Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Examine blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed and to ensure that safety laws are observed.97
• Tie specified lengths of delaying fuses into patterns in order to time sequences of explosions.92
• Place safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones, and signal workers as necessary to ensure that they clear blast sites prior to explosions.91
• Place explosive charges in holes or other spots; then detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials.90
• Insert, pack, and pour explosives, such as dynamite, ammonium nitrate, black powder, or slurries into blast holes; then shovel drill cuttings, admit water into boreholes, and tamp material to compact charges.89
• Mark patterns, locations, and depths of charge holes for drilling, and issue drilling instructions.88
• Compile and keep gun and explosives records in compliance with local and federal laws.88
• Measure depths of drilled blast holes, using weighted tape measures.87
• Connect electrical wire to primers, and cover charges or fill blast holes with clay, drill chips, sand, or other material.87
• Lay primacord between rows of charged blast holes, and tie cord into main lines to form blast patterns.86
• Assemble and position equipment, explosives, and blasting caps in holes at specified depths, or load perforating guns or torpedoes with explosives.84
• Verify detonation of charges by observing control panels, or by listening for the sounds of blasts.83

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Active Listening72

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Monitoring69

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Critical Thinking66

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Judgment and Decision Making66

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Operation and Control63

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring63

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Complex Problem Solving60

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Speaking60

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Time Management60

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Active Learning53

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Coordination53

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Public Safety and Security78

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Law and Government74

  Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

• Mathematics68

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Engineering and Technology58

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Administration and Management54

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Customer and Personal Service54

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Transportation54

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• English Language52

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Mechanical50

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Production and Processing50

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Administrative48

  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

• Design46

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Manual Dexterity75

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Near Vision75

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Problem Sensitivity75

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness72

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Deductive Reasoning72

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Inductive Reasoning72

  The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• Information Ordering72

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Oral Comprehension72

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Finger Dexterity69

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Oral Expression69

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Multilimb Coordination66

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Reaction Time66

  The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems86

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Getting Information83

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Documenting/Recording Information82

  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards82

  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Performing General Physical Activities81

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Handling and Moving Objects80

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials80

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events79

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings79

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge79

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Training and Teaching Others76

  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment73

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Attention to Detail100

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cautiousness100

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Stress Tolerance100

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Dependability98

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Integrity85

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Self-Control85

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Perseverance63

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Self-Confidence45

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Achievement Orientation39

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Adaptability30

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Cooperation30

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Intellectual Curiosity20

  A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic98

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional53

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative46

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Enterprising14

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Social5

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Artistic4

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day100%

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

  • Every day92%

• Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

  • Every day83%
  • Once a week or more but not every day17%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day88%

• Health and Safety of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility71%
  • High responsibility25%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important71%
  • Very important13%
  • Important13%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually61%
  • More than half the time35%

• Telephone Conversations

  • Every day78%
  • Once a month or more but not every week13%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others50%
  • Contact with others most of the time38%
  • Contact with others about half the time13%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day67%
  • Once a week or more but not every day13%
  • Once a month or more but not every week13%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day52%
  • Once a week or more but not every day35%

• Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility50%
  • High responsibility42%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary certificate
• Some college, no degree

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Presentation software

  Microsoft PowerPoint

• Analytical or scientific software

  Blaster's Tool and Supply Company Blaster's Calculator, Datavis DBS Designer, DetNet ViewShot

• Geographic information system

  ESRI ArcGIS software

• Electronic mail software

  Microsoft Outlook

• Mobile location based services software

  Global positioning system GPS software

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Computer aided design CAD software

  Autodesk AutoCAD

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• International Society of Explosives Engineers
• National Ground Water Association

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Mining Machine Operators
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Mining Machine Operators
• Construction Laborers
• Conveyor operators and tenders, and hoist and winch operators
• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
• Riggers
• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
• Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Pumping Station Operators
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Determine operational compliance with regulations or standards.
• Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
• Prepare explosives for detonation.
• Direct construction or extraction personnel.
• Position safety or support equipment.
• Operate detonation equipment.
• Pour materials into or on designated areas.
• Record operational or environmental data.
• Mark reference points on construction materials.
• Measure work site dimensions.
• Assemble products or production equipment.
• Position construction or extraction equipment.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Explosives and Weapons Technical Instructor
• Munitions Systems