Chemical Plant Process Operative

Also known as:

Chemical Plant Process Worker

Introduction

Chemical plant process operatives use and monitor the equipment and machinery used to make chemical products. They are involved in making a wide range of products, including dyes and paints, drugs and medicines, plastics, artificial fibres, pesticides and fertilisers.

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Work Activities

Chemical plant process operatives are responsible for the systems that control chemical plants.

Once the process has begun, they check the meters, clocks and gauges that provide information on how the process is working.

They take readings from these instruments and make any changes, to ensure that the correct quantity of product is made, at the correct quality and that no unsafe conditions occur.

They clean and prepare equipment, and may measure out and prepare chemicals before adding them to reaction vessels.

Chemical plant process operatives often carry out simple or routine maintenance tasks on machines. They look for faults, repair or replace equipment, and adjust pumps and controls.

In highly automated plants, experienced process operatives may work in a control centre. From here, they can monitor and control the whole process from computerised systems called DCS (Distributed Control Suite).

They may also take and analyse samples to check the quality of a product. They perform tests, record their results (usually on computers) and make a note of any problems.

Chemical plant process operatives might also package products, moving them by hand or using a fork-lift truck, making them ready for final transportation.

The processes are highly technical and sometimes hazardous. Health and safety is a priority, and chemical plant process operatives work to tight regulations (laws) and may also take part in safety inspections and reviews. Protective clothing, helmets and boots are normally worn.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a chemical plant process operative you must have good problem solving skills, because you will often deal with technical faults. You also need a knowledge of computers. The ability to work on your own and as part of a team is essential. You will also need patience and the ability to pay close attention to detail. You must be able to concentrate for long periods doing routine work.

You need good eyesight and colour vision for reading meters, dials and charts.

You need a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to react quickly and stay calm under pressure.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Chemical plant process operators earn in the range of £17,000 - £19,500 a year, rising to around £23,000 - £27,500 a year.

Operatives usually work a basic 39-hour week. They usually work shifts on a rota basis. Most chemical plants operate 365 days a year on a 24 hour basis.

Employers are various companies that make chemical products. These range from very large multinational companies to small companies employing as few as 50 workers.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 14% of people in occupations such as chemical plant process operations work part-time.
• 24% have flexible hours.
• 11% work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy or waste management.