Major Work Activity A - Performs common occupational skills
Table of Contents
Task A-1 Performs safety-related functions
Task Descriptor
Tower crane operators use personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety equipment to comply with safety regulations. They maintain a safe work environment by assessing job site hazards and engaging in safe work practices. They document daily activities and reference documentation to ensure proper use of the tower crane. They may also provide input to incident reports as necessary.
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | NV | NV | NV | NV | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | ND | ND | ND |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| A-1.01.01P | remove worn, damaged and defective tools and equipment from service | worn, damaged and defective tools and equipment are removed from service |
| A-1.01.02P | participate in toolbox talk and meetings with site superintendent | toolbox talk and meetings with site superintendent are held to be made aware of site-specific anomalies and irregularities |
| A-1.01.03P | participate in risk assessment of worksite for safety hazards and environmental hazards | risk assessment of worksite is partaken to identify safety hazards and environmental hazards |
| A-1.01.04P | recognize, report and monitor potential safety hazards and environmental hazards | potential safety hazards and environmental hazards are recognized, reported and monitored |
| A-1.01.05P | minimize hoisting or suspending loads over workplace personnel | hoisting or suspending loads over workplace personnel is minimized according to jurisdictional regulations |
| A-1.01.06P | suggest safe placement areas for loads to relieve congestion and facilitate a hazard-free environment | safe placement areas for loads are identified to relieve congestion and facilitate a hazard-free environment |
| A-1.01.07P | ensure loads are secure and free of loose debris | loads are secure and free of loose debris |
| A-1.01.08P | use approved engineered lifting devices | approved engineered lifting devices are used |
| A-1.01.09P | verify and maintain limit of approach | limit of approach is verified and maintained according to regulations and obstacles |
| A-1.01.10P | verify crane is grounded | crane is grounded according to manufacturers’ specifications |
| A-1.01.11P | interpret and apply safety regulations and site-specific safety requirements | safety regulations and site-specific safety requirements are interpreted and applied |
| A-1.01.12P | operate within limits and use caution when operating tower crane in weather conditions | limits are followed with due caution when operating tower crane in weather conditions according to manufacturers’ specifications, Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z248 and jurisdictional requirements |
| A-1.01.13P | secure placement of crane components | placement of crane components is secured |
| A-1.01.14P | maintain cab for climate control and safe operation practices | cab is maintained for climate control and safe operation practices |
Range of Variables
- tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools
- irregularities include: changes in worksite that impact working radius of tower crane, damage to crane and security devices, injuries of workers
- safety hazards include: chemicals, discharge/spills, fire, high tension wires, environmental conditions, heights, energy sources (hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic), overhead (power lines, cranes/other equipment, obstructions), mobile machinery (trucks, cranes, mobile equipment), rotating equipment (belts, pulleys, sheaves, sprockets, chains, pinch/crush points, guards), open excavations, oil spills on deck, guy wires, missing guard rails
- environmental hazards include: oil leaks
- lifting devices include: bins, bottle cages and spreader beams for specific lifting application and authorized by a professional engineer when required by a jurisdiction
- regulations include: Power Line Hazards (PLH)
- obstacles include: guy wires, buildings, other machinery
- safety regulations include: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), company policies, CSA Z248
- site-specific safety requirements include: evacuation and emergency procedures, company policies
- weather conditions include: wind, rain, temperature (minimum and maximum according to manufacturer), snow, lightning, hoar frost, fog
- crane components include: guard rails, ladders, platforms
- safe operation practices include: cleanliness to avoid obstruction of controls or view
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| A-1.01.01L | demonstrate knowledge of safe work practices and procedures | describe safety policies, procedures and requirements |
| identify potential safety hazards and describe safe work practices | ||
| describe standard emergency procedures | ||
| describe first aid practices | ||
| describe procedures used to dispose of hazardous materials | ||
| identify types of barriers used to control access to work area and when they are required | ||
| describe operator’s responsibilities in maintaining a safe working environment | ||
