# Tasks & work activities — paper bag machine operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-9196.00 (Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 8143; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders, and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems.
- **[Core]** Start machines and move controls to regulate tension on pressure rolls, to synchronize speed of machine components, and to adjust temperatures of glue or paraffin.
- **[Supplemental]** Adjust guide assemblies, forming bars, and folding mechanisms according to specifications, using hand tools.
- **[Supplemental]** Install attachments to machines for gluing, folding, printing, or cutting.
- **[Supplemental]** Measure, space, and set saw blades, cutters, and perforators, according to product specifications.
- **[Core]** Observe operation of various machines to detect and correct machine malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or pasteboard tension.
- **[Supplemental]** Stamp products with information such as dates, using hand stamps or automatic stamping devices.
- **[Supplemental]** Place rolls of paper or cardboard on machine feed tracks, and thread paper through gluing, coating, and slitting rollers.
- **[Supplemental]** Fill glue and paraffin reservoirs, and position rollers to dispense glue onto paperboard.
- **[Supplemental]** Cut products to specified dimensions, using hand or power cutters.
- **[Supplemental]** Monitor finished cartons as they drop from forming machines into rotating hoppers and into gravity feed chutes to prevent jamming.
- **[Core]** Disassemble machines to maintain, repair, or replace broken or worn parts, using hand or power tools.
- **[Supplemental]** Remove finished cores, and stack or place them on conveyors for transfer to other work areas.
- **[Supplemental]** Lift tote boxes of finished cartons, and dump cartons into feed hoppers.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
- Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
- Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
- Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
- Inspect finished products to locate flaws.
- Load materials into production equipment.
- Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
- Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
- Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
- Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
- Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.
- Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.