Block A – Common Occupational Skills

Trends

The emphasis on safety continues to increase and there are more strict regulations to protect workers and the public. Related safety documentation has become more important. Equipment used by bricklayers such as dustless cutting systems has improved efficiency and safety.

There is an increased use of mast climber scaffolding systems and scissor lifts resulting in a reduction in labour needs and an increase in production as a result of working at optimum heights.

Related Components

All components apply.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 1 Performs safety-related functions.

Context

Bricklayers integrate safety practices, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), throughout every task included in the scope of their trade. They maintain a safe work environment through awareness of work surroundings. Compulsory safety training is standard practice.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 WHMIS
• K 2 locations of WHMIS documents such as labels and safety data sheets (SDS)
• K 3 safety and environmental regulations such as OH&S
• K 4 company safety policies and procedures
• K 5 workers’ rights and responsibilities
• K 6 hazards inherent in bricklaying and masonry materials such as sand, cement and chemicals
• K 7 types of PPE such as high visibility apparel, safety glasses, noise protection, respirators, gloves and hard hats
• K 8 location of PPE and safety equipment
• K 9 types of safety equipment such as first aid kits and eyewash stations
• K 10 types, operation and capacity of fire extinguisher equipment
• K 11 training requirements for certain PPE, safety equipment and safety procedures such as fall arrest, first aid and confined space
• K 12 emergency procedures, phone numbers and location of first aid stations and medical facilities
• K 13 disposal and recycling procedures
• K 14 Safe Operating Procedure (SOP)

Sub-task A-1.01 Maintains safe work environment.

Key Competencies

• A-1.01.01 handle, store and dispose of hazardous materials according to jurisdictional regulations and WHMIS
• A-1.01.02 set up barricading devices and signage such as caution tape and tagging systems, fences and barriers to define work perimeters and contain contaminants or other hazards
• A-1.01.03 follow tag procedures for access
• A-1.01.04 participate in FLRA meetings prior to beginning a new task
• A-1.01.05 maintain clean and organized work area
• A-1.01.06 perform safety inspections to recognize and report potential hazards
• A-1.01.07 acknowledge and inform surrounding co-workers concerning safety and well-being
• A-1.01.08 identify and respect physical limitations of self and others
• A-1.01.09 identify location of safety zone containing components such as first aid kit, fire extinguishers, SDS and eye wash stations
• A-1.01.10 document items such as inspections, potential hazards, safety meetings, injuries and training according to jurisdictional regulations

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

Key Competencies

• A-1.02.01 apply local, provincial, territorial and national safety regulations such as OH&S
• A-1.02.02 identify company and site policies and site hazards requiring the use of PPE and safety equipment
• A-1.02.03 select PPE and safety equipment appropriate for individual tasks and situations
• A-1.02.04 maintain and store PPE and safety equipment according to OH&S and manufacturers’ specifications
• A-1.02.05 identify damaged PPE such as excessively worn boots, worn harnesses and cracked safety glasses
• A-1.02.06 recognize PPE approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and applicable safety equipment
• A-1.02.07 ensure proper fit of PPE such as fall arrest harnesses and face shields
• A-1.02.08 participate in fit test to confirm respirator fit
• A-1.02.09 report and replace damaged or faulty equipment

Task 2 Uses and maintains tools and equipment.

Context

Bricklayers must maintain all their tools to ensure that they work properly and safely. Rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment is used to move heavy material on the worksite. Access equipment is used to allow bricklayers to reach their work area.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types of hand tools such as trowels, hammers, levels and jointers
• K 2 hand tool operating procedures and limitations
• K 3 types of power tools such as electric and gas powered
• K 4 power tool operating procedures and limitations
• K 5 hazards of power tools
• K 6 powder-actuated tool operating procedures and limitations
• K 7 jurisdictional and company training and certification requirements for powder-actuated tools
• K 8 types of pneumatic tools such as grinders, air guns and jackhammers
• K 9 types of hydraulic tools such as brick splitters and saws
• K 10 hazards of pneumatic and hydraulic tools
• K 11 types of measuring equipment such as bricklayer tapes, laser levels and storey poles
• K 12 layout tools such as transits, laser levels, gauge rod/storey pole and mason’s line
• K 13 measuring and layout equipment operating procedures
• K 14 types of rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment such as forklifts, cranes, block and tackles, chain hoists and electric winches
• K 15 types of material handling equipment such as wheelbarrows and pallet jacks
• K 16 applications of rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment
• K 17 regulations regarding licensing and training requirements of rigging, hoisting, lifting and material handling equipment
• K 18 limitations of rigging, hoisting, lifting and material handling equipment
• K 19 types of access equipment such as scissor lifts, and articulated and telescopic boom lifts, their operating procedures and limitations

Sub-task A-2.01 Maintains tools and equipment.

Key Competencies

• A-2.01.01 repair or replace defective or damaged tools and equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-2.01.02 clean and store tools and equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-2.01.03 document tool and equipment maintenance
• A-2.01.04 recognize worn, damaged and defective tools, and tag and remove from service
• A-2.01.05 lubricate equipment such as chain hoists and gin wheels when necessary
• A-2.01.06 sharpen tools such as chisels and hammers when necessary

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

Key Competencies

• A-2.02.01 select rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment such as shackles, spreader bars and chain hoists according to task, load size and capacity
• A-2.02.02 locate centre of gravity of load
• A-2.02.03 secure load to rigging using equipment such as slings, shackles, bridle hitches and lifting clamps
• A-2.02.04 communicate with personnel involved in lift using methods such as hand signals and two-way radios
• A-2.02.05 recognize safe lifting locations or points
• A-2.02.06 calculate weight of material
• A-2.02.07 operate forklift according to jurisdictional regulations
• A-2.02.08 stabilize load during lift using tag lines
• A-2.02.09 inspect rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment according to maintenance schedule
• A-2.02.10 maintain and store rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-2.02.11 remove worn, damaged or expired rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment from service

Sub-task A-2.03 Uses access equipment.

