SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Cell Reliner
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  • Furnace Repairer
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  • Ladle Liner
  • Ladle Repairman
  • Refractory Bricklayer
  • Refractory Technician
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What do Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons do?

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons are skilled tradespeople specializing in the installation, maintenance, and repair of refractory materials used in high-temperature industrial processes. These materials are essential for lining furnaces, kilns, incinerators, and other heat-intensive equipment, providing insulation, structural support, and protection from extreme temperatures. The role involves preparing surfaces, applying refractory linings, and ensuring they are properly cured and set to withstand the substantial thermal stress of industrial operations. Refractory materials can include ceramics, glass, and metal materials, typically resistant to heat and corrosion. Repairers may also be called upon to evaluate damaged linings, assess performance, and recommend suitable remedies or replacements to optimize efficiency and prolong the life of the equipment. This career requires a strong understanding of material properties, safety protocols, and hand tools, as well as the ability to work in hazardous environments where high temperatures and heavy equipment are commonplace.

What the work actually is

  • Reline or repair ladles and pouring spouts with refractory clay, using trowels.
  • Chip slag from linings of ladles or remove linings when beyond repair, using hammers and chisels.
  • Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, mortar powder, and water to form refractory clay or mortar, using shovels or mixing machines.
  • Measure furnace walls to determine dimensions and cut required number of sheets from plastic block, using saws.
  • Dry and bake new linings by placing inverted linings over burners, building fires in ladles, or by using blowtorches.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Operations Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Repairing Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Equipment Maintenance Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Abilities

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Extent Flexibility The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Knowledge

  • Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Production and Processing Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Some college, no degree

A normal week

  • Handling and Moving Objects
  • Performing General Physical Activities
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Getting Information

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Electronic mail software Microsoft Outlook
  • Facilities management software Maintenance management software
  • Word processing software Microsoft Word

Tools

  • Power grinders Cordless power grinders · Rotary tools
  • Furnaces Feed fired heaters · Rotary kilns
  • Conventional truck cranes Boom trucks · Lift trucks
  • Power saws Brick cutting saws · Cordless saws
  • Trowels Masonry trowels

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Questions people ask

How much do Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons earn in South Africa?

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons do?

Reline or repair ladles and pouring spouts with refractory clay, using trowels, Chip slag from linings of ladles or remove linings when beyond repair, using hammers and chisels and Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, mortar powder, and water to form refractory clay or mortar, using shovels or mixing machines.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.