Ceiling installer

Ceiling installers install ceilings in buildings. They apply different techniques as the situation requires – for example when fire resistance is especially important, or when space is needed between the dropped ceiling and the next floor – or specialise in one.

The following job titles also refer to ceiling installer:

domestic ceiling fixer
domestic ceiling installer
industrial ceiling installer
ceiling fixer
ceiling tile fixer
commercial ceiling installer
commercial ceiling fixer
suspended ceiling installer
suspended ceiling fixer
ceiling tile installer

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a ceiling installer.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Ceiling installer is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to ceiling installer.

paperhanger
construction painter
insulation worker
plasterer
resilient floor layer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of ceiling installer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of ceiling installer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

insulation supervisor
plastering supervisor
paperhanger supervisor
terrazzo setter supervisor
construction painting supervisor

These skills are necessary for the role of ceiling installer.

• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Protect surfaces during construction work: Cover floors, ceiling, skirting boards and any other surfaces with various materials such as plastic or textile to keep them from being damaged or stained when performing construction or renovation work like painting or plastering.
• Install drop ceiling: Lay standard size ceiling tiles on prepared profiles separated from the original ceiling to leave space between the two.
• Transport construction supplies: Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers’ safety and protection from deterioration.
• Inspect construction supplies: Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
• Maintain work area cleanliness: Keep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.
• Tape drywall: Seal the joints between panels of drywall. Fill the tapered edges of the panels with joint compound and press joint tape into the compound. Let dry and cover with one or several layers of joint compound, leaving time for each layer to dry and sanding lightly to obtain a smooth finish.
• Follow health and safety procedures in construction: Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
• Install construction profiles: Install a variety of metal or plastic profiles used to attach materials to each other or to structural elements. Cut them to size if called for.
• Fit ceiling tiles: Attach ceiling tiles to an existing ceiling to mask imperfections, provide visual interest, or change the physical characteristics of the room.
• Paint surfaces: Use brushes and rollers to apply a coat of paint to a prepared surface evenly and without leaving drops.
• Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
• Clean painting equipment: Disassemble, clean, and reassemble paint sprayers and other vehicle painting equipment.
• Use safety equipment in construction: Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.
• Place drywall: Place sections of drywall against a surface. Put joists in place. Plan the amount of drywall necessary and the pattern they will be installed in to minimise the number of joints.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of ceiling installer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Types of ceiling: Various types of ceiling, such as tile ceilings, coffer ceilings and drop ceilings, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, risks, and costs.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of ceiling installer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Advise on construction materials: Provide advice on and test a wide range of construction materials.
• Install wood elements in structures: Install elements made of wood and wood-based composite materials, such as doors, stairs, plinths, and ceiling frames. Assemble and affix the elements, taking care to prevent gaps. Inspect the work and notify the responsible person in case of problems.
• Answer requests for quotation: Make up prices and documents for the products that customers may purchase.
• Snap chalk line: Stretch a line covered in fine, non-staining chalk between two points and snap it against a surface to produce a straight line.
• Join wood elements: Bind wooden materials together using a variety of techniques and materials. Determine the optimal technique to join the elements, like stapling, nail, gluing or screwing. Determine the correct work order and make the joint.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Calculate needs for construction supplies: Take measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.
• Install insulation material: Place insulation material, often shaped into rolls, in order to insulate a structure from thermal or acoustic influences and to prevent fire. Attach the material using face staples, inset staples, or rely on friction to keep the material in place.
• Install stretch ceiling: Fix a stretch ceiling to the installed profiles. Heat the room to temporarily increase the stretchability of the material. Take care to prevent wrinkles or uneven stresses.
• Install coffered ceiling: Attach a pattern of beams with or without decorative elements to a ceiling to create a coffered ceiling. Finish according to plan.
• Mix paint: Thoroughly mix different types of paint manually or mechanically. Start from basic paints or from powder and mix in water or chemicals. Check the consistency of the resulting mixture.
• Keep personal administration: File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
• Order construction supplies: Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.
• Process incoming construction supplies: Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Use T-brace: Use a T-brace or deadman to hold up one end of a structural element while installing or working on the other end.

7123 – Plasterers

References

1. Ceiling installer – ESCO