Furnace Operator

Description

Furnace operators are involved in the process of steelmaking by operating and tending to different heating equipment and other machinery.

Common Duties/Routines

 A furnace operator performs a number of tasks. They interpret and analyze their work orders and tasks to understand what they have to do, what their work requires, what are the requirements and specifications, the schedules of production and the deadlines that they have to meet. They measure materials and objects for processing using different measuring instruments such as caliper, scales or tape to determine whether the amount meets the specified requirements and standards. They then load the material to the machine and set and adjust the machine controls as required. A very important duty of theirs is to control valves to regulate flow of air, water, temperature, heat, gas, and electric current to the furnace. They then monitor that everything is working correctly such as at the right temperature, pressure and other requirements. They then record and analyze results and make production logs.

Throughout the processes, they monitor the machines for any problem or malfunctions, and if they detect any, report and discuss it with the supervisors and think up ideas to resolve it. Also, if the equipment is jammed, they remove the stuck material using hands or tools. They also replace old, worn out or finished material such as removing old electrodes and putting replacing them with new ones. After it is complete, they clean and lubricate the equipment using many different kinds of tools.

Another duty of the furnace operator is to test samples of raw material and also the finished product to determine whether the product meets the specifications and meets the quality requirements. They also hoist product onto carts or manually carry them back and forth from the workplace.

For performing all these duties, it is necessary that a furnace operator has excellent knowledge of raw materials such as aluminum and lead, all the processes of production, all the machinery and how to operate them, are aware of the quality specifications and quality rules and regulations, try to minimize expenses and other costs to maximize profits and constantly think up ideas to distribute good in a better and more effective way. Also, they should know about the protective equipment required to be worn and should ensure all the workers are provided with it and wear it while operating the machines. Special attention to safety of the workers is to be given as this job comes with risks and there is always a chance of an accident happening at the workplace. Hence a furnace operator should be fully prepared and well equipped to handle any such issue. They also arrange teaching classes for the junior operators and train them on the job and provide them with skills and tips to run all the processes effectively.

A furnace operator usually has to work regular working hours, but may have to work overtime and on weekends when production deadlines have to be met which cannot be achieved within the normal hours.

Required/Trained Skills

• Sound knowledge of equipment, raw material and finished product.
• Good communication skills to communicate effectively with the superiors and coworkers.
• Good mathematical skills to estimate costs and expenses.
• Good IT skills and know how to use basic computer programs to record data.
• Stamina as a lot of physical work is required in this profession and a furnace operator mostly has to be on his feet all the time.
• Time management skills to meet production deadlines.

A high school diploma is sufficient if one wants to pursue this career. However, associate degrees are available and increase the chances of getting employed. Blueprint reading and good math skills are highly favored. Newly hired employees first start their career as ‘tenders’, who are the ones who load metal and other raw material on conveyors and into machines and then remove the finished product from them. With training and experience, they then start operating furnaces and other related machines and also assist and train other junior tenders that get hired by the company.

Salary/Compensation

A furnace operator can be expected to earn an average of $35,000 annually.