Job Description:

• 1) Determines strength and pattern of blast required and charges and detonates explosives in surface or underground mine, pit, or quarry to fracture or separate stone or minerals from solid formations: Studies formation to determine amount, type, and location of explosive charge required.

• 2) Marks pattern of drill holes or issues drilling instructions for depth and placement of blast holes.

• 3) Inserts, packs, or pours explosives, such as dynamite, ammonium nitrate, black powder, or slurries into blast holes and compacts charge, using tamping rod.

• 4) Positions assembled primer and blasting cap in hole at depth that will cause most effective explosion.

• 5) Connects electric wire to primer and covers charge or fills blast hole with clay, drill chips, sand, or other material.

• 6) Tamps material to secure charge and prevent force of blast from escaping through blast hole.

• 7) Inspects blasting area to ensure that safety laws are observed and signals workers to clear area.

• 8) Connects wires to electrical firing device and pushes plunger, turns dial, or presses buttons to set off single or multiple blasts.

• 9) May compile record of blasts.

• 10) May keep inventory of blasting agents on hand.

• 11) May transport blasting agents to blasting area, using light truck.