| A-1.01.02L | demonstrate knowledge of induced currents, power line hazards and high-voltage electrical equipment | define terminology associated with induced currents, power lines and high-voltage electrical equipment |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices when operating cranes near sources of induced currents, power lines and high-voltage electrical equipment | ||
| describe jurisdictional limits of approach to power lines | ||
| interpret signage related to high-voltage electrical equipment | ||
| describe procedures used when contact occurs with high-voltage electrical equipment | ||
| A-1.01.03L | demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements pertaining to safety | identify and interpret workplace health regulations pertaining to safety |
Range of Variables
- safety hazards include: chemicals, discharge/spills, fire, high tension wires, environmental conditions, heights, energy sources (hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic), overhead (power lines, cranes/other equipment, obstructions), mobile machinery (trucks, cranes, mobile equipment), rotating equipment (belts, pulleys, sheaves, sprockets, chains, pinch/crush points, guards), open excavations, oil spills on deck, guy wires, missing guard rails
- barriers include: barricade tape, pylons, concrete barriers
- operator’s responsibilities include: full control of equipment controls, hoist within limits, safe handling of loads, secure loads, inspecting and maintaining equipment, preventing falls from heights
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | NV | NV | NV | NV | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | ND | ND | ND |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| A-1.02.01P | select PPE and safety equipment | PPE and safety equipment are selected according to task |
| A-1.02.02P | ensure proper fit of PPE | PPE is fit according to manufacturers’ specifications |
| A-1.02.03P | recognize and replace worn, damaged and defective PPE and safety equipment | worn, damaged and defective PPE and safety equipment are recognized and replaced |
| A-1.02.04P | apply PPE and safety equipment | PPE and safety equipment are applied according to task and manufacturers’ specifications |
| A-1.02.05P | clean, maintain and store PPE and safety equipment | PPE and safety equipment is cleaned, maintained and stored according to manufacturers’ specifications and site requirements |
Range of Variables
- PPE includes: safety boots, hard hats, safety glasses, safety vests, hearing protection, fall arrest equipment
- safety equipment includes: first aid kits, fire extinguishers, spill kits, fall arrest equipment, self-rescue kits, safety guards
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| A-1.02.01L | demonstrate knowledge of PPE and safety equipment, their applications, limitations, maintenance, storage and procedures for use | identify types of PPE and safety equipment and describe their applications, limitations, maintenance, storage and procedures for use |
| A-1.02.02L | demonstrate knowledge of inspection requirements for PPE and safety equipment | describe importance of expiry dates on PPE and safety equipment |
| identify potential defects and adjustments with PPE and safety equipment | ||
| A-1.02.03L | demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements pertaining to PPE and safety equipment | describe standards and regulations pertaining to use of PPE and safety equipment |
| describe certification and training requirements for PPE and safety equipment |
Range of Variables
- PPE includes: safety boots, hard hats, safety glasses, safety vests, hearing protection, fall arrest equipment
- safety equipment includes: first aid kits, fire extinguishers, spill kits, fall arrest equipment, self-rescue kits, safety guards
- defects include: abrasions, tears, cracks, deformations
- standards include: CSA Z248, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- regulations include: WHMIS, OH&S
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | NV | NV | NV | NV | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | ND | ND | ND |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| A-1.03.01P | document lift responsibilities of personnel involved in lift on field level risk assessment (FLRA) or hazard assessment | lift responsibilities of personnel involved in lift are documented on FLRA or hazard assessment according to site and company policies |
| A-1.03.02P | review and update logbooks for activities | logbooks for activities are reviewed and updated |
| A-1.03.03P | complete written statements for reports | written statements for reports are completed |
| A-1.03.04P | locate and reference sources of information | sources of information are located and referenced |
| A-1.03.05P | interpret text and diagrams in documents | text and diagrams in documents are interpreted |
| A-1.03.07P | check crane rigging and attachment documentation for certification, capacity and condition | crane rigging and attachment documentation is checked for certification, capacity and condition and removed from service and reported if deficient according to standards |
Range of Variables
- activities include: repairs, maintenance, daily inspections, incidents of damage
- reports include: incident reports, lift studies (e.g., engineered lift, lift calculation), daily tasks performed
- sources of information include: manufacturers’ specifications, operating manual, safety information, load charts, crane certification, company policies and procedures
