Lime burner

Running a lime kiln requires you to supervise the heating of chalk – or, near the coast, oyster shells – until they start producing incredibly toxic carbon monoxide. This can make you drowsy and even cause paralysis before it then suffocates you. Don't worry though – you only have to sit with the kiln for 48 hours at a time.

If you want a risky challenge, the next process could be for you. The hard cake of quicklime (calcium oxide) is taken from the kiln and added to water. It immediately reacts, producing intense heat and a shower of caustic, agony-inducing specks of slaked lime (calcium hydroxide). These crumbly grains are then crushed into lime powder, which will be added to sand to make mortar. You obviously don't need safety goggles because they haven't been invented.

Tasks & duties

• Supervising the chalk-heating process.
• Mixing quicklime and water.
• Cleaning the kiln (if you survive the production process).

Personal requirements

• An interest in scientific processes.
• An ability to concentrate in uncomfortable conditions.
• Chemical-handling skills.