New Block Operator

The New Block Operator’s primary job is to operate the New Block machine in order to draw down the diameter and thickness of long rolls of copper tube.

The New Block machine consists of two main parts: The pointer machine and the block.

The operator is required to operate the machine through 100 draws/cycles in an eight hour shift.

• Reach at or above shoulder level to operate control panels of Block/Spinner Block Machine (500-600 times per 8 hour shift)
• Constantly monitor control panels of machine
• Insert tube tail into pointer machine-Requires up to 45 pounds of force at or above shoulder level
• Document die size changes and production using pen/pencil
• Change dies in machine that weigh up to 5 pounds (18-20 times per shift)
• Clean lube off dies with solvent
• Reach at or above shoulder level while holding dies that weigh up to 5 pounds (18-20 times per day)
• Use 2 pound hammer and chisel to make sure tail of tube is round (up to 100 times per shift)
• Use vice and hand cutter to cut samples of tubes (3-4 times per shift)
• Remove damaged tube from carousel (with assistance) that weigh in excess of 100 pounds (3-4 times per shift)
• Exposure to hot copper tubes at 170-178 degrees Fahrenheit
• Constantly Standing/Walking on slippery surface
• Lift 5 gallon bucket with lube that weighs 25-30 pounds and carry up to 200 feet from bulk container to machine (1 time per shift)
• Step on to and off of machine platform
• Lean over and reach into machine when tube handler is not working and push tube tail into block
• Remove scrap pieces of copper tube from inside machine and in carousel area approximately 1 time per shift-Requires bending, stooping, climbing and crawling
• Use foot controls to operate straightener (100 times per shift)
• Cut and remove jammed pieces of tube from machine-Requires squatting/kneeling/stooping to get into machine
• Remove cut pieces of tube (points) from hopper and take to scrap hopper (15-20 trips while carrying for 45 feet)