Blaster onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: State blaster license, ATF clearance (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: explosives; detonators; blasting machines; seismographs
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Blaster training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Follow explosives laws
Store explosives in magazines
Clear and guard areas
Follow misfire procedures
Shadow an experienced blaster through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: clear and guard a blast area
Supervised practice: handle a misfire
Supervised practice: keep a complete blast log
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Design blast patterns: independently
Load drill holes: independently
Set timing: independently
Clear blast areas: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, State blaster license)
Discuss the career path: Blaster Helper → Licensed Blaster → Blast Supervisor
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Clear and Guard a Blast Area
Handle a Misfire
Keep a Complete Blast Log
Blast design
Explosives handling
Timing systems
Vibration monitoring

How to measure onboarding success

Weeks to first qualification sign-off
Procedure compliance and safety observations
Recordable incidents and near-misses
First-year retention

How Blaster training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Blaster Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Blaster Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Blaster Career
Final Knowledge Check

Get team pricing

Blaster Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)