Scope

A journeyperson boilermaker is a tradesperson who must possess the full range of knowledge, abilities and skills required to fabricate, construct, install, assemble, erect, demolish, repair and maintain a wide variety of vessels, tanks, towers, boilers, hoists and other structures, ancillary equipment and fixtures made of steel, other metals, fiberglass, and other materials.

The broad scope of the boilermaker trade includes the construction and maintenance activities performed in the field and in industrial and commercial plants such as:

Cement plants, fertilizer plants, water treatment facilities, breweries, sawmills, iron and steel production facilities, steam generation plants, electric power generation (thermal, nuclear, hydro) plants, gas turbines, refineries (oil, chemical), shipbuilding and repair docks, pulp and paper mills, wind and fusion sites, and many other industrial and commercial facilities. ties.

Observations

The trade of the boilermaker has progressed considerably in many areas. Recent years have seen an increase in new plant construction in the offshore, aluminum, plastics, processing, and natural gas industries. The increased size and complexity of the plants being constructed in somewhat remote areas contributes to an increasingly competitive contractor environment and to a very mobile trade. For many workers the economic benefits and the availability of work outweigh other considerations and they select the working and living conditions associated with large construction projects in isolated locations. Advancing technology and new materials such as more modular construction, higher quality welds and welding material, and larger lifts and lifting capacity have contributed to many changes in the field. Current trends are resulting in the introduction of automated equipment, new techniques and processes, and a need for an increased proportion of work time spent in the welding function. Of importance, too, is the fact that more women are becoming tradespersons in this area.

A certain amount of overlap exists between trade tasks performed by boilermakers and other tradespersons such as pipefitters, steel fabricators, ironworkers, welders, etc. In addition, trade regulations and practices, which vary from province to province or from province to territory, affect the extent of work performed by various tradespersons. These “jurisdictional” matters are normally noted and defined by agreement between the union and employer associations. Insofar as this analysis is concerned, an attempt has been made to include tasks performed by boilermakers anywhere in Canada, regardless of isolated cases of overlaps, latitude and/or restrictions.

Trade training curricula are continually being updated and modified to meet the demands of the changing trends, technology and new materials. The increased complexity of the trade and the changing nature of work are increasing demand for skills upgrading, which is provided through joint union/management training trust funds.

This section would not be complete without mention of the fact that the work of the boilermaker, by its very nature, is extremely hazardous. The boilermaker is continually required to train for safety in the work place due to the possibility of exposure to hazardous materials and gases that could create health problems. Errors in judgement or in practical application of trade knowledge can be extremely costly, both in terms of injury to workers and damage to equipment or materials. Constant and vigilant attention to the application of safety and accident prevention must be maintained by workers at all times.

Safety

Safe working procedures and conditions, accident prevention and the preservation of health are of primary importance to industry in Canada. These responsibilities are shared and require the joint efforts of government, employers and employees. It is imperative that all parties become aware of circumstances that may lead to injury or harm. Safe learning experiences and environments can be created by controlling the variables and behaviours that may contribute to accidents or injury.

It is generally recognized that safety-conscious attitudes and work practices contribute to a healthy, safe and accident-free working environment.

It is imperative to be familiar with and follow applicable occupational health and safety laws and regulations. As well, workplace hazards must be identified and measures taken to protect oneself, co-workers, the public and the environment.

As safety education is an integral part of training in all jurisdictions, personal safety practices are not recorded in this document. However, the technical safety aspect relating to each task and sub-task are included throughout this analysis.

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