Textile fibre and yarn, hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers (NOC 9441)

Textile dyeing and yarn processing machine operators perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate and feed machines that wash, mix, blend, pick, card, lap, comb or draw fibres and finish yarn
• Operate spinning, twisting, winding or reeling machines
• Operate a variety of machines to bleach, dye, coat or finish fabric, thread, yarn or other textile products
• Mix dyes or chemicals according to established formulas
• Operate machinery to print designs onto textile products
• Oversee work area, examine products for defects and ensure adherence to quality standards
• Investigate machine stoppages and notify supervisor or mechanic in the event of equipment malfunction
• May set up machines and assist with maintenance and minor repairs to machinery.

Hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate machines or use hand and powered cutting knives to remove unnecessary particles from hides, skins or pelts; shave or polish hides; and shear fur or wool hides to produce pelts with hair of specified or uniform lengths
• Prepare solutions according to pre-established formulas and immerse hides, skins or pelts to clean, dehair, pickle, dye, oil, tan, soften and preserve
• Adjust rotation and mixing action of vats according to state of pelts
• Tint or dye furs to enhance natural shades of fur
• May maintain and repair vats and other machinery.

Key aspects of the work in this occupation:

• Work takes place in a regular controlled indoor environment.
• Workers may be exposed to chemicals, bleach or dyes that can be harmful.           
• Workers may be exposed to steam or hot surfaces that are potential sources of injury.
• Working with equipment, instruments, machinery or power/hand tools may be a source of injury.
• Noise in the workplace may cause distraction or hearing loss.
• The workplace may contain strong or toxic odours.