- documents include: operating manual for crane operation and maintenance, load charts
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| A-1.03.01L | demonstrate knowledge ofsafety-related and work-related documentation and their applications | define terminology associated with safety-related and work-related documentation |
| identify types of safety-related and work-related documentation and describe their applications | ||
| A-1.03.02L | demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to interpret and prepare safety-related and work-related documentation | explain responsibilities associated with completing safety-related and work-related documentation |
| describe procedures used to interpret and complete safety-related and work-related documentation | ||
| A-1.03.03L | demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements pertaining to safety-related and work-related documentation | identify standards and regulations pertaining to safety-related and work-related documentation |
| explain tower crane operator’s jurisdictional legal responsibilities |
Range of Variables
- work-related documentation include: logbooks, engineered lift drawings, lift plan, manufacturers’ specifications (load charts, operator manuals), permits, job scope analysis (JSA), site orientation, work orders, maintenance schedules and records, policies
- standards and regulations include: CSA, OH&S, WHMIS, jurisdictional
Task A-2 Uses communication and mentoring techniques
Task Descriptor
Learning in the trades is done primarily in the workplace with tradespeople passing on their skills and knowledge to apprentices, as well as sharing knowledge among themselves. Apprenticeship is, and always has been about mentoring – learning workplace skills and passing them on. Because of the importance of this to the trade, this task covers the activities related to communication in the workplace and mentoring skills.
Tower crane operators need to be proficient in trade-specific communication methods to communicate with supervisors, riggers and other crane operators to coordinate their work to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | NV | NV | NV | NV | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | ND | ND | ND |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| A-2.01.01P | demonstrate communication practices with individuals or in a group | instructions and messages are interpreted by all parties involved in communication |
| A-2.01.02P | listen using active listening practices | active listening practices are utilized |
| A-2.01.03P | speak clearly using correct industry terminology to ensure understanding | understanding of message is confirmed by both parties |
| A-2.01.04P | receive and respond to instructions | response to instructions indicates understanding |
| A-2.01.05P | receive and respond to feedback on work completed or performed | response to feedback indicates understanding and corrective measures are taken |
| A-2.01.06P | explain and provide feedback | explanation and feedback is provided and task is carried out as directed |
| A-2.01.07P | use questioning to improve communication | questions enhance understanding, on‑the‑job training and goal setting |
| A-2.01.08P | participate in safety and information meetings | meetings are attended, information is relayed to workforce, and is applied |
| A-2.01.09P | send and receive electronic messages | electronic messages are sent and received using professionalism, plain language and clear expressions according to company policies |
| A-2.01.10P | use hand signals | hand signals are used and understood |
| A-2.01.11P | use radio communication when required | radio communication is used when required |
| A-2.01.12P | coordinate lift responsibilities | lift responsibilities are coordinated with hoisting crew members and other tradespeople involved, when applicable |
Range of Variables
- active listening includes: hearing, interpreting, reflecting, responding, paraphrasing
- electronic messages include: email, text messages
- radio communication when required includes: in blind lifts, personnel basket lifts, multiple crane lifts, when vision is obscured, as per jurisdictional or client requirements
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| A-2.01.01L | demonstrate knowledge of trade terminology | define terminology used in trade |
| A-2.01.02L | demonstrate knowledge of effective communication practices | describe importance of using effective verbal and non-verbal communication with people in the workplace |
| identify sources of information to effectively communicate | ||
| identify communication and learning styles | ||
| describe effective listening and speaking skills | ||
| describe how to receive and give instructions effectively | ||
| identify personal responsibilities and attitudes that contribute to on-the-job success | ||
| identify value of equity, diversity and inclusion in workplace | ||
| identify communication that constitutes bullying, harassment and discrimination | ||
| identify communication styles appropriate to different systems and applications of electronic messages | ||
| describe standard hand signals | ||
| describe radio communication and when it should be used | ||
| identify types of communication devices and describe their purpose and operation | ||
