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GearConcrete Finisher Trade Skills

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Occupational Skills

Uses tools and equipment.
Uses hand tools.
  • knowledge of types of hand tools and their applications
  • ability to select hand tools
  • ability to clean hand tools
  • ability to maintain hand tools
  • ability to recognize worn, damaged and unsafe hand tools
Uses power tools.
  • knowledge of types of electric tools and their applications
  • knowledge of types of air tools and their applications
  • knowledge of types of hydraulic tools and their applications
  • knowledge of types of gas-powered tools and their applications
  • knowledge of types of powder-actuated tools and their applications
  • ability to select power tools
  • ability to clean power tools
  • ability to perform power tool maintenance such as checking oil and gas
  • ability to recognize worn, damaged and unsafe power tools
Uses measuring equipment.
  • knowledge of types of measuring equipment such as laser level, measuring tape and builder’s level
  • knowledge of imperial and metric measurements
  • ability to select measuring equipment
  • ability to clean measuring equipment
  • ability to maintain measuring equipment
  • ability to recognize worn, damaged and unsafe measuring equipment
Uses personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • knowledge of types of PPE such as breathing apparatus, eye and ear protection, hard hat, safety vest, fall arrest equipment and skin protection
  • knowledge of hazards such as silica dust and falling objects
  • knowledge of potential effects of exposure to concrete materials such as silicosis and dermatitis
  • knowledge of training requirements for certain PPE such as fall arrest equipment and respirators
  • ability to select PPE
  • ability to maintain PPE
  • ability to recognize worn, damaged and unsafe PPE
Organizes work.
Interprets documentation.
  • knowledge of blueprints and drawings
  • knowledge of safety documentation such as material safety data sheet (MSDS) and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) symbols
  • ability to interpret specifications
  • ability to interpret product instructions and manufacturers’ recommendations
  • ability to follow work orders
  • ability to interpret standards documentation such as CSA and ACI
Determines material requirements and quantities.
  • knowledge of concrete materials such as cement, aggregates, exotics, admixtures and grout
  • knowledge of base materials such as gravel and recycled crushed concrete
  • knowledge of reinforcement materials such as rebar, welded wire mesh and fibres
  • knowledge of membranes such as polyethylene and insulating membranes
  • knowledge of formwork material and systems such as dimensional lumber and steel forms
  • ability to perform calculations such as volume, area and perimeter
Communicates with others.
  • knowledge of trade terminology
  • knowledge of hand signals
  • ability to communicate with co-workers and supervisors
  • ability to communicate with suppliers and manufacturers
  • ability to communicate with related tradespeople such as plumbers, crane operators, carpenters, electricians and ironworkers
  • ability to use communication equipment such as cell phones, two-way radios and computers
  • ability to explain processes to laypersons
  • ability to mentor apprentices
Schedules work procedures.
  • knowledge of environmental conditions and their effects on concrete
  • knowledge of sequence of operations
  • knowledge of timing of procedures
  • ability to monitor weather conditions
  • ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions
  • ability to schedule work with other trades
Maintains safe work environment.
  • knowledge of federal and provincial/territorial workplace rules and regulations
  • knowledge of due diligence, employers’ and employees’ responsibilities, and safety procedures
  • knowledge of company safety policies and procedures
  • knowledge of worksite practices around issues such as confined space entry and asbestos removal
  • knowledge of worksite first aid policies
  • knowledge of location of safety equipment such as fire extinguisher, first aid kit and eye wash station
  • knowledge of WHMIS
  • knowledge of potential hazards
  • knowledge of safe storage and disposal of dangerous goods
  • ability to keep worksite clean
Prepares site.
Inspects site.
  • knowledge of optimum site conditions
  • knowledge of site problems such as poor drainage, obstructions and utilities
  • ability to determine site conditions such as access, ventilation and exposure
  • ability to assess on-site services such as water and electricity requirements
  • ability to check elevation as specified
  • ability to check rebar placement as specified
  • ability to check uniformity of sub-base grade as specified
Prepares sub-grade.
  • knowledge of base materials such as gravel, clay and recycled crushed concrete
  • knowledge of sub-grade compaction requirements
  • ability to place base materials to sub-grade level
  • ability to compact base with equipment such as compaction rollers and plate tampers
  • ability to install moisture and insulation barriers, filter fabric and void forms
Uses formwork.
Constructs concrete formwork.
  • knowledge of formwork for structures such as slabs-on-grade, curbs and gutters, and stairs
  • knowledge of forming systems such as snap ties, cam lock and tie rods
  • knowledge of mathematical calculations such as rise and run and 3-4-5 calculations
  • ability to perform layout such as squaring and setting grades
  • ability to install bracing and shoring to secure formwork
  • ability to install formwork for grout
  • ability to apply form release agents
  • ability to apply retarders and form liners to achieve architectural finish
Inspects formwork.
  • knowledge of construction formwork
  • knowledge of cambers, deflection and shrinkage
  • ability to identify defects in formwork
  • ability to inspect bracing, shoring and supports
  • ability to check formwork finish grade according to specifications
Installs construction, isolation and expansion joints.
  • knowledge of concrete volume changes
  • knowledge of joint placement
  • knowledge of types of joints
  • knowledge of joint components such as dowels, keyways and expansion materials
  • ability to maintain finished elevation
Strips forms.
  • knowledge of form and bracing removal practices
  • knowledge of form removal requirements such as proper strip timing
  • ability to recognize cured concrete
  • ability to clean and repair forms for re-use
  • ability to remove nails and foreign objects from forms

