Skills for success (Essential Skills) summary

Boilermakers read and interpret summaries of toolbox meetings, short notes from co-workers about work activities and directions on product labels. They also read company policies and procedures, as well as code books, collective agreements and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Boilermakers also read reference books such as metal trades handbooks, crane and rigging handbooks and training manuals.

Boilermakers locate information in various tables, bills of lading, work procedures, code books, load charts, SDS and equipment catalogues. They interpret various drawings such as rigging, fabrication (prints) and shop drawings to identify work to be completed. They may also make scale drawings.

Boilermakers may write work-related notes to co-workers and keep personal logbooks to record daily activities noting information such as hours worked, tasks completed, problems encountered, observations and concerns. They may also write production plans to sequence and schedule tasks. Boilermakers may complete job safety analysis (JSA) reports, health and safety report forms as well as hazard or near-miss report forms.

Boilermakers schedule their daily work activities. They determine the total weight of materials to be hoisted and use formulas to calculate the working load limit (safe work load) of various wire and fibre ropes. They also measure tube wall thicknesses and calculate tube expansion using formulas. They measure angles to cut tubing or pipe to specifications. They use geometry such as bisecting angles and constructing circles using chords to lay out materials for vessels. Boilermakers use data analysis math to ensure code requirements are met by cross referencing measurements on drawings with industry specifications. They also estimate tube/pipe lengths to perform rough cuts, materials needed for a job and the weight of a load to be lifted. They may also estimate how many workers and hours are required to complete a job. Boilermakers work with both the imperial and metric measurement systems, and therefore must be able to convert between the two systems.

Boilermakers discuss safety issues with colleagues and supervisors during daily toolbox meetings. They interact with supervisors to get direction and discuss technical issues, health and safety concerns, timelines and personnel matters. They may consult with draftspersons, quality control officers and engineers to discuss problems with fabrication drawings (prints) such as code violations, technical challenges and design flaws. They may also consult with union representatives.

Boilermakers are often required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as ear protection, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), respirators and full face masks which may impede communication. Boilermakers also work in situations where visibility is restricted. Communication is also challenging because boilermakers often work in confined spaces or in towers, out of hearing range. This necessitates the use of hand signals or two-way radios.

Boilermakers use critical thinking skills to perform diagnostics, trouble-shooting and problem solving tasks. They may suggest a more feasible timeframe when dealing with tight timelines and while coordinating with other trades. They also determine and implement actions to address hazardous job conditions. For example, they may choose appropriate safety equipment, isolate an area, or call other trades to facilitate assigned tasks.

Due to the potentially dangerous nature of their work, working with others is a critical skill. Often a boilermaker-welder is paired with a boilermaker-mechanic to form a skilled team. Boilermakers may also work in larger team situations and with other tradespeople. They should be able to communicate effectively, complete the tasks assigned to them and integrate their work with that of the other trades. They must be self-disciplined, ensuring that work done independently is accurate and completed within prescribed time limits.

Boilermakers may use digitized programmable equipment such as scientific calculators, digital levels and lasers. They may also use application equipment (robotics) and computer-controlled equipment such as welding overlays and computer numerical controlled (CNC) cutting machines. Boilermakers may use computer-assisted training tools such as on-line programs, simulators, or software packages for health and safety training. They may also use computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Technical upgrading is offered by companies when new products, procedures and equipment are introduced. Boilermakers may take courses on the job or at community colleges, or access on-line programs. However, one of the most practical ways for boilermakers to gain new expertise is to learn on the job from more experienced co-workers, mentors or supervisors. It is common for boilermakers to also have welding certification.