Varnish maker

Varnish makers operate equipment and mixers for varnish production, by melting, mixing and cooking the required chemical ingredients, according to specifications.

The following job titles also refer to varnish maker:

varnish production process operative
varnish blender
maker of varnish
varnish & paint maker
varnish and paint maker
varnish production worker
kettle charger
varnish production process worker
kettle operator
varnish melter
varnish cooker

A high school diploma is usually the minimum required to work as a varnish maker.

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.

Varnish maker is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to varnish maker.

lacquer maker
rubber products machine operator
concrete products machine operator
paint mixer
asphalt plant operator

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

automated assembly line operator
material testing technician
pulp control operator
machine operator supervisor
chemical engineering technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of varnish maker.

• 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 varnish maker.

• Measure chemical substance viscosity: Measure the viscosity of the mixed ingredients by using a viscosimeter.
• Adjust the varnish mixture: Adjust the mixed elements in order to create the proper varnish by adding oil when the gum becomes liquid.
• Adjust burner controls: Adjust the heat in the burner regulating the thermostat according to the prescribed temperature following each product specification.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Wear appropriate protective gear: Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
• Work safely with chemicals: Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
• Remove sediment from varnish: Remove the sediments by pumping the varnish through the filter press.
• 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.
• Operate varnish production equipment: Operate the equipment that melts, cooks and mixes ingredients used in varnish production. The ingredients that are to be mixed are usually gums, naphtha and oils.
• Transfer varnish: Place the varnish and thinner to the reducing tank using pumps.
• 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.
• Prepare chemical samples: Prepare the specific samples such as gas, liquid or solid samples in order for them to be ready for analysis, labeling and storing samples according to specifications.
• Weigh varnish ingredients: Weigh ingredients, such as gums, so that they are according to specifications in order to prepare the varnish mixture.

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

• Quality and cycle time optimisation: The most optimal rotation or cycle time and over-all quality of a tool or a machine’s processes.
• Synthetic resins: The types and characteristics of synthetic resins which are viscous liquids used for permanently hardening.

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

• 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.
• Perform laboratory tests: Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
• Optimise production processes parameters: Optimise and maintain the parameters of the production process such as flow, temperature or pressure.
• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Add colour: Add the required colour according to specifications for tinting batch.
• Record production data for quality control: Keep records of the machine’s faults, interventions and irregularities for quality control.
• Record test data: Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
• Manage delivery of raw materials: Receive raw materials from the suppliers. Check their quality and accuracy and move them into the warehouse. Make sure that raw materials are adequately stored until they are required by the production department.
• Perform product testing: Test processed workpieces or products for basic faults.
• Dispose of hazardous waste: Dispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Communicate with external laboratories: Communicate with the external analytical laboratories in order to manage the required external testing process.
• Report test findings: Report test results with a focus on findings and recommendations, differentiating results by levels of severity. Include relevant information from the test plan and outline the test methodologies, using metrics, tables, and visual methods to clarify where needed.
• 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.
• 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.
• Program a CNC controller: Set up the desired product design in the CNC controller of the CNC machine for product manufacturing.
• 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.
• Clean mixer: Perform the cleaning of mixers in order to prepare them for mixing different types of compounds.

8131 – Chemical products plant and machine operators

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References

1. ESCO