O*NET Career Intelligence

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders

SOC 51-4051.00

Operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric induction, open-hearth, or oxygen furnaces, to melt and refine metal before casting or to produce specified types of steel.

Zone 2 Production

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Operation Monitoring

3.9

Operation and Control

3.8

Monitoring

3.6

Reading Comprehension

3.0

Active Listening

3.0

Speaking

3.0

Critical Thinking

3.0

Complex Problem Solving

3.0

Knowledge Areas 8

Production and Processing

4.0

Mechanical

3.7

Public Safety and Security

3.2

Administration and Management

3.2

Education and Training

3.0

Customer and Personal Service

2.8

Chemistry

2.8

Mathematics

2.7

Key Tasks

1Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.

2Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications.

3Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.

4Record production data, and maintain production logs.

5Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.

Also Known As

Arc / Argon Oxygen Decarborization Melter (ARC / AOD Melter) Automatic Furnace Operator Backbreaker Bessemer Converter Blower Bessemer Converter Operator Bessemer Regulator Blade Bender Furnace Tender Blast Furnace Blower Blast Furnace Keeper Blast Furnace Operator