Explosives workers, ordinance handling experts, and blasters are responsible for placing and detonating explosives needed to demolish, remove, loosen or displace rock, earth and other materials. They evaluate blast areas to identify the amount and kinds of explosive charges necessary for the job, as well as make sure that safety regulations and laws are observed. They may also be involved in performing specialized storage, handling and general accounting procedures.
In addition, they may mark locations, depths and patterns of charge holes needed for drilling as well as issue instructions. Using weighted tape measures, they also measure the depths of drilled blast holes, connect electrical wires, fill blast holes with drill chips, clay, sand or other material.
Summary
- Knowledge of government laws and regulations is needed for work in this field.
- Workers must wear protective safety equipment including hard hats, gloves, glasses, life jackets and protective hearing gear.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reports that in May 2009, explosives workers, ordinance handling experts, and blasters held approximately 6,280 jobs.
- The average annual wage for this occupation in May 2009 was $45,030, according to the BLS.
Work Environment for Explosives Workers, Ordinance Handling Experts, and Blasters
Workers wear protective or safety equipment such as gloves, glasses, shoes, hard hats, life jackets and hearing protection. Since they work outdoors, they may be exposed to various types of weather and climate.
Education, Training and Licensing
Workers in this field must have knowledge of policies, procedures, equipment and strategies needed for public safety. This includes knowledge of government regulations, legal codes and laws. In addition, workers must have practice training and knowledge in engineering science and technology, which includes applying techniques and principles for the production and design of goods and services. This may also include business and management skills needed for strategic planning, resource allocation, human resource modeling and coordinating resources and people. In addition, knowledge of engineering and technology, mathematics, mechanics, production and processing as well as laws is important for this occupation.
Most individuals in this field possess a high school diploma. Apprenticeships can help prepare for work in this occupation.
Employment Figures, Projections, Outlook and Earnings for Explosives Workers, Ordinance Handling Experts, and Blasters
According to research published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), explosives workers, ordinance handling experts, and blasters held approximately 6,280 jobs in May 2009. Most of these jobs were for the federal executive branch and support activities for mining. Other jobs were in metal ore and coal mining and specialty trade contractors.
BLS records for May 2009 indicate that the average annual wage for explosives workers, ordinance handling experts, and blasters was $45,030. The middle 50% earned between $35,010 and $51,780. While the lowest 10% had a yearly salary of $29,270 or less, the highest 10% earned upwards of $62,190 annually.