Examples

• Level 1 read brief summaries of toolbox safety meetings (i.e., daily meetings held with workers to discuss safety issues) to review the issues discussed.
• Level 1 may read short notes from co-workers to coordinate work activities.
• Level 1 read directions on adhesive labels to obtain product information.
• Level 2 read company policies and procedures to respond appropriately to situations such as emergency evacuations.
• Level 2 read code books to identify job-specific procedural specifications and tolerances.
• Level 2 read collective agreements to locate information on terms and conditions of work.
• Level 2 may read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to locate information about safe handling of a substance. The text may be a paragraph in length and use technical terminology.
• Level 3 read reference books (e.g., IPT's Metal Trades Handbook, IPT's Crane and Rigging Handbook) to review technical procedures, mathematical explanations, first aid instructions, and safety guidelines. They synthesize information from various parts of the books.
• Level 3 read technical training manuals to review terminology and procedures addressed in upgrading courses.

Examples

• Level 1 read toolbox meeting agendas to identify discussion items.
• Level 1 read tables showing the weights and sizes of steel bars to locate a specific bar size.
• Level 1 read bills of lading to verify that the information documented (e.g., part names, weights and quantities) reflects the match the materials delivered.
• Level 1 may make scale drawings to identify the specific job to be performed.
• Level 2 reference equipment catalogues to locate part numbers or part names.
• Level 2 interpret American Welding Society standard welding symbols on blueprints to identify the recommended welding technique.
• Level 2 read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to obtain information about a hazardous product and its properties.
• Level 2 read assembly drawings to clean and repair heat exchangers.
• Level 4 interpret schematics to perform various tasks related to a specific project.
• Level 4 interpret blueprints to determine what tasks must be completed and to review material lists.

Examples

• Level 1 may enter dates on a vacation scheduling form to book time off work.
• Level 1 may write co-workers a brief notes to coordinate work activities.
• Level 1 may keep personal logbooks to record daily activities, noting such information as hours worked, tasks completed, problems encountered, observations, and concerns.
• Level 2 may write suggestions to provide input about how the company could improve its working environment or procedures.
• Level 2 may write a production plan to sequence and schedule tasks.
• Level 3 may complete a hazard or near-miss report form to record information about occurrences. This involves writing a paragraph or more and requires some analysis and integration of information. Since these documents could be used in a court of law, clarity, detail and accuracy are important.
• Level 3 may complete industry health and safety report forms to record information about unsafe conditions. This involves writing a paragraph or more and requires some analysis of the situation or conditions being reported. Since these documents could be used to file a grievance, clarity, detail and accuracy are important.

Examples

• Level 1 schedule their daily activities to complete assigned tasks.
• Level 1 may determine work team composition and related schedules if acting as a working foreperson to address project timelines and tasks.
• Level 1 total the weight/mass of materials to be hoisted by a crane to determine if the load weight/mass is allowable for the type of crane being used.
• Level 1 measure the wall thickness of tubing to calculate tube expansion for heat exchangers.
• Level 1 cross reference the measurements on blueprints with industry specifications to ensure that code requirements are met.
• Level 1 compare pressure gauge readings to stated norms to determine whether pressure adjustments must be made.
• Level 1 estimate tube/pipe lengths to perform rough cuts.
• Level 2 calculate the Working Load Limit for a variety of wire and fibre rope types using a formula to determine which size and type of rope to use when hoisting a load.
• Level 2 convert Imperial measurement to metric to fabricate or modify a part.
• Level 2 may estimate how many workers and hours will be required to complete a job to ensure daily task scheduling is accurate and timelines realistic. Forepersons have the authority to make scheduling and roster decisions.
• Level 2 estimate the material requirements for a job (e.g., number of sheets of steel, number of lengths of tube/pipe) to ensure that sufficient materials are on hand to complete tasks.
• Level 3 measure angles to cut tubing/pipe to specifications.
• Level 3 use a formula to calculate sufficient expansion during a tube expansion process (i.e., final inside diameter = inside diameter + clearance + a specific % of one wall thickness).
• Level 3 estimate loads to ensure safe rigging operations are being used.
• Level 4 use geometry, such as bisecting angles and constructing a circle from chords, to lay out materials for pressure vessels.

Examples

• Level 1 speak with colleagues and supervisors at daily health and safety toolbox meetings to discuss safety issues on the agenda.
• Level 1 interact with supervisors to receive task-specific directives.
• Level 1 may contact a supplier by telephone to order a part.
• Level 2 interact with supervisors to discuss technical issues, safety concerns, timelines, and personnel matters so that concerns can be addressed and problems noted in the supervisor's logbook. (regularly)
• Level 2 may consult with draftspersons, quality control officers and/or engineers to discuss problems with blueprints such as code violations, technical challenges and design flaws.
• Level 2 interact with colleagues and supervisors at phase hazard analysis meetings to identify task-related risks and challenges.
• Level 2 explain procedures to co-workers to make tasks easier.
• Level 2 may consult with union representatives to discuss contract issues or to present grievances.

