Overview of the role

To be involved in or contribute to the design and operation of OME by preparing explosives compositions and devices.

Details of standard

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in the ordnance, munitions and explosives (OME) sector in small, medium and large organisations in the public and private sectors. These include the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, defence contractors (research and manufacture), the security services, mining and quarrying companies, the film industry (special effects) and pyrotechnics manufacturers.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to be involved in or contribute to the design and operation of OME by preparing explosives compositions and devices. They may also undertake explosives test and evaluation activities to ensure the fitness for purpose. In doing so they must work in a safe and environmentally sound manner, potentially within a hazardous environment, following approved safe systems of work. For example, they may work with pyrotechnics in the film industry, explosives engineering in the construction / mining sectors, explosives / munitions in the armed forces, research and manufacture in the defence sector or putting on a complex public fireworks display..In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with members of their immediate team and supervisors/managers; internal and external contractors and supply chains; there will also, on occasions, be interaction with multi-disciplinary teams including personnel from other commercial organisations in the OME sector, government agencies such as the police and security services and armed forces, regulatory bodies and/or members of the public. Interacting with internal and external stakeholders such as gathering data and information.

It is very likely that an OME technician will work in secure premises in urban or rural areas, which could restrict their movements during the working day. As this is a safety critical occupation there may be restrictions on personal activities, such as the use of personal electronic devices in the working environment or being able to eat / drink outside of a formal break or rest period and they must demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and self-discipline.

Some roles will require the individual to work outdoors for much of their working time. OME technicians could work solely in the UK or their role might require them to travel abroad, potentially to hazardous environments. Depending on the employer’s business, they may also be required to work flexibly and outside of normal hours.. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for reporting to the OME Team Leader, they will undertake the required routine tasks according the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). These tasks may require planning and prioritising personal and team activities to meet safety and operational needs. Due to the nature and level of responsibility it is not anticipated that the role would have any budgetary responsibilities.

They will be responsible for:

  • Complying with legislative stipulations and organisational health, safety, environmental policy.
  • Contribute to activities to prevent fire and explosions.
  • Preparing and setting up an OME processing area and equipment.
  • OME inventory activities.
  • Undertaking inspection of OME to determine serviceability.
  • Preparing OME for processing and storage tasks in line with instructions and operating procedures.
  • Undertaking routine disposals of OME via the approved waste routes.
  • Participating in the improvement of the OME lifecycle.
  • Participating in the inspection and maintenance of OME facilities.
  • Providing appropriate technical advice and guidance including knowledge sharing or coaching and mentoring.
  • Undertaking activities to ensure free from explosives (FFE) certification.
  • Undertaking the safe and controlled shut down of OME processes for planned and unplanned situations.
  • Participating in the generation, review or evaluation of OME standard operating procedures.

Typical job titles include:

Ammunition technician Ome manufacturing technician Pyrotechnics technician Shot firer Special effects technician Storage and transport coordinator Trials and research technician Weapons technician

Entry requirements

Whilst any entry requirements will be a matter for individual employers, typically an apprentice might be expected to have a minimum of an A level at C grade and above in either Maths, Physics or Chemistry and 3 GCSEs at C (4) grade and above in Maths, English, Physics or Chemistry or relevant industry experience on entry

Occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Complies with legislative stipulations and organisational health, safety, environmental policy and contribute to safety parameters for OME such as risk control, fire prevention and unintentional initiations

K2 K3 K4 K7 K11 K15

S2 S7

B2 B3

Duty 2 Prepare and set up an OME processing area and equipment within their designated area to defined standards such as facility, building, laboratory or mobile trailer. This will involve planning and prioritising personal and team activities to meet safety and operational needs.

K1 K2 K3 K7 K8 K10 K11 K12 K14 K15

S1 S2 S8 S9 S10 S11

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5

Duty 3 Undertake OME inventory activities, such as accounting, audit, security and record keeping maintaining control of OME in line with organisation legislative and regulatory requirements

K2 K7 K8 K11 K12 K14

S2 S3 S4 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S14 S15

B1 B2 B3 B5

Duty 4 Undertake inspection of OME to determine serviceability including performance to specification, quality as defined in the Quality Management System (QMS), safety and obsolescence. Instigate maintenance, repair and disposal

K2 K3 K4 K7 K8 K10 K12 K14 K15

S2 S3 S4 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15

B1 B2 B3 B5

Duty 5 Prepare Ordnance Munitions and Explosives for processing and storage tasks in line with instructions and operating procedures to meet organisational legislative requirements such as manufacture, assembly, testing, transportation. (This will involve planning and prioritising personal and team activities to meet safety and operational needs)

K2 K3 K4 K7 K8 K9 K10 K12 K14 K15

S2 S4 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S14

B1 B2 B3 B5

Duty 6 Undertake routine disposals of OME via the approved waste routes and participate in the non-routine safe disposal including hazard classification and re-classification. This will involve planning and prioritising personal and team activities to meet safety and operational needs.

