Description of the Ironworker (Generalist) trade
“Ironworker (Generalist)” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This analysis covers tasks performed by ironworkers (generalist).
Ironworkers (generalist) work with both structural/ornamental and reinforcing steel materials. They install structural/ornamental steel components, precast concrete members and mass timber products such as glue laminated timber (glulam), cross laminated timber (CLT), and nail and dowel laminated timber (NLT & DLT). They place reinforcing steel in commercial, industrial, institutional and large residential buildings, towers, bridges and stadiums. They erect pre-engineered buildings, wind turbines, solar panels, and ornamental ironwork such as curtain walls, metal stairways, catwalks, railings and metal doors. They also erect scaffolding, cranes, hoists and derricks on the construction site. Ironworkers (generalist) also install conveyors, machinery, and automated material handling systems. They are also involved in demolition and salvage duties involving all types of construction.
Ironworkers (generalist) cut, bend, lay out, hoist, place, tie, couple, and weld reinforcing steel bars, 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, power-generating plants, and towers. While the reinforcing material is usually pre-cut and fabricated off-site, ironworkers (generalist) may be called upon to cut and bend them in the field according to design specifications and drawings. Ironworkers (generalist) 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 choosing and installing rigging such as 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 may grout the tendons according to the system.
Ironworkers (generalist) prepare the construction site by assembling the hoisting equipment. They unload reinforcing materials, structural and ornamental components, and organize the material for installation and hoisting. They organize and sequence the hoisting of the components by connecting rigging (cables and slings) to the components and directing crane operators. They position, align and secure components according to technical drawings using a variety of fastening methods.
Ironworkers (generalist) generally work outside in various weather conditions, although some work indoors. They generally travel to and from the work site which may be in a variety of locations ranging from remote areas where they could be working on dams, bridges, or mining projects to urban environments where they could work on high rise buildings or stadiums. The work often requires considerable standing, bending, crawling, lifting, climbing, pulling and reaching, and is often conducted in cramped areas, confined spaces or at heights. Hazards include injury from repetitive motions, electrocution, falls or falling objects, lacerations, pinch points, crushing and overexertion. Ironworkers (generalist) typically work a 40-hour week; however, inclement weather such as rain, snow or high winds may shut down projects for extended periods and alternate deadlines and priorities may require overtime hours.
Ironworkers (generalist) are required to have good mechanical aptitude, the ability to lift heavy objects, the ability to maintain balance working at heights in various conditions, a thorough knowledge of the principles of welding, and rigging, hoisting and positioning, and a familiarity with a variety of metal fastening and joining methods. They are all required to be competent in the use and care of a variety of hand and power tools and equipment such as wrenches, pry bars, torches, levelling and welding equipment. Ironworkers (generalist) use material handling equipment such as forklifts (class 1-7), panel or glass lifting equipment and rolling hydraulic gantry systems. They also use crane charts and must be able to estimate and reconcile crane ability with load sizes.
Because of the nature of the work, a primary concern of ironworkers (generalist) is workplace safety. They must be thoroughly familiar with the applicable sections of local, provincial and federal building and safety standards.
Ironworkers (generalist) tend to work in teams and with other tradespeople, and team coordination is a large component of the occupation especially when hoisting and placing large, heavy components high above the ground.
Ironworkers (generalist) interact and work cooperatively with a wide variety of construction tradespeople such as ironworkers (reinforcing), mobile and tower crane operators, welders, carpenters, metal fabricators (fitters), boilermakers, industrial mechanics (millwrights), construction craft workers and glaziers.