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OaSIS 2023 Version 1.0
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73402.02 – Blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction

Blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction fill blast holes with explosives and detonate explosives to dislodge coal, ore and rock or to demolish structures.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Blaster (except underground mining)
  • Construction blaster

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Read instructions or diagrams, lay out drill pattern and determine depth and diameter of blast holes and conduct field tests to determine type and quantity of explosives required
  • Assemble or direct other workers to assemble primer charges using selected detonators, fuses, detonating cords and other materials
  • Load explosives in blast holes by hand or direct movement of bulk explosives trucks to load holes
  • Connect electrical wires, detonating cords or fuses into series and connect series to blasting machines; press handle or button to detonate charges
  • Handle, store and transport explosives and accessories in accordance with regulations and ensure that safety procedures are observed
  • May operate air-track, rotary, down-the-hole or other drilling machines to drill blast holes or may direct drilling of blast holes.

Additional information

  • Drillers and blasters often perform both drilling and blasting activities.
  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

3 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years; or more than six months of on-the-job training

Major group

73 – General trades

Sub-major group

734 – Operators, drillers and blasters

Minor group

7340 – Operators, drillers and blasters

Unit group

73402 – Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction

Occupational profile

73402.02 – Blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.