Block B – Site Work

Trends

New technology requires a broader range of knowledge and skills. This increases the training necessary for construction craft workers to perform their tasks.

Safety concerns within the industry are leading to increased safety-related duties such as monitoring hazardous environments and confined spaces.

Stricter environmental regulations are changing the way construction material is handled. This requires more stringent methods for the disposal and recycling of existing material or components.

Related Components

All components apply.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 5 Prepares site.

Context

Construction craft workers are the first and last workers on a construction site. They clear sites and set up temporary facilities and utilities, allowing other trades to perform their tasks. This is also called mobilization.

If required, depending on soil conditions, pilings are placed after the site is cleared.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 jurisdictional regulations
• K 2 safe work permit requirements
• K 3 environmental requirements
• K 4 pre-existing site conditions and existing utilities
• K 5 work site and set-up requirements such as locations of temporary buildings and fencing
• K 6 employer requirements such as pre-JHA and safety considerations
• K 7 areas to protect prior to work being performed
• K 8 location of pilings such as on land or in water
• K 9 safety and rescue regulations and requirements
• K 10 soil types and their designations
• K 11 types of machinery such as pile drivers, pile drillers and cranes
• K 12 types of pilings such as concrete, H-beam, sheet and steel
• K 13 rigging requirements
• K 14 colour codes of flags or stakes

Sub-task B-5.01 Clears site.

Key Competencies

• B-5.01.01 select and use tools and equipment such as chain saws, surveying equipment, shovels, drills and picks
• B-5.01.02 interpret colour-coded flags and markers used to locate utilities
• B-5.01.03 bring site to working condition by performing actions such as removing buildings, debris and material, clearing brush, moving dirt and rocks, and stripping existing asphalt and concrete

Sub-task B-5.02 Sets up site facilities.

Key Competencies

• B-5.02.01 select and use tools and equipment such as shovels, rakes, wrenches, chains and telescopic forklifts (telehandlers)
• B-5.02.02 determine site layout taking into consideration excavations and location of buildings
• B-5.02.03 strategically place and level facilities such as work and warehouse trailers, lunch rooms and washrooms according to jobsite specifications
• B-5.02.04 install stairs and temporary connecting platforms to trailers according to specifications
• B-5.02.05 assist other certified tradespersons in the set-up of temporary utilities such as water, sewer and electrical
• B-5.02.06 place safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, eye wash stations and first aid kits in specified locations
• B-5.02.07 set up equipment such as photocopiers, tables, chairs and refrigerators
• B-5.02.08 display site permits in specific location such as main site office or main gate
• B-5.02.09 set up muster points and emergency meeting points

Sub-task B-5.03 Assists in installation of pilings.

Key Competencies

• B-5.03.01 assist in setting up, refueling and dismantling piling machines
• B-5.03.02 set up machinery by connecting hoses and compressors
• B-5.03.03 establish and set up a safe work area
• B-5.03.04 adjust to changing work environments such as working on boats and barges, and off sheet pilings
• B-5.03.05 select and use tools and equipment such as measuring tapes, levels, grinders and cutting torches
• B-5.03.06 assist with drilling piling holes and clear debris out according to job specifications
• B-5.03.07 measure, modify and place rebar cages in pile holes
• B-5.03.08 direct machine operator to install pilings into position using piling machine according to site specifications
• B-5.03.09 inspect piles to ensure they are plumb and in position using leveling instruments
• B-5.03.10 inform supervisors of problems as they arise and provide progress report

Sub-task B-5.04 Builds access and egress roads.

Key Competencies

• B-5.04.01 select and use tools and equipment such as compaction equipment and hand tools
• B-5.04.02 assist in removing existing material such as soil or gravel down to hard pan
• B-5.04.03 select material according to specifications for road base, backfill and grades
• B-5.04.04 compact road according to site specifications
• B-5.04.05 guide road building machinery including installing offset stake lines and benchmarks

Task 6 Performs ground work.

Context

Ground work is done on ICI, residential, and civil sites (roads, bridges, railways).

Excavation is a procedure to break ground, remove existing material and allow components to be installed within the excavation site.

Backfilling is the activity of filling an excavation.

