812 Metal Processing and Finishing Plant Operators

Metal processing plant operators monitor, operate, adjust and maintain single-function process machinery and equipment to process and convert mineral ores and refine, harden, roll and extrude metals. Tasks include - (a) setting up, preparing and adjusting mineral ore and metal processing machinery to carry out one step in the overall mineral ore or metal processing operation; (b) operating single-function machinery to grind, separate, filter, mix, treat, cast, roll, refine or otherwise process metals and mineral ores; (c) observing gauges, meters, computer printouts, video monitors and products to ensure the correct operation of machines and verify specified processing conditions; (d) adjusting equipment, valves, pumps, controls and process equipment; (e) controlling the preparation, measuring and feeding of raw materials and processing agents into the plant; (f) controlling process start-up and shut-down, troubleshooting and monitoring outside process equipment; (g) verifying equipment for malfunctions, carrying out routine operating tests and arranging for maintenance; (h) analysing sample products, performing tests, recording data and writing production logs. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Ladle pourer - Metal extrusion plant operator - Metal heat treating operator - Steel roller Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Blast furnace operator - 3135 - Central control caster - 3135 - Rolling mill control operator - 3135 - Metal coating machine operator - 8122.

Metal finishing, plating and coating machine operators monitor and operate equipment which finishes, plates and coats metal articles or parts in order to give them improved resistance to corrosion and abrasion, for decorative purposes, or to impart electrical or magnetic properties. Tasks include - (a) operating and monitoring equipment which cleans metal articles in preparation for electroplating, galvanizing, enamelling or similar processes; (b) operating and monitoring electroplating equipment; (c) operating and monitoring hot-dip equipment used to coat iron and steel products; (d) operating and monitoring machines which automatically coat wire with non-ferrous metal; (e) operating and monitoring equipment used to spray molten metal or other substances onto metal products to provide a protective or decorative coating or to build up worn or damaged surfaces; (f) operating and monitoring equipment used to impart a rust-resistant finish to metal articles by treating them with chemicals and heating them; (g) checking proper thickness of plating using micrometers, callipers or other devices, recording data and writing production logs; (h) preparing and mixing metallizing solutions according to formulas or specifications. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Metal coating machine operator - Metal finishing machine operator - Metal plating machine operator - Metal polishing machine operator Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Metal production process controller - 3135 - Vehicle painter - 7132.