South African Police Service Explosives Unit, 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 (SAPS)
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.
Armscor and private companies
Many companies employ explosive experts. The experts are used in the following jobs: managers, safety managers, engineers, scientists, technicians and craftsmen.
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.
What kind of school training do I need?
SA Police Service
- To qualify for training as an Inspector of Explosives (SAPS), candidates must:
- Be between 21 and 25 years of age.
- Be in possession of a Senior Certificate (or higher qualification) preferably with Mathematics and Physical Science as subjects.
- Complete a psychometric test.
SA National Defence Force
In the SA National Defence Force a Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification with Mathematics and Physical Science is required for those who want to become Technical Officers of Munitions. Ammunition fitters may be appointed with a Grade 10 or equivalent Certificate, but preference is given to candidates with Mathematics.
Department of Minerals and Energy
The Assistant Inspector of Mines must be in possession of a Senior Certificate, a Mine Overseer’s Certificate of Competency or a Mine Surveyor’s Certificate of Competency. To become an Inspector of Mines one needs a four-year B.degree in Mining Engineering or a Mine Manager’s Certificate.
What further training do I need?
SA Police Service
- To qualify for training as an Inspector of Explosives (SAPS), candidates must:
- Have completed basic training at a SAPS Training College.
- Have at least 2 years experience at any SAPS branch.
- Occupy the rank of sergeant or higher.
- Complete a psychometric test.
SA National Defence Force
The training of Technical Officers of Munitions comprises basic military training and leadership courses. They also undergo intensive training in ammunition and explosives. At the same time they study for the N.Dip. Explosives Technology at the Technikon Pretoria. This diploma course consists of 18 months theoretical training and 18 months in-service training. During this period candidates receive their army pay while their studies are paid for by the State. The total training programme for Technical Officers of Munitions extends over four years.
Ammunition fitters also undergo basic military training, as well as instruction on various aspects of explosives and ammunition. They join the Corps as apprentices. Candidates may also enrol at the Centurion Technical College where expenses are also paid for by the State. Subjects that can be taken include Mathematics, Electronics and Technical Drawing.
The Department of Minerals and Energy
Assistant Inspectors receive in-service training. It is in their favour to improve their qualifications, because higher qualifications improve their chances of promotion. The Mine Supervisor Certificate is issued by the SA College for Mining. Subjects include Mining Ventilation, Shafts and Gases. The degree in Mining Engineering can be obtained from the Universities of Pretoria and the Witwatersrand.
The Department of Labour
Inspectors are trained in Occupational Health and Safety at a technikon or are in possession of a National Higher Diploma in Explosives Technology. The training is completed by an in-house course in explosives.
Armscor and private companies
All these careers need a double qualification, for example a tertiary qualification plus an explosives qualification and/or in-house training.
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.
Where can I get further information?
- The Chief Inspector: Explosives, Chief Directorate: Occupational Safety, Department of Labour, Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001.
- The Chief Inspector of Explosives, South African Police Service, Private Bag X624, Pretoria, 0001.
- The Head Manager: Centre for Explosives Technology, Technikon Pretoria, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001. Tel. (012) 318-6285.