Scope

This National occupational analysis has been developed for work performed by industrial electricians. An industrial electrician is a skilled individual who must possess fundamental and specialized knowledge and skills related to the installation and maintenance of electrical devices and components found in industrial settings. Industrial electricians inspect, install, troubleshoot, repair and service (includes calibration and preventive/predictive maintenance) electrical equipment such as motors, generators, pumps, heavy duty machines, illumination systems, environmental regulating systems, communication systems; and associated electrical and electronic controls. Individuals who work in this trade are also referred to as marine, mill or mine electricians, maintenance electricians, or plant electricians. These trade persons are employed by maintenance departments of factories, plants, mines, shipyards, oil and gas rigs, as well as platforms, and other industrial enterprises. Some of the tasks and sub-tasks associated with the analysis overlap with the responsibilities of other skilled trades. Possible overlap exists in trades such as: Construction Electrician; Domestic, Rural and Low-rise Residential Electrician; Facilities Technician/Mechanic; Millwright; Stationary Engineer; and Instrumentation Technician/Mechanic. Trade certification is compulsory in some jurisdictions while available, but voluntary, in others. Where certification is not required for the trade, codes, standards and regulations still apply. Electrical contractors in Canada require a Construction and Maintenance License.

Observations

The digital revolution has brought the development of technologies that have influenced the trade of Industrial Electrician. The wide spread use of personal computers, the installation of hi-tech alarm systems, fiber optics, the expanded data requirements, and the wide spread reliance on computer aided manufacturing has resulted in a change in the work accomplished by an industrial electrician. More repair information is available on the Internet which makes for a more effective and up-to-date distribution system for repair procedures and methods. Parts and parts inventory can be more easily managed and accessed through the use of electronic management systems. The use of robots and other computerized control equipment prevalent in the automobile and other manufacturing sectors requires electricians who can install and repair this equipment. The integration of programmable logic controllers (PLC) with more traditional controllers continues. The replacement of components is now much more common than bench repairs. The trade has been influenced by enhancements and developments in diagnostic equipment. The result of new technology has been a reduction in the physical requirements of the trade and an increase in the specialized knowledge requirements. As the need for cross-functional workers continues in industry, the flexibility and diversity of tasks accomplished by industrial electricians continues to expand. There is now and continues to be, an increase in overlap among the skills required by the Industrial Electrician trade and those of construction, millwright, and instrumentation trades.

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 injuries. 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 Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Act and 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 is included throughout this analysis.

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