In this chapter, 'department' means the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

A certificate of fitness is effective for three years from the date of issue. The department may cancel a certificate for cause.

An applicant for a certificate of fitness shall pay a fee at the time of application in the amount established by regulations adopted by the department.

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development may issue orders and adopt regulations relating to the storage and use of explosives necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

Persons employed in mining operations as defined in AS 27.20.061 are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.

An employer who violates a provision of this chapter or a regulation adopted or order made under authority of this chapter is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by both. Each day's continuance of a violation constitutes a separate offense.

If, upon investigation and examination by the department, the applicant is found competent by reason of training, experience, and physical fitness, the department shall issue a certificate of fitness. The certificate shall set out the competency of the applicant and provide for positive identification of the applicant, and shall be carried on the person engaged in handling explosives.

In connection with an excavation, tunnel, quarry, earth removal, or construction carried on in this state, a person may not be employed without a certificate of fitness, while engaged in

(1) emplacing explosives for detonation;

(2) installing primers, fuses, wires, or other means of detonation; or

(3) detonating explosives.

The department shall issue certificates of fitness. A certificate may be issued only to an individual. An applicant for a certificate shall apply in writing, under oath, on a form prescribed by the department containing

(1) the name and address of the applicant;

(2) the applicant's age;

(3) the applicant's citizenship; and

(4) other information that the department requires.