Compaction is an action required to consolidate backfill.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 safe work and excavation permit requirements
• K 2 soil conditions
• K 3 pre-existing site conditions and existing utilities
• K 4 jurisdictional regulations
• K 5 types of soil such as clay, sand and gravel
• K 6 reclamation of contaminated soils
• K 7 types of sub-grades
• K 8 depth and angle of repose of excavation and trench
• K 9 certification and inspection requirements for shoring and trench boxes (cages)
• K 10 types of shoring such as sheet pilings, wood structures, steel structures and trench boxes
• K 11 types of material used for backfill such as gravel, sand and fill-crete
• K 12 type and thickness of finished road surface to be placed
• K 13 moisture content and compaction rates
• K 14 required equipment and corresponding safety requirements
• K 15 use of water during compaction
• K 16 rigging and hoisting procedures for lifting shoring

Sub-task B-6.01 Locates underground utilities.

Key Competencies

• B-6.01.01 select and use tools and equipment such as scan and hand tools, and mobile equipment
• B-6.01.02 identify type and depth of underground utilities using scan tools and “call before you dig” services
• B-6.01.03 interpret meaning of colour-coded flags or stakes to identify type and area of utilities
• B-6.01.04 interpret as-built drawings for underground utility locations
• B-6.01.05 expose utilities by hand digging (daylighting), using hydro-vac equipment and by assisting machine operator in removal of soil

Sub-task B-6.02 Performs excavation.

Key Competencies

• B-6.02.01 select and use tools and equipment such as shovels, pick axes, levels, lasers, mini excavators and skidsteers
• B-6.02.02 use excavation methods according to application
• B-6.02.03 guide heavy equipment operator to accomplish required tasks such as digging to required depth and slope
• B-6.02.04 perform hand excavations and machine-assisted excavations
• B-6.02.05 install temporary access and egress to trenches and other excavations
• B-6.02.06 take measurements of excavations to ensure size, depth and slope of excavation are according to job and OH&S specifications

Sub-task B-6.03 Installs excavation shoring.

Key Competencies

• B-6.03.01 select and use tools and equipment such as shovels, chain saws and mobile equipment
• B-6.03.02 assemble and place shoring and trench boxes (cage) according to jurisdictional regulations
• B-6.03.03 guide heavy equipment operator to accomplish required tasks such as picking up shoring and digging to required depth
• B-6.03.04 install temporary access and egress to excavation

Sub-task B-6.04 Performs backfill and compaction.

Key Competencies

• B-6.04.01 select and use tools and equipment such as compacting, mobile and measuring equipment, and shovels
• B-6.04.02 assess type and amount of backfill material needed according to dimension of excavation
• B-6.04.03 install excavation components such as weeping tiles, culverts, manholes and piping
• B-6.04.04 guide heavy equipment operator in operations such as finishing roadwork sub-grade and compactable lifts
• B-6.04.05 follow backfill and compaction procedures according to applications such as covering utilities, installing shoring and preparing to pour concrete, and to meet job specifications

Task 7 Services site.

Context

Construction craft workers perform general maintenance activities. This helps to ensure a safe, clean and efficient workplace within jurisdictional regulations and jobsite-specific rules.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 materials used in construction
• K 2 WHMIS
• K 3 company- or site-specific procedures for controlled materials
• K 4 types of facilities to be cleaned and corresponding procedures to be used
• K 5 hazards associated with cleaning products
• K 6 hazardous materials such as oil, radiation, liquids, plutonium, asbestos, lead-based materials, silica in concrete and bio-hazards
• K 7 types of PPE required
• K 8 jurisdictional regulations regarding handling hazardous materials, recycling and noise levels
• K 9 site-specific rules regarding handling hazardous materials, recycling and vaccination
• K 10 uses of settling ponds
• K 11 types of temporary lighting such as string lights, quartz lighting, light plants and tower lights
• K 12 installation and maintenance procedures for temporary lighting
• K 13 GFCI use
• K 14 training and certification requirements
• K 15 types of fuel used in generators and compressors such as gas and diesel
• K 16 sizes and uses of generators and compressors
• K 17 ventilation requirements
• K 18 start-up and shut-down procedures for generators and compressors
• K 19 site conditions
• K 20 areas protected prior to work being performed
• K 21 activities that require additional protection such as controlled zones and shielding
• K 22 types of restoration activities such as replacing landscaping and replacing removed material and equipment
• K 23 tools, equipment, supplies and consumables
• K 24 security requirements for tool crib
• K 25 materials that can be recycled

Sub-task B-7.01 Addresses suspected hazardous materials.

