Block A – Common Occupational Skills

Trends

There is an increased emphasis on safety in all aspects of a construction craft worker’s job. In an effort to increase safety and to track performance, more documentation and training is required.

Related Components

All components apply.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 1 Performs safety-related functions.

Context

Construction craft workers must perform safety-related functions in order to be safe in the workplace.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 WHMIS
• K 2 locations of SDS documents
• K 3 workers’ rights and responsibilities
• K 4 company safety manuals, policies and procedures, and codes of practice
• K 5 transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) procedures
• K 6 training and certification requirements such as traffic control, fall protection, working at heights, and confined space
• K 7 emergency procedures and muster area
• K 8 disposal and recycling procedures
• K 9 Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved personal protective equipment (PPE) such as high-visibility vests, eye protection, safety boots, hard hats, harnesses, hearing protection and respirators
• K 10 types of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, safety tape and barricades
• K 11 PPE and safety equipment operations
• K 12 training and certification requirements for using PPE and safety equipment
• K 13 location of PPE and safety equipment
• K 14 OH&S regulations regarding the use of PPE and safety equipment
• K 15 limitations of PPE such as respirators and fall protection equipment
• K 16 types and operation of fire extinguishing equipment
• K 17 authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ)
• K 18 lock-out and tag-out procedures
• K 19 housekeeping practices

Sub-task A-1.01 Maintains safe work environment.

Key Competencies

• A-1.01.01 apply safety procedures
• A-1.01.02 apply WHMIS procedures such as record keeping of SDS, and product identification, handling and disposal
• A-1.01.03 install barricades, signage and tape-off areas to isolate work area, to bring attention to potential hazardous situations, and to prevent entry of workers and public on site
• A-1.01.04 remove all tripping hazards such as debris, material and equipment
• A-1.01.05 participate in job-site specific orientation prior to working on a new jobsite
• A-1.01.06 participate in safety, Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS), job hazard analysis and tool box (tailgate) meetings
• A-1.01.07 recognize personal injury hazards
• A-1.01.08 report and prevent potential hazards such as defective equipment, not tying off ladders, uncovered man holes and open hatches
• A-1.01.09 recognize, correct and report unsafe work practices, near misses or conditions
• A-1.01.10 perform lock-out and tag-out procedures
• A-1.01.11 apply site safety plan that is posted on the jobsite to locate safety equipment such as eye wash stations, first aid kits and rooms, and decontamination showers

Sub-task A-1.02 Uses personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment.

Key Competencies

• A-1.02.01 identify and select types of PPE according to task, jurisdictional regulations and jobsite specifications
• A-1.02.02 inspect PPE and safety equipment for damage and defects
• A-1.02.03 store PPE and safety equipment
• A-1.02.04 tag defective PPE and safety equipment, and remove from service
• A-1.02.05 verify certification of PPE and safety equipment prior to use
• A-1.02.06 maintain safety equipment by cleaning according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-1.02.07 use fall protection equipment following guidelines such as proper lanyard length and anchoring points
• A-1.02.08 follow manufacturers’ guidelines on lifespan and proper use of PPE

Task 2 Uses and maintains tools and equipment.

Context

Construction craft workers use a wide variety of tools and equipment in order to carry out their daily tasks. Special training or certification may be required to operate some of these tools and equipment.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types of hand tools such as hammers, pry bars and screwdrivers
• K 2 types of electric and gas power tools such as chippers, quick-cut saws, circular saws, reciprocating saws, grinders and drills
• K 3 types of hydraulic power tools such as jacks, hammers and rock splitters
• K 4 types of pneumatic power tools such as jackhammers and breakers
• K 5 types of powder-actuated tools such as manual and trigger-operated
• K 6 applications of powder-actuated tools
• K 7 training and certification requirements
• K 8 types of rigging equipment such as shackles, swivel hooks, cradles, turnbuckles and slings
• K 9 types of hoisting equipment such as come-alongs, chainfalls and grip hoists
• K 10 uses and limitations of rigging and hoisting equipment
• K 11 rigging and hoisting equipment regulations
• K 12 types of loads such as liquid, reinforcing steel, fly tables and tilt-up panels
• K 13 load radius and center of gravity
• K 14 rated capacity of hardware
• K 15 stationary equipment such as water pumps, concrete pumps, heaters, generators, compressors and light towers
• K 16 types of pumps such as electric, hydraulic, pneumatic and fuel-powered
• K 17 types of heaters such as electric, fuel-fired, glycol and steam
• K 18 operation of equipment
• K 19 sandblasters
• K 20 types of mobile equipment such as skidsteers, mini-excavators and telescopic forklifts (telehandlers)

Sub-task A-2.01 Maintains hand, power and powder-actuated tools.

