Role Profile
Panel Operator
Typical job description:
Responsible for the monitoring and controlling of plant and equipment within their sphere of influence. Takes instruction from the control room operator.
Key Processes:
The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation.
However, it will almost certainly involve:
- Operates process plant as efficiently and safely as possible, to maintain quality of products required in area of responsibility
- Monitors and checks levels, pressures, temperatures and flows to maintain control of the units
- Ensures production targets for units are met
- Ensures operational and maintenance requirements are carried out with the co-operation of the outside operator
- Start up and shutdown units in a safe manner and in accordance with procedures
- Responds to abnormal conditions and plant upsets
- Gives and receives an effective handover
Entry Level:
A minimum of 3 GCSEs OR 3 standard grades - credit (English, Maths and a science subject).
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the related outside job roles
Search for related degrees or courses:
Industry Standard:
HNC in chemical engineering or related subject
S/NVQ Level 3 in Refinery Control Room Operations
Functional Skills – IT Level 2
Competencies:
- Good communication skills
- Plant optimisation ability
- Problem solving
- Teamworker
Knowledge needed for the role:
- Has an understanding of the business and its impact on impact on local, national and international markets
- Health and Safety issues and Codes of practice relevant to the industry
- COSHH and COMAH Regs
- Risk Assessments
Pay and conditions:
Salaries are in the range £22000 to £35000 plus shift and other allowances.
Panel operators usually work a continuous shift cycle averaging out at 37.5 hours a week.
Shift patterns vary between 8 and 12 hrs.