Key Competencies

• B-7.01.01 select and use tools and equipment such as PPE, spill kits, hand tools and mobile equipment
• B-7.01.02 identify hazardous materials
• B-7.01.03 handle, store and dispose of hazardous materials according to established procedures and jurisdictional regulations
• B-7.01.04 clean spill by using spill kit according to type of hazardous material
• B-7.01.05 notify appropriate authority according to jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task B-7.02 Controls water runoff.

Key Competencies

• B-7.02.01 select and use tools and equipment such as hand tools, pumps and mobile equipment
• B-7.02.02 select environmental material such as silt fencing, filtered cloths and straw bales
• B-7.02.03 apply preventative measures such as installing silt fencing, filtered cloths and other barriers to prevent environmental contamination or to control damage
• B-7.02.04 assist in building settling ponds, dig trenches and build berms to direct water runoff

Sub-task B-7.03 Sets up temporary lighting.

Key Competencies

• B-7.03.01 select and use tools and equipment such as mobile equipment and hand tools
• B-7.03.02 level and stabilize tower lights
• B-7.03.03 inspect and maintain temporary lighting according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-7.03.04 start and maintain gas- or diesel-powered light plants (tower lights) and string lights according to manufacturers’ specifications and jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task B-7.04 Sets up generators and compressors.

Key Competencies

• B-7.04.01 select spill tray to prevent spills according to environmental regulations
• B-7.04.02 maintain generators and compressors according to manufacturers’ specifications using methods such as checking oil and fuel levels, replacing valve handles and bleeding condensation from tank
• B-7.04.03 position and level generators and compressors
• B-7.04.04 connect compressor fittings such as quick couplings, air hoses and safety pins, according to specifications
• B-7.04.05 interpret and adjust gauges on compressors
• B-7.04.06 select attachment hoses and appropriate whip checks
• B-7.04.07 select and place compressors and attachments used for tool operation ensuring adequate ventilation

Sub-task B-7.05 Performs site restoration.

Key Competencies

• B-7.05.01 refer to documentation of original conditions of jobsite for restoration and other purposes
• B-7.05.02 select and use tools and equipment such as hand tools and mobile equipment
• B-7.05.03 return site to original condition within acceptable parameters by performing activities such as landscaping and replacing removed material and equipment

Sub-task B-7.06 Manages tool crib.

Key Competencies

• B-7.06.01 organize tool crib
• B-7.06.02 sign out and sign in tools and equipment manually or electronically
• B-7.06.03 inspect and maintain tools and equipment and do minor repairs
• B-7.06.04 perform inventory control

Sub-task B-7.07 Recycles materials.

Key Competencies

• B-7.07.01 sort and store recycled materials such as cardboard, plastics, glass, reclaimed concrete and metals in designated area according to jurisdictional regulations and jobsite specifications
• B-7.07.02 organize recycled materials for shipping
• B-7.07.03 identify materials that can be reused onsite such as forms, plywood, lumber and steel

Task 8 Performs basic demolition.

Context

Construction craft workers dismantle and remove components, structures and buildings on ICI, residential, and civil sites. The process of dismantling changes according to site rules and conditions. Some construction craft workers can specialize in areas such as hazardous waste demolition or hydro-demolition.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types of material being cut
• K 2 types of cutting techniques according to application
• K 3 dismantling techniques
• K 4 hazards associated with cutting material
• K 5 jurisdictional regulations and jobsite rules
• K 6 safety equipment and PPE required
• K 7 operating methods of oxy-acetylene and propane torches such as selecting tip types, setting regulators and igniting
• K 8 material to be removed from specific jobsites
• K 9 removal techniques according to application

Sub-task B-8.01 Cuts materials.

Key Competencies

• B-8.01.01 select and use cutting tools and equipment such as torches, grinders and saws
• B-8.01.02 read gauges on oxy-acetylene torches and apply spark-control methods
• B-8.01.03 select attachments for cutting tools and equipment taking into consideration the thickness and type of material being cut
• B-8.01.04 select and use dust control methods to keep dust levels within permissible limits
• B-8.01.05 turn off utilities such as water and electrical
• B-8.01.06 verify electrical systems to ensure they are de-energized, and lock out and tag out equipment

Sub-task B-8.02 Dismantles existing structures and components.

