Shotfirer

Shotfirers set up and safely detonate explosives at a site in order to blast and break up in situ material.

The following job titles also refer to shotfirer:

blaster
shotfirers
blast crew operator
explosives technician
demolition operative
operator (blast crew)
shot firer
shot-firer

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a shotfirer.

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.

Shotfirer is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

driller
underground miner
surface miner
mining electrician
mining equipment mechanic

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

mine safety officer
desalination technician
mine surveying technician
mine shift manager
geotechnician

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

• Explosives: Behaviour of explosives, pyrotechnics and blasting techniques. Associated risks and legal requirements.
• Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

These skills are necessary for the role of shotfirer.

• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Insert charges into drill holes: Transport explosives and safely load explosives into drill holes.
• 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.
• Check borehole depth: Check the depth of boreholes; make sure that they are clean.
• Manage explosives in accordance with legislation: Manage explosives in accordance with explosives law, including tracking and control of the magazine.
• Make independent operating decisions: Make immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. Determine alone which option is the best for a particular situation.
• Follow health and safety procedures in construction: Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
• Safely detonate explosives: Follow procedures in safely detonating explosives for mining purposes.
• Examine prospective blast area: Thoroughly examine explosion areas; determine the appropriate amount of explosives required; ensure compliance to safety regulations.
• Connect blasting circuit: Connect, inspect and test the blasting circuit.
• Examine area after blast: Control blast area to check whether all explosives were safely detonated; declare blast area safe.
• Signal for explosion: Set safety perimeter and safety signalisation around blast area; ensure that blast site is clear and safe before explosions.

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

• Impact of geological factors on mining operations: Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.
• Health and safety hazards underground: The rules and risks affecting health and safety when working underground. 

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

• Provide first aid: Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.
• Report outcome of blast: After examining the blast area, report whether the blast was successful or not. Mention any relevant findings from the examination.

7542 – Shotfirers and blasters

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References

1. Shotfirer – ESCO