Explosives engineer

Explosives engineers design drilling patterns and determine the amount of explosives required. They organise and supervise controlled blasts and report and investigate misfires. They manage explosives magazines.

The following job titles also refer to explosives engineer:

ordnance engineer
munitions engineer
blasting engineer

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as explosives engineer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Explosives engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to explosives engineer.

mine health and safety engineer
mine ventilation engineer
mineral processing engineer
mine mechanical engineer
mine planning engineer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of explosives engineer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of explosives engineer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of explosives engineer.

Explosives: Behaviour of explosives, pyrotechnics and blasting techniques. Associated risks and legal requirements.
Impact of geological factors on mining operations: Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.
Geology: Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
Chemistry: The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

These skills are necessary for the role of explosives engineer.

Use a computer: Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
Ensure compliance with safety legislation: Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.
Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
Report misfires: Report misfires to relevant parties, such as the mine shift coordinator, legal inspection personnel, and the explosives manufacturer.
Manage explosives in accordance with legislation: Manage explosives in accordance with explosives law, including tracking and control of the magazine.
Issue drilling instructions: Prepare charge holes for drilling and issue instructions prior to and during drilling.
Decide quantity of explosives required: Calculate the exact amount of explosives needed, based on the amount of material that needs to be removed, budgetary constraints and noise concerns.
Sequence explosions: Time specified sequences/patterns of explosions.
Address problems critically: Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.
Report outcome of blast: After examining the blast area, report whether the blast was successful or not. Mention any relevant findings from the examination.
Examine prospective blast area: Thoroughly examine explosion areas; determine the appropriate amount of explosives required; ensure compliance to safety regulations.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of explosives engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Mine safety legislation: The laws, regulations and codes of practice relevant to safety in mining operations.
Mining engineering: Fields of engineering relevant to mining operations. Principles, techniques, procedures and equipment used in the extraction of minerals.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of explosives engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Supervise staff: Oversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.
Safely detonate explosives: Follow procedures in safely detonating explosives for mining purposes.
Present reports: Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.
Signal for explosion: Set safety perimeter and safety signalisation around blast area; ensure that blast site is clear and safe before explosions.

2146 – Mining engineers, metallurgists and related professionals

 

 

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References

1. Explosives engineer – ESCO