Wax bleacher

Wax bleachers operate and maintain filter presses and tanks, used in wax bleaching, for candle production processes.

A wax bleacher typically does the following:

• Tends vats and filter presses to bleach wax used in candlemaking: Measures and dumps specified chemicals and wax into vats and turns thermostat knob to prescribed temperature to liquefy wax.
• Packs granulated charcoal on sides of filter press and starts pump to circulate molten wax through press.
• Stops pump after specified time and drains sample for laboratory analysis.
• Turns valves or starts pumps to transfer wax from press to tanks.
• Records types and quantities of wax used.

The following job titles also refer to wax bleacher:

wax pumper
candle production process worker
candle production operative
bees-wax bleacher
candle production operator
candle wax bleacher
candlewax bleacher
beeswax bleacher
candle production process operative
wax bleacher (chemical)
candle production worker

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as wax bleacher.

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.

Wax bleacher is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to wax bleacher.

paint mixer
candle maker
V-belt coverer
V-belt finisher
slate mixer

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

heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technician
wastewater treatment technician
chemical processing plant controller
wastewater treatment operator
projectionist

These skills are necessary for the role of wax bleacher.

• Measure chemical substance viscosity: Measure the viscosity of the mixed ingredients by using a viscosimeter.
• Dump batches: Dump the batches into conveyors making sure the specifications such as the mixing time are followed.
• Pack charcoal: Pack the granulated charcoal on to the facets of the filter press.
• Transfer wax: Transfer the wax from the press into tanks by turning on the valves.
• Communicate with external laboratories: Communicate with the external analytical laboratories in order to manage the required external testing process.
• Melt wax: Safely heat wax to the correct temperature so it melts and becomes a pliable susbtance.
• Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
• Pump wax: Pump the molten wax through the filter press.
• Tend wax bleaching machinery: Tend machinery used in candlemaking such as vats and filter presses to bleach wax.
• Adjust liquefaction temperature: Adjust the thermostat to obtain the temperature that it is according to specifications required for wax liquefaction.
• Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
• Measure materials: Measure the raw materials prior to their loading in the mixer or in machines, ensuring they conform with the specifications.

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

• Candle making techniques: The characteristics and specifications of candle making techniques which comprise wax melting and candles containers.
• Beeswax: Beeswax composition which comprises esthers, pigment from pollen and propolis. Beeswax properties such as insolubility in water and natural oxidization.

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

• Shape candles: Cut and trim candles to specified sizes, using handtools such as knives or hand dies.
• Dye candles: Apply a dye to the candle wax to obtain the desired colour.
• 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.
• Drip candles: Drip wicks in heated wax repeatedly to create candles, either by hand or machine.
• 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