Will “Blast Setter” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

48% Chance of Automation

“Blast Setter” will probably not be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #292 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Place and detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials. May perform specialized handling, storage, and accounting procedures. Includes seismograph shooters.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 47-5031.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 54,580.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 26.00
Currently, there are 6,310 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Blast Setter”

Mark patterns, locations, and depths of charge holes for drilling, and issue drilling instructions.
Lower perforating guns into wells, using hoists; then use measuring devices and instrument panels to position guns in correct positions for taking samples.
Signal hoist operators to lower torpedoes or sample-taking guns into wells and to raise equipment for sampling from blast holes after detonation.
Obtain samples of earth from sidewalls of well boreholes, using electrically exploding devices.
Examine blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed and to ensure that safety laws are observed.
Observe odometers, weight indicators, and instrument panels in trucks in order to position guns at predetermined points in wells.
Cut specified lengths of primacord and attach primers to cord ends.
Set up and operate equipment such as hoists, jackhammers, or drills, in order to bore charge holes.
Compile and keep gun and explosives records in compliance with local and federal laws.
Tie specified lengths of delaying fuses into patterns in order to time sequences of explosions.
Insert powder charges into chambers of sidewall sample-taking cylinders, and assemble cylinders, using special wrenches.
Assemble and position equipment, explosives, and blasting caps in holes at specified depths, or load perforating guns or torpedoes with explosives.
Verify detonation of charges by observing control panels, or by listening for the sounds of blasts.
Light fuses, drop detonating devices into wells or boreholes, or activate firing devices with plungers, dials, or buttons, in order to set off single or multiple blasts.
Lay primacord between rows of charged blast holes, and tie cord into main lines to form blast patterns.
Move and store inventories of explosives, loaded perforating guns, and other materials, according to established safety procedures.
Place explosive charges in holes or other spots; then detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials.
Set up and operate short-wave radio or field telephone equipment to transmit and receive blast information.
Clean, gauge, and lubricate gun ports.
Insert, pack, and pour explosives, such as dynamite, ammonium nitrate, black powder, or slurries into blast holes; then shovel drill cuttings, admit water into boreholes, and tamp material to compact charges.
Measure depths of drilled blast holes, using weighted tape measures.
Connect gun chambers to electric detonating devices, and operate controls at panelboards, in order to detonate charges in guns or to ignite chemical charges.
Insert waterproof sealers, bullets, and/or powder charges into guns, and screw gun ports back into place.
Drive trucks to transport explosives and blasting equipment to blasting sites.
Connect electrical wire to primers, and cover charges or fill blast holes with clay, drill chips, sand, or other material.
Repair and service blasting, shooting, and automotive equipment, and electrical wiring and instruments, using hand tools.
Place safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones, and signal workers as necessary to ensure that they clear blast sites prior to explosions.
Repair electrical instruments, using electricians' hand tools.
Maintain inventory levels, ordering new supplies as necessary.

Related Technology & Tools

Stake flags
Forklifts
Blasting cap crimpers
Grappling hooks
Pallet jacks
Shock tube detonators
Detonating cords
End cutting pliers
Meggers
Folding knives
Protective respirators
Flashing warning lights
Avalaunchers
Ring gauges
Mobile radios
Portable signal generators
Protective ear plugs
Galvanometers
Bore hole thermometers
Temperature data loggers
Electricians' knives
Equipment dollies
Hoisting equipment
Safety cones
Instantaneous electrical detonators
Perforating capsule guns
Non-electric delay detonators
Surface connector blocks
Seismic activity recorders
Loading poles
Tamping rods
Explosive blasting caps
Precision tweezers
Phase rotation meters
Jackhammers
Extension ladders
Electronic shock tube initiators
Hydraulic pressure gauges
Remote blasting systems
Longnose pliers
Pneumatic drilling equipment
Wood wedges
Safety goggles
Coated gloves
Wire strippers
Digital calculators
Portable air compressors
Safety fuses
Depth measurement gauges
Stakebed trucks
Digital wattmeters
Digital multimeters
Hand shears
Blasting machines
Padded gloves
Weighted tape measures
Laptop computers
Short period delay detonators
Phillips head screwdrivers
Tie-down equipment
Right angle prisms
Personal computers
Wire loop pullers
Fixed blade knives
Torpedo levels
Electrical circuit testers
Digital ohmmeters
Perforating casing guns
Fuse testers
Clinometers
Dewatering pumps
Balance scales
Long period delay detonators
Non-contact voltage testers
Rubber mallets
Vernier calipers
Safety harnesses
Laser rangefinders
Wire cleaning brushes
Fuse cutters
Transport trucks
Blast hole tubing
Harpoon retrievers
Explosives funnels
Remote firing devices
Portable cranes
Hard hats
Resistance testers
Hacksaws
Digital voltmeters
Plastic plugs
Blasthole drills
Spring scales
Wheeled wire dispensers
Tongue and groove pliers
Discharge hoses
Hole savers
Test lamps
Millivoltmeters
Insulated pliers
Day boxes
Hand chisels
Conduit bending tools
Explosives time delay fuses
Ammonium nitrate fuel oil ANFO loaders
Warning sirens
Explosives handling robots
Surveyors leveling rods
Protective safety glasses
Overhead cranes
Crescent wrenches
Plumb bobs
Lowering hooks
Digital micrometers
Digital ammeters
Tractor-trailer trucks
Wire cutting tools
Short-wave radios

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