K2 K3 K4 K7 K9 K10 K12 K13 K14 K15

S2 S4 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S15

B1 B2 B3 B5

Duty 7 Participate in the improvement of the OME lifecycle through the research, design and development of existing and new products or procedures including identifying recommendations for change. This will involve planning and prioritising personal and team activities to meet safety and operational needs.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K13 K14

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5

Duty 8 Participate in the inspection and maintenance of OME facilities to ensure that they are fit for purpose

K2 K3 K4 K7 K8 K14 K15

S2 S3 S8

B1 B2

Duty 9 Provide appropriate technical advice and guidance including knowledge sharing, coaching or mentoring to promote good practice for both internal and external stakeholders

K2 K3 K4 K5 K7 K9 K10 K11 K13 K14

S6 S15

B1 B2 B5

Duty 10 Undertake activities to ensure free from explosives (FFE) certification such as segregation and inspection of objects, facilities, equipment, packaging tooling and clothing

K2 K3 K4 K7 K8 K13

S1 S3 S4 S5 S9 S10 S11

B1 B2 B3

Duty 11 Undertake the safe and controlled shut down of OME processes for planned and unplanned situations within their designated area of responsibility

K1 K3

S1 S2 S4 S7 S8 S10 S11 S15

B1 B2 B3 B5

Duty 12 Participate in the generation, review or evaluation of OME standard operating procedures (SOP) such as work instructions and risk assessments

K1 K2 K3 K4 K6 K8 K9 K10 K13 K14

S2 S6 S7 S8 S10

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5


KSBs

Knowledge

K1: To set up, conduct, shut down and supervise OME processes in accordance with relevant H&S, environmental and explosives regulations Such as, Explosives Regulation 2014 and JSP482. Back to Duty

K2: The health, safety and environmental and other statutory legislation, regulations and safe working practices and procedures governing OME, such as, Risk assessments, HAZID, hazard logs, hazard reviews, ALARP principles, safety cases and their implications for the area of work.. Back to Duty

K3: The fundamentals of protective equipment and clothing, safe handling, movement and use of OME, encompassing hazard divisions, hazard types, compatibility groups, mixing rules and fire divisions. Back to Duty

K4: The basic concepts and theory of OME engineering/material science, including the chemical properties of explosives, abnormal stimulus, compatibility testing, hazard testing, risk assessment and engineering controls. Back to Duty

K5: The principles and differences of coaching and mentoring including how to conduct the chosen option. Back to Duty

K6: The principles of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and how the National Occupational Standards (NOS) can determine required CPD interventions. Back to Duty

K7: The limits of individual responsibility and knowledge as well as that of the team and where to seek advice when required. Back to Duty

K8: The processes for assessing, analysing and interpreting technical information to determine the serviceability of the OME products or plant such as: recognising signs of damage and deterioration and propose solutions in order for safe actions to be taken. Back to Duty

K9: The principles underpinning OME concepts and components for a given explosive effect including knowledge of initiators, initiation systems, explosive trains, explosive substances and articles. Back to Duty

K10: The range and choice of resources, equipment and materials used within OME processes and their application and constraints. Back to Duty

K11: The principles of explosives classification, OME inventory activities and licensing requirements, conditions and restrictions. Back to Duty

K12: The principles related to the safe preparation of ordnance munitions and explosives for specified tasks. Back to Duty

K13: OME disposal processes, including associated environmental factors and regulation. Back to Duty

K14: The process for ensuring the workplace is safe and free from explosive hazards. Back to Duty

K15: The requirements of a Quality Management System and the key activities required by this (such as inspection and QA regimes) throughout the OME lifecycle. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Prepare and supervise an OME workplace, in line with organisational procedures selecting appropriate equipment and resources and return it to a serviceable condition having recorded and taken appropriate action to address any faults. Back to Duty

S2: Apply correct H&S and explosives regulations to task and confirm hazard and risk against agreed criteria. Back to Duty

S3: Conduct inspection and testing, using visual and sampling techniques, and record outcomes in line with organisational or legislative requirements. Back to Duty

S4: Make safe, quarantine, and/or prepare OME for disposal. Back to Duty

S5: Maintain accurate record keeping and identifying areas for improvement and making recommendations. Back to Duty

S6: Use a range of techniques to coach, mentor and communicate within their area of OME responsibility. Back to Duty

S7: Handle and use OME correctly in accordance with the relevant procedures, guidance and legislation. Back to Duty

S8: Identify and implement appropriate OME procedures in the workplace to meet stakeholder requirements. Back to Duty

S9: Confirm the type, quality and quantity of OME relevant to the activity in the workplace. Back to Duty

S10: Implement and maintain housekeeping standards such as cleanliness and waste disposal using best practice protocols. Back to Duty

S11: Plan and prioritise their own and the team’s workload in response to developing events within the workplace. Back to Duty

S12: Prepare Ordnance Munitions and Explosives for specified tasks, taking suitable precautions to prevent damage to equipment and facilities. Back to Duty

S13: Apply the principles of OME to achieve the required explosive effect for a specific ordnance munition or explosive application. Back to Duty

S14: Undertake inventory activities such as audits, recording outcomes in line with organisational requirements. Back to Duty

S15: Use a range of techniques to supervise OME activities, within their area of responsibility. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Work collaboratively as a team member. Back to Duty

B2: Evaluate outcomes of own performance across all duties including reflection and seeking peer review. Back to Duty

B3: Work safely at all times prioritising Health and Safety best practice. Back to Duty

B4: Continual development - willingness to learn through continual development including new processes methods and technologies. Back to Duty

B5: Personal values - respect and tolerance with others. Back to Duty


Qualifications

English and Maths

Professional recognition

This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

  • This apprenticeship is designed to prepare successful apprentices to meet the requirements for registration as an Ordnance Munitions Explosives Technician with Institute of Explosives Engineers for


Additional details

Occupational Level:

4

Duration (months):

30

Review

Status: Approved for delivery (available for starts)
Level: 4
Reference: ST0833
Version: 1.0
Date updated: 28/04/2022
Approved for delivery: 13 May 2020
Route: Engineering and manufacturing
Typical duration to gateway: 30 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £9000
LARS Code: 560
EQA Provider: Ofqual
Employers involved in creating the standard: Roxel Group UK Ltd, BAE Systems Maritime, AWE, Falcon Project, BAE Systems Weapons, MBDA, DSTL, MOD, AWE, Roxel UK Ltd, RAF, British Army Royal Logistics Core, QinetiQ, DE&S

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.0 Approved for delivery 13/05/2020 Not set

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