Primary Purpose
To perform welding, cutting, fabrication, and metal repairs on equipment, structures, and components to support operational continuity and safety. The Welding Fabricator is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and construction of heavy machine3ry, mobile equipment, and structural components.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Repair and Maintenance of Heavy Machinery
- Repair broken, cracked, or worn-out components on heavy and industrial equipment, including haul trucks, excavators, draggers, shovel buckets, dozer blades, and similar machinery.
- Restore damaged metal parts to safe working condition using appropriate welding and fabrication techniques.
- Reinforce stressed or weakened structures to prevent equipment failure.
Structural Fabrication
- Fabricate, assemble, and install new metal components and structures such as frames, brackets, conveyor systems, chutes, screen decks, ladders, platforms, and catwalks.
- Modify or fabricate custom components based on operational needs.
- Ensure fabricated structures meet load-bearing and safety requirements.
Cutting and Preparation
- Use oxy-acetylene torches, plasma cutters, carbon arc gouging, grinders, and cutting tools to remove damaged welds, worn metal, or defective components.
- Prepare metal surfaces by cleaning, grinding, and aligning materials prior to welding.
Hardfacing and Wear Protection
- Apply hardfacing and wear-resistant alloys to surfaces exposed to heavy abrasion, including bucket lips, shovel teeth, blades, and contact points.
- Extend the service life of components through proper surface treatment and reinforcement.
Welding Processes
- Perform welding in all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead) using techniques such as:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW / Stick)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW / MIG)
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Select appropriate welding materials, electrodes, and settings for different metals and applications.
Technical Reading and Fabrication Accuracy
- Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, measurements, and engineering instructions.
- Follow fabrication plans to ensure correct dimensions, alignment, and assembly.
- Ensure accuracy and quality in all fabrication work.
Inspection and Quality Control
- Inspect completed welds and fabricated components for defects such as cracks, porosity, weak joints, or misalignment.
- Conduct basic quality checks using visual inspection and appropriate testing methods.
- Rework or repair faulty welds to meet required standards.
Site Safety Compliance
- Follow all site safety rules, including lock-out and equipment isolation procedures.
- Use all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Comply with hot-work procedures and fire prevention controls.
- Report hazards, unsafe conditions, and incidents immediately.
Documentation and General Duties
- Maintain records of fabrication and repair work completed.
- Keep welding equipment, tools, and work areas in safe condition.
- Perform any other related duties reasonably assigned within the scope of the role.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the designated Mine Manager or Supervisor. May also receive instructions from staff where relevant within scope.
Safety and Compliance
- The Welding Fabricator shall:
- Comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of Guyana and all Company safety policies.
- Follow hot work, confined space, and fire safety procedures.
- Wear required PPE at all times.
- Not perform welding or fabrication on unsafe or unauthorized equipment.
- Participate in safety inductions, toolbox talks, and drills.
Failure to comply with safety requirements may result in disciplinary action.
Minimum Qualifications
- Welding certificate or proven experience
- Minimum age: 18
- Physically fit
- Fit-for-work
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to read blueprint
- Knowledge of metallurgy
- Knowledge of various welding techniques, including TIG, MIG, arc, and oxy-fuel welding
- Knowledge of manual and mechanical welding techniques
Knowledge and Experience
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in industrial or heavy equipment welding preferred
- Knowledge of welding processes and metallurgy
- Ability to read technical drawings and measurements
- Experience working in physically demanding environments
- Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and under field conditions
