Scope

Concrete finishers place, finish and protect concrete surfaces. They work on a variety of vertical and horizontal surfaces and structures such as concrete floors, walls, sidewalks, stairs, driveways, curbs and gutters, stairs, dams, bridges and tunnels. They also texture, chip, grind and cure finished concrete work and are responsible for the repair and restoration of damaged concrete. They apply various finishes to concrete surfaces such as architectural, exposed, acid-stained, patterned, stamped, broomed overlays and smooth finishes. They install expansion joints and edge the concrete surfaces and install fixtures such as anchor bolts, steel plates and door sills. They also apply membranes and other waterproofing products to concrete. Concrete finishers must possess a sound knowledge of the properties of various types of concrete and how mixes, proportions and additives affect concrete strength, setting and curing times, finish and durability. Materials that concrete finishers work with include concrete, grouts, site-cured plastics, exotics, epoxies, polyurethanes and acrylic.

Much of concrete finishing has become mechanized with power screeds, power trowels, mechanical vibrators and pumps. Hand trowelling is still required for small jobs and to finish hard-to-reach spots in corners, edges and around obstacles such as pipes.

Concrete finishers work in the construction sector in both indoor and outdoor conditions. Outdoor work is weather-dependant and there may be less work available in the winter. Conversely, overtime is often required when the weather demands it.

Specialization in this trade is common. Concrete finishers may specialize in working with specific materials such as colored concrete, exposed aggregates and various epoxies, or specific techniques such as power trowelling and finishing curbs and gutters.

Key attributes for people entering this trade are stamina, spatial perception and hand-eye coordination. Artistic skills are also helpful in this trade. Some physical activities of this trade are heavy lifting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and reaching. There is some risk of injury from working on uneven footing and from other construction site hazards.

Concrete finishers work with a variety of other tradespeople. Heavy equipment operators may prepare the sub-base for concrete, ironworkers may prepare and place the reinforcing material and carpenters may place the formwork. It is the concrete finishers’ responsibility to inspect this work and ensure that it is suitable for receiving the concrete. They also interact with plumbers and electricians when pipes and wires are embedded in the concrete.

With experience, concrete finishers may move into supervisory, management or instructing roles.

Observations

There is a trend toward specialty concretes, including high performance concrete that has a leaner mix with a lower percentage of fines and cement, resulting in lower costs but a smaller finishing window.

The increased use of polymers in concrete coatings requires a greater emphasis on safety and the use of personal protective equipment.

In the area of vertical repairs, there is increasing use of premixed, high performance grouts.

There is a growing use of self-levelling underlayments for floor levelling.

The introduction of rust inhibitors as a concrete admixture reduces the need for epoxy-coated rebar.

The use of superplasticizers, slags, flyash, and poly and steel fibres in slabs-on-grade reduces cracking and movement. Concrete finishers may be required to add these materials to the mix on-site and the texture of those materials can cause some difficulties during the placement and finishing processes.

Concrete finishers have access to an increasing variety of machines. Some machines spread materials, resulting in more accurate distribution. Laser-guided, mechanically operated screeds increase flatness and levelness of slabs. Edge machines used to finish edges are reducing the amount of overall handwork necessary. Technological advances in riding equipment have resulted in less physical strain to the concrete finisher and have increased the quality of finish. All machines have increased productivity.

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 are aware of circumstances and conditions 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 a safety-conscious attitude and work practices contribute to a healthy, safe and accident-free working environment.

It is imperative to apply and be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations. As well, it is essential to determine workplace hazards and take measures 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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