Concrete Placement

Places concrete.
Transports concrete.
  • knowledge of transportation methods such as pumping, conveyors, power buggy and crane bucket
  • knowledge of time restriction of load of concrete
  • ability to verify that concrete type matches specifications
  • ability to operate discharge hose
  • ability to operate power buggy
  • ability to operate crane bucket discharge handle
Spreads concrete.
  • knowledge of starting point of concrete placement
  • knowledge of desired width of screed
  • knowledge of types of embedded reinforcement such as fibre mesh and steel pins
  • knowledge of effects of embedded reinforcement on handling of concrete
  • ability to identify related mechanical installations such as floor drain, clean-out and electrical boxes
  • ability to maintain location of rebar and welded wire mesh
  • ability to spread evenly at rough grade using tools such as concrete rakes and square nose shovel
  • ability to confirm required slump and consistency
Consolidates concrete.
  • knowledge of consolidation techniques such as internal vibration and external vibration
  • knowledge of sizes of vibrators
  • knowledge of the effect of vibration on forms
  • ability to determine field of vibration to ensure consolidation
  • ability to determine when to stop the vibration to prevent defects such as segregation and honeycombs
Levels concrete.
Establishes elevation.
  • knowledge of techniques for establishing elevation such as operating laser level, builder’s level and hand level
  • knowledge of slopes necessary for drainage
  • ability to identify benchmarks
  • ability to transfer benchmark elevation to work area
  • ability to perform calculations such as percentage of slope
  • ability to place wet screeds and edge screeds
Screeds concrete.
  • knowledge of manual and mechanical screeds such as dimensional lumber, power screeds and laser screeds
  • ability to select screeding methods according to size of pour and properties of concrete
  • ability to screed to finished grade using wet screeds, edge screeds and screed rods
Bull floats concrete.
  • knowledge of when to begin bull floating (after screeding and before bleed water appears)
  • knowledge of direction of bull floating
  • ability to establish pitch and length of handle
  • ability to select bull floats according to type and slump of concrete
Achieves tolerances.
  • knowledge of tolerance levels for particular project
  • knowledge of required consistency of concrete
  • ability to interpret floor levelness (FL) and floor flatness (FF)
  • ability to achieve FL and FF
  • ability to select and use specialized levelling and measuring tools
  • ability to operate highway straightedge
  • ability to select and operate mechanical finish equipment such as single, double, triple power trowels

