Surface Mining & Quarrying
Blasting Assistant — Surface Mines & Quarries
The competencies required of a blasting assistant under the Explosives Regulations of the Mine Health and Safety Act.
Overview
In terms of the Explosives Regulations under the Mine Health and Safety Act, a competent person is required as a blasting assistant.
People credited with this skills programme are able to assist in blasting operations, and comply with the part of the Explosives Regulations covering the competencies specified for blasting assistants — excluding the duties covered by the skills programme for the management of explosives magazines on mines and quarries.
Following the phasing out of the Opencast Blasting Certificate on 30 June 2009, the unit standards in this skills programme form part of the Rockbreaking Qualification (Surface Excavations), as well as being an exit level outcome in their own right. It is also useful for responsible persons handling explosives in the chemical and construction sectors.
Learners who achieve this skills programme can progress towards the National Certificate in Rockbreaking L3 (Surface Excavations) and other similar surface mining and quarrying qualifications.
Competencies & outcomes
- Safe receipt, storage, issuing and transportation of explosives (control)
- The preparation of primers
- The charging of blast holes with explosives or the placing of explosive charges
- The connecting up of blasting rounds or circuits
- Assist with safeguarding persons against the significant hazards associated with the use of explosives
Entry requirements
- Employed on a surface mine, quarry or in a related explosives-handling role
- Valid certificate of medical fitness for work at the mine
- Able to communicate orally and in writing
- Fundamentals in place where credit towards the Rockbreaking qualification is sought
More in Surface Mining & Quarrying
Related programmes
Blasting Certificate for Opencast Mines
Preparation for provisional and permanent opencast blasting certificates in terms of Chapter 28 of the Minerals Act regulations.
Examination, Making Safe and Declaring Safe of Surface Mines, Quarries, Dumps & Stockpiles
Competent Person A for surface workings — blasted and un-blasted — in terms of the Fall-of-Ground regulations.
Handling of Explosives in Mines
For employees who handle explosives, initiating systems and accessories between the magazine and the point of use.