Concrete products machine operators set up and work on machinery used in the production of concrete products such has pipe, blocks and paving stones. They operate machines that cast a concrete mixture into a variety of shapes, and sizes, from small diameter sewer pipes to very large culverts and bridge sections.
The machine operator must set up the machine to the specifications of the job. If you work on a mixing machine, you must ensure the right mixture of cement and water comes together to make the concrete correctly. In older factories, you may physically measure the mixture and operate the mixer. In a newer plant, the mixture is automatically measured by computer and then is moved from the mixer by a conveyor system and poured into moulds.
The mould is generally positioned below the surface of the plant floor. Your responsibilities include controlling the flow of concrete that is poured into the mould. Once the concrete is poured, you start the machine vibrating to settle the concrete down into the mould. After the concrete has settled, you operate a hoist that lifts the mould up and deposits it on the plant floor. The mould is then removed by hoist and the concrete product is ready for curing.
In a concrete products plant, you may work at just one machine or you could be required to do a variety of jobs. Part of your job, for example, could be to operate a machine that produces steel mesh from rolls of steel cable. The steel mesh is placed into the mould prior to pouring and reinforces the concrete product.
You do not have to be physically strong to work as a concrete products machine operator. The mould is moved by a hoist. The lifting of heavy concrete pipes or blocks is done by electric hoists and fork lift trucks. However, you do need a fair amount of stamina to stand at you machine for long hours. Some jobs require a certain amount of agility. You climb up and down from operating platforms and you may e required to climb into the forms to insert reinforcing materials. You may also have to climb onto large concrete products for any surface finishing.
A concrete products plant is very noisy. The vibrators that settle the concrete are extremely loud and you must wear ear protectors when operating these machines.
Like any industrial sight, a concrete products plant can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. Safety is a must. The floor may often be wet and slippery and heavy products are continuously being moved about by crane and fork lift. You must also keep an eye on your machine in order to do the job safely and to ensure that the product is made to the required specifications.
Most of the training in this industry is done in-house, by the employer. Depending on the company, the pay is above minimum wage and employee benefits are good.
You must be conscientious and reliable to do this job well. Generally, you operate your machine with a minimum of supervision. You must be able to understand verbal and written instructions in order to follow job specifications accurately.
A certain amount of mechanical aptitude is an asset to you when doing this kind of work. Since some of the job is noisy and repetitive, it is important that you stay alert and keep your mind on the job.
What You Need
* some secondary school education may be required
6299 Airport Road
Suit 508
Mississauga, Ontario L4V 1N3
Tel. (905) 677-1010