Painter Blaster I - ATEC : Job Details

A core of Vital Link, Inc.'s business is in the fabrication of structural steel for commercial, industrial, and military applications, and the fabrication of various acoustical products, assemblies, and special products for sound suppression applications. The Blaster in general shall be responsible for ensuring that all assemblies are properly cleaned and prepared for finish application.

Position requires strong experience and knowledge of air blasting, specifically the operation of this type of blast equipment. It requires the ability to understand and implement blast manufacturer's instructions, MSDS sheets, sequence work, properly move and setup heavy material by hand, with overhead cranes and with forklifts.

Particular Duties:

1. Ensure that parts and assemblies are cleaned and blasted in accordance with the shop drawings and cut sheets, including manufacturer's instructions and best industry practices. Perform rework of material finish on parts or assemblies as directed by the Quality Control Manager.

2. Ensure that all steps, inspections, and other instructions as shown on the work control sheets and manufacturer's instructions are followed and documented. Ensure that material and part identification is maintained during finish activities.

3. Notify VLI Supervision/Management in advance of supplies, blast media, and miscellaneous equipment needed to accomplish planned work tasks. Promptly report any design or detail errors or problems that are discovered to the Plant Manager, prepare for review/discussion at Production meetings.

4. Devise tables, supports, and fixtures required to support assemblies and components during finish work.

5. Coordinate work with other workers and Department Supervisors.

6. Ensure that appropriate safety practices, equipment, and gear are used.

7. Ensure that all problems with equipment and machinery are promptly reported to the Maintenance Department or Management. Halt production on equipment and machinery if they cannot be safely operated.

8. Ensure that the finish area, equipment, tools, and supplies are kept in a neat and orderly manner. Responsible for maintaining paint shed, including proper marking, storage, and preparation of containers for disposal by the Maintenance Department.

9. Responsible for coordinating loading activities with the Shipping and Receiving Department. Includes coordinating loading of parts for galvanizing, and return or final shipment of galvanized materials.

Secondary Functions: The Blaster may be asked to perform painting tasks under supervision. Will perform other duties for which employee is qualified and trained as required by management when blasting or painting duties are not required.

Training: The Blaster must be trained in the skills required to perform as described in this job description, including the proper use of safety equipment including respirators, the proper use of material handling equipment including the proper use of forklifts and overhead cranes, the proper storage and allocation of blast media, cleaning products using blast media, the proper application of all the different types of coating required by customer contracts, and the proper use of the spray painting equipment.

Education: A high school degree is preferred but not required.

Experience: A minimum of three years' experience is preferred but skill, knowledge, and discipline will be the deciding factors.

Licenses/Certification: None is required.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Must have good blasting technique and a good eye for the proper coverage and coating thickness being deposited.

Physical: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Body Positions: Standing, stooping, crouching, and bending for long periods of time.

Body Movements: The employee must have a full range of body movements including the use of hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, climbing, bending, reaching, stooping and crouching for long periods of time.

Body Senses: Must have command of all five senses: sight, hearing, and touch. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus on faint shades and shadows. Must hear and speak well enough to communicate all to coworkers, supervisors, and managers the responsibilities above.

Strength: Must be able to properly lift moderate and heavy steel parts, equipment, and supplies on a routine basis.

Working Conditions: This position will be working primarily outdoors in all types of weather. The Blaster is exposed to heavy amounts of potentially hazardous dust and fumes requiring the use of safety glasses or goggles, NACE approved masks and respirator safety equipment. This position requires the physical capability to perform finish work as well as moderate to heavy lifting, and ability to work while wearing a respirator and other protective equipment and clothing.

The noise level in the work environment is often quite high, which requires hearing protection.

Usually eight (8) to ten (10) hour workdays four (4) or (5) days per week with occasional Saturday and Sunday work, as well as additional early and/or late workdays to accommodate special business circumstances.