Examples

• Level 1 discover that the worksite has not been prepared after being asked to begin a job on a specific date. They determine what job tasks may be addressed in the interim to ensure that deadlines will be met.
• Level 2 deal with tight timelines imposed by job conditions. They assess the assigned task to determine a more feasible timeframe. They then share this information with supervisory staff who determine if additional personnel should be assigned or overtime shifts implemented.
• Level 2 work with blueprints (created by draftspersons or engineers) that may not accurately reflect the reality of a situation. They determine what changes are necessary and make recommendations to the foreperson for consideration by engineering staff.
• Level 2 may not have the appropriate tools to complete a task effectively. They determine what tools are necessary and custom fabricate them (e.g., jigs, dog and wedge).
• Level 2 face potentially hazardous job conditions (e.g., fly ash, asbestos, arsenic) that require a specific response. Boilermakers assess the situation to determine what action should be taken and then implement the solution (e.g., choose appropriate safety equipment, isolate the area, call insulators to strip asbestos).
• Level 3 work in situations where many tradespeople are required to complete a job at a worksite that can only safely accommodate a limited number of tradespeople at any given time. They sequence tasks within their own team to complete the work on schedule. They also coordinate with other trades (e.g., electricians), considering such factors as safety and the optimal use of person hours across trades.

Examples

• Level 1 decide at the phase hazard analysis stage whether a two-way radio is necessary for critical lifts or if hand signals can be used.
• Level 1 may encounter workers who lack the skills to do a job safely and effectively. They decide whether to take the time required to explain how improvements could be made or to refer the situation to a supervisor.
• Level 2 may encounter sub-standard work in a commercial setting or in the field. They decide whether to correct the problem, notify an authority or determine who is responsible and why the problem occurred.
• Level 2 may identify an equipment error, such as a bracket attached unevenly which does not affect the functionality of the structure. They decide whether to repair it, considering such factors as deadlines and the potential reaction of the client.
• Level 3 decide whether to refuse a job that they consider potentially dangerous.

Examples

• remember priorities and directives for the day (item, short term, several pieces of information).
• remember where they were in a task when they left off in terms of completing a task if they are called away to a higher priority situation. Often several hours can elapse before their return, resulting in a need to recall exactly what they were doing when they left (serial order, short term, several pieces of information).
• memorize parameters such as tolerances, and procedures such as the steps involved in acquiring permits (serial, short term, several pieces of information).

Examples

• Level 1 obtain information on safe work practices from co-workers and supervisors during safety toolbox meetings.
• Level 1 locate information in a technical handbook regularly to review procedures, mathematical equations, specifications, symbols and equipment.
• Level 1 contact their supervisor to obtain information about procedures or technical problems.
• Level 1 may refer to a catalogue to get a part number or the name of a piece of equipment.
• Level 1 consult peers to gain technical knowledge and assistance with problems.
• Level 1 may refer to a collective agreement to verify pay rates and worker rights.
• Level 1 consult with quality control officers, engineers and/or draftspersons to get information about blueprints and design.

Examples

• Level 1 may use digitized programmable equipment such as scientific calculators, digital levels and lasers.
• Level 1 may use application equipment (robotics) and computer-controlled equipment such as welding overlays.
• Level 1 may use computer-assisted training tools such as on-line programs or software packages for health and safety training.
• Level 2 may use computer-assisted design (CAD) software to modify drawings.

Physical Aspects

Attitudes

The boilermakers interviewed felt that job incumbents should be reliable and responsible as well as conscientious and meticulous because errors may result in fatalities. They should also be adaptable, flexible, patient and tolerant partly due to extreme working conditions (e.g., dust, heat, cold). They should be able to work with others and display a willingness to communicate openly with co-workers. Boilermakers should also respect safety regulations and promote professionalism. They must demonstrate initiative and be motivated to succeed.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills

The occupation of boilermakers is expected to become more computerized and the acquisition of computer skills will become an important aspect of continuous learning. In particular, it is likely that: lasers will become more common; digitized measuring devices will produce more accurate measurements; and, welding technology will become more refined. Proficiency with AutoCad may become an occupational requirement along with the ability to work with graphical representations of products under development. Increased frequency of computer use will correspond to a demand for strong reading skills to consult manuals and other written materials. Boilermakers are also expected to use more composite materials as well as more advanced metallurgy. Because of environmental considerations and increased societal concern around public safety, codes and specifications will become more stringent and more central to everyday work tasks. Perhaps robots will be used in the distant future, especially where conditions are hazardous or extremely unpleasant. In terms of thinking skills, more emphasis will be placed upon problem solving and decision making. It is also predicted that teamwork and strong interpersonal communication skills will become even more important to the trade.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills