Floor Sanding Machine Operators

Career summary

#no matching wois, checked 2/23/15 lh

Before sanding, floor sanding machine operators fill any holes or cracks with a filler compound. They scrape and sand the floor edges and other areas that the sanding machine cannot reach, using hand scrapers and small sanders. Next, machine operators attach sandpaper to the roller of the floor sander. They guide the machine over the surface of the floor until it is smooth. They must be sure the floor is sanded evenly and that sanding marks do not show.

Sanding machine operators repeat the sanding process several times. They vacuum or mop the floor between sandings to remove the wood dust. Each time they sand, operators use a finer grain of sandpaper. Once the floor is sanded properly, a finish is applied either by sanding machine operators or floor installers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bookbinders and Bindery Workers
• Construction Helpers
• Floor and Carpet Layers
• Freight Handlers
• Insulation Installers
• Nursery Workers
• Sawing Machine Operators
• Tile Setters
• Tire Repairers and Changers
• Welders and Solderers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to floor sanding machine operators.

• Inspect floor for smoothness.
• Scrape and sand floor edges and areas that floor sander cannot reach.
• Attach sandpaper to roller of sanding machine.
• Guide sanding machine over surface until wood floor is smooth and even. Repeat with finer-grained sandpaper.
• Apply filler compound to floor to fill holes or cracks in wood.
• May apply sealer to finished wood.

Common work activities

Floor sanding machine operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Control machines and processes
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Process information
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Schedule work and activities
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Think creatively
• Get information needed to do the job
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Evaluate information against standards
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, floor sanding machine operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a low level of social contact. They sometimes deal directly with customers, but usually spend time alone sanding floors.
• Communicate with other workers and customers by telephone or in person on a daily basis.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of other workers and clients.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other machine operators.
• Often work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Are often exposed to dust particles from sanding.
• Often work indoors.
• Often wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and dust masks.
• Often work near others.
• Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Are exposed to whole body vibration from sanding machines on a daily basis.
• Are exposed to hazardous equipment and conditions.
• Sometimes must get into awkward positions to reach cramped or out-of-reach work spaces.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous situations that may produce minor cuts or burns.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors would cost the company money if workers had to redo the floor.
• Must allow the pace of work to be determined by the speed of the machinery.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Must meet daily deadlines. This makes the work atmosphere moderately competitive.
• Regularly make decisions that impact customers. They often decide a course of action before consulting a supervisor.
• Often consult with a supervisor or project manager before deciding the day's tasks and goals.

Hours/travel

• Usually work regular business hours.
• May work evenings and weekends when sanding floors in stores or offices.

Physical demands

Floor sanding machine operators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for floor sanding machine operators to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for floor sanding machine operators to be able to:

• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Floor sanding machine operators need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Building Construction Technology
• Construction Trades
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a floor sanding machine operator, you typically need to:

• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent

On-the-job training

Floor sanding machine operators receive informal on-the-job training from an experienced worker. During training, you first work as a helper. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult tasks. Training may last up to one year.

#Apprenticeship program is listed in ed progs but I couldn't find any mention of this occ in appren listing at http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Apprenticeship.  3/30/05, same 2/26/19 lh

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Driver Education
• Industrial Arts
• Physical Education

Many floor sanding machine operators are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

When hiring beginning machine operators, many employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, employers look for applicants who are in good physical condition and are good with their hands. Skills and experience in math, mechanical drawing, and shop are helpful. Construction experience may also be helpful.

Costs to workers

Workers under union contract must pay an initiation fee and regular dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Floor Sanders and Finishers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and the area of the country. Membership in a union also affects earnings. Union members usually earn higher wages.

Full-time floor sanding machine operators may receive benefits. These typically include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Self-employed floor sanding machine operators must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 28% of floor sanding machine operators are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Floor installation contractors

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is growing steadily as the construction industry rebounds from the recession. The demand is tied to new construction and remodeling work. Wood floors are becoming more popular in both new and older homes. In addition, consumers are choosing to restore damaged hardwood floors instead of replacing them. However, consumers can now purchase wood that is prefinished which may limit growth in this occupation.

This is a very small occupation with very few openings each year. Those who are trained in other floor laying and finishing methods will have the best chances for jobs.

Other resources

Certified Floor Covering Installers 
12201 West 88th Street
Lenexa, KS 66215
816.231.4646

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Floor Sanders and Finishers (47-2043.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupation

• Construction Worker I (869.664-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled