Ironworker (Reinforcing) National Occupational Analysis (NOA)

The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) recognizes this National Occupational Analysis as the national standard for the occupation of ironworker (reinforcing).

General Information

• NOA History
• Structure of Analysis
• Development and Validation of Analysis
• Safety

Scope

“Ironworker (Reinforcing)” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This analysis covers tasks performed by an ironworker (reinforcing) whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:

Ironworkers (reinforcing) cut, bend, lay out, hoist, place, tie, couple and weld reinforcing steel rods, welded wire fabric and composite materials in a wide variety of reinforced concrete products and structures such as buildings, highways, bridges, stadiums, wind turbines, solar panels and towers. They also place and stress various post-tensioning systems in structures such as parking garages, bridges and stadiums where longer unsupported spans are required.

Ironworkers (reinforcing) unload fabricated or straight reinforcing materials and place it for hoisting as needed. While the reinforcing material is usually pre-cut and fabricated off-site, ironworkers (reinforcing) may be called upon to cut and bend them in the field according to design specifications and drawings. Ironworkers (reinforcing) may pre-assemble reinforcing material by laying it out and connecting sub-assemblies on the ground prior to final placement. They organize the hoisting of the components by connecting cables and slings to the components and directing crane operators. They position, align and secure components according to drawings, using a variety of methods. After placing post-tensioning systems, they stress the tendons to predetermined forces using hydraulic jacks and pumps and then grout the tendons.

Ironworkers (reinforcing) work outside in all weather. They may also work in underground work sites. They work in a variety of locations ranging from remote areas where they could work on dams, bridges or mining projects, to urban environments where they could work on high-rise buildings, parking garages, transit systems, tunnels, stadiums, roads or highways. The work may require that they be away from home for extended periods of time. The work often requires considerable standing, bending, crawling, lifting, climbing, pulling and reaching and is often conducted in cramped, confined spaces or at heights. Hazards include injury from repetitive movements, electrocution, crushing, falls or falling objects.

Ironworkers (reinforcing) are required to have good mechanical aptitude, the ability to visualize finished products in three dimensions, and the ability to work at heights in varying extreme climates. A thorough knowledge of the principles of lifting and hoisting is required as is a familiarity with a variety of metal fastening and joining methods. All ironworkers (reinforcing) are required to be competent in the use and care of a variety of hand and power tools and equipment such as tying tools, pry bars, jacks, torches, cut-off saws, hydraulic benders, shears, welding equipment, stressing equipment and cranes.

Because of the nature of the work, a primary concern of the ironworkers (reinforcing) is workplace safety; therefore ironworkers (reinforcing) must be thoroughly familiar with the applicable sections of local, provincial and federal building and safety codes.

Ironworkers (reinforcing) tend to work in teams, and team coordination is a large component of the occupation especially when hoisting and placing large, heavy components high above the ground.

Ironworkers (reinforcing) interact and work cooperatively with a wide variety of construction tradespeople such as ironworkers (structural/ornamental), electricians, plumbers, crane operators, steel detailers, welders, carpenters, concrete finishers and metal fabricators.

Occupational Observations

Technology continues to contribute to many changes in equipment design and construction materials. These innovations require constantly changing methods and techniques governed by appropriate attitudes towards the current high standards for fabrication, erection and installation of components. Maintaining updated knowledge of these changes presents a daily challenge to the people of this trade.

The work of an ironworker (reinforcing), by its nature, possesses inherent hazards. Safe work procedures, best practices and job hazard analysis (JHA) assist in controlling or eliminating hazards. However, errors in judgment or in practical application of trade knowledge can be costly, both in terms of injury to workers and damage to equipment or materials. Workers must maintain constant attention to the application of safety and accident prevention at all times.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as fall arrest equipment, aerial lift platforms, breathing apparatus and fume extraction equipment have become an integral part of all worksites and places of employment.

Ironworkers (reinforcing) are increasingly being called on to document and maintain records due to more stringent laws and regulations. The end products in industrial and other applications must be appropriately installed, inspected and documented. This places more responsibility on supervisors, quality control personnel and the individuals who perform the installation and assembly of components. The tremendous variety in equipment, methods and materials means that the ironworker (reinforcing) must be more knowledgeable and adaptable than ever before.

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 representatives from the trade across Canada who contributed to the development of this document.

This 2015 edition of the NOA was reviewed, updated and validated by industry representatives from across Canada to ensure that it continues to represent the skills and knowledge required in this trade. The coordinating, facilitating and processing of this analysis were undertaken by employees of the NOA development team of the Trades and Apprenticeship Division of ESDC. The host jurisdiction of Alberta 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, 6^th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0J9