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7252.1 – Steamfitters and pipefitters

Steamfitters and pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems.

Profile

Example titles Help

  • Apprentice pipefitter-steamfitter
  • Marine pipefitter
  • Pipefitter
  • Steamfitter
  • Steamfitter-pipefitter

Main characteristics Help

  • General learning ability to lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems
  • Verbal ability and Numerical ability to prepare cost estimates for customers as required
  • Spatial perception and Form perception to read and interpret drawings, blueprints and specifications to determine layout requirements
  • Motor co-ordination to cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceilings using hand and power tools and machines
  • Finger dexterity and Manual dexterity to weld, braze, cement, solder and thread joints to join pipes and fabricate sections of piping systems
  • Objective interest in precision working to measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools, and to install supports, valves, and control systems
  • Innovative interest in compiling information to select types and sizes of pipe required and to test systems for leaks using testing equipment
  • Methodical interest in removing and replacing worn components, in cleaning and maintaining pipe units and fittings, and in flushing and re-activating piping systems

Aptitudes Help

One of five levels assigned for each factor, with levels representing normal curve distribution of the labour force:

G
General learning ability
V
Verbal ability
N
Numerical ability
S
Spatial perception
P
Form perception
Q
Clerical perception
K
Motor co-ordination
F
Finger dexterity
M
Manual dexterity

Levels legend, text description directly below.
  1. The highest 10% of the working population
  2. Upper third, exclusive of the highest 10%
  3. Middle third of the working population
  4. Lowest third, exclusive of the lowest 10%
  5. Lowest 10% of the working population

An individual's overall capacity to learn the skills needed to perform job duties is based on his or her specific aptitudes for acquiring information and transforming it into action.

General learning ability G-3

Ability to 'catch on' or understand instructions and underlying principles; to reason and make judgments.

Verbal ability V-3

Ability to understand the meaning of words and the ideas associated with them, and to use them effectively; to comprehend language, to understand relationships between words and to understand the meaning of whole sentences and paragraphs; to present information or ideas clearly.

Numerical ability N-3

Ability to carry out arithmetical processes quickly and accurately.

Spatial perception S-3

Ability to think visually about geometric forms and comprehend the two dimensional representation of three dimensional objects; to recognize the relationships resulting from the movement of objects in space. May be used in such tasks as blueprint reading and in solving geometry problems. Frequently described as the ability to 'visualize' objects of two or three dimensions.

Form perception P-3

Ability to perceive pertinent detail in objects and in pictorial and graphic material; to make visual comparisons and discriminations and to see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures and widths and lengths of lines.

Clerical perception Q-4

Ability to perceive pertinent detail in verbal or tabular material; to observe differences in copy, to proofread words and numbers, and to avoid perceptual errors in arithmetical computation.

Motor co-ordination K-3

Ability to co-ordinate eyes, hands and fingers rapidly and accurately when required to respond with precise movements.

Finger dexterity F-3

Ability to move the fingers and manipulate small objects with the fingers rapidly and/or accurately.

Manual dexterity M-3

Ability to move the hands easily and skillfully; to work with the hands in placing and turning motions.

Interests Help

Three of five descriptive factors, assigned in order of predominance and lower case rating indicating weaker representation:

D
Directive
I
Innovative
M
Methodical
O
Objective
S
Social

Objective O

Objective persons enjoy working with tools, equipment, instruments and machinery. They like to repair and/or fabricate things from various materials according to specifications and using established techniques. Objective persons are interested in finding out how things operate and how they are built.

Innovative i

Innovative persons like to explore things in depth and arrive at solutions to problems by experimenting. They are interested in initiating and creating different ways to solve questions and present information. They enjoy scientific subjects. Innovative persons prefer to be challenged with new and unexpected experiences. They adjust to change easily.

Methodical m

Methodical persons like to have clear rules and organized methods to guide their activities. They prefer working under the direction or supervision of others according to given instructions, or to be guided by established policies and procedures. Methodical persons like to work on one thing until it is completed. They enjoy following a set routine and prefer work that is free from the unexpected.

Data, people, and things Help

Data

0
Synthesizing
1
Co-ordinating
2
Analyzing
3
Compiling
4
Computing
5
Copying
6
Comparing
7
N/A
8
Not Significant

People

0
Mentoring
1
Negotiating
2
Instructing - Consulting
3
Supervising
4
Diverting
5
Persuading
6
Speaking - Signaling
7
Serving - Assisting
8
Not significant

Things

0
Setting up
1
Precision working
2
Controlling
3
Driving - Operating
4
Operating - Manipulating
5
Tending
6
Feeding - Offbearing
7
Handling
8
Not significant
Data Compiling 3

Accumulating information usually recorded physically but which may be stored mentally; gathering, collating and classifying information about data, people and things; frequently reporting and/or carrying out a prescribed action in relation to the information.

