Block machine operator

Block machine operators control, maintain and operate concrete blocks casting machine which fills and vibrate molds to compact wet concrete into finished blocks.

A block machine operator typically does the following:

• Tends automatic machine that casts concrete blocks
• Starts and stops machine that automatically fills molds, vibrates molds to compact wet concrete, scrapes off excess concrete, and strips finished blocks from molds.
• Guides hoist to transfer pallets loaded with blocks to curing racks.
• May also assist in setting up machine.
• May also tend machine equipped with automatic off bearing mechanism.
• May also verify dimensions of formed blocks, using template.

The following job titles also refer to block machine operator:

block-making machine operator
concrete block production worker
concrete block machine operative
block machine operative
concrete block machine operator
block moulding machine operative
concrete block production operative
block moulding machine operator
concrete plant operative

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as block machine operator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Block machine operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to block machine operator.

brick and tile caster
concrete products machine operator
sectional belt mould assembler
V-belt coverer
V-belt finisher

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of block machine operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of block machine operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

chemical processing plant controller
air pollution analyst
mine surveying technician
automated assembly line operator
petroleum pump system operator

These skills are necessary for the role of block machine operator.

• Operate concrete casting machine: Operate the machine that casts concrete blocks, making sure the finished blocks are according to specifications.
• Select mould types: Select the appropriate type and size of mould based on the operation.
• Operate forklift: Operate a forklift, a vehicle with a pronged device in front for lifting and carrying heavy loads.
• Operate cubing machine: Operate the cubing machine making sure the correct patterns for sorting and stacking are followed.
• Maintain moulds: Clean and repair moulds, e.g. by smoothening out imperfections on the surface.
• Use moulding techniques: Use moulding techniques, such as rotational moulding, injection moulding, blow moulding, compression moulding, extrusion moulding and thermo-forming to shape liquid raw materials, such as plastic, ceramic, glass and metal.
• Inspect industrial equipment: Inspect equipment used during industrial activities such as manufacturing or construction equipment in order to ensure that the equipment complies with health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Write batch record documentation: Write reports on the manufactured batches history taking into account the raw data, tests performed and compliance to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of each batch of product.
• Operate concrete mixer truck: Work with concrete mixer trucks. Drive the truck and operate controls. Keep track of time. Take the necessary steps to evacuate the concrete upon arrival at the site, either alone using a full range chute, or with help when using a rear chute.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of block machine operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of block machine operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Use a computer: Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
• Inspect quality of products: Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
• Stack packaged items: Stack packaged items for transportation or storage. Anticipate the need for and utilise additional protective materials in stacking the products.
• Maintain work area cleanliness: Keep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.
• Inspect supplied concrete: Check the quantity and quality of delivered concrete. Make sure that the concrete will withstand any expected pressures.
• Stack empty pallets: Deposit empty pallets in the designed location.
• Perform machine maintenance: Perform regular maintenance, possibly including corrections and alterations, on a machine or machine tool to ensure it remains in a proper productive state.
• Set up machine controls: Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
• Tend hoist cement transfer equipment: Tend equipment such as pneumatic pumps or electrically powered conveyors which are used for transferring the hoist cement into storage containers.
• Clean mixer: Perform the cleaning of mixers in order to prepare them for mixing different types of compounds.
• Measure materials: Measure the raw materials prior to their loading in the mixer or in machines, ensuring they conform with the specifications.

8114 – Cement, stone and other mineral products machine operators

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References

1. ESCO
2. Block Making Machine Operator: A description for the block making machine operator job – Job Descriptions
3. Featured image: By Iniabasi Udosen – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0