Key Competencies

• A-2.03.01 select access equipment such as scissor lifts, and articulated and telescopic boom lifts according to task, load size and capacity
• A-2.03.02 recognize safe lifting locations such as stable surface and safe distance from overhead electrical wires
• A-2.03.03 inspect access equipment according to maintenance schedule and tag and remove from service if defective
• A-2.03.04 operate access equipment according to jurisdictional regulations

Task 3 Uses scaffolding.

Context

This task is a crucial part of a bricklayer’s job since the majority of bricklaying is performed on scaffolding. The knowledge of the proper setup and maintenance of scaffolding are important to ensure the safety of bricklayers and other tradespeople on the jobsite.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types of scaffolding such as frame, tubular, hydraulic, swing stage and jack-up
• K 2 scaffolding components such as pins, braces, decks, planks, outriggers and cross braces
• K 3 applications of various types of scaffolding
• K 4 OH&S considerations as they apply to scaffolding and scaffolding systems
• K 5 load limitations
• K 6 possible defects such as rusting, damage and split planks
• K 7 counter weight requirements according to safety regulations and job requirements
• K 8 sequence of assembly
• K 9 sequence of dismantling

Sub-task A-3.01 Erects scaffolding.

Key Competencies

• A-3.01.01 select scaffolding for the job taking into consideration size, site conditions and task being performed
• A-3.01.02 inspect scaffolding for damage and missing components, and tag and remove from service
• A-3.01.03 identify hazards such as excess loads when erecting access equipment
• A-3.01.04 use scaffolding within operating limitations as indicated on manufacturers’ tags and in compliance with OH&S regulations
• A-3.01.05 lay out scaffolding ensuring substrate is level and stable
• A-3.01.06 install scaffolding mud sills, scaffold jacks and other components according to assembly sequence and regulations
• A-3.01.07 set up swing stage components according to manufacturers’ specifications and job requirements
• A-3.01.08 level and secure scaffolding according to jurisdictional regulations
• A-3.01.09 install means of access and egress
• A-3.01.10 install kickboard, debris net, guardrails and mid-rails according to OH&S regulations

Sub-task A-3.02 Dismantles scaffolding.

Key Competencies

• A-3.02.01 lower components to lower levels or to ground
• A-3.02.02 remove tie-ins as scaffolding is lowered
• A-3.02.03 remove components with equipment such as forklifts, cranes and roof winches according to dismantling sequence
• A-3.02.04 sort and prepare equipment for transportation

Sub-task A-3.03 Maintains scaffolding.

Key Competencies

• A-3.03.01 inspect scaffolding for damage and missing components, and tag and remove from service
• A-3.03.02 replace damaged or missing scaffolding components
• A-3.03.03 clean and store scaffolding

Task 4 Organizes work.

Context

This task describes activities that bricklayers perform in order to organize their daily work.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types of documentation such as specifications, sketches and change orders
• K 2 safety documentation such as SDS, WHMIS symbols and OH&S acts
• K 3 documentation specific to work sites such as refineries and paper mills
• K 4 types of materials such as membranes, primers, fuels and masonry materials
• K 5 loading limitations of storage location
• K 6 tarp systems such as insulated tarps, debris screens and shrink wraps
• K 7 types of heaters such as salamanders, furnaces and construction heaters
• K 8 types of heater power sources such as propane, diesel, electric, natural gas and kerosene
• K 9 company safety procedures
• K 10 methods for protecting surrounding areas such as setting up barriers and covering with tarp
• K 11 environmental protection regulations and guidelines
• K 12 job site hazards such as overhead and underground power lines
• K 13 types of drawings such as architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical

Sub-task A-4.01 Uses drawings and specifications.

Key Competencies

• A-4.01.01 interpret drawings to identify requirements such as layout and material requirements
• A-4.01.02 interpret specifications such as architectural, structural and manufacturers’
• A-4.01.03 draw sketches to communicate work coordinates and details

Sub-task A-4.02 Plans daily tasks and activities.

Key Competencies

• A-4.02.01 schedule tasks according to deadlines
• A-4.02.02 sequence tasks in coordination with co-workers and other trades
• A-4.02.03 estimate amount of time required for tasks

Sub-task A-4.03 Prepares job site and materials.

Key Competencies

• A-4.03.01 estimate and confirm amount of material required
• A-4.03.02 coordinate delivery of materials
• A-4.03.03 perform site assessment to identify hazards
• A-4.03.04 set up mixing area in location accessible to power and water supply
• A-4.03.05 place materials on job site for convenience and to avoid interference with other trades
• A-4.03.06 store and protect materials such as sand, cement, sealants and masonry
• A-4.03.07 weatherize installation location by installing tarp system and temporary roof,and setting up heaters and fuel tanks
• A-4.03.08 ensure adequate ventilation for heaters
• A-4.03.09 store hazardous materials such as fuels and primers in marked designated area

Sub-task A-4.04 Protects surrounding areas.

Key Competencies

• A-4.04.01 determine surrounding areas requiring protection such as finished work, personal property, vegetation and traffic areas
• A-4.04.02 assess risks to surrounding areas such as airborne debris, excess mortar and fumes
• A-4.04.03 restrict dust creation using techniques such as wet sawing, vacuuming and mixing in a separate area
• A-4.04.04 set up protective materials such as tarps, plywood sheeting and construction fence