817 Wood Processing and Papermaking Plant Operators

Pulp and papermaking plant operators monitor and operate equipment to process wood, pulp and other cellulose materials in the production of pulp and to produce coat and finish paper. Tasks include - (a) operating and monitoring screening and bleaching equipment, digesters, mixing tanks, washers and other pulp processing machinery and equipment to carry out one or more cellulose processing steps; (b) operating and monitoring papermaking and finishing process machinery and equipment to dry, calender, laminate, coat, slit, trim, wind or carry out other papermaking and finishing process steps; (c) controlling start-up and shut-down of machinery and equipment, and observing equipment and machinery panel indicators, gauges and other equipment to detect machinery and equipment malfunctions and ensure that process steps are carried out according to specifications; (d) communicating with process control operators to make process adjustments and to start up or shut down machinery and equipment as required; (e) analysing instrument readings and production test samples and making adjustments to the production process and equipment as required; (f) mounting, positioning and threading paper rolls using a hoist; (g) inspecting paper visually for wrinkles, holes, discoloration, streaks or other defects, and taking corrective action; (h) completing and maintaining production reports. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Calender operator (pulp and paper) - Pulp and paper grinder operator - Repulper operator - Sheeter operator (pulp and paper) Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Paper pulp refinery operator - 3139 - Pulping control operator - 3139 - Pulping technician - 3139.

Wood processing plant operators monitor, operate and control lumber mill equipment for sawing timber logs into rough lumber, cutting veneer, making plywood and particle board, and otherwise preparing wood for further use. Tasks include - (a) examining logs and rough lumber to determine size, condition, quality and other characteristics to decide best lumber cuts to carry out, or operating automated equipment to convey logs through laser scanners which determine the most productive and profitable cutting patterns; (b) operating and monitoring log in-feed and conveyor systems; (c) operating and monitoring head saws, resaws and multiblade saws to saw logs, cants, flitches, slabs or wings and remove rough edges from sawn timber into dressed lumber of various sizes, and to saw or split shingles and shakes; (d) operating and monitoring plywood core-laying machines and hot-plate plywood presses and machines which cut veneer; (e) cleaning and lubricating sawmill equipment. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Circular saw operator - Log cut-off operator - Plywood press-operator - Sawmill operator - Sawmill planer operator - Sawmill trimmer operator - Wood processing plant sawyer - Veneer lathe operator Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Timber treating tank operator - 7521 - Veneer dryer tender - 7521 - Wood working machine operator - 7523.