A Dictionary of Occupational Terms Based on the Classification of Occupations used in the Census of Population, 1921.

ORDER V.—MAKERS OF BRICKS, POTTERY AND GLASS

Sub-order 2.—Makers of Glass and Glassware

121.—Foremen and Overlookers

batch foreman: (i) supervises mixing of batches, by batch mixers (138) (q.v.), and pot filling; ensures correct proportions of ingredients go into pots at right intervals; sees that tanks are kept clean;; (ii) (glass bottle works) engages and disengages batch mixers; determines formula for glass; supervises weighing of batch ingredients; watches metal in pot to ensure up to standard; adds colouring, if necessary to tint.
cutting shop foreman: (i) (table glass, etc.), supervises work done in cutting room; receives table or decorative glass, notes instructions for cutting and distributes work among cutters (126) (q.v.) according to skill of each; examines, etc., finished work;; (ii) (bottles) examines fitting of ! stoppers in necks of bottles; rejects faulty work; is generally responsible for stopperers (138) (q.v.).
gaffer (slang): is in charge of workmen in any department, e.g., principal blower (q.v.) and head of gang, shop, or "chair": (bottle making) is bottle finisher or bottle maker (124) (q.v.); (table glass making) is maker or worker (124) (q.v.).
overlooker: see workshop foreman.
tank manager: an under manager responsible for one tank of molten metal and for workpeople engaged about it, viz., glass blowers (124), glass gatherers (123), and block minders (139); superintends, e.g., filling, running, cleaning of tanks; ensures tank levels and temperatures maintained.
workshop foreman (optical glass) ; overlooker: maintains and selects stock in glass stock room; works-out, from instructions received, particulars of cutting, grinding, etc., to be done and sends particulars with glass required to workshop concerned; organises workshops, and is responsible for efficient production; examines and tests lenses and prisms produced, by measuring, Newton colour ring test, etc., as necessary; keeps record of work sent out.

From: A Dictionary of Occupational Terms Based on the Classification of Occupations used in the Census of Population, 1921,
Ministry of Labour, 1927. Digitised by Peter Christian, August, 2016. This text is in the Public Domain.