External Links

Concrete Finishing

Floats concrete.
Floats concrete by hand.
  • knowledge of effect of environmental conditions on the concrete
  • knowledge of the effect of admixtures in the concrete
  • knowledge of effect of improper application and finishing of broadcast products
  • ability to assess surface conditions such as firmness and presence of bleed water
  • ability to apply various floating techniques such as pressure application, angle of float and pattern of floating
  • ability to apply surface evaporation retarders to ensure workability
Floats concrete by machine.
  • knowledge of types of machines such as walk-behind, pan and edge
  • knowledge of types of blades such as float and combination
  • knowledge of effect of blade speed and pitch on concrete surfaces
  • ability to assess surface conditions such as firmness and presence of bleed water
  • ability to apply various techniques such as working on joints, levelling bumps and applying criss-cross patterns
  • ability to identify defects in blades and machine
Hand-tools concrete.
Tools control joints.
  • knowledge of depth and spacing requirements
  • ability to assess surface conditions such as firmness and presence of bleed water
  • ability to calculate depth and spacing of control joints
  • ability to ensure joint straightness using lines and straightedges
  • ability to apply tooling techniques such as pressure application and angle of tool
Edges perimeter of slab.
  • knowledge of types of edgers such as adjustable and tread
  • knowledge of edger composition such as steel, magnesium and bronze
  • knowledge of radii required for specific applications
  • ability to assess surface conditions such as firmness and presence of bleed water
  • ability to clean adjacent surfaces
  • ability to apply edging techniques to ensure a smooth and level surface
  • ability to repair stone pops and surface tears
Finishes extruded concrete surfaces.
  • knowledge of types of extruded surfaces such as curb and gutter, sidewalk and core-floor
  • knowledge of extruded concrete characteristics such as slump, air content and mix design
  • ability to use specialized tools such as mules, long handled curb edgers, jointers and fresno trowels
  • ability to apply finishing techniques to maintain the contour of the surface
Trowels concrete.
Trowels concrete by machine.
  • knowledge of the effects of environmental conditions on the concrete
  • knowledge of the effects of admixtures in the concrete
  • knowledge of types of machines such as walk-behind, rider and edger machines
  • knowledge of the effect of blades such as pans, floats, trowel and combination
  • knowledge of the required surface texture
  • knowledge of the effects of poor ventilation on slab surface
  • knowledge of the effects of improper application and finishing of broadcast materials
  • ability to assess surface conditions such as firmness and appearance
  • ability to apply various trowelling techniques such as working on joints and applying criss-cross patterns
  • ability to identify defects in trowel blades
  • ability to clean trowel throughout process
  • ability to use emergency shut-off procedures
  • ability to determine when trowelling process is complete
Trowels concrete by hand.
  • knowledge of the effects of environmental conditions on the concrete
  • knowledge of the effects of admixtures in the concrete
  • knowledge of required surface texture
  • knowledge of the effects of trowel angles and pressures
  • ability to assess surface conditions such as firmness and appearance
  • ability to correct surface imperfections such as pin holes, stone pops and surface tears
  • ability to determine when the trowelling process is complete
Applies surface treatments to plastic concrete.
Broadcasts products on concrete surface.
  • knowledge of types of broadcast products such as hardeners, colours and powdered release agents
  • knowledge of types of broadcast hardeners such as natural aggregates and metallics
  • knowledge of the effect of uneven distribution
  • ability to assess surface conditions such as firmness and the presence of bleed water
  • ability to apply techniques such as broadcasting by hand and machine
  • ability to broadcast product evenly and in specified quantity
  • ability to work product into the concrete surface
Applies surface retarder.
  • knowledge of types of surface retarders such as water-based and glycol-based
  • knowledge of surface retarder applications such as delaying the finishing process and producing exposed aggregate surfaces
  • ability to assess surface conditions such as firmness and dryness
  • ability to determine amount of retarder required
  • ability to operate spray equipment to ensure even distribution
  • ability to determine when surface retarder is required
Textures concrete surface.
  • knowledge of types of textured surfaces such as broomed, tyne, burlap, swirl (float or trowel) and herringbone
  • knowledge of texturing requirements for traction and drainage
  • ability to assess surface conditions such as firmness and dryness
  • ability to operate tools and equipment to produce desired patterns
  • ability to apply texturing techniques to achieve patterns
Top seeds concrete surface.
  • knowledge of the elevation of screeded surface prior to top seeding
  • knowledge of saturated surface-dry (SSD) requirement for rock
  • ability to assess surface conditions such as firmness and dryness
  • ability to place rock randomly or in desired pattern
  • ability to completely embed rock using tools such as a darby or magnesium float
Stamps concrete surface.
  • knowledge of types of patterns such as cobblestone, random stone and barn board
  • knowledge of stamp composition such as rubber and metal
  • knowledge of mix design required to accommodate desired pattern
  • knowledge of effects of broadcast products on setting time prior to stamping
  • knowledge of effects of weather conditions on stamping procedures
  • ability to assess surface conditions such as firmness and dryness
  • ability to apply release agents such as powder or liquid
  • ability to lay out pattern
  • ability to stamp pattern consistently for location and depth
  • ability to protect surrounding area from broadcast products

