Terms of Use

Introduction

Welcome to Austin Powder University (“APU,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or using our website (https://ap.university), services, or any other related content (collectively, the “Services”), you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms of Use (“Terms”). If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our Services.

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must immediately cease using our Services.

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use our Services. By using our Services, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement and have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms.

Account Registration

To access certain features of our Services, you may need to create an account. You agree to:

  • Provide accurate, current, and complete information during the registration process.
  • Update your account information to keep it accurate, current, and complete.
  • Maintain the security and confidentiality of your account credentials.
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account.

User Conduct

You agree to use our Services only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of or restrict or inhibit the use and enjoyment of our Services by any third party. You agree not to:

  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations.
  • Infringe on the rights of others, including intellectual property rights.
  • Engage in any conduct that is harmful, fraudulent, deceptive, threatening, harassing, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise objectionable.
  • Interfere with or disrupt the operation of our Services or the servers or networks used to make our Services available.
  • Use our Services to transmit or distribute any viruses, worms, or other malicious software.

Intellectual Property

All content and materials available on our Services, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and software, are the property of APU or its licensors and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not use, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works based on any content or materials from our Services without our prior written permission.

Privacy

Our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms, explains how we collect, use, and share your personal information. By using our Services, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to our Services at any time, without notice, for conduct that we believe violates these Terms or is harmful to other users of our Services, us, or third parties, or for any other reason in our sole discretion.

Disclaimers

Our Services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the availability, accuracy, or reliability of our Services. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, APU and its officers, directors, employees, and agents will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of our Services, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Our total liability to you for any claims arising out of or related to your use of our Services will not exceed the amount paid by you, if any, for accessing our Services.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which APU is located, without regard to its conflict of law principles. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in that state for the resolution of any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of our Services.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Terms on our website. You are advised to review these Terms periodically for any changes. Your continued use of our Services after the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such changes.

This foundational level encompasses solely theoretical knowledge and does not cover practical skills. Level 1 does not grant the holder the right to work with the E*STAR system. Level 1 is not concluded with a test or any other form of assessment, and no certificate is issued for this level; the student receives a confirmation of participation and may thus proceed to study further levels of E*UNI.

Certificate to Assist

CTA encompasses theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the classroom and the field. CTA authorises the holder to work with the E*STAR system. CTA doesn’t authorise the holder to program and fire an E*STAR blast. Successful completion of CTA requires passing a knowledge test and practical skills examinations. At the end of the course, the student must demonstrate their skills in two blasts without help or intervention from an instructor.

Certificate to Operate

CTO includes theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the classroom and the field. The CTO authorises the holder to work with the E*STAR system and to carry out E*STAR blasting operations. Successful completion of CTO requires passing a knowledge test and practical skills exams. At the end of the course, the student must demonstrate their skills in three blasts without help or intervention from an instructor.

Certificate to Supervise

CTS includes theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the classroom and the field. CTS authorises the holder to work with the E*STAR system, carry out E*STAR blasting operations, and perform troubleshooting. Additionally, the holder is entitled to coach other students at levels 1, 2, and 3. To successfully complete CTS, one must pass a knowledge test and practical skills examinations.

Certificate to Design

CTD comprises solely theoretical knowledge. CTD is not concluded with a test or any other form of assessment. CTD does not authorise the holder to perform blasting operations. Upon successful completion of the course, the student receives a CTD certificate, which has unlimited validity. This certificate does not replace a shotfirer’s license.

Certificate to Train

CTT includes theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the classroom and the field. CTT authorises the holder to coach other students at all levels of E*UNI. To successfully complete CTT, one must pass a knowledge test and practical skills examinations. Furthermore, the student must execute 30 E*STAR blasts within 3 months (especially for tunnels and underground mines) or 20 E*STAR blasts within 12 months (especially for surface blasting works).