A pipefitter or steamfitter
Steamfitter/Pipefitter Trade Profile. Alberta Trade Secrets. 1995-2010.
In Canada, pipefitting is classified as a compulsory trade, and carries a voluntary "red seal" inter-provincial standards endorsement. Pipefitter apprenticeships are controlled and regulated provincially, and in some cases allow for advance standing in similar trades upon completion.
In the United States, many states require pipefitters to be licensed. Requirements differ from state to state, but most include a four- to five-year apprenticeship. Union pipefitters are required to pass an apprenticeship test (often called a "turn-out exam") before becoming a licensed journeyman. Others can be certified by NCCER (formerly the National Center for Construction Education and Research).
Occupational summary
Pipefitters install, assemble, fabricate, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot pipe carrying fuel, chemicals, water, steam, and air in heating, cooling, lubricating, and various other process piping systems. Pipefitters are employed in the maintenance departments of power stations, refineries, offshore installations, factories, and similar establishments, by pipefitting contractors.
Scope of work
Trade groups
In
North America,
Trade union pipefitters are members of the United Association. Wages vary from area to area, based on demands for experienced personnel and existing contracts between local unions and contractors. The United Association is also affiliated with the piping trades unions in
Ireland and
Australia.
Differences between pipefitting and pipelaying
Pipefitters should not be confused with
. Both trades involve pipe and
and both use some of the same tools.
[Will Charpentier, "Pipe Layers vs. Pipe Fitters", Demand Media.] However,
pipelayers usually work outside, laying pipe underground or on the seabed, whereas
pipefitters typically work inside, installing piping in buildings, aeroplanes, or ships.
One author summarizes the different tasks as follows:
whereas,
Occupational hazards
Pipe fitters are often exposed to hazardous or dangerous materials, such as
asbestos,
lead,
ammonia,
steam, flammable gases, various resins and
including
benzene and various
. Much progress was made in the 20th century toward eliminating or reducing hazardous materials exposures. Many aspects of hazardous materials are now regulated by law in most countries, including asbestos usage and removal and refrigerant selection and handling.
[Davenport, C. (2024, March 19). U.S. Is Banning the Last Type of Asbestos Still in Use. New York Times, A13. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A786785917/OVIC?u=lom_waynesu&sid=summon&xid=dd996db6] A major occupational hazard that pipefitters face is from welding fumes, including ultraviolet light, heavy metals, and chlorinated compounds during welding or torch cutting. Contact with previously mentioned solvents, adhesives, and epoxies during repair or installation of PVC/ABS pipes. Exposure to materials and liquids in old pipes during repair or removal.
Other occupational hazards include exposure to the weather, heavy lifting, crushing hazards, lacerations, and other risks normal to the construction industry.
See also
-
Piping and plumbing fitting
External links
