Block A – Common Occupational Skills

Trends

Computers are being used more for organizing work and communications. There is a greater variety of cordless power tools which have the capability of replacing tools with cords without the hazards and inconveniences. There is more electronic documentation which is less expensive and faster than paper-based documentation. There is a greater awareness of, and regard for, health and safety and improved personal protective equipment (PPE).

Related Components

All components apply.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 1 Performs safety-related functions.

Context

Sheet metal workers are responsible for ensuring the safety of themselves and others in the work environment. They must follow company and jurisdictional regulations.

It is critical that sheet metal workers be constantly aware of their surroundings and the hazards they may encounter.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 health and safety acts and codes
• K 2 government regulations such as Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations, WHMIS and OH&S
• K 3 construction codes and regulations
• K 4 company safety policies and procedures
• K 5 good housekeeping practices
• K 6 types of PPE and safety equipment and their operation
• K 7 training requirements for PPE and safety equipment
• K 8 location of PPE and safety equipment
• K 9 types of stationary and mobile platforms such as scaffolds, hydraulic lifts and manlifts
• K 10 training requirements for mobile work platforms such as hydraulic lifts and manlifts
• K 11 types, operations and limitations of hoisting and rigging equipment such as cranes, material lifts and chain blocks
• K 12 rigging equipment components such as shackles, slings and chokers
• K 13 hand signals for hoisting
• K 14 applications of hoisting and rigging equipment
• K 15 training requirements for hoisting and rigging equipment

Sub-task - A-1.01 Maintains safe work environment.

Key Competencies

• A-1.01.01 perform preliminary site inspection to identify potential hazards
• A-1.01.02 report and correct hazards
• A-1.01.03 install temporary safety protection such as barriers to cover hazardous openings, guard rails and signage
• A-1.01.04 hold daily or weekly toolbox meetings
• A-1.01.05 perform work area housekeeping by sweeping, removing debris and storing materials, tools and equipment
• A-1.01.06 follow safety practices for using tools and equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications
• A-1.01.07 store unnecessary tools and equipment away from immediate work space

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

Key Competencies

• A-1.02.01 identify site hazards and regulations requiring the use of PPE and safety equipment
• A-1.02.02 select PPE and safety equipment appropriate for individual tasks and situations
• A-1.02.03 maintain and store PPE and safety equipment
• A-1.02.04 apply local, provincial and national safety regulations such as WHMIS and OH&S
• A-1.02.05 identify PPE damage such as excessively worn boots, worn harnesses and cracked safety glasses
• A-1.02.06 recognize Canadian Standards Association (CSA)-approved PPE and applicable safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, welding screens and barricades
• A-1.02.07 ensure proper fit of PPE such as respirators, fall arrest harnesses and welding face shields
• A-1.02.08 report and replace damaged, expired or faulty PPE and safety equipment

Sub-task - A-1.03 Performs lock-out/tag-out procedures.

Key Competencies

• A-1.03.01 coordinate lock-out and tag-out requirements with appropriate authorities and other trades
• A-1.03.02 identify circuit for lock-out and tag-out, and recognize other equipment that may present a hazard
• A-1.03.03 select approved device to ensure proper lock-out and tag-out
• A-1.03.04 isolate hazardous energies such as electricity, steam and fuel sources, and deenergize and lock-out equipment
• A-1.03.05 test system for zero potential using voltage-rated equipment
• A-1.03.06 verify proper lock-out and tag-out

Sub-task - A-1.04 Uses stationary and mobile work platforms.

Key Competencies

• A-1.04.01 select stationary and mobile work platforms for the job taking into consideration size, site conditions and task being performed
• A-1.04.02 inspect stationary and mobile work platforms for damage and missing components, and tag and remove from service if required
• A-1.04.03 identify hazards such as power lines and excess loads when erecting stationary and mobile work platforms
• A-1.04.04 secure ladders and work platforms
• A-1.04.05 erect, level and dismantle scaffolding according to jurisdictional regulations
• A-1.04.06 use equipment within operating limitations as indicated on manufacturers’ tags and in compliance with OH&S regulations
• A-1.04.07 document safe work procedures and maintenance according to jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task - A-1.05 Uses hoisting and rigging equipment.

