Control Room Operator

Job Purpose

To operate, monitor, inspect, and maintain the Motor Control Centres (MCCs) and associated electrical control equipment to ensure reliable operation of motors, pumps, conveyors, fans, and process plant machinery. The MCC Plant Operator supports production by performing safe switching, attending electrical alarms, and coordinating with electrical technicians and control room operators.

Key Responsibilities

MCC Operation & Monitoring

Perform local operation of MCC equipment, including:

• Motor starters (DOL, soft starters, VSDs)
• Pumps, fans, crushers, conveyor motors
• Auxiliary equipment and control panels

Monitor MCC indicators:

• Breaker status
• Voltages and currents
• Trip conditions
• VSD alarms/faults
• Reset trips and faults safely as per procedure.

Electrical Switching & Equipment Isolation

• Conduct low‑voltage switching under supervision or according to competency.
• Assist electricians with isolation, lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.
• Confirm correct isolation for maintenance work and verify zero-energy state.

Plant Support & Fault Response

• Respond to MCC-related breakdowns and electrical alarms.
• Perform initial fault diagnosis and escalate to electrical technicians.
• Provide feedback to control room on equipment status during breakdowns or restarts.
• Support safe and efficient plant restarts after trips or power interruptions.

Routine Inspections & Preventative Maintenance

Conduct hourly, shift, and daily inspections of:

• MCC panels
• Switchgear rooms
• VSD cabinets
• Earth leakage and protection devices
• Panel housekeeping (dust, moisture, overheating)
• Identify early warning signs such as burnt smell, abnormal sounds, loose components, or hot spots.

Safety Compliance

• Strictly adhere to MHSA (Mine Health & Safety Act).
• Follow all electrical safety rules, PPE requirements, and permit-to-work systems.
• Keep MCC rooms secure, clean, dry, and free from obstructions.
• Support safe work practices for contractors and maintenance personnel.

Documentation & Reporting

Complete:

• MCC inspection checklists
• Electrical trip logs
• Fault reports
• Shift handover notes
• Report abnormal conditions immediately and follow escalation protocols.

Coordination & Communication

Work closely with:

• Electrical Technicians
• Instrumentation Technicians
• Control Room Operators
• Mechanical Maintenance Teams
• Operations Supervisors
• Provide clear and timely feedback on equipment conditions and operational status.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

Knowledge of:

• Low-voltage electrical distribution
• Motor starters (DOL, star‑delta, soft starters, VSDs)
• MCC structures, protection devices, and interlocks
• Conveyor, pump, and crusher electrical systems

Ability to understand:

• Basic electrical drawings
• Panel layouts
• Signalling schematics
• Strong troubleshooting awareness.
• Behavioural Competencies
• High safety awareness.
• Strong communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure during breakdowns.
• Teamwork and problem-solving mindset.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum Requirements
• Grade 12 (Matric) with Maths/Science.
• 2–3 years' experience in a mineral processing plant or industrial environment.
• Knowledge of electrical systems and MCC operation.
• Ability to work shifts, including nights and weekends.

Preferred

• Electrical Assistant/Operator training certificate.
• Experience on a zinc, copper, lead, or base metals plant.
• Basic understanding of lock-out/tag-out procedures.
• Exposure to VSDs, soft starters, and industrial motors.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• MCC uptime and reliability.
• Response time to electrical equipment trips.
• Accuracy of inspections and reporting.
• Adherence to safety and isolation procedures.
• Effective coordination with maintenance and operations teams.