Shotfirers are responsible for preparing, positioning and detonating explosives to demolish buildings and structures. Explosives can also be used to dislodge rocks, soil, or other environmental materials to make way for construction/ mining works. Their work can happen underground for various mining requirements in Western Australia. Shotfirers have to undertake work that is dirty, loud and very risky and they use different methods for jobs in the mining, construction or civil work industry. Now that we’ve briefly explained what a shotfirer is, we can get into more specifics about the work they do and how to become one.
What does a shotfirer do?
Shotfirers use technical industry skills to effectively establish blast sites that are safe. They’re also in charge of detonating explosives and returning them to sites of safe functioning for the next stage of construction/mining. To achieve all of this, they also need to work well in collaboration with others on the same project. While you can become one without formal qualifications, becoming a shotfirer needs extensive training and there is the option for certification. Let’s go over the typical tasks below:
- Boring holes and checking their depths
- Position and prime explosives using detonators and explosive cartridges in holes
- Arranging wires, fuses, and detonating cords in connection with the explosives
- Establishing exclusion zones around blast areas to protect all assets and human resources on site
- Ensuring compliance with safety regulations for blasting in the region
- Safely detonating the entire ensemble
- Using geological and blast design principles to assist in controlling detonation
How to become a Shotfirer
The most important thing is to obtain the relevant licensing for the class of work you aim to carry out. Specific licensing, and qualification requirements, are entirely dependent on the industry you choose to work in (for example, fireworks, mining, or construction). You will also be expected to pass a National Police Check in order to work with explosives. While these are not set industry standards, here a couple of steps that can help you in becoming a shotfirer:
- Minimum schooling requirement of year 10 in high school
This is an Australia-wide standard when it comes to vocational work in mining. Shotfirers need to complete schooling to year 10 as a minimum educational prerequisite for most shotfirer licences and jobs. Some opt to go beyond that and get to year 12 to earn their secondary school certificate but this is completely optional.
- Attain vocational certification in surface coal mining
The Open Cut Examiner (RII40220) course teaches skills to that equip you to safely perform work in mines. The skills taught here are easily transferrable to other shotfirer work environments. You can study for this qualification at a registered training organisation in Western Australia. It includes a little over ten core subjects and two electives on equipment operation. This course can be completed anywhere between four months to two years.
- National Police Certificate
This is a non-negotiable when it comes to clearance for working with explosions. The certificate functions as a background check that clears you of any suspicion. Certification of this type will always remain critical for shotfirers because they handle dangerous explosives that could pose a risk to the general public if not handled correctly. The certificate is also required to secure your shotfirer license.
- Consider securing a shotfirer license
Depending on the type that you attain, shotfirer licenses are a verification of your training and expertise when it comes to handling explosives. They also make sure that you are able to procure, purchase, use and store explosives without penalty. There are different types, and the right license is dependent on the industry you are entering into. In Western Australia, you can apply for a shotfirer licence from the Government of Western Australia Department of Mines, Industry and Safety. The license gives you authority to carry on with shotfirer duties for a stipulated period of time, within a designated territory.
Shotfirer best qualities and characteristics
The most successful shotfirers know how to work with their hands, pay attention to detail and have ample technical knowledge. Manual handiwork is a requirement in the career path, and you’ll have to handle explosives in the process. You need to exhibit confidence and knowledge to manually manipulate the wires and cords needed for blasting circuits. While handiwork is important, it also needs to be handled with careful consideration. Shotfirers that pay attention to detail will quickly spot any flaws during circuit testing to properly protect people in the blast site or exclusion zone. They should be able to spot potential hazards efficiently and quickly and approve sites post-explosion when it’s safe. Not only are they calculating the number of explosives, depth of boreholes and preferred exclusion zone to achieve their goal, but they’re also making critical calls based on all of this. We’re experts in civil and mining solutions and we know that these are some critical steps to consider when building the right team for your next project. If at any point, you’re missing this set of skills or need management consultancy to improve on them, call on us and we’ll deliver.
