Betts Blasting Pty Ltd

MICHAEL BETTS, Director for Betts Blasting Pty Ltd provides an insight into the growth of the family business.

In 2010, a call from a quarry manager in South Gippsland requesting the services of a shot firer saw the beginning of Betts Blasting Pty Ltd.

Michael Betts began his quarry life as a plant operator for Boral in March 1999 at the Granite Rock Quarry under the guidance of Allan McPherson. “Macca” who introduced Michael to his future shot firing career by means of electric blasting.

The sale of Boral Granite Rock to Casacir (CMPA Voting Member) in February 2000, saw Michael begin his formal qualifications undertaking Certificate IV in Extractive Industries Operations, Quarry Manager Certificate and Quarry Shot Firer through Box Hill TAFE (CMPA Associate Member). During his time at Casacir Michael was employed firstly as a plant operator then manager largely through the support of David Jeffrey and Tom Curnow. He was involved in improvements to the crushing plant and installation of a pug mill and modern equipment. Another of his roles was the endorsement of OHS in the workplace.

After nearly seven years of service to Casacir, Michael saw the opportunity to further his career and made the move to another local business, Whelan’s Earthmoving, now Whelan’s Group Investments.

Michael was given fantastic opportunities by Charlie and Terry Whelan. He was employed as manager and used as the shot firer for their four sites. During his time there he was given the position to develop a hard rock quarry at Bruthen. Expansion to the quarry included construction of a workshop, weigh bridge and fixed and modular agg plant. During this time Michael developed an understanding of the importance of fragmentation for products needed in the quarry and once again the importance of site safety.

The continual growth of Betts Blasting Pty Ltd lead to Michael end his managerial role with Whelan’s Group Investments in 2014. The time had come to step out on his own and develop his business further. The business bought a ute which was modified to enable it to be licensed to carry explosives. Michael obtained his license to drive an explosives vehicle and registered a fully licensed magazine for onsite explosive storage.

The business has established checklists which ensure blast sites are safe and ready for blast day. Site specific Blast Management Plans are compiled and a Blast Monitor is available to record and report air blast and ground vibrations.

Through his roles within the quarry industry Michael has developed an understanding of quarrying needs. He regularly consults with managers and owners on their expectations and can offer them advice when required. Past experience has familiarised him with Work Authority Plans, both how they are established, extended and abided by.

In addition to blasting within quarries, Michael has been contracted to perform blasting in both agricultural and civil scenarios.

Betts Blasting is available to travel to secure new business. The modifications and improvements the business make are specialised to the customer’s requirements.

The business uses Edge Drilling (CMPA Associate Member)  to perform all their drilling requirements and thank all their loyal customers for their continual support.

Michael became a workforce member of CMPA during his time at Casacir. Once Betts Blasting Pty Ltd was established it became an associate member in 2011. During this time the company provided their own template at a CMPA workshop in 2013 to help develop a Blast Management Plan to be used in quarries. Development of such forms allows compliance to be reached in all areas of quarrying. Additional information received via emails from CMPA and through publishing in the Sand and Stone Magazines allows the company to keep up to date with changing regulations and new techniques.

60 seconds with an associate member…

What is your name? Michael Betts.

Who do you work for? Betts Blasting Pty Ltd.

How many years have you been involved in the industry? 17 years.

What is your role in the company? Director and Shot Firer.

What does your job involve?

Consulting with Quarry Managers to ascertain what their product specifications are. Coordinate the whole rock on ground process. Design, mark, drill, initiate and supply bulk explosives.

What is the best part of your job?

Blasting rock which meets and exceeds the customer’s expectations in a safe environment.

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