What Does a Tool Room Attendant Do?

The Tool Room Attendant plays an essential role in maintaining the smooth operation of a manufacturing or engineering environment by ensuring that all tools and equipment are available, in good condition, and properly stored when not in use. This position involves managing the inventory of tools, issuing them to personnel as required, and keeping accurate records of their use and maintenance. By overseeing the organization and efficiency of the tool room, the attendant supports the overall productivity and safety of the workplace, making sure that workers have the necessary resources at their disposal to perform their tasks effectively. This role requires a keen eye for detail, strong organizational skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the tools and equipment used in the specific industry.

Tool Room Attendant Job Duties

• Issue tools and equipment to workers, recording the information accurately to track who has what item and when it was taken.
• Inspect returned tools and equipment for damage or wear, ensuring they are in good working condition before being issued again.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on tools and equipment to ensure they are safe and operational.
• Organize and maintain the tool room inventory, ensuring tools and equipment are stored properly and are easily accessible.
• Order new tools and equipment as needed, keeping track of inventory levels to ensure the tool room is well-stocked.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols within the tool room, ensuring all users are aware of and adhere to safety guidelines.
• Customize or modify tools and equipment according to specific job requirements, ensuring they meet the needs of the workers.
• Conduct annual audits of the tool room inventory, identifying and disposing of obsolete or broken tools and equipment.

Tool Room Attendant Salary & Outlook

Factors influencing a Tool Room Attendant’s salary include years of experience, industry knowledge, proficiency in inventory management systems, and expertise in tool maintenance and repair. Specialization in handling specific high-value or complex tools can also command higher pay. Additionally, the ability to train others and manage tool room operations efficiently contributes to salary variations.

• Median Annual Salary: $33,075 ($15.9/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $53,500 ($25.72/hour)

The employment of tool room attendants is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

This slowdown is primarily due to advancements in automated inventory systems and RFID technology, which reduce the need for manual tool tracking and distribution, tasks central to the Tool Room Attendant’s role. Additionally, increased efficiency in manufacturing processes further diminishes the demand for this position.

Tool Room Attendant Job Requirements

Education: A Tool Room Attendant typically holds a high school diploma, with coursework emphasizing mathematics, shop class, and basic computer skills. These subjects lay a foundational understanding necessary for managing and maintaining tools and equipment. While post-secondary education isn’t a prerequisite, classes in inventory management or a related field can be beneficial. The role demands a blend of technical knowledge and organizational skills, with a focus on precision and accountability in handling various tools.

Experience: Tool Room Attendants often start with minimal to no prior experience, with many transitioning into the role through on-the-job training. This position typically involves learning the ropes directly within the workplace, where new attendants are taught how to manage, issue, and maintain tools and equipment. Training programs may also be available, focusing on inventory management, tool maintenance techniques, and organizational skills. The role is suited for individuals who are new to the field, offering a hands-on approach to gaining expertise in tool room operations and procedures.

Certifications & Licenses: No specific certifications or licenses are typically required for the job of a Tool Room Attendant.

Tool Room Attendant Skills

Inventory Management: Efficient organization and tracking of tools and equipment ensure their availability, preventing operational delays. This skill demands meticulous attention to detail and the ability to predict tool usage trends, enabling timely reordering and maintenance.

Calibration: Adjusting measurement tools and equipment to meet standard specifications requires a precise approach. Regular checks and maintenance routines are essential to maintain optimal performance, directly affecting the quality of work in various projects.

Tool Repair: Identifying malfunctions and executing precise repairs keeps tools in optimal condition, enhancing productivity and safety. A deep understanding of tool components and effective repair techniques is crucial for a Tool Room Attendant.

CNC Programming: The creation and modification of tools and parts with high accuracy relies on crafting precise machine instructions. Knowledge of machine operations and a detail-oriented mindset ensure the tool room’s efficiency and productivity.

Safety Compliance: Adherence to safety protocols in the use, storage, and maintenance of tools and equipment reduces workplace hazards. Conducting regular inspections and implementing corrective actions promptly are responsibilities that protect personnel and resources.

Quality Control: Regular calibration, maintenance checks, and documentation of any discrepancies ensure tools and equipment meet operational standards. This responsibility involves meticulous inspection and testing to uphold workshop efficiency and safety.

Tool Room Attendant Work Environment

A Tool Room Attendant operates in a specialized environment, primarily within manufacturing or engineering sectors. The workspace is often closely situated to the main production floor, facilitating easy access to tools and equipment. This proximity ensures efficiency in tool distribution and maintenance tasks. The area is well-organized, with tools meticulously cataloged for quick retrieval.

The role demands familiarity with a variety of tools and machinery, necessitating a workspace equipped with both common and specialized equipment for tool repair and calibration. Safety is paramount, with strict adherence to protocols to mitigate risks associated with handling and maintaining tools.

Work hours are typically structured around the operational hours of the facility, with some flexibility required during peak production periods or for emergency tool repairs. The dress code leans towards practicality, emphasizing protective gear over aesthetics.

Interaction with other staff is frequent, to understand tool requirements and to advise on proper tool usage, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Despite the technical focus, the role contributes to a cohesive production process, ensuring tools are in optimal condition for use.

Advancement Prospects

A Tool Room Attendant can progress to supervisory roles within the tool room, overseeing operations and other attendants. This advancement requires a deep understanding of tool management, inventory control, and operational efficiency. Gaining experience in tool repair and maintenance can also open up opportunities in equipment management, focusing on ensuring all tools and machinery are in optimal condition.

Exploring roles in procurement or inventory management is another path. This involves managing tool acquisitions, supplier relations, and inventory strategies, requiring strong organizational and negotiation skills. Specializing in a specific type of tooling, such as precision tools, can lead to roles in quality control or engineering support, assisting in the design and implementation of tooling solutions.

To achieve these advancements, a Tool Room Attendant should focus on building a comprehensive knowledge of tools, materials, and supply chain logistics, coupled with hands-on experience in tool maintenance and operations management.