Explosives Safety, Recognition & Handling

This course will provide law enforcement with an ability to understand and identify different types of explosives. The class will be administered by Illinois Department of Natural Resources staff (Blasting Specialist or Blasting Expert) who are involved in the regulation of explosives in the Cook, Lake, Mc Henry, Du Page, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, and Will County areas.

Students will be given an opportunity to see and hold inert explosives, ask questions and discuss issues/scenarios with IDNR personnel. Students will also be provided with resources and contacts of individuals involved with the Department’s regulation of explosives.

The purpose of this one-day course is to provide training in the areas of explosive recognition (high and low explosives) and blasting agents as well as emphasize explosives safety in its handling and storage. Particular time will be spent on identifying the differences between Division 1.3G professional fireworks and Division 1.4G consumer fireworks and how the Department regulates this industry.

At the conclusion of this course, all participants will be offered an opportunity to take the Department’s individual explosives license exam which is required in order to attain the Department’s Individual Explosives License.

PREREQUISITES:  Only personnel who are currently employed by a unit of local government in a sworn or civilian capacity will be permitted to attend this program.