Gasfitter – Class B – National Occupational Analysis (NOA)

The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) recognizes this National Occupational Analysis (NOA) as the national standard for the occupation of
Gasfitter - Class B.

Occupational Analyses Series

Disponible en français sous le titre : Monteur/monteuse d'installations au gaz (classe B)

NOC: 7253

Designation Year: 2012

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Red Seal Exam Self-Assessment Guide – Gasfitter - Class B

Use this self-assessment tool (PDF, 1.0 MB) to rate your own understanding and experience with the tasks of the trade that are on the Red Seal examination.

General Information

Scope

“Gasfitter – Class B” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This analysis covers tasks performed by gasfitters - class B whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:

NL

NS

PE

NB

QC

ON

MB

SK

AB

BC

NT

YT

NU

Domestic Gasfitter

x

Domestic/ Commercial Gasfitter (Class B)

x

Gasfitter (B)

x

x

x

x

Gasfitter Level 2

x

Gasfitter Second Class

x

Gasfitter (Second Class)

x

Gas Installer (C)

x

Gas Technician 2

x

x

Gasfitters – Class B size, install, test, adjust, maintain and repair lines, appliances, equipment and accessories in various sectors. Gases may include natural gas, manufactured gas, or mixtures of propane gas and air, propane, propylene, butanes (normal butane or isobutane), butylenes and hydrogen. They work on appliances and equipment that do not exceed 400 000 Btuh (British Thermal Units per hour) or 120 kW (kilowatts). Appliances and equipment would include boilers, burners, makeup air units, furnaces, process burners, commercial equipment and various other gas-fired equipment, some of which can be quite complex.

Gasfitters – Class B may work in the residential, manufacturing, and industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) sectors. They may repair and extend gas mains, and install, repair and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings. For mechanical and service companies, they may install and maintain piping and appliances. Gasfitters – Class B may also be employed in the propane industry to install and service temporary heating, and propane metering, dispensing and pumping equipment. In some jurisdictions, to perform some tasks such as welding, rigging and hoisting, gasfitters may need to acquire additional certification.

The work environment for gasfitters – class B is varied and may involve working in extreme or adverse conditions. Gasfitters – Class B may work both indoors and outdoors. They may work in confined spaces, at heights, and around heavy equipment and piping systems. Gasfitters – Class B may respond to emergencies at any time. There are some hazards involved in working with electricity, flammable gases and power tools. Work conditions may be stressful as gasfitters - class B may need to respond to emergency hazardous situations.

Gasfitters – Class B require manual dexterity and upper and lower limb coordination to operate power tools in cramped conditions and to climb ladders. Good physical condition is important because the work often requires considerable standing, lifting and moving of heavy items. They are also required to crouch, bend, kneel, crawl and twist when moving around equipment and piping systems.

Strong mechanical aptitudes, problem solving skills and a good understanding of electrical/electronic and combustion theory are essential for working in this trade. In addition, there is a requirement for strong mathematical, spatial visualization and communication skills. Gasfitters - Class B must be able to interpret drawings and technical manuals.

This analysis recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of other trades such as gasfitters – class A, plumbers, steamfitters/pipefitters, oil heat system technicians, welders, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, electricians and sheet metal workers. Experienced gasfitters – class B often act as mentors and coaches to apprentices in the trade. Career advancement opportunities may include gasfitter - class A, supervisory positions such as supervisor, maintenance manager or service manager, starting their own contracting business or becoming trainers.

Occupational Observations

Gasfitters require more computer and digital skills to work in this trade. More computers and laptops are now used to perform diagnostics and setup of systems. Increasingly, building automation systems incorporate the environmental control systems. Mobile and wireless communication are used to communicate with clients, and gather technical information for the trade.

The type, use and accuracy of analyzers have increased. There is also an increase in use, type and quality of electronic tools such as signal generators and network communication tools.

There are more plastics and stainless steels used in piping and tubing and equipment. These are used for increased durability and longevity. Gasfitters adapt their work practices, tools and equipment to work with these new materials.

Quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) practices have increased significantly. Gasfitters now spend more of their time documenting work performed, materials used, and processes used for testing. They must stay up-to-date and aware of the QC and QA requirements in the jurisdiction where they work.

Safety procedures and practices have become more and more stringent. There are additional requirements for performing hazard assessments, using personal protective equipment (PPE) and attending safety meetings. Gasfitters must maintain ongoing safety training in a number of areas, including Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG), confined space, hazardous energy isolation, mobile equipment and fall protection.

