skillfactor-pipeline/skills/starch-extraction-operator/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — starch extraction operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-9012.00 (Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 8160; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

Task statements

• [Core] Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
• [Core] Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
• [Core] Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
• [Supplemental] Test samples to determine viscosity, acidity, specific gravity, or degree of concentration, using test equipment such as viscometers, pH meters, or hydrometers.
• [Supplemental] Measure or weigh materials to be refined, mixed, transferred, stored, or otherwise processed.
• [Core] Clean or sterilize tanks, screens, inflow pipes, production areas, or equipment, using hoses, brushes, scrapers, or chemical solutions.
• [Core] Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
• [Core] Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
• [Supplemental] Connect pipes between vats and processing equipment.
• [Core] Communicate processing instructions to other workers.
• [Core] Remove clogs, defects, or impurities from machines, tanks, conveyors, screens, or other processing equipment.
• [Supplemental] Install, maintain, or repair hoses, pumps, filters, or screens to maintain processing equipment, using hand tools.
• [Core] Turn valves to pump sterilizing solutions or rinse water through pipes or equipment or to spray vats with atomizers.
• [Supplemental] Remove full containers from discharge outlets and replace them with empty containers.
• [Core] Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
• [Core] Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
• [Core] Examine samples to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, or texture.
• [Core] Start agitators, shakers, conveyors, pumps, or centrifuge machines.
• [Core] Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, or shift production for entry in computer databases.
• [Supplemental] Assemble fittings, valves, bowls, plates, disks, impeller shafts, or other parts to prepare equipment for operation.

Detailed work activities

• Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
• Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
• Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
• Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
• Assess compliance with environmental laws.
• Clean production equipment.
• Clean work areas.
• Clear equipment jams.
• Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
• Connect supply lines to production equipment or tools.
• Exchange information with colleagues.
• Inspect production equipment.
• Install mechanical components in production equipment.
• Load materials into production equipment.
• Maintain production or processing equipment.
• Maintain safety.
• Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
• Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
• Operate mixing equipment.
• Operate pumping systems or equipment.
• Position containers to receive materials or workpieces.
• Record operational or production data.
• Repair production equipment or tools.
• Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.