Rubber dipping machine operator

Rubber dipping machine operators dip forms into liquid latex to manufacture rubber products such as balloons, finger cots or prophylactics. They mix the latex and pour it into the machine. Rubber dipping machine operators take a sample of latex goods after final dip and weigh it. They add ammonia or more latex to machine if the product does not meet requirements.

The following job titles also refer to rubber dipping machine operator:

rubber process machine operator
rubber dipping machine operative
drop-machine operator
rubber processing machine operative
drop-machine operative
rubber processing machine operator

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as a rubber dipping 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.

Rubber dipping machine operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

kiln firer
coagulation operator
clay kiln burner
clay products dry kiln operator
lime kiln operator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of rubber dipping 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 rubber dipping machine operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

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

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of rubber dipping machine operator.

• Personal protective equipment: Types of protective materials and equipment foreseen for various types of tasks such as general or specialised cleaning activities.
• Dipping tank types: The various types of tanks used for coating and dipping processes, such as hydro dipping tank, paint dip tank, and others.
• Dip tank parts: The set-up and different parts of a dip-coating machine, or dip tank, such as the tank made from noncombustible material, drain board, steel supports, rack and pinion, cylinder lifting, and lifting yoke.

These skills are necessary for the role of rubber dipping machine operator.

• Optimise production processes parameters: Optimise and maintain the parameters of the production process such as flow, temperature or pressure.
• Process latex mixtures: Process latex mixtures using control panels in order to obtain rubber products such as foam rubber sheets, balloons or finger cots.
• Mix chemicals: Mix chemical substances safely according to recipe, using the proper dosages.
• Weigh materials: Weigh materials and products, record weight and other relevant data on tags or labels.
• Collect samples for analysis: Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
• Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
• Mix ingredients with latex: Mix the specified compounds together with latex by using the agitators.
• Fill the vat with specific ingredients: Fill the vat with the necessary ingredients for acid neutralisation starting with warm water and steam of air and finishing with soda ash.
• Operate latex transfer pump: Operate the pump which transfers latex into mixing tanks, making sure the density of the obtained latex is according to specification.
• Analyse latex samples: Analyse the already weighted samples of latex in order to check if the specified parameters, such as density, are according to the formula.
• Dump contents into vat: Dump the content into vat filled with water in order to avoid explosion when the heat accumulation is too high.
• Tip latex within industrial processes: Pour liquid latex from drums into cans and into machine holding tanks.
• Tend dip tank: Tend a manufacturing machine designed to coat workpiece surfaces by applying dip-coating machine processes, monitor and operate it according to regulations.

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

• Analytical chemistry: Instruments and methods used to separate, identify and quantify matter-the chemical components of natural and artificial materials and solutions.
• Electrical equipment regulations: The national and international regulations with regards to the use and manufacture of electrical equipment on the workfloor. These regulations provide rules and guidelines on topics such as general risk management, electrical equipment manufacture, electrical equipment testing, electrical equipment installation, warning labels, and certificates.
• Batch tank types: Variety of batch tanks such as vertical batch tanks, vertical batch tanks, cone bottom batch tanks, cone bottom batch tanks, and batch tank lids and their correct operation according to requirements. 
• 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 rubber dipping machine operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Measure chemical substance viscosity: Measure the viscosity of the mixed ingredients by using a viscosimeter.
• 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.
• Tend discharge conveyor: Operate and monitor the equipment used to move bulk material, such as blended granules, from one place to another.
• Test alkalinity: Test the alkalinity of the caustic soda, adding soda or water as required.
• Monitor environmental parameters: Check the impact of manufacturing machinery on the environment, analysing temperature levels, water quality and air pollution.
• Manipulate rubber: Manipulate the shape, properties and size of raw rubber material.
• 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.
• Clean equipment: Perform cleaning routines after equipment use.
• Adjust oven temperature: Adjust the oven temperature level and uniformity by correcting the fuel feed.
• 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.
• Perform loading and unloading operations: Load and unload materials from containers, manually or using appropriate tools. Load hoppers, containers, or conveyors to feed machines with products, using tools such as forklifts, transfer augers, suction gates, shovels, or pitchforks.
• Operate pneumatic conveyor chutes: Use air-conveyor chutes to transfer products or mixtures from containers to storage tanks.
• Measure materials: Measure the raw materials prior to their loading in the mixer or in machines, ensuring they conform with the specifications.

8141 – Rubber products machine operators

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References

1. Rubber dipping machine operator – ESCO