Kiln firer

Kiln firers operate kilns in order to fire decorations or glazes. They determine the level and uniformity of oven temperature, regulate the temperature, and give directions to a helper in preparing firebox and lighting fires.

The following job titles also refer to kiln firer:

round kiln firer
decorating-kiln firer
glost kiln operator
kiln man
decorating-kiln operator
bisque kiln firer
kiln hand
glost kiln firer
kiln woman
kiln filler
tunnel kiln firer
bisque kiln operator
kiln fireman

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

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.

Kiln firer is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

clay kiln burner
clay products dry kiln operator
lime kiln operator
soap tower operator
glass annealer

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

plastic and rubber products manufacturing supervisor
air separation plant operator
chemical processing plant controller
gas station operator
automated assembly line operator

These skills are necessary for the role of kiln firer.

• Optimise production processes parameters: Optimise and maintain the parameters of the production process such as flow, temperature or pressure.
• 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.
• Prepare kiln firebox: Prepare the firebox and give indications to other workers on lighting fires.
• Observe products’ behaviour: Observe the color of fires and pyrometric cones under certain processing conditions such as high temperature.
• Control kiln firing: Control and monitor the kiln so that it fires ware (greenware or decorations) according to specified thickness and hardness.
• Adjust oven temperature: Adjust the oven temperature level and uniformity by correcting the fuel feed.
• Store products: Store products to ensure the quality and in accordance with standards and regulations. Ensure the stock facilities are kept according to hygiene standards, regulating temperature, heating and air conditioning of storage facilities.

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

• Health, safety and hygiene legislation: The set of health, safety and hygiene standards and items of legislation applicable in a specific sector.
• Kiln types: Kiln characteristics, operation and types such as periodic kilns, updraft kilns, downdraft kilns, sprung arch kilns, or catenary arch kilns.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Validate raw materials using adequate equipment: Perform equipment validations and calibrations, along with methods and procedures for receiving incoming raw materials from suppliers.
• 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.
• Manage kiln ventilation: Managing a product specific and energy efficient kiln ventilation.

8181 – Glass and ceramics plant operators

References

1. Kiln firer – ESCO