Shotfirer
Summary
Shotfirers assemble, position and detonate explosives to break or dislodge rock and soil or to demolish structures.
Duties & Tasks
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 (falling rock hazards, underground mine roof supports and harmful fumes, for example), 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 which 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.
Working Conditions
Shotfirers may be required to work in remote areas and conditions which may be dusty, hot and noisy. Shotfirers may be required to work shifts.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical and manual activities
- willing to adhere to safety requirements
- able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- able to pass a medical examination
- have no medical impairment such as colour blindness, deafness or epilepsy
- able to work in confined spaces, including underground
- basic skills in mathematics and science
- able to pass a police check.
