Complete required documentation and incident reporting
• Demonstrate teamwork and communication during blasting operations

Topics:
• Simulated stope face blast: planning and resource allocation
• Practical exercise: connecting and initiating a multi-hole blast
• Misfire procedures: identification, marking, and safe disposal
• Post-blast inspection: assessing fragmentation and ground conditions
• Reporting and documentation: blast logs, incident reports, and SHEQ compliance
• Review of common errors and continuous improvement
• Assessment of competency: practical demonstration and theory test

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
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Wed 09 Sep 2026 Fri 11 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $967 Register
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Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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