National Occupational Standards (NOS) can be used in many different ways;

• Competence benchmarks: Setting the minimum competence levels required for a job function.
• Qualification development: Informing the creation of qualifications for the explosives industry.
  • awarding bodies can create qualifications to train individuals for a job (level 2 link here)
• Recruitment and training: Providing a framework for recruitment, training, and professional development programs.
  • employers can create a job descriptions for staff to be recruited or a trained and plans to develop their skills.
• individuals can research different types of jobs and match their skills/experience to those that are needed.
• Regulatory oversight: Providing regulators, e.g. such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), with a basis for inspecting and monitoring the competence within the explosives industry. 

NOS describe the performance and knowledge requirement of a job role and grew out of the awareness that;

• The measurement and assurance of professional competence is a fundamental aspect of modern professions, to ensure public safety and maintain trust.  
• UK legislation and regulation increasingly require employers to demonstrate a commitment to quality and effectiveness of their workforces.
• Activities with perceived health and safety and public safety risks are subject to stringent monitoring and regulation.
• The risk of losses and litigation renders inaction financially and morally unacceptable.
• NOS are based on the outcomes of a methodical analysis of the roles and functions of people working within an industry.

The ESA NOS were developed by the UK explosives industry that were represented by a Standards Setting Body (SSB), with stakeholders gathered through the IExpE.

ESA NOS is the UK explosives industry competency benchmarks for safely working with explosives, substances and articles (ESA), where a substance becomes an article once processed into a form, shape or device.    

ESA NOS provides a nationally recognised standard of best practice for anyone working with explosives in the UK (they have been adopted outside the UK as well e.g. Australia and the UN).  The standards were developed by the SSB for the entire UK explosives industry, covering civilian, military, and private sectors.  The standard provide assurance that individuals working with explosives have the necessary skills and competence to meet legal requirements, such as the UK’s Explosives Regulations 2014. Regulators like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) review the competence of personnel against the ESA standards during inspections and investigations.  There are 13 key roles across the industry, with each role allocated its own suite of standards.  Each key role is broadly aligned with the explosives lifecycle so employees may fit several categories into their job role.

An individual seeking training or certification for working with explosives would first pursue a course aligned with the UK’s ESA NOS.

The 13 key roles covered by the ESA NOS provide a comprehensive framework for competence, as follows: 

1. Research, design, and development: Creating new ESA as well as developing related processes and procedures.
2. Safety Management: Ensuring that all activities involving ESA comply with safety policies, including classifying explosives and implementing risk control measures.
3. Test and evaluation (trials): Conducting test and evaluation (trials) on ESA to ensure they meet safety and performance standards.
4. Manufacture: Overseeing the processes involved in manufacturing ESA from preparing equipment to handling materials.
5. Maintenance: Managing and implementing the inspection, repair and maintenance of ESA so they are fit for purpose
6. Procurement: Acquiring ESA in line with legal and safety requirements.
7. Storage: Handling the receipt, placement, and despatch of EDSA while ensuring proper storage conditions and inventory control.
8. Transport: Ensuring the safe movement of ESA whether within a facility or for off-site shipping.
9. Facilities: Managing the design, suitability, and inspection of explosive facilities and sites.
10. Other applications: Applying ESA for specialized purposes outside of the standard lifecycle, such as in demolition, mining, or pyrotechnics.
11. Disposal: Implementing procedures for the safe disposal of ESA.
12. Search and clearance: Locating and removing or making safe ESA and other explosive hazards.
13. General (generic): This role covers a range of fundamentals functions that apply across the board, including team-work, leadership, continuous improvement, and workplace risk assessment. 

Competencies against the ESA NOS is typically assessed through a combination of on-the-job evaluation, a portfolio of evidence, and formal qualifications. For example, an employer may use a functional skills framework to draw evidence for;

• Performance criteria: Each NOS unit details specific performance criteria that an individual must meet to be considered competent. Assessors use these criteria to evaluate the candidate’s work and performance.
• Portfolio of evidence: Candidates build a portfolio to demonstrate their competence. This can include a variety of materials:
  • Direct observation: A qualified assessor directly observes the candidate carrying out tasks in the workplace.
  • Work product: Examples of work created by the candidate.
  • Photographic, audio, or video evidence: Recorded activities, particularly where direct observation is impractical.
  • Professional discussions: Structured questioning by an assessor to confirm a candidate’s knowledge and understanding.
  • Previous recorded achievement: Evidence of prior training, experience, or qualifications.
• Vocational qualifications (VQs): Many training programs, like those offered by Open Awards for Explosive Operatives, are directly mapped to the ESA NOS. Successfully completing these VQs, which involves building and submitting a portfolio, confirms competence against the standards.
• Experienced assessor and verification: The assessment process must be conducted by a qualified and occupationally competent assessor. The process is also internally and externally verified to ensure quality and consistency.
• Knowledge and understanding: Competence is not just about physical performance but also requires an understanding of underlying principles. Assessors will question candidates to ensure they have the necessary knowledge of safety procedures, legislation, risks, and characteristics of explosives.
• Industry experience: Demonstrating relevant work experience, often a minimum of two years, is one of the most effective ways to show occupational competence