explosives
Behaviour of explosives, pyrotechnics and blasting techniques. Associated risks and legal requirements.
Explosives engineers design drilling patterns and determine the amount of explosives required. They organise and supervise controlled blasts and report and investigate misfires. They manage explosives magazines.
Competences and skills
22 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 6 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesimpact of geological factors on mining operations
Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.
Cross-sector
4 competenceschemistry
The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
electricity
The principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
geology
Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
green
safety engineering
The study of the risks associated with engineered designs and systems, accident prevention as well as the safety benefits of reducing deaths and injuries. The discipline focuses on analysing and mitigating potential hazards in engineering processes.
green
Essential skills and competences 10 competences
Occupation specific
3 competencesdecide quantity of explosives required
Calculate the exact amount of explosives needed, based on the amount of material that needs to be removed, budgetary constraints and noise concerns.
issue drilling instructions
Prepare charge holes for drilling and issue instructions prior to and during drilling.
sequence explosions
Time specified sequences/patterns of explosions.
Sector-specific
4 competencesexamine prospective blast area
Examine explosion areas to determine the appropriate amount of explosives required. Ensure compliance to safety regulations.
handle explosives
Handle explosives in accordance with explosives law, including tracking and control of the magazine.
report misfires
Report misfires to relevant parties, such as the mine shift coordinator, legal inspection personnel, and the explosives manufacturer.
report outcome of blast
After examining the blast area, report whether the blast was successful or not. Mention any relevant findings from the examination.
Cross-sector
3 competencesaddress problems critically
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.
ensure compliance with safety legislation
Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.
troubleshoot
Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
Optional knowledge 2 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesmine safety legislation
The laws, regulations and codes of practice relevant to safety in mining operations.
mining engineering
Fields of engineering relevant to mining operations. Principles, techniques, procedures and equipment used in the extraction of minerals.
Cross-sector
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Optional skills and competences 4 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencessafely detonate explosives
Follow procedures in safely detonating explosives for mining purposes.
signal for explosion
Set safety perimeter and safety signalisation around blast area; ensure that blast site is clear and safe before explosions.
Cross-sector
2 competencespresent reports
Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.
supervise staff
Oversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.