Key Competencies

• B-8.02.01 select and use tools and equipment such as hand tools and mobile equipment
• B-8.02.02 select attachments for tools and equipment such as jackhammer bits, spade bits and saw blades
• B-8.02.03 recognize load bearing walls and other structural components
• B-8.02.04 set up chutes, drop areas and bins for disposal of material
• B-8.02.05 recognize hazardous materials such as radioactive and lead-based materials, asbestos and silica in concrete
• B-8.02.06 set up containment areas and establish PPE requirements for handling hazardous materials
• B-8.02.07 isolate or lock out and tag out utilities such as water and electrical
• B-8.02.08 verify electrical systems to ensure they are de-energized

Task 9 Performs safety watches.

Context

Safety watches are done by construction craft workers when co-workers are working in conditions that require monitoring. In some areas, performing these tasks may require additional training and certification.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types and characteristics of gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (lower explosion limit [LEL] and upper explosion limit [UEL]) K 2 areas to be monitored
• K 3 types of monitoring equipment
• K 4 PPE and safety equipment
• K 5 permissible exposure levels
• K 6 time weighted averages
• K 7 jurisdictional regulations and site-specific rules
• K 8 evacuation plans
• K 9 area where work is being performed and equipment in use in the area
• K 10 work being performed such as welding, cutting, grinding and media blasting
• K 11 combustible and non-combustible materials
• K 12 types of compressed gases that need to be monitored such as breathable air and propane
• K 13 meaning of gauge readings
• K 14 what defines a confined space according to jurisdictional regulations, or site rules and specifications
• K 15 training and certification required to perform confined space watch and bottle watch duties
• K 16 characteristics of the areas to be monitored
• K 17 emergency rescue and evacuation plans
• K 18 rescue and evacuation equipment such as tripods, harnesses and lifelines
• K 19 communication methods such as hand signals, rope signals and using radios
• K 20 entry permits and certification requirements such as TDG and propane
• K 21 types of heaters such as propane, electric, radiant and glycol
• K 22 fire watch procedures

Sub-task B-9.01 Monitors hazardous gases.

Key Competencies

• B-9.01.01 select and use monitoring equipment and gas testers (sniffer)
• B-9.01.02 function check monitoring equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications and AHJ
• B-9.01.03 interpret readings and alarms on monitoring equipment
• B-9.01.04 document readings and alert others when atmospheric conditions change

Sub-task B-9.02 Performs fire watch.

Key Competencies

• B-9.02.01 select and use tools and equipment such as fire extinguishing equipment, fire blankets and monitors
• B-9.02.02 assess conditions and apply measures such as using fire extinguishers, alerting others to evacuate jobsite and calling emergency services

Sub-task B-9.03 Performs bottle watch.

Key Competencies

• B-9.03.01 select and use tools and equipment such as hand and mobile tools
• B-9.03.02 read and understand gauge readings to recognize when bottles need to be changed or when alternate sources need to be activated
• B-9.03.03 change bottles when they are getting near critical levels
• B-9.03.04 communicate to confined space attendee of changed or changing conditions

Sub-task B-9.04 Performs confined space watch.

Key Competencies

• B-9.04.01 use confined space entry and safety equipment
• B-9.04.02 select and use tools such as monitoring equipment
• B-9.04.03 function check monitoring equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications and AHJ
• B-9.04.04 interpret readings and alarms on monitoring equipment
• B-9.04.05 ventilate or purge confined space to remove hazardous gas and test air quality
• B-9.04.06 alert others of changes in working conditions such as atmospheric changes, environmental changes and hazardous activities around work area
• B-9.04.07 record readings
• B-9.04.08 assess conditions and apply appropriate measures such as calling emergency and rescue services, and following a pre-determined rescue plan

Sub-task B-9.05 Monitors heaters.

Key Competencies

• B-9.05.01 read and understand readings from gauges and hand-held digital thermometers
• B-9.05.02 select heaters according to application
• B-9.05.03 keep heaters operating taking into consideration temperature and applications
• B-9.05.04 inspect heaters and their surroundings for leaks
• B-9.05.05 recognize hazards of using heaters such as poor air circulation, melting tarpaulins, fires and leaks
• B-9.05.06 maintain heaters according to manufacturers’ specifications