Nitrator operator

Nitrator operators monitor and control equipment that processes chemical substances to produce explosives. They are responsible for the product storage in tanks.

The following job titles also refer to nitrator operator:

biazzi nitrator operator
binitrotoluene operator
nitroglycerin-nitrator operator
biazzi-nitrator operator
explosives monitoring and storage attendant
mononitrotoluene operator
explosives monitoring and storage worker
nitroglycerin nitrator operator
tetryl nitrator operator
tetryl-nitrator operator

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

Nitrator operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

nitroglycerin neutraliser
nitroglycerin separator operator
tracer powder blender
chemical mixer
dry house attendant

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

chemical processing plant controller
gas processing plant control room operator
air separation plant operator
mine safety officer
oil refinery control room operator

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

• Explosives: Behaviour of explosives, pyrotechnics and blasting techniques. Associated risks and legal requirements.

These skills are necessary for the role of nitrator operator.

• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation: Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.
• Optimise production processes parameters: Optimise and maintain the parameters of the production process such as flow, temperature or pressure.
• Ensure compliance with safety legislation: Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.
• Transfer chemicals: Transfer the chemical mixture from the mixing tank to the storage tank by turning on the valves.
• 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 explosives production equipment: Operate equipment used for mixing of chemical ingredients having as their end product explosives such as TNT, tetryl or nitroglycerin.
• Feed the nitrator: Feed the nitrator with mixed acids or toluene compounds making sure the types and quantities are as according to specifications.
• Tend agitation machine: Tend agitation machine ensuring that there is a uniform agitation of the batch.
• Regulate chemical reaction: Regulate the reaction by adjusting the steam and coolant valves so that the reaction is within the specified limits for explosion prevention.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of nitrator 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.
• Hazardous waste storage: The regulations and procedures surrounding the safekeeping of materials and substances which pose health and safety risks.
• 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 nitrator operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Manage chemical processes inspection: Manage the chemical in-process inspection, making sure the inspection results are documented, the inspection procedures are well written and the checklists are updated.
• Examine engineering principles: Analyse the principles that need to be considered for engineering designs and projects such as functionality, replicability, costs and other principles.
• Assist scientific research: Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.
• Test production input materials: Test the supplied materials prior to their release into processing, ensuring the results are complying with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and to the suppliers` COA (Certificate of Analysis).

8131 – Chemical products plant and machine operators

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References

1. Nitrator operator – ESCO