People Not significant 8

Not significant

Things Precision working 1

Using the body and/or equipment to move, guide, place, install and/or interface with objects, in order to attain specifications and precise standards. Considerable judgment is required to select, adjust and utilize appropriate tools, products and/or materials to accomplish specified objectives.

Physical activities Help

V - Vision

1
Close visual acuity
2
Near vision
3
Near and far vision
4
Total visual field

H - Hearing

1
Limited
2
Verbal interaction
3
Other sound discrimination

L - Limb co-ordination

0
Not relevant
1
Upper limb co-ordination
2
Multiple limb co-ordination

C - Colour discrimination

0
Not relevant
1
Relevant

B - Body position

1
Sitting
2
Standing and/or walking
3
Sitting, standing, walking
4
Other body positions

S - Strength

1
Limited
2
Light
3
Medium
4
Heavy
Vision Vision V-3

The use of sight in the work performed. The levels are organized in terms of the visual field involved in the performance of the work.

3 - Near and far vision

Some work activities involve the monitoring of processes, objects or situations in the work environment that are far from the worker. Other work activities involve Near vision (2).

Examples:

  • installing shingles/tiles on roofs
  • conducting surveys to establish legal property boundaries
  • developing trading strategies by monitoring market conditions from the exchange floor
Colour discrimination Colour discrimination C-0

The use of colour descrimination to identify, distinguish and match colours and different shades of the same colours.

0 - Not relevant

Colour discrimination is not relevant in the performance of the work.

Examples:

  • cleaning windows
  • providing information over the telephone
  • interviewing, hiring and overseeing staff training
  • translating documents
Hearing Hearing H-1

The use of hearing in the work performed. The levels are organized in terms of the type of auditory discrimination involved in the performance of the work.

1 - Limited

Hearing is limited to short and/or infrequent verbal interactions in order to perform the work.

Examples:

  • typing and proofreading correspondence
  • cutting and trimming meat, poultry and fish according to customers' orders
  • carrying linen to and from laundry areas and running errands
  • assisting mine workers in constructing underground installations
Body position Body position B-4

Primary type of posture or body movement involved in performing the work. These postures or body movements range from simple to complex and from sedentary to mobile.

4 - Other body positions

Work activities involve body postures other than, or in addition to, Sitting (1) and Standing and/or walking (2) such as bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching

Examples:

  • performing labouring duties in warehouses
  • measuring, cutting and installing carpeting
  • adjusting, repairing or replacing parts and components of automotive systems
  • treating patients' disorders of the spine and body through corrective manipulation
Limb co-ordination Limb co-ordination L-2

The use of limbs in performing work.

2 - Multiple limb co-ordination

Work activities are carried out by co-ordinating the movements of upper limb(s) simultaneously with lower limb(s).

Examples:

  • digging ditches using shovels
  • operating and driving automobiles, vans and trucks
  • climbing and working aloft on poles, ladders or other support structures
  • performing in figure skating competitions
Strength Strength S-4

The use of strength in the handling of loads such as pulling, pushing, lifting and/or moving objects during the work performed.

4 - Heavy

Work activities involve handling loads more than 20 kg.

Examples:

  • operating and maintaining deck equipment and performing other deck duties aboard ships
  • shovelling cement into cement mixers and assisting in the maintenance and repair of roads
  • measuring, cutting and fitting drywall sheets for installation on walls and ceilings
  • operating power saws to thin and space trees in reforestation areas

Environmental conditions Help

Location

L1
Regulated inside climate
L2
Unregulated inside climate
L3
Outside
L4
In a vehicle or cab

Hazards

H1
Dangerous chemical substances
H2
Biological agents
H3
Equipment, machinery, tools
H4
Electricity
H5
Radiation
H6
Flying particles, falling objects
H7
Fire, steam, hot surfaces
H8
Dangerous locations

Discomforts

D1
Noise
D2
Vibration
D3
Odours
D4
Non-toxic dusts
D5
Wetness
Discomforts Noise D1

Work conditions that create disturbances but are not hazardous. In general, these conditions create discomfort, but are not direct sources of injury. In extreme instances, however, these conditions might cause injury.

D1 - Noise

Work that produces sufficient noise – constant or intermittent – to cause marked distraction or possible loss of hearing.

Examples:

  • operating drilling equipment in underground mines
  • using power saws in logging operations
  • blasting rock surface in mining
  • operating heavy equipment for construction jobs
  • using firearms
Hazards Dangerous chemical substances H1

Potential hazards to which the worker may be exposed. The codes provide an indication of the type(s) of hazard(s) most likely to be present in the workplace environment. They are not a measure of frequency, duration or degree of exposure to hazards, but an indication of the presence or absence of a particular hazard in the work environment.

