EAF Assistant

The Meltshop EAF Assistant is responsible for assisting with the safe and efficient operation of the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) by supporting the First Melter, Second Melter, and Furnace Operators during all stages of the steelmaking process. The incumbent performs operational support duties including furnace preparation, raw material handling, alloy and flux additions, electrode support, slag management, refractory assistance, housekeeping, and equipment inspections to ensure continuous steel production.

The role contributes to maximising furnace productivity, maintaining high safety standards, and producing steel that meets quality and production requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Operational Support

• Assist with preparing the Electric Arc Furnace for production.
• Support scrap charging activities.
• Assist during furnace charging and tapping operations.
• Prepare alloys, fluxes, and consumables for charging.
• Assist with slag door cleaning and slag removal.
• Support electrode change activities.
• Monitor furnace operating areas for unsafe conditions.
• Assist with furnace turnaround activities between heats.

Raw Material Handling

Assist with handling and preparation of:

• Scrap steel
• Lime
• Dolomite
• Carbon additives
• Ferro-alloys
• Fluxes
• Refractories
• Oxygen lances
• Electrodes
• Furnace consumables

Ensure correct materials are available according to production requirements.

Furnace Housekeeping

• Maintain clean and safe work areas around the furnace.
• Remove scrap, slag, and debris from operational areas.
• Clean platforms, walkways, and access routes.
• Ensure furnace equipment remains free from obstructions.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in accordance with 5S principles.

Equipment Inspection

Assist with routine inspections of:

• Furnace shell
• Electrode arms
• Electrode cooling systems
• Furnace roof
• Oxygen lance equipment
• Hydraulic hoses
• Cooling water systems
• Slag door
• Tap hole area
• Furnace platforms
• Dust extraction equipment

Report defects immediately.

Refractory Support

• Assist with basic refractory maintenance activities.
• Prepare refractory materials for repairs.
• Assist with furnace patching activities.
• Clean refractory work areas.
• Report refractory wear to supervisors.

Production Support

• Assist with temperature sampling activities.
• Assist laboratory personnel when required.
• Support steel tapping activities.
• Assist with furnace start-ups following maintenance.
• Support planned shutdowns and maintenance work.
• Assist during production changeovers.

Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality (SHERQ)

• Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
• Follow all Safe Work Procedures and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements.
• Wear prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Report unsafe acts, hazards, incidents, and near misses.
• Participate in toolbox talks and emergency response drills.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 management systems.
• Promote safe molten metal handling practices.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve housekeeping and productivity.
• Support cost reduction initiatives.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations where required.
• Develop operational skills through structured on-the-job training.

Any other duties which may be reasonable required, due to the operational requirements of the business.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).

Preferred Qualifications

• N2 Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Metallurgical studies.
• Engineering or Production-related technical qualification.

Advantageous Qualifications

• Basic Steelmaking Process Training.
• Occupational Health and Safety Awareness.
• Basic Firefighting Certificate.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Working at Heights Awareness.
• Overhead Crane Safety Awareness.
• Valid Code B Driver's Licence.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum Requirements

• 1–3 years' experience in a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment.

Preferred Experience

• Steel manufacturing experience.
• Experience working in a Meltshop or Electric Arc Furnace environment.
• Experience in refractory, furnace, or production support activities.
• Exposure to shift operations.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

The incumbent should have knowledge of:

• Basic steelmaking processes.
• Electric Arc Furnace operations.
• Raw material handling.
• Furnace consumables.
• Refractory materials.
• Molten metal hazards.
• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
• Safe manual handling practices.
• Company operating procedures.
• Basic housekeeping principles.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Technical Skills

• Safe manual handling.
• Basic furnace support.
• Equipment inspection.
• Housekeeping.
• Material preparation.
• Tool handling.
• Basic production support.
• Communication.
• Observation skills.
• Teamwork.

Behavioural Competencies

• Safety awareness.
• Reliability.
• Accountability.
• Positive attitude.
• Attention to detail.
• Team player.
• Willingness to learn.
• Adaptability.
• Physical stamina.
• Initiative.

Pay: R6 500,00 - R7 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person