Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders Go Back to List Operate or tend machines to wash or clean products, such as barrels or kegs, glass items, tin plate, food, pulp, coal, plastic, or rubber, to remove impurities.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Data base user interface and query software

Tasks
	Operate or tend machines to wash and remove impurities from items such as barrels or kegs, glass products, tin plate surfaces, dried fruit, pulp, animal stock, coal, manufactured articles, plastic, or rubber.
	Add specified amounts of chemicals to equipment at required times to maintain solution levels and concentrations.
	Drain, clean, and refill machines or tanks at designated intervals, using cleaning solutions or water.
	Measure, weigh, or mix cleaning solutions, using measuring tanks, calibrated rods or suction tubes.
	Draw samples for laboratory analysis, or test solutions for conformance to specifications, such as acidity or specific gravity.
	Observe machine operations, gauges, or thermometers, and adjust controls to maintain specified conditions.
	Set controls to regulate temperature and length of cycles, and start conveyors, pumps, agitators, and machines.
	Examine and inspect machines to detect malfunctions.
	Record gauge readings, materials used, processing times, or test results in production logs.
	Adjust, clean, and lubricate mechanical parts of machines, using hand tools and grease guns.

Skills
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Knowledge
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $42,936.00 $20.64  $15.56  $15.85 - $23.75  Bridgeport/Stamford $45,385.00 $21.82  $15.60  $16.34 - $25.41  Hartford $43,811.00 $21.06  $16.58  $18.95 - $23.26  Waterbury $42,560.00 $20.46  $16.82  $18.20 - $23.19

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   14   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as average, but the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.