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51-9021.00 · Task explorer

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Set up, operate, or tend machines to crush, grind, or polish materials, such as coal, glass, grain, stone, food, or rubber.

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Read the task inventory

This source lists 21 tasks, including 13 marked Core and 8 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2024.

21 tasks shown

Core · Task 12376 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Observe operation of equipment to ensure continuity of flow, safety, and efficient operation, and to detect malfunctions.

Core · Task 12381 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Clean, adjust, and maintain equipment, using hand tools.

Core · Task 12389 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Tend accessory equipment, such as pumps and conveyors, to move materials or ingredients through production processes.

Core · Task 12377 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment that crushes, grinds, polishes, or blends materials.

Core · Task 12382 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Notify supervisors of needed repairs.

Core · Task 12380 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products at specified intervals to ensure conformance to requirements.

Core · Task 12378 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Record data from operations, testing, and production on specified forms.

Core · Task 12384 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Reject defective products and readjust equipment to eliminate problems.

Core · Task 12388 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Inspect chains, belts, or scrolls for signs of wear.

Core · Task 12385 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Clean work areas.

Core · Task 12379 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Examine materials, ingredients, or products, visually or with hands, to ensure conformance to established standards.

Core · Task 12375 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Read work orders to determine production specifications and information.

Core · Task 12387 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Dislodge and clear jammed materials or other items from machinery and equipment, using hand tools.

Supplemental · Task 12390 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Test samples of materials or products to ensure compliance with specifications, using test equipment.

Supplemental · Task 12392 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Mark bins as to types of mixtures stored.

Supplemental · Task 12386 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Transfer materials, supplies, and products between work areas, using moving equipment and hand tools.

Supplemental · Task 12395 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Add or mix chemicals and ingredients for processing, using hand tools or other devices.

Supplemental · Task 12391 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory testing.

Supplemental · Task 12394 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Load materials into machinery and equipment, using hand tools.

Supplemental · Task 12393 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Turn valves to regulate the moisture contents of materials.

Supplemental · Task 12383 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Set mill gauges to specified fineness of grind.

Make the shortlist useful

  1. Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
  2. For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
  3. Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Download before leaving this page. Unsaved writing remains only in the page and is cleared on refresh. Notes and learning actions are not sent to a server. This guide describes an occupation and supports study planning; it does not provide clinical, legal or equipment-operating procedures.

Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.