Furnace Operator

SUMMARY


Operate "Reverbatory" furnace according to standard operating procedures to maintain quality, optimum production and safety.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in training helper.
• Charge and/or puddle material as prescribed by approved metallurgical practice (including mixing, circulating, fluxing, skimming, taking temperatures, and raking non-metallic's. Coordinate with supervisory personnel to insure proper alloying of heat.
• Follow established procedures when charging wet or doubtful material. Makes sure tools to be used in charging, cleaning, skimming, or puddling will not present a danger when introduced into furnace.
• Accomplish furnace charging/cleaning tasks according to prescribed procedures to avoid smoke emission.
• Makes sure safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers are available, and that prescribed personal protective equipment is available and worn.
• Makes sure dross boxes are available, in serviceable condition at correct temperatures prior to skimming furnace.
• Melts charge so as to obtain minimum melt loss and optimum furnace efficiency.
• Checks burners, "recuperators", molten metal pumps, chlorine and nitrogen flow.
• Ensure furnace operates at prescribed temperatures, throughout heat, by checking and setting burner controls.
• Pours samples for quality inspection at prescribed intervals according to approved metallurgical practice.
• Maintains adequate supply of tools, flux and other necessary materials in the furnace area.
• Hauls materials to furnace using automotive equipment when necessary.
• Keeps areas, building, furnace, tools, and equipment clean and in efficient operating condition.
• Maintains quality, by charging prescribed and appropriate material.
• Maintains records as required and informs supervisory personnel, in written report, what material was charged during shift.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Management

QUALIFICATIONS

-Six months of experience in manufacturing preferred.

-Six months of experience of forklift or skid loader.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurements, volume, and distance.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Diversified and involves some choice of action within limits defined by standards/instructions. Under supervision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing normal duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands frequently. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception to read instruments, operate material handling equipment and identify plant color code system. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities in accordance to legal requirements.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat, and certain chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions and vibration. The noise level in this work environment requires hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities in accordance to legal requirements.