Description of the Gasfitter – Class B Trade
Gasfitters – Class B design, install, test, adjust, maintain, and repair fuel piping systems, venting, air supply systems, appliances, equipment and accessories in various sectors.
Gasfitters – Class B may work in residential, institutional and commercial building and restaurants on fuel-fired appliances that do not exceed 400 000 British Thermal Units per hour (Btuhs) or 120 kilowatts (kW). These appliances are typically designed and certified for space heating, cooking, domestic hot water heating and decorative installations, and include furnaces, boilers, hot water tanks and tankless heaters, fireplaces, fire pits and residential and commercial cooking equipment, that usually operate on natural gas or propane.
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.
They may be employed to repair and extend gas lines, and install, repair and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings. For mechanical and service companies, they may install, service and maintain propane and natural gas piping systems and appliances.
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 B may need to acquire additional certification.
It is essential that gasfitters – class B 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 B must be able to interpret drawings and technical manuals.
Conditions may be stressful as the work environment for gasfitters – class B is varied and may involve working in extreme or adverse conditions both indoors and outdoors. They may work in confined spaces, at heights, and 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 B 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 A, 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 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, working for provincial/territorial regulators or becoming trainers.