H1 - Dangerous chemical substances

Exposure to any chemical that may endanger health through inhalation, absorption or ingestion, contact with skin or eyes, or any chemical with the potential for fire or explosion. Substances may be in forms such as solids, liquids, gases, aerosols or particles.

Examples:

  • extracting coal (involves exposure to silica particles)
  • removing asbestos insulation from buildings
  • joining bricks with mortar (contains lime)
  • mixing pesticides to spray crops
  • painting building interiors
Hazards Equipment, machinery, tools H3

Potential hazards to which the worker may be exposed. The codes provide an indication of the type(s) of hazard(s) most likely to be present in the workplace environment. They are not a measure of frequency, duration or degree of exposure to hazards, but an indication of the presence or absence of a particular hazard in the work environment.

H3 - Equipment, machinery, tools

Working near or with equipment, instruments, machinery or power/hand tools that may be a potential source of accident or injury.

Examples:

  • operating metal machining tools to shape metal
  • using hand tools to fabricate wood products
  • operating power saws to thin trees
  • performing surgical procedures
Hazards Flying particles, falling objects H6

Potential hazards to which the worker may be exposed. The codes provide an indication of the type(s) of hazard(s) most likely to be present in the workplace environment. They are not a measure of frequency, duration or degree of exposure to hazards, but an indication of the presence or absence of a particular hazard in the work environment.

H6 - Flying particles, falling objects

Exposure to flying particles and falling objects in the work environment that pose the risk of bodily injury.Flying particles refer to particles such as wood chips, metal particles and rock chips generated by the handling, crushing, grinding, rapid impact or explosion of materials.

Examples:

  • operating machining tools such as lathes/grinders
  • constructing underground installations in mines using hand and power tools
  • operating chain saws to fell, delimb and buck trees
  • operating hoisting devices to load cargo onto ships
  • laying brick to construct or repair walls
Hazards Fire, steam, hot surfaces H7

Potential hazards to which the worker may be exposed. The codes provide an indication of the type(s) of hazard(s) most likely to be present in the workplace environment. They are not a measure of frequency, duration or degree of exposure to hazards, but an indication of the presence or absence of a particular hazard in the work environment.

H7 - Fire, steam, hot surfaces

Exposure to fire (rather than exposure to flammable substances that may ignite), to emissions of steam or to intensely hot surfaces that are potential sources of injury.

Examples:

  • fighting fires
  • operating gas flame welding equipment
  • cooking food
  • forging metal items by hand or with forging machinery
  • tending industrial ovens/furnaces
Location Regulated inside climate L1

The work performed is carried out indoors in a regulated environment, indoors in an unregulated environment, outdoors or in a vehicle. In many occupations, the Main Duties may be performed in more than one location. Therefore, a group may have more than one Location code, for example:

  • firefighting and fire prevention duties
  • maintenance of interior/exterior of buildings
  • managing operations and paperwork of farms

L1 - Regulated inside climate

A normal controlled environment such as an office, hospital or school.

Location Outside L3

The work performed is carried out indoors in a regulated environment, indoors in an unregulated environment, outdoors or in a vehicle. In many occupations, the Main Duties may be performed in more than one location. Therefore, a group may have more than one Location code, for example:

  • firefighting and fire prevention duties
  • maintenance of interior/exterior of buildings
  • managing operations and paperwork of farms

L3 - Outside

An outdoor work environment where the worker is exposed to variations in weather conditions and seasonal weather patterns.

Examples:

  • maintaining lawns
  • repairing buildings, roads, bridges and dams
  • operating power saws to thin and space trees
  • delivering mail

Employment requirements Help

Education/training Help

1
No formal education or training requirements
2
Some high school education and/or on the job training or experience
3
High school
4
Course work, training, workshops and/or experience related to the occupation
5
Apprenticeship, specialized training, vocational school training
6
College, technical school (certificate, diploma)
7
Undergraduate degree
8
Post-graduate or professional degree
+
Additional requirement beyond education and training
R
Regulated requirement(s)
4+, 5, R
  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program
    or
    a combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting, pipefitting or sprinkler system installation is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
  • Steamfitter-pipefitter trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
  • Steamfitter-pipefitter (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified steamfitters-pipefitters and sprinkler system installers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Workplaces/employers Help

  • Maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments
  • Pipefitting contractors
  • Self-employment

Occupational options Help

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
  • Red Seal trade certification allows for interprovincial mobility.

Exclusions Help

Remarks Help

  • For some occupations in this group, Hazards H1(Dangerous chemical substances) may also apply

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
Skill level
B – Occupations usually require college education, specialized training or apprenticeship training
Minor group
72 – Industrial, electrical and construction trades
Minor group
725 – Plumbers, pipefitters and gas fitters
Unit group
7252 – Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
Version
NOC 2016 Version 1.3
Date modified: