47-5032.00Apprenticeship

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, & Blasters

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.

Career Cluster:Construction
Job Family:Construction and Extraction
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
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Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCADESRI ArcGIS softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Key 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.
  • Clean, gauge, and lubricate gun ports.
  • Insert waterproof sealers, bullets, and/or powder charges into guns, and screw gun ports back into place.
  • Lower perforating guns into wells, using hoists; then use measuring devices and instrument panels to position guns in correct positions for taking samples.
  • Repair and service blasting, shooting, and automotive equipment, and electrical wiring and instruments, using hand tools.
  • Create and lay out designs for drill and blast patterns.
  • Document geological formations encountered during work.
  • Operate drones for aerial survey of blast sites and for post-blast damage assessment.
  • Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.
  • Set up and operate equipment such as hoists, jackhammers, and drills, in order to bore charge holes.
  • Signal crane operators to move equipment.

Skills

Active Listening
72%
Monitoring
69%
Critical Thinking
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
Operation and Control
63%
Operations Monitoring
63%
Speaking
60%
Time Management
60%
Complex Problem Solving
60%
Reading Comprehension
53%
Active Learning
53%
Coordination
53%
Management of Personnel Resources
50%
Instructing
50%
Learning Strategies
50%
Social Perceptiveness
47%
Writing
47%
Troubleshooting
44%
Systems Analysis
41%
Negotiation
41%
Service Orientation
41%
Systems Evaluation
41%
Mathematics
38%
Persuasion
38%
Equipment Selection
38%
Quality Control Analysis
38%
Equipment Maintenance
35%
Operations Analysis
31%
Repairing
28%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Science
22%
Technology Design
19%
Management of Financial Resources
16%
Installation
10%
Programming
0%

Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
78%
Law and Government
74%
Mathematics
68%
Engineering and Technology
58%
Customer and Personal Service
54%
Administration and Management
54%
Transportation
54%
English Language
52%
Mechanical
50%
Production and Processing
50%
Administrative
48%
Design
46%
Education and Training
42%
Personnel and Human Resources
40%
Building and Construction
40%
Sales and Marketing
39%
Chemistry
35%
Physics
35%
Economics and Accounting
34%
Computers and Electronics
32%
Geography
24%
Psychology
23%
Communications and Media
20%
Telecommunications
19%
Medicine and Dentistry
14%
History and Archeology
11%
Sociology and Anthropology
10%
Therapy and Counseling
10%
Biology
9%
Philosophy and Theology
8%
Foreign Language
7%
Fine Arts
2%
Food Production
1%

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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
75%
Near Vision
75%
Manual Dexterity
75%
Deductive Reasoning
72%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
72%
Oral Comprehension
72%
Inductive Reasoning
72%
Information Ordering
72%
Oral Expression
69%
Finger Dexterity
69%
Reaction Time
66%
Multilimb Coordination
66%
Control Precision
63%
Visual Color Discrimination
63%
Depth Perception
60%
Selective Attention
60%
Speech Clarity
56%
Category Flexibility
56%
Flexibility of Closure
56%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Far Vision
53%
Visualization
53%
Speech Recognition
53%
Hearing Sensitivity
50%
Extent Flexibility
50%
Static Strength
50%
Written Comprehension
50%
Time Sharing
50%
Trunk Strength
50%
Originality
47%
Auditory Attention
47%
Written Expression
47%
Rate Control
47%
Fluency of Ideas
41%
Mathematical Reasoning
41%
Response Orientation
41%
Number Facility
41%
Dynamic Strength
38%
Speed of Limb Movement
35%
Stamina
35%
Glare Sensitivity
35%
Gross Body Equilibrium
35%
Speed of Closure
35%
Gross Body Coordination
35%
Memorization
28%
Sound Localization
28%
Spatial Orientation
28%
Night Vision
25%
Peripheral Vision
25%
Wrist-Finger Speed
22%
Explosive Strength
10%
Dynamic Flexibility
6%

Work Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
86%
Getting Information
83%
Documenting/Recording Information
82%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
82%
Performing General Physical Activities
81%
Handling and Moving Objects
80%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
80%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
79%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
79%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
79%
Training and Teaching Others
76%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
73%
Controlling Machines and Processes
72%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
72%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
71%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
70%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
70%
Processing Information
69%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
68%
Scheduling Work and Activities
67%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
64%
Performing Administrative Activities
63%
Thinking Creatively
63%
Developing and Building Teams
63%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
63%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
61%
Coaching and Developing Others
61%
Analyzing Data or Information
60%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
56%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
55%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
51%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
50%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
50%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
49%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
47%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
44%
Assisting and Caring for Others
43%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
37%
Working with Computers
36%
Staffing Organizational Units
35%
Selling or Influencing Others
33%

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

100%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

98%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

96%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

95%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

92%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

88%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

88%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

88%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

85%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

85%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

84%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

83%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

82%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

82%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

82%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

82%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

81%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

80%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

79%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

78%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

77%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

76%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

71%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

69%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

66%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

65%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

62%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

62%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

61%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

60%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

60%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

60%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

59%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

58%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

58%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

58%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

56%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

53%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

51%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

49%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

47%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

47%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

47%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

40%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

40%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

39%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

33%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

30%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

27%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

27%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

25%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

21%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

17%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

13%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

7%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

4%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

63%

Post-secondary certificate

21%

Some college, no degree

8%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

98

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

53

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

46

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

14

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

5

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

4

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Cautiousness
100%
Stress Tolerance
100%
Dependability
98%
Integrity
85%
Self-Control
85%
Perseverance
63%
Self-Confidence
45%
Achievement Orientation
39%
Adaptability
30%
Cooperation
30%
Intellectual Curiosity
20%
Leadership Orientation
13%
Sincerity
12%
Initiative
6%
Humility
3%
Optimism
2%

Work Values

Support
95%
Independence
56%
Achievement
45%
Relationships
45%
Working Conditions
45%
Recognition
28%

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