Key Competencies

• A-1.05.01 inspect hoisting and rigging equipment before and after use
• A-1.05.02 select rigging equipment such as shackles, tag lines, spreader bars and chain blocks according to task, and load size and capacities
• A-1.05.03 recognize worn, damaged or defective hoisting and rigging equipment, and remove from service
• A-1.05.04 lubricate hoisting equipment such as chain blocks and pulleys
• A-1.05.05 locate centre of gravity of load
• A-1.05.06 secure load to rigging using techniques such as choking, and using shackles and lifting lugs
• A-1.05.07 communicate with personnel involved in lift using methods such as hand signals and two-way radios
• A-1.05.08 store hoisting and rigging equipment in secure, clean and dry environment
• A-1.05.09 restrict access to lift area to prevent injury and damage using items such as signs, barricades and danger/caution tape

Task 2 Uses and maintains tools and equipment.

Context

This task describes the maintenance of tools and equipment that are used throughout this NOA to perform tasks of the sheet metal worker trade. It also describes the use of tools and equipment used for welding, cutting, soldering and brazing activities.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types, operations and limitations of hand and portable power tools
• K 2 types, operations and limitations of shop tools and equipment
• K 3 types, operations and limitations of welding, cutting, soldering and brazing equipment
• K 4 types of testing and inspection devices
• K 5 types, operations and limitations of measuring and layout equipment
• K 6 materials to be welded such as black iron, stainless steel, aluminium and other alloys
• K 7 welding consumable materials such as filler rods, electrodes and inert gas
• K 8 welding principles, considerations and manufacturers’ operating instructions
• K 9 licensing and training requirements for welding and cutting
• K 10 ventilation requirements for welding and cutting
• K 11 materials to be soldered or brazed such as copper, brass, galvanized and stainless steel
• K 12 soldering/brazing gases such as propane, oxygen and natural gas
• K 13 manufacturers’ operating instructions for soldering/brazing equipment
• K 14 alloys and fluxes
• K 15 hot work procedures and required PPE

Sub-task - A-2.01 Maintains hand and portable power tools.

Key Competencies

• A-2.01.01 organize and store hand and portable power tools in a clean and dry environment to avoid damage
• A-2.01.02 clean and lubricate hand and portable power tools such as wrenches, snips, and unishears to prevent corrosion and to promote ease of operation and longevity
• A-2.01.03 recognize worn, damaged and defective hand and portable power tools, and tag and remove from service if necessary
• A-2.01.04 recognize hazards of using portable power tools
• A-2.01.05 charge batteries according to manufacturers' specifications to avoid damage to battery

Sub-task - A-2.02 Maintains shop tools and equipment.

Key Competencies

• A-2.02.01 clean and lubricate shop tools and equipment such as brakes, lock formers and roll formers to prevent corrosion and to grease drive mechanisms for ease of operation and longevity
• A-2.02.02 recognize worn, damaged and defective shop tools and equipment, and tag and lock out power supply until repair is complete
• A-2.02.03 recognize hazards of use of shop tools and equipment by interpreting warning and caution labels as well as manufacturers’ specifications
• A-2.02.04 recognize shop tool and equipment capacities, limitations and operational parameters according to manufacturers’ specifications

Sub-task - A-2.03 Uses welding, cutting, soldering and brazing equipment.

Key Competencies

• A-2.03.01 recognize worn, damaged and defective welding, cutting, soldering and brazing equipment, and tag and remove from service if necessary
• A-2.03.02 replace worn and defective consumable equipment such as tips, cups, nozzles and electrodes
• A-2.03.03 set voltage and timing, and clean and reshape tips of spot welding equipment to ensure a good contact and performance
• A-2.03.04 clean and re-tin soldering equipment
• A-2.03.05 store welding, cutting, soldering and brazing equipment and supplies to avoid damage or injury
• A-2.03.06 check and clean torch tips on brazing equipment
• A-2.03.07 recognize hazards of use when welding, cutting, soldering and brazing
• A-2.03.08 select and set up welding, cutting, soldering and brazing equipment according to job requirements
• A-2.03.09 match and identify alloys to specific components to be welded
• A-2.03.10 ensure work area is ventilated and PPE is used according to hot work procedures
• A-2.03.11 select welding consumables according to specific components to be welded
• A-2.03.12 protect surrounding equipment and flammable materials while welding and grinding
• A-2.03.13 perform tack welding when assembling specific components to be welded
• A-2.03.14 perform visual inspections and identify welding faults

Sub-task - A-2.04 Maintains measuring and layout equipment.

