Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Blaster
What blasters actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a blaster?
Safety meeting. From there, the day usually includes design blast patterns, load drill holes, and set timing. Full time.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a blaster working full time.
- Safety meeting.
- Check the drill pattern.
- Load holes.
- Tie in the timing.
- Clear the area.
- Fire the shot.
- Inspect results.
Where blasters work
Blasters work at mines, quarries and construction sites.
Hours and schedule
Full time.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Design blast patterns
- Load drill holes
- Set timing
- Clear blast areas
- Detonate charges
- Monitor vibration
- Store explosives safely
Tools you’ll use every day
- Explosives
- Detonators
- Blasting machines
- Seismographs
- Drills
- Magazines
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Specialized skill
- Good pay
- Licensed trade
- Outdoor work
What’s hard
- Serious hazards
- Heavy regulation
- Weather
- Liability
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I follow procedures exactly
- I stay calm
- I’m responsible
- I like outdoor work
- I like math
- I can pass background checks
Not sure? Take the free Blaster fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow explosives laws
- Store explosives in magazines
- Clear and guard areas
- Follow misfire procedures