Blaster

Duties vary depending on the industry in which blasters are employed. For information about blasting-related operations in the oil and gas industry and related services, see the Seismic Workers and Wireline Operator occupational profiles.

In general, blasters employed in the oil and gas, mining, quarrying or construction industries:

• consult with geologists, observe rock characteristics and jointing (strength and faulting in rock) to determine Rock Quality Index (RQI)
• study requirements, plan drill patterns, determine the depth and diameter of blast holes and conduct field tests, if required, to determine the type explosive and quantity to use
• use detonating cord, delays, shock tubes and detonators to create blasting circuits 
• prepare detonators, fuses, detonating cords, primers, explosive charges and other materials, or supervise the placement of explosive charges
• load explosives into blast holes by hand or by using mechanical delivery systems on bulk explosives trucks
• check series of electrical wires with blasting galvanometers or blasting multimeters to ensure complete circuits
• place blast control mats and control blast sites to ensure safety regulations are met
• conduct safety check and fire charges
• deal with misfires or missed holes
• check blast sites for hazards such as overhanging rock, harmful fumes and scale underground loose hanging rock with scaling bar
• maintain blast equipment and ensure that safety procedures for handling, storing and moving explosives are followed
• keep records of explosives inventories, blast patterns, design, tie-in, times, weather and other relevant information.

Blasters may direct drilling activities or operate air-track, rotary, down hole or other drilling machines to drill blast holes.

In the construction industry, blasters break up rock and soil, dislodge tree stumps and demolish structures such as buildings or bridges. To avoid damaging surrounding terrain or structures via ground vibration or flying debris, blasters often use a series of small, precise, timed detonations instead of one large explosion.

In the mining industry, blasters prepare and blast large quantities of rock to improve mine equipment efficiency. Some mining blasts break up hundreds of thousands of tonnes of rock in one blast. Such blasts often involve the preparation and use of thousands of kilograms of pre-packaged or bulk explosives.

Blasters primarily work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, sometimes in remote or hazardous locations. Working conditions often are noisy and dirty. Occupational risks include explosions, flying particles, falling objects, noise and hazardous chemicals.

Lifting up to 20 kilograms is required.

Blasters need the following characteristics:

• a safety-conscious attitude
• strength and physical fitness
• good hearing, eyesight and colour vision
• good hand-eye co-ordination and manual dexterity
• an interest in math and science
• the ability to visualize three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings
• good communication skills, including writing skills required for accurate record keeping
• an interest in working outdoors (sometimes in isolated locations) and use various forms of wilderness transportation.

Those employed in underground mines also must be able to work in confined spaces.

All blasters should enjoy operating machinery and performing tasks that require precision, conducting tests and analyzing information, and directing the work of others.

Blasters in the oil and gas, construction, mining and quarrying industries are employed by:

• seismic companies
• oil well perforation companies
• surface mining companies (for example, oil sands companies)
• underground mining companies (for example, hard rock or coal)
• rock quarries
• construction companies
• drilling and blasting contractors.

Employment in the non-mining sector often is seasonal. Employment in the mining sector usually is full time, year-round.

Blaster is not an entry level position. Experienced blasters may advance to supervisory positions but, without additional education or training, further advancement is limited.

Blasters are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7372: Drillers and Blasters - Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Construction (PDF)
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

In 2014, the Petroleum Labour Market Information (PetrolLMI) Division of Enform (formely the Petroleum Human Resources Council) indicated more than 20% of the workforce in the oil and gas industry is eligible for retirement, contributing to the labour demand required to support the industry.

Alberta Labour, Occupational Health and Safety website: work.alberta.ca/occupational-health-safety.html

Careers in Oil + Gas website: www.careersinoilandgas.com

Natural Resources Canada, Explosives Safety and Security Branch (ESSB) website: www.nrcan.gc.ca/explosives

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.