Explosives Operating

Explosives Operating

Federal Wage System Position

Work Performed

This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the manufacture of powder, propellant grains, solid or liquid explosives, and mixtures for flares or signals, and the manufacture, assembly, disassembly, renovation, modification, and deactivation of ammunition, explosives, or chemical or toxic filled munitions. Included are jobs which involve operation of equipment, jigs, or machines that were designed or modified to perform particular munitions operations. This work requires a knowledge of explosives and explosives safety practices, the ability to operate equipment that is designed or modified for munitions operations, and the skill to safely perform operations with explosives.

Physical Effort

at this level is similar to that described at the

Working Conditions

: Work is usually performed indoors or outdoors in covered areas or passageways which provide some protection. Work areas are usually well lighted and ventilated. Some operations, however, such as melting powder or steaming out powder, cause uncomfortable steam or heat in the work area. Workers are required to stand on floors made of concrete, lead, or conductive composition. They wear protective clothing such as specially treated coveralls, respirators, and goggles on many assignments. They are frequently exposed to moisture and wet floors as a result of cleanup operations in powder working areas. They are exposed to fumes from acids and explosives. They are exposed to the possibility of explosion and flash fire. There is chance of injuries ranging from loss of life or limbs to burns, cuts, bruises, sprains, and nausea. EXPLOSIVES WORKER,