Explosive Expert Career Description
In general, explosives experts are responsible for the development and documentation, as well as the production, storage and transport
of explosives, the provision of safe and effective ammunition, inspections to make sure that all safety measures are met, as well as the destruction and disposal of explosive substances.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The nature of the work will depend on the type of organisation where you work.
The South African Police Service
The Inspectorate of Explosives is a specialised unit of the SAPS. The objective of this unit is to safeguard lifes and property. The members of this unit are responsible for tasks such as the destruction of abandoned explosives, the handling and safe removal of suspicious articles and bomb disposal as well as the administration of the Explosives Act.
The South African National Defence Force
Explosives and ammunition are used by the SA National Defence Force in safeguarding this country. Ammunition and explosives are dangerous and the special skills and technical knowledge of the SA Ammunition Corps are required for their care and safe handling. The function of this corps is to ensure that the different sections of the SA National Defence Force are provided with their ammunition requirements.
The Department of Minerals and Energy
One of the responsibilities of the Inspectors of Mines includes the inspection of safety and health regulations at mines. However, they do not do blasting themselves. Various safety measures are required and it is the task of the Inspectors of Mines to see that these regulations are complied with.
Regular inspections are necessary to check whether regulations on the use of explosives are fulfilled. For example, blasting is done only at certain times so that mineworkers are not unnecessarily exposed to fumes. The Inspectors of Mines are also responsible for issuing blasting certificates.
The explosive expert is sometimes expected to work irregular hours in order to complete inspections.
The Department of Labour
The Directorate of Explosives forms part of the Chief Directorate: Occupational Safety. The objective of this directorate is to safeguard lifes and property during the manufacturing phase of explosives. The Inspectors of Occupational Safety are responsible for carrying out inspections.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Explosives experts must be responsible and accurate in their work because explosives are dangerous to work with.
Where can I work?
Explosives experts are employed mainly by the following institutes: The SA National Defence Force, SA Police Service, the Department of Minerals and Energy, Armscor, Denel, AECI Explosives Limited and SMX Explosives and many other smaller companies.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
No possibilities for self-employment exist.
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