Branch
Report:
20th February 2008
Technical Debate
The
Branch held a technical debate evening, chaired by Phil Redmond, in which
a panel faced questions from members.
The panel was Kelvin Davies and Andrew
Rossitter of Orica, Clive Iles of Blasting Services, and Dr Rob Farnfield
of Exchem.
The members posed questions on where
electronic detonators had been used to solve a particular problem, the
challenges facing the industry in terms of explosives, and the most
effective way of pre-splitting. Further questions were asked on filling
the skills gap with the increase in ROG contracts, reducing the effects of
whole body vibration in face machine operatives, and how NVQs have
improved safety and quality of service. Finally there was a discussion on
the future for packaged explosives.
The panel gave detailed answers to all
the member’s questions, examples were given of the use of electronic
detonators, and the security issues that surround the transport of
commercial explosives together with the rising costs of
material.
The branch is extremely grateful to the
members of the panel for taking part and their contribution to a very
successful meeting.
