Lab Attendant Rope Testing at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Key responsibilities

• Receive, prepare and inspect rope test specimens;
• Confirm accurate receiving of ropes by confirming accuracy of paperwork;
• Ensure accuracy of information supplied on test application form when receiving samples;
• Accurate recording of information in the rope receiving book on a consistent basis;
• Transport big and heavy rope specimens from one station to the next in the laboratory using a big trolley;
• Cast white metal collars and sockets on rope ends using hot molten metal at 300 degrees;
• Un-laying (brushing) of rope ends using pliers and pipes;
• Degrease ropes daily in a hot degreasing chemical; 
• Replenishing strong degreasing chemicals in various containers;
• Draining contaminated/hazardous grease from degreasing bath;
• Casting of white metal and resin end caps using hot molten metal at temperatures of up to 300 degrees;
• Preparing the broken rope specimen for inspection (separating broken wires, clean wires in solvent) using paraffin;
• Operate overhead cranes;
• Organise work to ensure minimum preparation turnaround times;
• Ensure that the correct personnel are informed in good time, of any depletion of consumables or materials, when minimum stock levels are reached; 
• Manage and use consumables efficiently to avoid waste;
• Carry out planned maintenance actions as indicated by the Lab Supervisor before use. 
• Clean machines, daily housekeeping and basic equipment maintenance in area of responsibility, to minimise equipment downtime;
• Comply with the laboratory's safety and quality rules and procedures;
• Comply with the Quality Management System, ISO 17025:2017 standard, SANAS requirements, DMS regulations and customer needs consistently. 

Qualifications, skills, and experience:

• An N3 or NQF level 4 qualification in mechanical engineering or relevant field with at least one year experience working as a general worker;
• Physical fitness including working at heights, climbing ladders, working in confined spaces;
• Driver's license will be advantageous; 
• Crane operator's licence (Up to 7.5 tons); 
• Literacy and numeracy skills; 
• Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques
• Basic understanding/knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and OHS;
• Good communication skills;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

Closing date: 12 August 2026