Shotfirer
Shotfirers assemble, position and detonate explosives to break or dislodge rock and soil or to demolish structures.
Shotfirers may perform the following tasks:
- check blasting areas to make sure that safety regulations are met
- cut channels under working faces
- check bore-hole depths and ensure that they are clean
- decide quantity of explosives required
- insert detonators and charges into holes
- connect and test or inspect the blasting circuit
- fire charges
- inspect the area to make sure all explosives have been detonated
- check site safety after blasting (e.g. falling rock hazards, underground mine roof supports and harmful fumes), and declare the area safe.
Specialisations:
Agricultural Blaster
An agricultural blaster uses small-scale blasting to clear rural areas of objects, such as stumps and boulders, and to create holes for small dams, trenches, etc.
Construction Shotfirer
A construction shotfirer uses blasting to create trenches in which to place foundations for civil constructions such as buildings and bridges. Implosion and explosion techniques used to demolish buildings are a specialised area and require many years of experience.
Fireworks Specialist
A fireworks specialist uses small explosions to create special effects, generally for public viewing.
Quarry and Open-cut Mining Shotfirer
A quarry and open-cut mining shotfirer uses larger amounts of explosives to clear masses of earth in open areas. Numerous smaller blasts are often detonated together to create a larger force.
Seismic Blaster
A seismic blaster detonates explosives to create seismic waves that provide information about underground mineral and petroleum deposits.
Submarine (Underwater) Blaster
A submarine (underwater) blaster uses explosives to clear areas underwater as well as create holes for the foundation of civil constructions, such as bridges.
Tunnelling and Underground Mining Shotfirer
A tunnelling and underground mining shotfirer uses small amounts of explosives to blast through rock underground. Generally, small blasts are detonated in a sequence to minimise the force and decrease the possibility of unwanted damage.
- enjoy practical and manual activities
- willing to adhere to safety requirements
- physically fit
- able to pass a medical examination
- able to work in confined spaces, including underground
- basic skills in mathematics and science
- able to pass a police check.
Personal Requirements:
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