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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Legal Related Questions 

Question 1: Do I have to be Certified to use AutoStem Cartridges in New Zealand?

Answer: Yes. You need to be either certified for the AutoStem Cartridges only or have a Certified Handlers Certification for a Class 1.4S product.

Question 2: If I already have a Certified Handlers and CSL Licence issued in New Zealand which includes Class 1.4S listed on it can I legally use AutoStem Product?

Answer: Yes. You can purchase, use and store AutoStem Product. A copy of your current CH Cert and CSL License will be required as proof before purchase. If your CH Cert or CSL is out of date then its needs to be updated before you can make a purchase.

Question 3: Do I need to have a Controlled Substance Licence if I want to purchase and use AutoStem Products in New Zealand?

Answer: Yes. A CSL or Controlled Substance Licence is a requirement when purchasing or using AutoStem Product. The Certified Handlers Certificate and the CSL usually get updated together as they go "hand in hand" with each other.

Question 4: How long does an AutoStem Training course take and where is the training conducted? What is the cost and what is involved?

Answer: We offer a One Day training course for the AutoStem Micro Range only (9mm & 17mm cartridges) as entry level to the safe Class 1.4S Explosive Product. The training is normally conducted at a Quarry site near Katikati in the North Island however training can be provided in any area if required, (T's and C's apply).

There is a half day of practical training on site where you learn about the product and use it along with all of the required equipment. After that there is a 2.5 hour Open Book theory assessment with our guidance along the way.

The training cost which includes the Formal External Certification, Cartridges and Equipment use plus labour is NZD$1350.00 + GST per person. Group discounts are available on application. 

We also provide the documentation and a self checklist for trainees to apply for their own CSL License to Worksafe, NZ.  

Question 5: How long does the Certified Handlers Cert and CSL last for?

Answer: The CH and CSL last for five years and you apply three months prior to the expiry date for a renewal. Only paperwork and a fee is required to be updated for another five years. Application is made to a Test Certifier. We can provide details of Test Certifier contacts.

Question 6: Can I store a bit of AutoStem for future use and small projects I have coming up?

Answer: Yes. With Class 1.4S AutoStem Product you can store up to 25kg NEQ (net explosive quantity) under lock and key which means a purpose built "box" with an inert lining, security lock and approved signage. We have small "Day Boxes" for sale which are also certified.

Project or Work Related Questions 

Question 1: I want to split over sizes rocks in half that are too big for us to lift or handle, what will I need and what result will I get?

Answer: You will need a battery or powered Rotary Hammer Drill (hand drill) with some masonry drill bits up to a length of 1m usually. You will need 10mm - 12mm diameter drill bits if using the 9mm AutoStem Cartridges or some 20mm drill bits if using the 17mm AutoStem Cartridges. The 9mm cartridges will usually split the rock in half and the 17mm cartridges will either break a very large rock in half or break smaller rocks into several fragments. Rock movement when "popping" these rocks will be 1m - 6m with controlled blasting.   

Question 2: Is AutoStem good for blasting trees?

Answer: In our view NO. Explosives have never provided an ideal result for tree blasting for multiple reasons however the explosive gas produced will split up the length of the tree and if enough energy is applied and contained with the tree a satisfactory result could be achieved but not recommended.

Question 3: Do you have people in New Zealand who are Certified for the use of AutoStem and they can come and do some rock or concrete blasting for us?

Answer: Yes. We have many trained AutoStem users around New Zealand and in some Pacific Island Nations. Some of these trained people offer blasting services using the AutoStem product. We can put you in contact with providers in your area.

AutoStem Equipment Related Questions 

Question 1: What blasting related equipment will I need if I get trained and certified for using the AutoStem Product.

Answer: You will need the items listed below:

  • An approved Blasting Machine (which is registered against your name).

  • An approved Continuity Tester

  • An approved Galvanometer

  • A storage container which must be certified if storing over 25kg NEQ of AutoStem Class 1.4S product (which is registered against your name).

  • An inert tamping rod made from either wood or plastic with marked increments displayed for measuring hole depths and stemming lengths as well as inserting cartridges. Normally wooden doweling works well.

  • A Blasting Cable and Reel with a minimum of 50m of Cable.

  • An auditable device for notifying people in the work area of blasting (if required). Most small and very remote projects do not require this as voice commands can be made.

  • Safety Cones and a "No Entry, Blasting in Progress Sign" in the appropriate colours warning of the Dangers. This is mainly a requirement for work sites and not very small and remote projects where other personnel are not present.

  • Safety PPE (personal protective equipment), preferably anti-static type clothing, a Safety Cap/Hat, Safety Glasses and Safety Boots. Hearing protection for drilling and gloves are an option item along with a dust mask. 

Many of the above items we have in stock apart from the PPE. 

Question 2: What drilling equipment will I need if I get trained and certified for using the AutoStem Product.

Answer: Depending on the cartridge size you are using you will either need a Battery or Powered Hand Drill with 10mm,12mm or 20mm Masonry Drill Bits. If drilling larger holes you will need a larger drill or maybe even a Hand Held pneumatic Rock Drill or Drilling attachment mounted on a carrier (excavator, Bobcat etc).

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