| describe procedures used to communicate during hoisting operations | ||
| explain purpose of site communication plan |
Range of Variables
- people in the workplace include: other tradespeople, colleagues, apprentices, supervisors, clients, jurisdictional representatives
- sources of information include: regulations, codes, occupational health and safety requirements, jurisdictional requirements, prints, drawings, specifications, company and client documentation
- learning styles include: visual, auditory, reading, writing, kinesthetic
- personal responsibilities and attitudes include: asking questions, working safely, accepting constructive feedback, time management and punctuality, respect for authority, good stewardship of materials, tools and property, efficient work practice
- harassment: as defined by the Canadian and jurisdictional Human Rights Commissions
- discrimination: as defined by the Canadian Human Rights Act and jurisdictional human rights laws
- electronic messages include: email, text messages
- types of communication devices include: portable and stationary radios, mobile phones and mobility devices, computers, crane horn
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | NV | NV | NV | NV | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | ND | ND | ND |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| A-2.02.01P | identify and communicate learning objective and point of lesson | apprentice or learner can explain objective and point of lesson |
| A-2.02.02P | link lesson to other lessons and project | lesson order and unplanned learning opportunities are defined |
| A-2.02.03P | demonstrate performance of a skill to an apprentice or learner | steps required to demonstrate a skill are performed |
| A-2.02.04P | set up conditions required for apprentice or learner to practice a skill | practice conditions are set up so that skill can be practiced safely by apprentice or learner |
| A-2.02.05P | assess apprentice or learner’s ability to perform tasks with increasing independence | performance of apprentice or learner improves with practice to a point where skill can be done with little supervision |
| A-2.02.06P | give supportive and corrective feedback | apprentice or learner adopts best practice after having been given supportive or corrective feedback |
| A-2.02.07P | support apprentices or learners in pursuing technical training opportunities | technical training is completed within timeframe prescribed by apprenticeship authority |
| A-2.02.08P | support anti-harassment and anti-discrimination practices in workplace | workplace is harassment and discrimination-free |
| A-2.02.09P | assess apprentice or learner suitability to trade during probationary period | apprentice or learner is given constructive feedback that helps them identify their own strengths and weaknesses and suitability for the trade |
Range of Variables
- steps required to demonstrate a skill include: understanding who, what, where, when, why, and how, explaining, showing, giving encouragement, following up to ensure skill is performed correctly
- practice conditions mean: guided, limited independence, full independence
- harassment: as defined by the Canadian and jurisdictional Human Rights Commissions
- discrimination: as defined by the Canadian Human Rights Act and jurisdictional human rights laws
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| A-2.02.01L | demonstrate knowledge of strategies for learning skills in workplace | describe importance of individual experience |
| describe shared responsibilities for workplace learning | ||
| determine one’s own learning preferences and explain how these relate to learning new skills | ||
| describe importance of different types of skills in workplace | ||
| describe importance of skills for success (essential skills) in workplace | ||
| identify different learning styles | ||
| identify different learning needs and strategies to meet them | ||
| identify strategies to assist in learning a skill | ||
| A-2.02.02L | demonstrate knowledge of strategies for teaching workplace skills | identify different roles played by workplace mentor |
| describe teaching skills | ||
| explain importance of identifying point of lesson | ||
| identify how to choose a good time to present lesson | ||
| explain importance of linking lessons | ||
| identify context for learning skills | ||
| describe considerations in setting up opportunities for skill practice | ||
| explain importance of providing feedback | ||
| identify techniques for giving effective feedback | ||
| describe a skills assessment | ||
| identify methods of assessing progress | ||
| explain how to adjust lesson to different situations |
Range of Variables
- skills for success (essential skills) are: adaptability, collaboration, communication, creativity and innovation, digital, numeracy, problem solving, reading, writing
- learning styles include: visual, auditory, reading, writing, kinesthetic
- learning needs include: learning disabilities, learning preferences, language proficiency
- strategies to assist in learning a skill include: understanding the basic principles of instruction, developing coaching skills, being mature and patient, providing feedback
- teaching skills include: identifying point of lesson, linking lesson, demonstrating skill, providing practice, giving feedback, assessing skills and progress