Key Competencies

• A-2.01.01 clean tools
• A-2.01.02 organize tools by grouping like tools together
• A-2.01.03 sharpen hand tools such as scrapers and chisels
• A-2.01.04 store tools in tool crib
• A-2.01.05 replace components such as springs, bits and blades
• A-2.01.06 recognize worn, damaged or defective tools and tag for removal from service
• A-2.01.07 lubricate moving parts as required
• A-2.01.08 verify battery packs are charged

Sub-task A-2.02 Uses rigging and hoisting equipment.

Key Competencies

• A-2.02.01 select rigging and hoisting equipment such as chains, slings, cradles, spreader bars, cables, shackles, softeners and tag lines
• A-2.02.02 estimate load weights and verify that rigging equipment is rated for the load weight according to inspection tags
• A-2.02.03 rig loads considering factors such as designated lift points and stability triangle, and ensure the load is stable
• A-2.02.04 control load using tag lines
• A-2.02.05 inspect rigging and hoisting equipment for wear, damage and defects, tagging any equipment designated for removal
• A-2.02.06 maintain hoisting equipment by replacing safety clips and lubricating
• A-2.02.07 store rigging equipment such as nylon straps and slings in dry area
• A-2.02.08 store rigging and hoisting equipment in designated area

Sub-task A-2.03 Uses stationary equipment.

Key Competencies

• A-2.03.01 select equipment such as light towers, generators, compressors and discharge (water) pumps and their components such as electrical cords, hoses, shut off valves and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
• A-2.03.02 recognize hazards of using stationary equipment such as flammable fuels and exhaust gases
• A-2.03.03 operate stationary equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-2.03.04 place, set up and secure stationary equipment in well-ventilated area and on level ground
• A-2.03.05 check, monitor and maintain fluids such as oil, fuel and engine coolant
• A-2.03.06 complete daily maintenance logbooks according to company policy or jobsite requirements
• A-2.03.07 inspect and monitor stationary equipment and components for damage and faults such as abraded hoses, frayed electrical cords and leaks
• A-2.03.08 start diesel and gasoline engines according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-2.03.09 shut down stationary equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-2.03.10 store and maintain stationary equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications

Sub-task A-2.04 Uses sandblaster.

Key Competencies

• A-2.04.01 select sandblaster components and materials such as hoses, nozzles, abrasives and shut off valves
• A-2.04.02 recognize hazards such as dust and high pressure flying abrasives and debris
• A-2.04.03 operate sandblaster according to manufacturers’ specifications and using a ventilation hood
• A-2.04.04 establish and adjust abrasive and airflow mixture according to task requirements
• A-2.04.05 inspect and monitor sandblaster and components for damage
• A-2.04.06 coordinate use of sandblaster with pot attendant for operating and shut-down procedures according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-2.04.07 store sandblaster pot and abrasives in a dry location and maintain equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-2.04.08 identify containment and safe work area for sandblasting

Sub-task A-2.05 Uses mobile equipment.

Key Competencies

• A-2.05.01 operate and maintain mobile equipment such as skidsteers, mini-excavators and telescopic forklifts (telehandlers) according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-2.05.02 recognize hazards such as blind spots, pedestrian traffic, obstacles, power lines, flammable fuels and exhaust gases
• A-2.05.03 check, monitor and maintain fluids such as oil, fuel and engine coolant
• A-2.05.04 complete daily maintenance logbooks according to company policy or jobsite requirements
• A-2.05.05 inspect and monitor mobile equipment and components for damage and faults such as hydraulic hoses and leaks
• A-2.05.06 start and shut down diesel and gasoline engines according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-2.05.07 work with spotters in congested work areas to mitigate hazards such as blind spots, pedestrian traffic, obstacles and power lines

Task 3 Organizes work.

