Debarker operator

Debarker operators operate debarking machines to strip harvested trees of their bark. The tree is fed into the machine, after which the bark is stripped using abrasion or cutting.

The following job titles also refer to debarker operator:

debarking machinist
debarking machine technician
log peeler operator
debarking machine operator
log peeler specialist
log peeling machine specialist
debarker specialist
debarking technician
debarker technician
debarking machine specialist
debarking operator
log peeling machinist
log peeler technician
log peeling machine operator
log peeler
debarker
log peeling machine technician
debarking specialist

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a debarker 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.

Debarker operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

chipper operator
veneer slicer operator
nailing machine operator
engineered wood board machine operator
wood pallet maker

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

pulp control operator
wood production supervisor
timber trader
wood assembly supervisor
machine operator supervisor

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of debarker operator.

• Woodworking processes: Steps in the processing of wood for the manufacturing of wooden articles and types of machines used for these processes such as drying, shaping, assembling and surface finishing.
• Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
• Wood cuts: Different ways of cutting wood, across the grain or parallel with it, and radial or tangential to the core. The behaviour of cuts of wood under different circumstances and the optimal cut for a given purpose. Influence of special attributes of the wood, like knots or defects.

These skills are necessary for the role of debarker operator.

• Observe logs: Inspect and observe logs passing on conveyor to detect completeness of the debarking process.
• Monitor gauge: Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Work safely with machines: Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.
• Wear appropriate protective gear: Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
• Operate debarking machine: Set up and monitor the machine that strips remaining bark from timber or logs before they can be further processed, for example chipped for pulp production.
• Manage logs transfer: Select logs from storage and coordinate their transportation. Keep up with schedules and production requirements.
• Move logs: Move debarked logs from the conveyor belt to pushcarts into further inspection areas.
• Adjust properties of cut: Adjust cut sizes and depths of cutting tools. Adjust heights of worktables and machine-arms.
• Supply machine: Ensure the machine is fed the necessary and adequate materials and control the placement or automatic feed and retrieval of work pieces in the machines or machine tools on the production line.
• Set up the controller of a machine: Set up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.

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

• Sawing techniques: Various sawing techniques for using manual as well as electric saws.
• Timber products: Key features, advantages and limitations of the different timbers and timber based products sold at a company and where to access this information.
• Cutting technologies: The variety of cutting technologies, such as software or mechanics, guiding cutting processes through lasering, sawing, milling etc.
• Types of sawing blades: Types of cutting blades used in the sawing process, such as band saw blades, crosscut blades, plytooth blades and others, made from tool steel, carbide, diamond or other materials.
• Types of wood: Types of wood, such as birch, pine, poplar, mahogany, maple and tulipwood.

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

• Record production data for quality control: Keep records of the machine’s faults, interventions and irregularities for quality control.
• Process timber using hand-fed machinery: Use hand-fed machinery for timber processing. Saw with a mobile saw bench, mechanically process firewood, split stakes, and use pointing machines, peelers and wood chippers.
• Inspect timber: Inspect timber sale sites and reforestation activities for compliance with permits and regulations.
• Monitor heavy machinery: Monitor the performance of heavy-duty equipment. Record troubleshooting, ensure that all operations comply with safety and health requirements.
• Dispose of cutting waste material: Dispose of possibly hazardous waste material created in the cutting process, such as swarf, scrap and slugs, sort according to regulations, and clean up workplace.
• De-limb trees: De-limb trees ensuring that the quality is within specified limits.
• Meet contract specifications: Meet contract specifications, schedules and manufacturers’ information. Check that the work can be carried out in the estimated and allocated time.
• Assess felled timber volume: Measure the amount of timber felled using appropriate equipment. Take care of the equipment. Record the measured data.
• Identify hazards in the workplace: Perform safety audits and inspections on workplaces and workplace equipment. Ensure that they meet safety regulations and identify hazards and risks.
• Conduct routine machinery checks: Check machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.
• Inspect trees: Carry out tree inspections and surveys.
• 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.
• Sharpen edged tools: Identify dull edges to sharp tools, or any defect in the edge. Use appropriate equipment to safely and effectively sharpen the tool. Maintain and protect sharpened tools. Report irreparable faults to the appropriate person.
• Clean equipment: Perform cleaning routines after equipment use.
• Handle timber-based products: Identify the main types of timber based products to be received at your company. Stack and store timber based products safely and in compliance with company procedures.
• Prepare production reports: Prepare a comprehensive and unbiased report on wood technology production and progressive development of wood based materials.
• Check quality of raw materials: Check the quality of basic materials used for the production of semi-finished and finished goods by assessing some of its characteristics and, if needed, select samples to be analysed.
• Manage timber stocks: Inspect the stock to find out how much is left. Identify any damaged, faulty, or out of date items and move them to the appropriate location. Follow stock rotation methods to ensure stock is used effectively. Handle goods using safe and approved handling methods.
• Handle timber: Identify the main types of timber to be received at your company. Stack and store timber safely and in compliance with company procedures.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Inspect machinery: Check machine equipment for proper performance and detect faults and malfunctions. Diagnose malfunctions using testing equipment to determine the required repair.
• Operate wood sawing equipment: Operate various machinery and equipment to cut wood in different sizes and shapes.
• Assess felled timber quality: Evaluate the quality of the felled timber.

8172 – Wood processing plant operators

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References

1. Debarker operator – ESCO
2. Featured image: By Selectsawmill – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0