Concrete finisher

Concrete finishers work with binding agents like cement and concrete. They put up any removable forms and pour concrete into the forms. They then execute one or several actions to finish the concrete: cutting, screeding or levelling, compacting, smoothing, and chamfering to prevent chipping.

Includes people perfomring renovation of concrete and cement.
Excludes people performing insulated concrete forms.

The following job titles also refer to concrete finisher:

floor finisher
concrete renovator
power floater
powerfloat finisher
concrete layer
concrete floor finisher
concrete finisher and layer
layer and finisher
wet concrete finisher
cement finisher
concrete flooring operative
concrete finisher ganger
cement mason
flooring operative
concrete floor finisher and layer

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a concrete finisher.

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.

Concrete finisher is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to concrete finisher.

concrete pump operator
road roller operator
bricklayer
rigger
grader operator

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

concrete finisher supervisor
crane crew supervisor
construction scaffolding supervisor
bridge construction supervisor
sewer construction supervisor

These skills are necessary for the role of concrete finisher.

• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Pour concrete: Pour concrete into a form from a mixer truck chute, hopper or hose. Pour the correct amount to balance efficiency with the risk of the concrete not setting completely.
• 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.
• Work in a construction team: Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.
• Inspect supplied concrete: Check the quantity and quality of delivered concrete. Make sure that the concrete will withstand any expected pressures.
• Mix concrete: Use compact concrete mixers or various ad-hoc containers such as wheelbarrows to mix concrete. Prepare the correct quantities of cement, water, aggregate and optional added ingredients, and mix the ingredients until an homogenous concrete is formed.
• Prevent damage to utility infrastructure: Consult utility companies or plans on the location of any utility infrastructure that may interfere with a project or be damaged by it. Take the necessary steps to avoid damage.
• Inspect concrete structures: Visually inspect a concrete structure to see if it is structurally sound. Check for different types of cracks, such as those due to reinforcement corrosion, impact damage or high water content.
• Remove concrete forms: Remove concrete forms after the concrete has cured fully. Recuperate materials if possible, cleaning it and taking the right steps to store it for later reuse.
• 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.
• Monitor concrete curing process: Monitor the process where the poured concrete cures or sets. Make sure the concrete does not dry too quickly, which may cause cracking. Rehumidify the concrete when called for.
• Place concrete forms: Set up forms out of wood, plywood, various plastics, or other suitable materials to form concrete into supportive columns or walls. Place sheathing delineating the shape of the planned structure and use supportive constructions, usually incorporating wales, cleats and stakes, to keep the sheathing firmly in place as the concrete cures.
• Clean wood surface: Use a variety of techniques on a wood surface to ensure it is free of dust, sawdust, grease, stains, and other contaminants.
• Recognise signs of corrosion: Recognise the symptoms of metal showing oxidation reactions with the environment resulting in rusting, copper pitting, stress cracking, and others, and estimate the rate of corrosion.
• 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.
• React to events in time-critical environments: Monitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.
• 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.
• Screed concrete: Smooth the surface of freshly poured concrete using a screed.

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

• Types of concrete forms: The shapes, construction methods and purposes of different types of concrete forms, including special forms like sliding and climbing formwork. Suitable materials for forms and any products or coatings used to enhance the properties of the form.
• Types of concrete pumps: The types of machines used to pump liquid concrete such as the boom concrete pumps used for large construction projects or line pumps generally used for small-scale works.

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

• Keep heavy construction equipment in good condition: Inspect heavy equipment for construction projects before each use. Maintain the machine in good working order, taking care of small repairs and alerting the responsible person in case of serious defects.
• Sort waste: Manually or automatically sort waste by separating it into its different elements.
• Apply proofing membranes: Apply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water. Securely seal any perforation to preserve the damp-proof or waterproof properties of the membrane. Make sure any membranes overlap top over bottom to prevent water from seeping in. Check the compatibility of multiple membranes used together.
• Use sander: Use different types of drywall sanders, automatic or manual, handheld or on an extension, to sand surfaces to a smooth finish or to rough them up for better adhesion.
• Apply finish to concrete: Finish concrete using a variety of techniques like polishing and acid staining.
• Install insulation blocks: Install insulation materials shaped into blocks on the outside or inside of a structure. Attach the blocks using an adhesive and a mechanical fixing system.
• Rig loads: Safely attach loads to different types of hooks and attachments, taking into account the weight of the load, the power available to move it, static and dynamic tolerances of all instruments and materials, and the mass distribution of the system. Communicate with the operator verbally or with gestures to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation. Detach loads.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Inspect construction supplies: Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
• Operate road roller: Operate various types of mechanic and manual road rollers, pieces of equipment used to compact surfaces.
• Plan surface slope: Make sure the planned surface has the necessary slope to prevent puddling of water or fluids.
• Calculate needs for construction supplies: Take measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.
• Feed hoppers: Feed hoppers with the required materials using various tools such as lifting equipment or shovels.
• Order construction supplies: Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.
• Report defective manufacturing materials: Maintain required company records and forms in order to report any defective materials or questionable conditions of manufacturing machinery and equipment.
• Process incoming construction supplies: Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.
• Interpret 3D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.
• Drive mobile heavy construction equipment: Drive movable heavy equipment used in construction. Load the equipment onto low loaders, or unload it. Judiciously drive equipment on public roads when required.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Apply spray foam insulation: Spray foam insulation, usually polyurethane, to fill a space.
• Interpret 2D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.
• Tie reinforcing steel: Tie together bars of reinforced steel or rebar to ensure stability of the structure before concrete is poured. Use metal wire to tie the bars together at every second, third or fourth intersection as required. Use the standard flat tie or more advances ties such as saddle ties and figure 8 ties to support heavier loads such as workers standing or climbing on the rebar structure.
• Set up temporary construction site infrastructure: Set up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water supply. Establish supplies stores and garbage disposal in a sensible manner.
• Follow safety procedures when working at heights: Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.
• Operate concrete mixer truck: Work with concrete mixer trucks. Drive the truck and operate controls. Keep track of time. Take the necessary steps to evacuate the concrete upon arrival at the site, either alone using a full range chute, or with help when using a rear chute.
• Guide concrete hose: Guide the concrete hose while the pump is operating. Make sure to distribute the concrete efficiently and securely.
• Set up reinforcing steel: Set up reinforcing steel, or rebar, to be used for reinforced concrete construction. Set mats and columns securely in place to prepare for concrete pouring. Use separator blocks called dobies to keep the construction from the ground.

7114 – Concrete placers, concrete finishers and related workers

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References

1. Concrete finisher – ESCO