Key Competencies

• A-2.04.01 clean and lubricate measuring and layout equipment to avoid corrosion
• A-2.04.02 store measuring and layout equipment to keep organized and avoid damage
• A-2.04.03 sharpen layout equipment such as trammel points, scratch awls and dividers
• A-2.04.04 verify accuracy of measuring devices such as squares and scribers

Sub-task - A-2.05 Maintains testing and inspection devices.

Key Competencies

• A-2.05.01 store testing and inspection devices to keep organized and avoid damage
• A-2.05.02 recognize defective testing and inspection devices, and tag and remove from service
• A-2.05.03 follow manufacturers’ recommendations for regular calibration of testing and inspection devices
• A-2.05.04 check service records prior to use to ensure effective operation

Task 3 Organizes work.

Context

In order to organize their work, sheet metal workers must be able to use documents and drawings, plan their project tasks, and obtain and organize required materials. A well-organized job reduces costs, minimizes mistakes and ensures a productive and safe workplace.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 documentation such as specifications, codes, standards, manuals, work orders, packing slips, addenda, change orders and site instructions
• K 2 safety documentation such as material safety data sheets (MSDS) and WHMIS symbols
• K 3 site-specific documentation such as permits and signage
• K 4 drawings such as plans, specifications, shop drawings and sketches
• K 5 symbols on drawings
• K 6 sequence of construction and fabrication operations
• K 7 inventory requirements
• K 8 basic design principles of systems such as HVAC, material handling and roofing, and their applications
• K 9 fabrication and installation methods
• K 10 system commissioning procedures
• K 11 LEED requirements
• K 12 properties of metals (metallurgy) and other materials

Sub-task - A-3.01 Uses trade-related documentation.

Key Competencies

• A-3.01.01 fill out documents such as time cards, as-builts, work orders, change orders, invoices and requests for information (RFI)
• A-3.01.02 complete accident/incident and safety inspection reports
• A-3.01.03 record maintenance, repairs and recommendations for follow-up action
• A-3.01.04 sketch and dimension components to be fabricated and assembled
• A-3.01.05 complete material take-off lists (tear sheets) with information such as material and equipment to be used and number of components to be fabricated, based on specifications
• A-3.01.06 review maintenance records and safety documentation
• A-3.01.07 locate information in reference materials such as Sheet Metal Air Conditioning National Association (SMACNA), local and national construction codes
• A-3.01.08 complete deficiency reports for quality control

Sub-task - A-3.02 Interprets drawings.

Key Competencies

• A-3.02.01 locate information on drawings such as dimensions, legends, schedules and details
• A-3.02.02 interpret sizing of actual dimensions based on scale readings
• A-3.02.03 check drawings for dimensioning and conflicting information
• A-3.02.04 visualize finished product by analyzing information on drawings A-3.02.05 cross-reference information on drawings with specifications

Sub-task - A-3.03 Organizes materials and equipment for project.

Key Competencies

• A-3.03.01 label materials by transferring information from drawings to fittings to ensure correct fabrication, assembly, shipping and installation
• A-3.03.02 maintain inventory of materials such as consumables, fasteners, sheets and sealants
• A-3.03.03 estimate time and material requirements
• A-3.03.04 manage job site materials according to construction schedule

Sub-task - A-3.04 Performs basic design and field modifications.

Key Competencies

• A-3.04.01 perform preliminary site inspection to identify potential conflicts or design modifications
• A-3.04.02 use site measurements to modify design for installation as required
• A-3.04.03 design and/or modify sheet metal systems, materials and routing while maintaining industry codes and standards
• A-3.04.04 identify design conflicts and suggest/implement field modifications
• A-3.04.05 sketch modifications to accommodate changes in construction and installation requirements