Context

Construction craft workers must use a variety of documents, communicate with others and plan their specific tasks in order to organize their work. Communication on the work site is crucial in order to complete the work in a safe and efficient manner.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types of documentation such as work records, job hazard analysis (JHA), codes and regulations
• K 2 safety documentation such as SDS, WHMIS symbols and monitoring sheets for safety watches
• K 3 site-specific documentation such as safe work permits and job procedure manuals
• K 4 requirements for task
• K 5 limitations of equipment and material
• K 6 hazards of task
• K 7 sequence of construction tasks
• K 8 jobsite roles and responsibilities
• K 9 different formats of documents such as paper or digital
• K 10 communication methods such as oral, written, digital, electronic and international hand signals

Sub-task A-3.01 Uses documentation.

Key Competencies

• A-3.01.01 interpret drawings such as blueprints, engineering drawings and sketches
• A-3.01.02 interpret work orders
• A-3.01.03 locate and remain current with information such as job procedures, OH&S regulations, and SDS
• A-3.01.04 reference manufacturers’ specifications and safe operating procedures for equipment
• A-3.01.05 sketch diagrams to visualize work
• A-3.01.06 complete work-related records such as incident reports, daily logs, JHA and PSI according to jurisdictional requirements
• A-3.01.07 check material received against work orders and specifications
• A-3.01.08 obtain jobsite work permits for activities such as excavation, hot work and confined space entry

Sub-task A-3.02 Communicates with others.

Key Competencies

• A-3.02.01 acquire information through questioning
• A-3.02.02 use communication systems such as hand held radios, international hand signals, posted signs and ribbons for control zones
• A-3.02.03 share knowledge and experience with others including mentoring
• A-3.02.04 consult with supervisors, coworkers, other trades people and AHJ
• A-3.02.05 share PSI documentation
• A-3.02.06 participate in jobsite meetings such as tailgates and other safety meetings

Task 4 Performs routine trade activities.

Context

Construction craft workers perform various routine tasks throughout all major areas of the trade. Establishing and maintaining grades and elevations is an important part of a construction craft worker’s duties.

Some of the activities within this section, especially using grades and elevations, and traffic control require specialized training or certification. Traffic control applies to vehicular, pedestrian and co- worker traffic.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types of materials such as lumber, soil, piping, concrete and masonry units
• K 2 required and available storage area such as lay down areas, sea cans and tool cribs
• K 3 effects of environmental and chemical exposure on workers and materials
• K 4 manual lifting procedures
• K 5 equipment such as forklifts, wheelbarrows and telescoping booms
• K 6 types of hoarding material such as insulated tarpaulins, polyethylene and plywood
• K 7 applications of hoarding/enclosures such as enclosing scaffolding, concrete formwork and soil
• K 8 environmental conditions such as wind, snow and rain, and their potential impact
• K 9 types of framework for hoarding/enclosures such as scaffolding, existing structures and wood
• K 10 types of membranes such as polyethylene, waterproofing membranes and landscaping fabric
• K 11 membrane application methods such as gluing, torching and spraying
• K 12 types of insulating materials such as styrofoam, fireproofing materials, straw and fiberglass
• K 13 applications of insulating materials such as preventing underground piping, sewers and concrete from freezing
• K 14 manufacturers’ and engineering specifications
• K 15 job requirements for insulation
• K 16 applications where grades and elevations must be established such as roadwork, utilities and concrete placement
• K 17 required grades and elevations according to plans and specifications
• K 18 types of temporary benchmarks such as marks on fire hydrants, nail and ribbon, and grade stakes
• K 19 use of permanent monuments and benchmarks
• K 20 worksites requiring traffic control such as roadwork, utility installation and concrete placement
• K 21 types of travel restrictive systems such as barricades, flagging and barriers
• K 22 regulations regarding traffic control
• K 23 training and certification requirements
• K 24 fencing types such as snow, chain link, silt and temporary
• K 25 applications that require fencing such as limiting access, environmental protection and security purposes

Sub-task A-4.01 Handles construction materials.

