Chemical Operator

Chemicals are all around us. The paint on our houses, the weed killer used at the park, and the hairspray in the bathroom are just a few examples. But has anyone ever taken the time to consider how the product was manufactured and safely stuffed into a can, bottle, or other container?

Chemical Operators run the machines at the plant that combine ingredients and safely package chemicals for construction, industrial, or retail use. A Chemical Operator might specialize in one machine, product, or part of the process, or he or she might move from one station to the next, ensuring that the product is properly mixed and transferred.

Because you respect the dangerous nature of chemicals, safety is your chief concern as Chemical Operator. You are well versed in the safety procedures of the factory, which means you not only wear shoe coverings, masks, and other safety gear, but also know the steps required in case of a chemical spill. Additionally, you take safety precautions with machinery, watching for leaks, low pressure, irregular behavior, or other signs of a problem.

Your day-to-day tasks depend on the type of plant you work in, but they typically consist of monitoring the gauges on equipment. You evaluate the rate of flow, temperature, output, and many other factors. In a paint factory, for example, you might observe the ingredients as they are added, make adjustments to quantities, monitor the hoses that transport the paint, ensure a proper seal on the can, and forklift pallets of paint cans from one location to another.