Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly

Explosives Performance Testing And Results Interpretation Training

SAQA US 116007 | NQF 4 | Credits 10 | Duration 7 Days
From $1,523 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to conduct performance tests on explosives and interpret the results accurately. It covers the principles of explosive performance testing, safety protocols, and data analysis to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply standard procedures for conducting explosive performance tests, including velocity of detonation, brisance, and sensitivity measurements.
  • Analyze test results to determine explosive performance characteristics and identify deviations from expected norms.
  • Evaluate safety implications of test outcomes and recommend corrective actions to mitigate risks.
  • Interpret data from multiple test methods to assess explosive suitability for specific blasting applications.
  • Implement quality control measures to ensure consistency and reliability of performance testing processes.
  • Demonstrate compliance with relevant South African legislation and industry standards for explosives testing.

Target Audience

This training is designed for mining engineers, blasting technicians, explosives inspectors, and safety officers involved in the handling, testing, and application of explosives in mining and civil engineering operations.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Explosives Performance Testing

Objectives:
• Define key terms and concepts in explosives performance testing.
• Identify legal and regulatory frameworks governing explosives testing in South Africa.
• Explain the importance of performance testing in safety and quality assurance.
• Describe the role of unit standard 116007 in training and certification.

Topics:
• Overview of explosives types and classifications
• Principles of performance testing
• South African regulatory bodies and legislation (e.g., SABS, MHSA)
• Unit standard 116007 scope and outcomes
• Safety protocols and risk management in testing environments
• Introduction to test methods and standards

Day 2: Explosive Properties and Measurement Techniques

Objectives:
• Describe physical and chemical properties affecting explosive performance.
• Explain measurement techniques for detonation velocity, brisance, and sensitivity.
• Calculate basic performance parameters from experimental data.
• Interpret test results to assess explosive quality.

Topics:
• Key properties: density, detonation velocity, pressure, energy output
• Measurement instruments: chronographs, pressure gauges, calorimeters
• Sensitivity tests: impact, friction, electrostatic discharge
• Data collection and recording procedures
• Introduction to statistical analysis of test results

Day 3: Standardized Test Methods and Procedures

Objectives:
• Outline standardized test methods for commercial and military explosives.
• Perform step-by-step procedures for common performance tests.
• Identify sources of error and implement corrective actions.
• Document test results according to industry standards.

Topics:
• Trauzl lead block test for brisance
• Underwater explosion test for energy output
• Ballistic mortar test for relative effectiveness
• Detonation velocity measurement (Dautriche method)
• Calibration and maintenance of test equipment
• Quality assurance and control in testing

Day 4: Data Analysis and Interpretation Fundamentals

Objectives:
• Apply statistical methods to analyze test data.
• Interpret graphical representations of performance metrics.
• Compare test results against specification limits.
• Draw conclusions about explosive performance and suitability.

Topics:
• Descriptive statistics: mean, median, standard deviation
• Graphical analysis: histograms, scatter plots, trend lines
• Confidence intervals and significance testing
• Correlation between test methods and field performance
• Common pitfalls in data interpretation
• Case studies: analyzing real test data sets

Day 5: Advanced Testing and Specialized Applications

Objectives:
• Evaluate advanced testing techniques for specific explosive formulations.
• Assess performance under extreme environmental conditions.
• Determine compatibility with initiating systems.
• Interpret results for non-ideal explosives (e.g., ANFO, emulsions).

Topics:
• Temperature and pressure sensitivity testing
• Shock-to-detonation transition tests
• Gap test for sensitivity to sympathetic detonation
• Underwater shockwave analysis
• Testing of blasting agents and slurries
• Performance of explosives in confined vs. unconfined conditions

Day 6: Result Interpretation for Safety and Compliance

Objectives:
• Link test results to safety classifications and hazard assessments.
• Prepare compliance reports for regulatory authorities.
• Identify performance anomalies and recommend corrective actions.
• Apply results to optimize explosive selection for mining or demolition.

Topics:
• Hazard classification based on UN recommendations
• Safety data sheet (SDS) interpretation
• Reporting formats for SABS and DMR
• Root cause analysis of performance failures
• Case studies: incidents due to misinterpretation
• Best practices for communication of results

Day 7: Practical Integration and Assessment

Objectives:
• Conduct a complete performance testing cycle from setup to report.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using testing equipment and software.
• Interpret a full dataset and make recommendations.
• Prepare for unit standard 116007 summative assessment.

Topics:
• Hands-on practical: execute a standardized test
• Data analysis and report writing exercise
• Peer review of test reports
• Mock assessment covering theory and practical
• Feedback and improvement strategies
• Course review and Q&A session

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
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Mon 07 Sep 2026 Tue 15 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,523 Register
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Wed 29 Dec 2027 Thu 06 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,523 Register
Tue 18 Jan 2028 Wed 26 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,523 Register
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Thu 06 Jan 2028 Fri 14 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,982 Register
Wed 26 Jan 2028 Thu 03 Feb 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,982 Register
Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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