A machine operator is in charge of performing specific tasks or producing goods with a specific piece of machinery. A machine operator’s responsibilities may include cleaning and maintenance in addition to operating the machine for its intended purpose. An operator may also be required to order new parts, train others on how to operate a machine, and transport it between locations.
Manufacturing workers use a variety of machines to make clothes, plastic items, furniture, and a variety of other durable and non-durable goods. Individuals are usually assigned to a specific machine within a factory, and these workers spend the majority of their time crafting and building products. A machine operator’s responsibilities may include oiling and cleaning equipment before and after use. Sewing machine users may need to replace needles and thread throughout the day, while publishing workers may need to replenish paper or cardboard throughout the day. Some machines use mechanical keys, in which case a machine operator’s responsibilities may include locking equipment and depositing the key in a designated location at the end of each shift.
Some employees are also in charge of major repairs in addition to basic maintenance. This could entail ordering new parts, replacing joints, circuit boards, and other electronic or mechanical components, among other things. If a piece of machinery cannot be salvaged, a machine operator’s responsibilities may include arranging for it to be scrapped and placing an order for a new device.
Many areas have safety regulations in place, and company employees are required to follow them when operating certain types of heavy machinery. A machine operator’s responsibilities may also include instructing others on how to use equipment safely and how to respond in an emergency. Operators are frequently required to perform regular safety checks during which key components of a device are examined and put through various tests.
While many operators work from a single location, others must transport equipment between locations and operate machines in multiple locations. Cranes and winches are examples of heavy machinery that businesses and individuals can rent. The operator’s responsibilities may include operating equipment on behalf of a client or instructing a renter on how to use it. When a company rents out equipment, the operator may be in charge of collecting the lease payment and ensuring that the lessee signs the necessary liability waivers and insurance paperwork.