EPC-UK support best practice with new seminar schedule
Company to deliver latest updates and education for drilling, blasting, and explosives sectors
DURING May and June 2025, drilling and blasting specialists EPC-UK will once again be delivering the latest updates and education on best practice for the drilling, blasting and explosives sectors through a series of seminars, free of charge to all in the industry and taking place in locations across the country.
Understanding that ‘best practice leads to better outcomes’, EPC-UK’s expert team will share their knowledge and experience through a series of tailored sessions, accredited and recognized by the Institute of Quarrying (IQ). The sessions equate to six continuing professional development (CPD) hours for attendees and provide invaluable practical knowledge to support operators or commercial partners in making the industry safer and increasingly sustainable.
The agenda for 2025 includes:
Safety Pause – Questions to ask when receiving a blast specification for review
Blasting for Civil Engineering Projects
An introduction to Underground Blasting
HSE ‘Hot Topics’
IQ Presentation
Misfires – Essential knowledge for quarry operators
Measuring Blast Performance for Optimization.
Nationwide seminar dates are set for:
Wednesday 7 May – Scotland (Westerwood Hotel)
Thursday 22 May – Cumbria (Low Wood Bay Hotel)
Thursday 5 June – Nottingham (Delta Hotel)
Thursday 12 June – Newport (Celtic Manor Hotel)
Thursday 26 June – Cornwall (Bedruthan Hotel).
Further detailing the informative and interactive presentations and topics planned for delivery, EPC-UK’s general manager of blasting and explosives, Ben Coppock, said: ‘The team is looking forward to delivering this year’s sessions, where we’ll be covering current health and safety agenda points and highlighting advancements in technologies to drive optimization.
‘Measuring blast performance for optimization will be a particular focus point this year, as we show how the latest technological developments have the power to change the performance of a blast to meet specific goals. As we achieve the best results in partnership, we’ll be emphasizing the importance of customer feedback at the seminars and making sessions more interactive as we cover ‘what a good blast is’, ‘blast measurement’, and ‘measuring blast performance’, in addition to other key technical topics.’
Key to the delivery team for 2025 will be Dr Geoff Adderley, who returns to the presentation platform having been newly appointed as EPC-UK’s head of engineering: ‘I’m delighted to once again be inviting all customers and industry participants back to the seminar room in 2025,’ said Mr Adderley. ‘It continues to be part of EPC-UK’s dedicated remit to enhance sector competence for everyone involved, help to refresh skill knowledge, and report on the latest developments and ideas that are fast progressing our industry.’
‘We’ll be welcoming the support we receive from our industry at the seminars,’ continued Ben Coppock. ‘The HSE will be talking at each event, and IQ will cover competencies in the quarrying sector with a drilling and blasting focus.
‘As investment in UK infrastructure looks to increase, we’ll also talk about innovative blasting methods and techniques away from the quarry environment that are relevant to civil engineering and underground blasting projects,’ he added. ‘These are areas we’re committed to developing through EPC-UK’s underground blasting course, which has been designed to improve specific blasting skillsets for unusual situations and locations.
‘With some of the latest hardware we’re using as part of our ROG+ service also on display, together with networking opportunities for delegates, the sessions have plenty to offer this year, and we look forward to catching up with partners and customers in May and June.’
For more information or to reserve a space, email: seminars@epc-groupe.co.uk
