Furnace Repair and Maintenance Worker
しゅうろせいびこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Occupation that performs construction, repair, and maintenance of refractories in industrial furnaces such as blast furnaces.
Description
Furnace repair and maintenance workers are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and reconstructing refractories (such as refractory bricks, mortar, and refractory concrete) that line the interiors of high-temperature furnaces (blast furnaces, converters, incinerators, etc.) used in steel mills and chemical plants. Work is concentrated during shutdown inspection periods, involving demolition of old refractories, surface preparation, mixing and application of repair materials, and precise relaying inside the furnace. In addition to heavy labor using cranes and scaffolding, strict procedures are required for safety management, heatstroke prevention, and fire prevention. Team coordination and scheduling based on work plans are essential.
Future Outlook
While demand is stable as an essential occupation for maintaining operations in heavy chemical plants such as steel mills, technological advancement is progressing due to automation and robotization. Skill inheritance and safety management capabilities will become increasingly important in the future.
Personality Traits
Cautious / Cooperative / Patient / Strong Sense of Responsibility
Work Style
Career Path
Furnace Repair and Maintenance Worker Apprentice → Furnace Repair and Maintenance Worker → Team Leader → Equipment Maintenance Engineer → Construction Management Technician
Required Skills
Crane Operation / Mortar Cement Mixing / Refractory Brick Laying / Refractory Construction / Scaffolding Assembly
Recommended Skills
CAD Basics / Mechanical Equipment Maintenance Knowledge / Safety and Health Management / Welding Basics
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because small construction mistakes can lead to a decrease in the furnace's refractory performance. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because handling and laying heavy refractory bricks and mortar continues. |
| Problem Solving | Because quick response is needed for on-site issues or material incompatibilities. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because work often takes place in high-temperature environments with heavy labor and time constraints. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Because large furnaces cannot be constructed without coordination among multiple people. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Calculations are minimal, mainly simple quantity estimations and dimension measurements. |
Related Qualifications
- Crane Operator
- Foreman/Safety and Health Supervisor
- Slinging Skills Training
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- Block Mason
- Equipment Maintenance Worker
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