Description of the Gasfitter – Class A trade
Gasfitters – Class A design, install, test, adjust, maintain, and repair fuel piping systems, venting, air supply systems, appliances, equipment and accessories in various sectors.
Gasfitters – Class A may work in residential, manufacturing, industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) sectors where large fuel-fired appliances and equipment are encountered. These appliances can consume thousands of cubic meters of fuel per hour and may have very sophisticated burner management systems that rely on monitoring and safety interlocks and an integrated operating interface.
They work on appliances and equipment including those exceeding 400 000 British Thermal Units per hour (Btuhs) or 120 kilowatts (kW).
Appliances and equipment may include boilers, burners, makeup air units, furnaces, process burners, domestic and commercial equipment, and various other fuel-fired equipment. Some can be quite complex and may incorporate sophisticated electronic control systems and monitoring circuits.
Depending on regional and jurisdictional regulations and limitations, fuels may include natural gas, manufactured gas, oil, liquefied petroleum gas, digester gas, landfill gas, biogas, hydrogen or a mixture or dilution of any of these gases.
Gasfitters – Class A may be employed to repair and extend gas lines, and install, repair and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings. They may also be employed in the propane, compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen industry to install and service propane containers, vaporizers, metering, dispensing and pumping equipment. With the increase in demand for renewable natural gas (RNG), gasfitters – class A may work in landfill, digester and biogas facilities used to produce and supply RNG to utilities and for internal use.
For health and safety reasons, the gas fitting trade is regulated across Canada.
In some jurisdictions, to perform tasks such as welding, rigging and hoisting, gasfitters - class A may need to acquire additional certification.
As the volume of fuel gas at a facility increases, so does the risk. It is essential that gasfitters – class A have strong mechanical aptitudes, problem-solving skills and a good understanding of electrical/electronic control systems, combustion theory and flame safeguard systems, and their regulatory requirements. There is a requirement for strong mathematical, spatial visualization and communication skills. Gasfitters – Class A must be able to interpret drawings and technical manuals.
Conditions may be stressful as the work environment for gasfitters – class A is varied and may involve working in extreme or adverse conditions both indoors and outdoors. They may work in confined spaces, at heights, around heavy equipment and piping systems and may be required to respond to hazardous emergencies at any time. There are hazards involved in working with electricity, flammable and toxic gases, and power tools.
Gasfitters – Class A require manual dexterity and upper and lower limb coordination. 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.
This standard recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of other trades such as gasfitters – class B, plumbers, steamfitters/pipefitters, oil heat system technicians, welders, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, electricians, sheet metal workers, and instrumentation and control technicians. Experienced gasfitters – class A often act as mentors and coaches to apprentices in the trade. Career advancement opportunities may include supervisory positions such as supervisor, maintenance manager or service manager, starting their own contracting business, working for provincial/territorial regulators or becoming trainers.