Description of the Ironworker (Reinforcing) trade
“Ironworker (Reinforcing)” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This analysis covers tasks performed by an ironworker (reinforcing).
Ironworkers (reinforcing) 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. 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 them for hoisting. 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 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 (reinforcing) work outside in various weather conditions. They may also work in underground work sites. They work in a variety of locations ranging from offshore and remote areas where they could work on platforms, 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 areas, confined spaces or at heights. Hazards include injury from repetitive motions, electrocution, falls or falling objects, lacerations, pinch points, crushing and overexertion. Ironworkers (reinforcing) typically work a 40-hour week; however, inclement weather such as rain, snow or high winds may shut down projects for extended periods and alternative deadlines and priorities may require overtime hours.
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 various conditions. A thorough knowledge of the principles of rigging, hoisting and positioning 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, material handling equipment and cranes.
Because of the nature of the work, a primary concern of the ironworker (reinforcing) is workplace safety. They 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.