There is a trend towards green building certification such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification resulting in tighter “building as a system” requirements which facilitate better energy conservation and healthier building environments. Gasfitters must consider these requirement in the workplace and when installing, servicing and verifying the final operation of systems.

Essential Skills Summary

Essential skills are needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.

Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated nine essential skills. These skills are used in nearly every occupation and throughout daily life in different ways.

A series of CCDA-endorsed tools have been developed to support apprentices in their training and to be better prepared for a career in the trades. The tools can be used independently or with the assistance of a tradesperson, trainer, employer, teacher or mentor to:

Tools are available online or for order.

The essential skills profile for the gasfitter trade indicates that the most important essential skills are document use, oral communication and decision making.

The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the competency statements which support each subtask of the trade. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills, taken from the essential skills profile.

Gasfitters read descriptions and explanations on work orders and memos from supervisors and clients on details of the work tasks and activities that need to be done. They read warnings and instructions on labels, signs, tags and placards to make decisions about special precautions or procedures that are needed for a particular job. They must interpret code specifications and requirements to determine if equipment or system installations meet code requirements.

Gasfitters use manufacturers’ specification sheets, equipment manuals and code books to locate technical information and operation settings in order to complete maintenance and repair procedures. They refer to drawings, pictures and diagrams in equipment manuals in order to troubleshoot equipment problems and complete repair and replacement procedures. Gasfitters use and read schematic drawings to understand various systems such as equipment, control, electrical, gas supply and energy distribution systems.

Gasfitters write detailed notes in logbooks, notebooks, layout drawings and inspection checklists to keep records of equipment installation, changes and deficiencies. They provide descriptive texts on work orders to provide description of work performed, equipment deficiencies and required remedial actions. Gasfitters create as-built diagrams and sketches. Gasfitters may complete sections of incident or accident reports.

Gasfitters calculate materials needed and determine estimates for installation or service jobs. Gasfitters convert length and volume measurement from metric to imperial units and vice versa. They also perform calculations for venting, combustion air and gas pipe sizing requirements. They take measurements such as distance, volume, temperature and pressure. These calculations and measurements are used for such things as sizing combustion air, energy distribution and exhaust gas analysis.

Gasfitters communicate with customers, managers, supervisors, co-workers and other trades to discuss equipment problems and outline job requirements, legal implications and negotiate repair processes. They also follow up with customers after jobs are completed to explain equipment operation and answer questions. Gasfitters may also communicate with a range of officials, such as inspectors and engineers.

Gasfitters problem solve when facing unexpected installation, service and removal problems. They may decide to not enter homes or buildings where personal health and safety may be at risk. Based on their sensory inspections, their knowledge of instrumentation, controls and equipment performance and the urgency to restart systems, gasfitters determine how to troubleshoot, maintain or replace equipment or components. They may also decide how and where to install system components to meet manufacturers’ specifications, code requirements and maintain efficiency. Gasfitters evaluate efficiency of gas-fired systems. They also plan and organize their daily tasks.

Gasfitters may work alone or with a team depending on the task requirements. When working with others, they may coordinate with other trades and contractors. They mentor and train apprentices and co-workers on the job.

Gasfitters use computer programs to create installation layouts or to troubleshoot system or equipment problems. They use computers to interface with equipment and programming, changing parameters and maintaining control systems. They use electronic communication to communicate with customers, coworkers, suppliers or subcontractors.

Gasfitters often have in-house training or attend seminars to update their required site-specific and safety certifications such as WHMIS, fall arrest training, first aid and many others. Gasfitters must become proficient with new equipment, technology, regulations, codes and procedures by attending training sessions and seminars, reading manuals and through on-the-job experience.

Acknowledgements

The CCDA and ESDC wish to express sincere appreciation for the contribution of the many tradespersons, industrial establishments, professional associations, labour organizations, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, and all others who contributed to this publication.

Special acknowledgement is extended by ESDC and the CCDA to the following representatives from the trade.

This analysis was prepared by the Labour Market Integration Directorate of ESDC. The coordinating, facilitating and processing of this analysis were undertaken by employees of the NOA development team of the Trades and Apprenticeship Division. The host jurisdiction of Manitoba also participated in the development of this NOA.

Comments or questions about National Occupational Analyses may be forwarded to:

Trades and Apprenticeship Division
Labour Market Integration Directorate
Employment and Social Development Canada
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 6th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0J9
Email: redseal-sceaurouge@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca