Block E – Masonry Work

Trends

There is a trend towards the use of mega mixers and mast climber scaffolding systems. Composite blocks have been introduced to the industry.

Worker certification to use equipment and to work with fireproofing materials continues to be an important requirement.

Related Components (including, but not limited to)

Masonry units, scaffolding, fireproofing materials, refractory materials, lintels, mortars, grouts, ties and anchors, rough bucks.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 16 Prepares for masonry work.

Context

Preparing for masonry work is an important task for the construction craft worker trade. This must be done to ensure productivity and safety on masonry projects and is often done prior to the arrival of bricklayers on the site.

This task includes setting up masonry materials, scaffolding, transporting materials to and around the site, organizing the materials, and mixing mortar and grout.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 materials and products required for masonry tasks
• K 2 placement of raw materials
• K 3 types of mortars and grouts
• K 4 rigging and lifting equipment such as forklifts and swing stages
• K 5 required certification and licensing for operating lift equipment such as forklifts, swing stages and mast climber scaffolding systems
• K 6 tools and equipment such as saws and mixers

Sub-task E-16.01 Sets up masonry materials.

Key Competencies

• E-16.01.01 distribute masonry materials onto scaffolding according to amounts needed and scaffolding capacities
• E-16.01.02 lay out polyethylene sheets under mixing equipment to contain spillage
• E-16.01.03 prepare and organize masonry work area to bring materials close at hand
• E-16.01.04 prepare power tools and equipment such as saws, mixing drills and mortar, or concrete mixers
• E-16.01.05 select and use transportation equipment such as forklifts, skidsteers, telescopic forklifts (telehandler) and wheelbarrows
• E-16.01.06 load and unload masonry materials from scaffolding and trucks
• E-16.01.07 cut masonry reinforcing material to required length and size using tools such as concrete, table and quick saws to avoid waste

Sub-task E-16.02 Mixes mortars and grouts.

Key Competencies

• E-16.02.01 select and use tools and equipment such as mortar and concrete mixers
• E-16.02.02 follow instructions for ratios, mixing time and compatibilities to ensure materials are usable
• E-16.02.03 mix required amounts of mortars and grouts for work planned
• E-16.02.04 determine consistency of mortar and grout and adjust mix to weather conditions
• E-16.02.05 continuously work mortar to maintain desired consistency
• E-16.02.06 colour mortars and grout with dyes and aggregates according to job specifications
• E-16.02.07 include additives such as anti-freezing agents, polymers and bonding agents to ensure desired consistency and adhesion

Task 17 Tends to bricklayers.

Context

Construction craft workers work with bricklayers by performing a variety of tasks. They mix and supply materials such as bricks, blocks, mortar, refractory and fireproofing. This is physically demanding work and requires constant stocking of masonry units. Construction craft workers may be required to operate powered equipment such as telescopic forklifts (telehandler) and pallet jacks.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types of masonry units such as bricks, refractory materials, tiles and blocks
• K 2 types of brick such as keyed, insulating and fire
• K 3 types of block such as acoustical, veneer, bullnose and rough-faced
• K 4 cutting procedures and related safety requirements
• K 5 confined space hazards, required training and regulations
• K 6 types of lintels such as channel iron, wood, and pre-cast and poured concrete
• K 7 applications of rough bucks such as openings for windows and door frames
• K 8 cleaning agents used such as muriatic acid and water
• K 9 cleaning methods such as removing mortar, and excess efflorescence, epoxy and grouts
• K 10 environmental concerns of using muriatic acid
• K 11 types of refractory material such as bricks, gunnite and ram
• K 12 locations using refractory materials such as boilers, furnaces and kilns
• K 13 mortars used in refractory applications
• K 14 hazards and precautions to be considered when working with refractory materials
• K 15 types of fireproofing materials such as mineral wool, caulking and cement-like materials
• K 16 applications for fireproofing materials such as surface penetrations, and protecting beams, columns and walls
• K 17 training and certification requirements

Sub-task E-17.01 Cuts masonry units.

Key Competencies

• E-17.01.01 select and operate tools and equipment such as tile cutters, brick saws, block/brick guillotines and wet saws
• E-17.01.02 perform cut according to measurements

Sub-task E-17.02 Installs lintels and rough bucks.

Key Competencies

• E-17.02.01 select and use tools such as saws, cutters, hammers and wedges
• E-17.02.02 cut and form bracing according to opening
• E-17.02.03 place and secure rough buck to prevent movement of material according to job specifications
• E-17.02.04 measure and cut lintel according to job specifications
• E-17.02.05 remove rough bucks after material is cured

Sub-task E-17.03 Washes masonry units.

Key Competencies

• E-17.03.01 select and use tools and equipment such as pressure washers, scissor lifts, scrub brushes and curry combs
• E-17.03.02 mix chemicals according to manufacturers’ specifications referring to SDS
• E-17.03.03 wash and rinse surface of masonry unit to remove all damaging chemicals and contaminants

Sub-task E-17.04 Installs refractory materials.

Key Competencies

• E-17.04.01 mix refractory materials such as mud and cement-like materials according to manufacturers’ specifications and referring to SDS
• E-17.04.02 install refractory materials according to jurisdictional regulations and job specifications
• E-17.04.03 clean up after refractory applications according to site specifications

Sub-task E-17.05 Uses fireproofing materials.

Key Competencies

• E-17.05.01 select and use tools and equipment such as mixers, trowels and spray equipment
• E-17.05.02 mix fireproofing materials using manual or electric paddles according to manufacturers’ specifications
• E-17.05.03 apply fireproofing materials using methods such as spray-on and trowel-on according to job specifications