Drawing kiln operator

Drawing kiln operators are responsible for continuous sheet flat glass production by manipulating the drawing kiln that processes molten glass.

The following job titles also refer to drawing kiln operator:

drawing machine worker
drawing machine operative
drawing kiln worker
glass production operative
glassmaker
flat glass kiln operator
drawing kiln operative
glass kiln operator
glass operative

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a drawing kiln 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.

Drawing kiln operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

glass annealer
lime kiln operator
glass forming machine operator
kiln firer
metal annealer

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

automated assembly line operator
plastic and rubber products manufacturing supervisor
pulp control operator
air separation plant operator
gas processing plant supervisor

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

• 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.

These skills are necessary for the role of drawing kiln operator.

• Tend drawing kiln: Tend the drawing kiln in order to draw glass sheets of flat glass according to specified thickness.
• Optimise production processes parameters: Optimise and maintain the parameters of the production process such as flow, temperature or pressure.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Regulate gas-firing: Regulate the gas-firing on the glass sheets edges in order to avoid the slippage of the sheets from the guide wheels.
• Monitor automated machines: Continuously check up on the automated machine’s set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.
• Light auxiliary gas jets: Light gas jets in the kiln in order to heat the sheets of glass below breakage.
• Maintain glass thickness: Maintain the specified thickness of glass by adjusting the speed of rolls on the kiln.
• 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.
• Observe glass under heat: Observe the characteristics of the glass already set into the kiln so that cracking, warping or blistering is avoided.
• Consult technical resources: Read and interpret such technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.
• Adjust glass sheets: Adjust glass sheets` thickness, according to the gauge readings, using asbestos pads on the sides of the kilns` cooling jacket.
• Write batch record documentation: Write reports on the manufactured batches history taking into account the raw data, tests performed and compliance to GMP of each batch of product.
• Handle broken glass sheets: Handle the damaged glass sheets so that they do not collapse into the kiln by closing the roll of the drawing kiln.
• 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 drawing kiln operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

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

• Read gas meter: Read gas measuring meter, recording the relevant information such as the amounts of gas dispensed and received.
• Record production data for quality control: Keep records of the machine’s faults, interventions and irregularities for quality control.
• Inspect glass sheet: Inspect the drawn sheets of glass in order to detect any flows such as blisters or stones, signalling the defective glass sheets.
• Remove defective products: Remove defective materials from the production line.
• Smooth glass edges: Use automated abrasive belts to smooth or shape glass edges.
• Perform kiln maintenance: Perform small maintenance tasks on drawing kiln such as replacing the cooling pads of the jacket and plugging in the kiln with mortar.
• Maintain equipment: Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
• Handle gas cylinders: Grip gas cylinders in a safe manner and ensure they are compliant with safety and health regulations.
• Cut glass: Use glass cutting tools or diamond blades to cut pieces out of glass plates, including mirrors.
• Manipulate glass: Manipulate the properties, shape and size of glass.
• Manage waste: Manage or dispose of significant amounts of waste materials or hazardous materials. Ensure required licenses and permits are in place and reasonable management practices, industry standards, or commonly accepted farming practices followed.
• Form moulding mixture: Form the moulding mixture adding specified amounts of materials, such as sand, clay, silica mud or plastic pellets, according to a fixed recipe, set up the controller of the melting tanks and monitor the melting process.
• Report defective manufacturing materials: Maintain required company records and forms in order to report any defective materials or questionable conditions of manufacturing machinery and equipment.
• 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 kiln ventilation: Managing a product specific and energy efficient kiln ventilation.

8181 – Glass and ceramics plant operators

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References

1. Drawing kiln operator – ESCO