Core Feeder/ Layer
Reports to: Lay-Up Line Tender, Supervisor
Department: Lay-Up Line
Hours per shift: Employee works 10-hour shifts, with (3) 10- minute breaks, and (1) thirty minute break.
Wage: Level 4
Position Purpose: The core feeder works as part of a 2-person plywood core station team, which assembles veneer layers into plywood. In a 10-hour shift, the core feeder spends 2 hours feeding core and 2 hours laying core – alternating between the two every 2 hours. The team works together to place veneers side by side of each other on a conveyer prior to glue being applied. Line speed travels at an average speed of 72 feet a minute. The team works at a pace to keep the line from stopping.
Position Functions:
Essential Functions* These duties are designated as ADA Essential Functions and must be performed in this job. |
Employee must understand and perform the essential functions of the core feeder & layer position, according to the individual position’s specific job description. |
Core feeding-employee uses foot or hand switch to run load of 4 foot core onto tilt hoist. Employee feeds in a continuous left to right motion setting the core on belts to run down to the core layer. |
Strip core can require grasping and pulling up to 25 lbs. or more from left to right, requiring twisting of the lower body and bracing of the body. Core feeding is a continuous and repetitive movement. This job is done for 30 minutes straight. At that time, employee takes a break and then alternates to core laying position. |
Core laying- employee is on the receiving end of core (4 foot) coming off the core belt. It arrives on the right and employee works in a right to left direction. Employee continuously grabs core pieces and lays them next to each other, forming a continuous core line. Repetitive twisting of the lower body to the left and right |
Employee is slightly bent over to lay core in a constant motion. Frequent bending and reaching four feet to the other side of the core line to repair defects and remove debris. Working surface is approximately 3 feet high and is in constant motion from right to left. The job also requires pulling down bridges (27” by 48” pieces of veneer). Employee turns around and grabs a stack (20#-30#) of bridges and places it on the stand that holds them. Employee uses these pieces as filler for the core line. This is done by pulling a bridge off of the stand with the top of the stack of bridges being 1 to 1 1/2 feet above the shoulder. The core layer shares this responsibility with the patcher and it is required an average of twice per minute. The bridges are also used in the event the feeder runs out of veneer or has an issue with the load they are feeding from. This would require pulling multiple bridges (20-40) within a couple of minutes. |
The employee also must run the core belts with knee in the photo-eye while bearing most or all body weight on one leg. This job is done for 30 minutes straight, then employee rotates to feeding position again. |
Non-Essential Functions These duties are secondary in nature and are not classified as ADA essential. |
The worker/Operator may be responsible for cleanup activity during down times, changeovers, or between shifts. This activity will consist of removing veneer scrap or debris from the work area using a broom, rake, or shovel. |
The worker may be required to rotate to different positions for cross-training purposes or to facilitate production. Job duties for other positions are outlined in their individual Job Descriptions. |
Assist co-workers or Maintenance personnel in basic maintenance procedures. |
Working Environment: (1) Inside 90%, average temperature 70 degrees F (2) Outside 10%; extreme low temperature 10 degrees F, extreme high temperature 105 degrees F. Noise or vibration: Machine noise to include machine being operated as well as other machines close by including Forklifts. Hazards: See Job Hazard Analysis. (3) Atmospheric conditions: Fumes: Wood, Dust: Limited, Mist: Water, Odors: Wood particle, Gasses: None, Poor Ventilation: None
Personal Protective Equipment Required: (1) Eye Protection. (2) Hearing Protection. (3) Rubber or Leather based gloves when handling dry veneer. (4) Approved Footwear.
Physical Demands: See the Physical Capabilities as listed below; this position requires constant use of hearing and vision, bilateral use of arms and hands, frequent bending, twisting, pushing/pulling and reaching, and occasional lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling more than 30 lbs.
Skills: Must have excellent hand eye coordination. Use vision/hearing continuously. Reading and speech required to communicate comprehension of Job Hazard Analysis, machine specific lockout procedures, monthly safety training, etc. Worker generally works alone with little supervision. Operators must be self-directed in identifying and efficiently completing each task. Ability to prioritize, organize and make necessary decisions.