Who is a blasters foreman or woman and what do they do? The task of a blaster is to blast, or blow up safely, different objects. In quarries and opencast mines such a person may also be known as a shotfirer. As a foreman/woman, they will lead/supervise a team of others.
What are the activities of the job? Blasting big boulders and stumps, concrete, reinforced concrete and brickwork blocks, free-standing walls and pillars, or to create holes or ditches, e.g. for planting trees and masts or for drainage – breaking up frozen earth or raw materials, or blast furnace slag, dispersal of manure – preparation for and carrying out blasting in construction pits and foundation ditches without disturbing the footing at the bottom, in excavations across roads or railway tracks in preparation for laying pipes for water supply, sewerage, gas, electricity or telecommunications cables etc.), in water wells and shafts of all kind, in the demolition of buildings and premises of all kinds of material (masonry, concrete, reinforced concrete), in quarries, in digging tunnels, underground caverns and corridors, in blasting charges and torpedoes under water, in drills and in open spaces during geological surveys, and so on. They may also operate drilling machines to drill blast holes in rock at road or other construction sites.
Where is it done and under what conditions? On site wherever the objects to be demolished are, be it mines, houses, quarries, or in the open air, etc.
What tools/equipment do the blasters foreman or woman use? Mainly electronic blast triggering devices and systems. Sometimes also drilling machines to create holes for the explosives. There should also usually be safety equipment such as goggles, ear-muffs and safety helmets.
What do you need to succeed? You need a training course as a blaster or blast foreman/woman (level of academic education is immaterial), accuracy, reliability, spatial awareness, and ability to make calculations.