On a manufacturing floor,
technical problems
can result in complete havoc.
Molders, shapers and casters
need to be composed and consistent
to carry out detailed production processes,
they may craft food products, candles,
tiles, figurines, and pipes
from a variety of materials,
such as clay, glass, concrete, and stone.
Stone cutters and carvers
follow diagrams to cut stone
with hand and pneumatic tools.
They also use sandblasting
and polishing equipment to finish the stone.
Glass workers shape molten glass
according to patterns.
They heat glass at very high temperatures
until it becomes pliable,
then mold or blow it
to form products.
Minor injuries, such as burns and cuts,
occur frequently.
Potters make ceramic and stoneware products
using production machines
or a potter's wheel that spins the clay
as the potter shapes it with their hands.
Potters mix and apply glazes,
and operate the kilns
to harden the pottery.
Molding and casting workers
mix materials, construct and fill molds,
and cast products
from metal, clay, or plaster.
They use heating equipment
to bake material,
then finish products by boring holes,
trimming excess material,
or stamping with identification symbols.
Conditions that are sometimes hazardous
require most of these workers
to wear protective clothing
and equipment every day.
They stand and make repetitive motions
much of the day,
and may work around loud noise.
Most positions require
a high school diploma,
although potters typically require
technical training or on-the-job experience.