External Links

Concrete Curing And Protection

Cures concrete.
Wet-cures concrete.
  • knowledge of timing for curing
  • knowledge of requirements for proper hydration
  • ability to pond concrete
  • ability to use sprinklers and soaker hose
  • ability to use wet burlap method
Chemical cures concrete.
  • knowledge of types of curing compounds such as clear membrane, fugitive dye and dissipating curing compound
  • knowledge of timing for application of compound
  • knowledge of effects of curing compounds on curing process
  • knowledge of risks associated with application
  • ability to apply compound to ensure uniform coverage
Protects concrete.
Maintains desired temperature.
  • knowledge of effects of ground and air temperature on concrete
  • knowledge of effects of retarding admixtures to slow set time
  • knowledge of temperature ranges for curing processes
  • ability to use non-chloride and chloride accelerators to speed set time
  • ability to insulate work area to keep concrete from freezing using materials such as straw and polyethylene, and insulated tarps
  • ability to set up hoarding and heaters
Places physical protection.
  • knowledge of conditions requiring the use of protection
  • knowledge of types of sealers such as acrylic and epoxy
  • ability to restrict public access using barricades such as caution tape, ribbon, safety fence, pylons and wooden barricades
  • ability to apply sealer evenly
  • ability to place polyethylene to protect concrete from rain
Saw cuts control joints.
  • knowledge of timing for saw cutting of control joints
  • knowledge of location, spacing and depth of control joints
  • ability to lay out cutting pattern
  • ability to select equipment for wet or dry cutting
  • ability to clean and fill joints with materials such as polyurethane caulking and backing rod
  • ability to mix caulking compounds such as self-levelling and non-sag

