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O*NET detailed work activity

Operate detonation equipment

This is physical, in-person work with real objects, tools, equipment and places that change from day to day. AI can't do it for you.

Part of Operate construction or excavation equipment, under the O*NET work activity group Controlling Machines and Processes. Individual tasks below can carry a different label when their own wording calls for it (0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 7 stays human).

Tasks built on this activity

• 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.Stays human Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
• Set charges of explosives to split rock.Stays human Rock Splitters, Quarry
• Blast rock formations and rocky areas with dynamite to facilitate posthole digging.Stays human Fence Erectors
• Perforate well casings or sidewalls of boreholes with explosive charges.Stays human Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
• Operate specialized equipment to remove obstructions by backing off or severing pipes by chemical or explosive action.Stays human Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas

Tasks where it is part of the work

• 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.Stays human Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
• Lower and explode charges in boreholes to start flow of oil from wells.Stays human Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas