Shotfirer
Shotfirers set up and safely detonate explosives at a site in order to blast and break up in situ material.
Check yourself in a minute: shotfirer
Rate 5 of the 16 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
insert charges into drill holes
troubleshoot
report misfires
check borehole depth
handle explosives
About shotfirer
As a shotfirer, you are responsible for the safe and precise detonation of explosives at mining, quarrying, and construction sites. Your primary role is to blast and break up in-situ material such as rock, ore, or other geological formations to facilitate extraction or site preparation. You work in challenging outdoor environments, often at significant heights or depths, where precision and safety are paramount. Your day-to-day responsibilities include examining blast areas, calculating charge requirements, inserting explosives into pre-drilled boreholes, connecting blasting circuits, and executing controlled detonations. You must maintain meticulous records, troubleshoot misfires, and report all activities to site supervisors and safety officers. As a shotfirer, you ensure that blast operations comply with all health and safety regulations and that surrounding personnel and infrastructure remain protected throughout the process.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a shotfirer.
Blast site preparation and assessment
- Examine prospective blast area to identify geology, existing structures, and safety hazards
- Check borehole depth and diameter to ensure conformance with blast design specifications
- Calculate explosive charges required based on rock type, borehole configuration, and blast objectives
Explosive loading and circuit connection
- Insert charges into drill holes with appropriate tamping and stemming materials
- Connect blasting circuit including detonators, primer cord, and initiation devices according to firing sequence
- Test electrical continuity and circuit integrity prior to charging
Detonation and safety management
- Execute controlled detonations by safely operating firing equipment and initiating blast sequences
- Signal for explosion and ensure all personnel are evacuated from danger zones
- Report and troubleshoot misfires, incomplete detonations, or circuit failures immediately
Post-blast inspection and documentation
- Examine area after blast to verify successful detonation and assess fragmentation results
- Document all blast parameters, actual outcomes, and any deviations from plan
- Prepare incident and blast reports for site management and regulatory authorities
Health and safety compliance
- Follow and enforce all health and safety procedures specific to blasting operations
- Handle and store explosives in compliance with dangerous goods regulations and company policies
- Make independent operating decisions regarding blast safety, abort procedures, and risk mitigation
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (16)
Optional (4) — show
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
Frequently asked questions
What does a shotfirer do?
Shotfirers set up and safely detonate explosives at a site in order to blast and break up in situ material.
What skills does a shotfirer need?
A shotfirer needs 16 essential skills, including explosives, marksmanship, electricity, work ergonomically, insert charges into drill holes.
Will AI replace shotfirer jobs?
The AI disruption score for shotfirer is 13/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: check borehole depth, report misfires, follow health and safety procedures in construction. Most resilient: electricity, explosives, handle explosives.
AI Replacement Risk
Quick Facts
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