External Links

Concrete Modification, Repair And Grouting

Repairs concrete.
Inspects to determine defects.
  • knowledge of types of defects such as scaling, spalling, crazing and honeycombs
  • ability to visually and audibly inspect the concrete
  • ability to determine cause of defect such as stress, efflorescence and improper placing or finishing
  • ability to access affected area
  • ability to determine if destructive testing is required
Removes materials.
  • knowledge of types of removal equipment such as grinder, chipping hammer, scarifier, scabbler and sandblaster
  • knowledge of length of time required to remove materials
  • knowledge of disposal methods
  • ability to determine the removal procedure
  • ability to operate removal equipment
  • ability to protect and isolate area of removal with barricades
  • ability to determine area and depth of material to be removed
  • ability to determine if electrical and mechanical hazards are embedded in area to be repaired
Selects materials and process of repair.
  • knowledge of repair materials such as grouts, epoxies and mortar
  • knowledge of types of repair processes such as drypack, hand patch and pour back
  • knowledge of hazards such as vapours and contaminants
  • knowledge of mixing procedures
  • ability to select repair material and process based on cost, down-time, structural/architectural requirements and location of repair
  • ability to assess repair area conditions such as moisture content, temperature and visible contaminants
  • ability to match curing procedures with project requirements
  • ability to determine if aggregate fillers are required with repair materials
Prepares surface for repair.
  • knowledge of repair method
  • knowledge of bonding agents such as latex modified, slurry mix and epoxy
  • ability to pre-soak surfaces to SSD state using methods such as wet burlap and spraying
  • ability to operate surface preparation equipment such as grinder, scabbler and sand blaster
  • ability to select specific profile of surface to receive repair
  • ability to apply bonding agents
Parges vertical surfaces.
  • knowledge of types of parging materials
  • knowledge of surface defects
  • knowledge of mixing methods for parging
  • knowledge of colouring techniques
  • ability to follow manufacturers’ specifications
  • ability to apply finishing methods
  • ability to apply texturing methods such as sponging, grinding and dry sacking
Cuts and cores cured concrete.
Identifies hazards.
  • knowledge of potential embedded hazards such as post-tensioning and electrical cables
  • knowledge of potential hazards of gas-powered equipment such as carbon monoxide contamination
  • ability to interpret as-built or working drawings
  • ability to install shoring devices such as steel beam, scaffolding and anchoring
  • ability to erect perimeter safety barriers around and underneath work area
Measures depth of cut.
  • knowledge of non-destructive and destructive measuring devices such as tape measure and carbide drill bit
  • ability to interpret as-built or working drawings
Selects cutting and coring equipment.
  • knowledge of types of cutting and coring equipment such as floor saw, core drill and cutoff saw
  • knowledge of types of saw blades and core drill bits
  • knowledge of wet and dry blades
  • ability to select cutting and coring equipment according to depth of cut
  • ability to select saw blade according to depth of cut
  • ability to select core drill bit according to depth and diameter of cut
  • ability to set up and mount core drill equipment
Applies surface treatments to hardened concrete.
Prepares surface.
  • knowledge of types of abrading equipment such as sand/shot blaster and power grinders
  • knowledge of surface cleaning equipment such as pressure washers, steam cleaner and wet/dry vacuum
  • knowledge of surface cleaning procedures such as acid washing and pressure washing
  • knowledge of degreasing agents such as caustic soda and citrus-based cleaners
  • ability to operate abrading equipment
  • ability to work with concentrated acid cleaners
  • ability to determine structural soundness
  • ability to install zinc strips for seamless floors
  • ability to follow manufacturers’ recommendations for cleaning products
Abrades surface to achieve architectural finish.
  • knowledge of types of abrading equipment such as sand blaster, grinder and bush hammer
  • knowledge of types of architectural finishes such as textured and polished
  • knowledge of environmental impact of abrading
  • ability to achieve required architectural finishes using methods such as sand blasting, bush hammering and grinding
  • ability to operate abrading equipment such as sand blaster, grinder and bush hammer
  • ability to determine depth of abrasion
  • ability to contain material dispelled during abrading process
Applies seamless coatings.
  • knowledge of types of coatings such as epoxy and non-static floor coating
  • knowledge of moisture content of substrate
  • knowledge of toxicity of coating material
  • knowledge of mixing techniques
  • ability to follow manufacturers’ recommendations
  • ability to use epoxy tools such as trowels, spiked roller and squeegee
  • ability to broadcast aggregates
  • ability to dispose of toxic waste material
Applies bonded and non-bonded toppings to concrete.
  • knowledge of types of toppings such as grout, pre-mixed topping and concrete
  • knowledge of topping reinforcement such as polyethylene fibre, rebar and welded wire mesh
  • knowledge of curing methods for toppings
  • ability to determine if topping needs to be bonded or non-bonded
  • ability to confirm that existing surface is ready to receive bonding agent
  • ability to follow manufacturers’ specifications
Applies acid stain.
  • knowledge of surface preparation such as removing existing sealers, dirt, oil and chemicals
  • knowledge of acid application time
  • knowledge of drying time
  • knowledge of types of protective sealers such as epoxy sealer and polyurethane sealer
  • ability to follow manufacturers’ specifications
  • ability to remove acid residue prior to applying top coats
  • ability to perform litmus test
  • ability to apply protective sealer to acid stained surfaces
Grouts.
Selects installation procedure.
  • knowledge of types of procedures such as drypack, pouring and injecting
  • knowledge of types of grout such as non-shrink, expandable and epoxy
  • ability to determine procedure suitable to the task such as grouting machine bases, pre-cast joints and cracks
Prepares surface for grouting.
  • knowledge of surface preparation requirements for specific grout
  • knowledge of surface preparation techniques
  • ability to clean surfaces
  • ability to apply bonding agents
  • ability to pre-soak surfaces to SSD state using methods such as wet burlap and spraying
Mixes grout.
  • knowledge of mixing techniques such as drill and whip, paddle mixer, and shovel and wheelbarrow
  • knowledge of ratios
  • knowledge of mixing hazards such as solvent fumes, grout dust and acids
  • knowledge of pot life
  • ability to follow manufacturers’ specifications such as temperature and quantities
  • ability to measure weights and volumes
  • ability to clean mixing area and tools to avoid contamination
  • ability to prepare test batch to check for consistency, colour and flow
Installs grout.
  • knowledge of properties of grout
  • knowledge of installation methods such as injecting, pouring, strapping, rodding and vibrating
  • knowledge of pot life
  • ability to operate installation equipment such as vibrators and injection guns
  • ability to compact drypack grout
Finishes exposed grout surfaces.
  • knowledge of required finish and contour
  • ability to tool surfaces into required shape

External Links

Provided by the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program National Occupational Analysis (NOA) http://www.red-seal.ca