Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

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Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

Careers / Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

Summary Description


	Place and detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials. May perform specialized handling, storage, and accounting procedures. Includes seismograph shooters.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Aircraft Ordnance Technician

2.	Blast Setter

3.	Blaster

4.	Blasting Clay Miner

5.	Blasting Coal Miner

6.	Blasting Contract Man

7.	Blasting Contract Miner

8.	Blasting Entry Specialist

9.	Blasting Entryman

10.	Blasting Gang Miner

11.	Blasting Miner

12.	Bomb Technician

13.	Charger

14.	Coal Shooter

15.	Company Miner, Blasting

16.	Copper Miner, Blasting

17.	Demolition Expert

18.	Demolition Worker

19.	Demolitionist

20.	Dobie Man

21.	Dobie Worker

22.	Driftman

23.	Dynamite Shooter

24.	Dynamiter

25.	Efficiency Miner, Blasting

26.	Explosive Expert

27.	Explosive Man

28.	Explosive Ordnance Disposal Manager

29.	Explosive Ordnance Handler

30.	Explosive Ordnance Manager

31.	Explosive Ordnance Specialist

32.	Explosive Ordnance Technician

33.	Explosive Specialist

34.	Explosive Technician

35.	Explosives Detonator

36.	Firer

37.	Fuse Cutter

38.	Gold Miner, Blasting

39.	Gun Perforator

40.	Gun Perforator Loader

41.	Hard Rock Miner, Blasting

42.	High Scaler

43.	Hydraulic Miner, Blasting

44.	Iron Miner, Blasting

45.	Lead Miner, Blasting

46.	Lode Miner, Blasting

47.	Metal Miner, Blasting

48.	Mica Miner, Blasting

49.	Miner

50.	Muck Miner, Blasting

51.	Nitro Man

52.	Nitro Worker

53.	Oil Well Gun Perforator Operator

54.	Oil Well Perforator Operator

55.	Oil Well Shooter

56.	Ordnance Artificer

57.	Ordnance Handler

58.	Ordnance Keeper

59.	Ore Miner, Blasting

60.	Perforator

61.	Perforator Loader

62.	Perforator Operator

63.	Pillar Man

64.	Pillar Worker

65.	Powder Loader

66.	Powder Worker

67.	Powderman

68.	Quartz Miner, Blasting

69.	Robber

70.	Sample Taker Operator

71.	Seismograph Shooter

72.	Shaft Sinker

73.	Shale Miner, Blasting

74.	Shooter

75.	Shot Fireman

76.	Shot Firer

77.	Shot Hole Shooter

78.	Shot Lighter

79.	Shot Man

80.	Shotblaster

81.	Silver Miner, Blasting

82.	Skip Miner, Blasting

83.	Stump Blower

84.	Stump Shooter

85.	Tier and Detonator

86.	Torpedo Man

87.	Torpedo Shooter

88.	Torpedo Worker

89.	Tunnel Man

90.	Tunnel Worker

91.	Unexploded Ordnance Quality Control Officer

92.	Unexploded Ordnance Quality Control Worker

93.	Velocity Shooter

94.	Well Blower

95.	Well Shooter

96.	Zinc Miner, Blasting

Job Tasks

	Examine blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed and to ensure that safety laws are observed.

	Tie specified lengths of delaying fuses into patterns in order to time sequences of explosions.

	Place safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones, and signal workers as necessary to ensure that they clear blast sites prior to explosions.

	Place explosive charges in holes or other spots; then detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials.

	Insert, pack, and pour explosives, such as dynamite, ammonium nitrate, black powder, or slurries into blast holes; then shovel drill cuttings, admit water into boreholes, and tamp material to compact charges.

	Mark patterns, locations, and depths of charge holes for drilling, and issue drilling instructions.

	Compile and keep gun and explosives records in compliance with local and federal laws.

	Measure depths of drilled blast holes, using weighted tape measures.

	Connect electrical wire to primers, and cover charges or fill blast holes with clay, drill chips, sand, or other material.

	Lay primacord between rows of charged blast holes, and tie cord into main lines to form blast patterns.

	Assemble and position equipment, explosives, and blasting caps in holes at specified depths, or load perforating guns or torpedoes with explosives.

	Verify detonation of charges by observing control panels, or by listening for the sounds of blasts.

	Move and store inventories of explosives, loaded perforating guns, and other materials, according to established safety procedures.

	Light fuses, drop detonating devices into wells or boreholes, or activate firing devices with plungers, dials, or buttons, in order to set off single or multiple blasts.

	Drive trucks to transport explosives and blasting equipment to blasting sites.

	Cut specified lengths of primacord and attach primers to cord ends.

	Maintain inventory levels, ordering new supplies as necessary.

	Set up and operate short-wave radio or field telephone equipment to transmit and receive blast information.

	Insert waterproof sealers, bullets, and/or powder charges into guns, and screw gun ports back into place.

	Clean, gauge, and lubricate gun ports.

	Connect gun chambers to electric detonating devices, and operate controls at panelboards, in order to detonate charges in guns or to ignite chemical charges.

	Set up and operate equipment such as hoists, jackhammers, or drills, in order to bore charge holes.

	Repair and service blasting, shooting, and automotive equipment, and electrical wiring and instruments, using hand tools.

	Lower perforating guns into wells, using hoists; then use measuring devices and instrument panels to position guns in correct positions for taking samples.

	Insert powder charges into chambers of sidewall sample-taking cylinders, and assemble cylinders, using special wrenches.

	Obtain samples of earth from sidewalls of well boreholes, using electrically exploding devices.

	Signal hoist operators to lower torpedoes or sample-taking guns into wells and to raise equipment for sampling from blast holes after detonation.

	Observe odometers, weight indicators, and instrument panels in trucks in order to position guns at predetermined points in wells.

	Repair electrical instruments, using electricians' hand tools.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.


		adhere to safety procedures

		perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.


		charge blasting holes with explosives

		move materials or goods between work areas

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.


		assemble detonation units for construction or extraction work

		detonate blasting charges for construction or extraction work

		fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		identify properties of rocks or minerals

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use hazardous materials information

		use inventory control procedures

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.


		drive automobile, van, or light truck

		transport passengers or cargo

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		use two-way radio or mobile phone

		use hand or power tools

		use measuring devices in construction or extraction work

		operate jackhammer

		operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom

		drill blasting holes

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.


		determine locations, angles, and depths of blast holes

		judge distances

		determine amount or kind of explosive needed to complete job

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.


		signal directions or warnings to coworkers

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.


		work as a team member

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.


		measure and mark lay out for construction projects

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

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