Explosives: the two metre lifeline

In this 1974 film, the use of comedy and narrative drama are employed to demonstrate the correct handling of explosives and detonators. Produced by the South Australian Film Corporation for the South Australian Mines Department, the film shows three people who handle explosives in the course of an ordinary day: a farmer removing tree stumps from his paddock, an opal miner in Coober Pedy and a ‘powder monkey’ on a road construction crew.

Introduced by a stereotypical ‘Aussie bloke’ drinking a beer at the pub, the film follows the three protagonists through their separate stories, as the narrator points out the mistakes and correct methods in their techniques. Demonstrating a casual, light-hearted approach to safety instruction, this film is a humorous presentation filled with expletives and colloquial terms, aimed to speak to workers on their level.

The colour is faded throughout the film.

Please note: As this is an archival work, the content does not reflect current practice or standards. Professional advice for up-to-date safety practices should be sought from the appropriate contemporary authority.