Description of the Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental) trade
“Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental)” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by ironworkers (structural/ornamental).
Ironworkers (structural/ornamental) install and reinforce structural/ornamental steel components, precast structural concrete members and mass timber products such as glue laminated timber (glulam), cross laminated timber (CLT), and nail and dowel laminated timber (NLT & DLT). Ironworkers (structural/ornamental) work is performed 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 (structural/ornamental) also install conveyors, machinery and automated material handling systems. They are also involved in demolition and salvage duties involving all types of construction.
Ironworkers (structural/ornamental) prepare the construction site by assembling the hoisting equipment. They unload structural and ornamental components and organize the material for hoisting. They organize and sequence the hoisting of the components by connecting, choosing and installing rigging such as 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 (structural/ornamental) 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 falls from heights or falling objects, lacerations, pinch points, crushing and overexertion. Ironworkers (structural/ornamental) 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 (structural/ornamental) are required to have good mechanical aptitude, the ability to lift heavy objects, the ability to maintain balance working at heights in varying extreme climates, 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 (structural/ornamental) 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 (structural/ornamental) is workplace safety. They must be thoroughly familiar with the applicable sections of local, provincial and federal building and safety standards.
Ironworkers (structural/ornamental) 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 (structural/ornamental) 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.