Key Competencies

• A-4.01.01 load and unload project materials, and secure for transport
• A-4.01.02 handle, store and secure materials such as propane cylinders and oxy-acetylene tanks according to regulations
• A-4.01.03 store materials such as lumber, formwork and masonry products for easy access and egress
• A-4.01.04 maintain a continuous supply of materials to ensure efficient flow of work

Sub-task A-4.02 Performs site housekeeping and maintenance.

Key Competencies

• A-4.02.01 select and use housekeeping tools and equipment such as brooms, shovels, skidsteers and garbage bins
• A-4.02.02 pick up loose material for recycling and garbage
• A-4.02.03 control dust using dust control measures such as water, calcium and sweeping compound
• A-4.02.04 clear walkways, platforms, entrances/exits, stairways and parking area of snow, ice, water and mud, using water pumps, sand and skidsteers
• A-4.02.05 clean trailers and washrooms to maintain a healthy environment for all workers
• A-4.02.06 supply fresh drinking water and maintain coolers for workers
• A-4.02.07 maintain spill kits and drip pans ensuring fully stocked in case of spill
• A-4.02.08 check, tag and replace fire extinguishers as needed

Sub-task A-4.03 Erects hoarding/enclosures.

Key Competencies

• A-4.03.01 cover hoarding/enclosures such as concrete piles, scaffolding and concrete pours with materials such as insulated tarps, polyethylene and screening
• A-4.03.02 secure hoarding/enclosures with materials such as wire, nails, rope, cable and weights
• A-4.03.03 install access and egress to hoarding/enclosures according to engineers specifications
• A-4.03.04 provide heat and ventilation in hoarding/enclosures according to code
• A-4.03.05 dismantle hoarding/enclosures
• A-4.03.06 identify when hoarding/enclosure becomes a confined space

Sub-task A-4.04 Installs membranes.

Key Competencies

• A-4.04.01 inspect walls for deformities prior to installation to ensure placement and adhesion
• A-4.04.02 prepare concrete using methods such as “roughing up”, washing, grinding high spots and priming
• A-4.03.03 apply membranes according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-4.03.04 protect membranes with materials such as treated wood, styrofoam and fiberboard according to job specifications

Sub-task A-4.05 Installs insulating materials.

Key Competencies

• A-4.05.01 select and use tools and equipment such as powder-actuated tools, trowels, hammers and drills
• A-4.05.02 cut, secure and tape insulating materials according to manufacturers’ and job specifications
• A-4.05.03 apply insulation according to manufacturers’ and job specifications

Sub-task A-4.06 Establishes grades and elevations.

Key Competencies

• A-4.06.01 find monuments and benchmarks according to engineering blueprint
• A-4.06.02 select and use tools and equipment such as metal detectors, builders’ and laser levels
• A-4.06.03 assist surveyor to establish sub-grade and final-grade according to engineered blueprints
• A-4.06.04 establish temporary benchmarks
• A-4.06.05 work from temporary benchmarks to set up elevations, slopes and layouts

Sub-task A-4.07 Performs traffic control.

Key Competencies

• A-4.07.01 control pedestrian and vehicular traffic on work site
• A-4.07.02 install temporary signs, signals, pylons, barriers and barricades according to job specifications and AHJ
• A-4.07.03 instruct and place flagpersons according to jurisdictional regulations
• A-4.07.04 drive pilot vehicle through construction area and communicate with flagpersons by radio to ensure flow of traffic
• A-4.07.05 set up detours and closures for vehicles and pedestrians according to job specifications

Sub-task A-4.08 Installs permanent and temporary fencing.

Key Competencies

• A-4.08.01 select and locate fencing for application and according to engineering and job specifications
• A-4.08.02 select and use tools and equipment such as augers, skidsteers, post pounders and backfill equipment
• A-4.08.03 place and secure permanent posts and fencing such as wood, chain-link, sound barriers, metal and vinyl using anchors and backfill materials according to engineering specifications
• A-4.08.04 place and secure temporary fencing such as snow, silt, metal, wood and net using existing structures, anchors and backfill materials to protect and secure workers and public according to job specifications
• A-4.08.05 construct temporary guardrails and covered walkways according to job specifications