Pipeline maintenance worker

Pipeline maintenance workers operate different equipment to keep the suitability of the pipelines. They perform checks for deviations and administer chemicals according to the needs and cleaning aim (e.g. corrosion shunning)

The duties of a pipeline maintenance worker include, but are not limited to:

• Installing and repairing pipelines such as natural gas, oil, water, or sewage lines along roadways and through fields
• Inspecting pipelines for damage or defects using equipment such as ultrasonic testing devices or computerised scanning devices
• Maintaining records of inspections and repairs of pipelines
• Installing new lines or replacing existing lines when necessary
• Welding seams and repairing damaged sections of pipelines to ensure they are leak-free
• Operating machinery such as bulldozers, backhoes, and cranes to dig trenches and lay pipe
• Clearing debris from the construction site and keeping the area tidy during construction
• Installing valves and other equipment used to control the flow of gas or liquid through pipelines
• Measuring the depth of trenches and preparing maps for locating pipes in construction projects

Pipeline maintenance workers typically work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, often in remote areas. They may work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and may be on call 24 hours a day. The work is physically demanding, and laborers must be able to lift and carry heavy objects, dig trenches, and stand or walk for long periods of time. They also must be able to work in confined spaces and at great heights.

Because the work is often dangerous, pipeline maintenance workers must follow safety procedures and use protective equipment, such as hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses.

The following job titles also refer to pipeline maintenance worker:

oil pipeline maintenance centre technician
water pipeline network technician
gas pipeline worker
gas pipeline maintenance operator
gas pipeline network technician
gas pipeline operator
oil pipeline network technician
water pipeline maintenance operator
water pipeline maintenance centre technician
oil pipeline worker
pipeline technician
oil pipeline maintenance operator
pipeline maintenance operator
oil pipeline technician
water pipeline technician
water pipeline worker
gas pipeline maintenance centre technician
pipeline maintenance centre technician
pipeline network technician
oil pipeline operator

Entry-level pipeline laborers are typically required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer a candidate who has completed some post-secondary education. Those who have completed a two-year associate’s degree in a construction-related field may have an advantage over other candidates.

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.

Pipeline maintenance worker is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to pipeline maintenance worker.

pipe welder
pipeline pump operator
drain technician
sewerage network operative
gas transmission system operator

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

pipeline compliance coordinator
sewerage maintenance technician
gas processing plant operator
water engineering technician
gas station operator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of pipeline maintenance worker.

• Pipeline coating properties: Know pipeline coating properties such as external anti-corrosion, internal coating, concrete weight coating, thermal insulation, and others.

These skills are necessary for the role of pipeline maintenance worker.

• Inspect pipelines: Walk flow lines to identify damage or leaks; use electronic detection equipment and conduct visual inspections.
• Maintain working relationships: Ensure effective working relationships with colleagues and others. Maintain them over long periods of time.
• Ensure regulatory compliance in pipeline infrastructures: Ensure that the regulations for pipeline operations are met. Ensure pipeline infrastructure compliance with legal mandates, and compliance with regulations governing the transportation of goods via the pipelines.
• Handle chemicals: Safely handle industrial chemicals; use them efficiently and ensure that no harm is done to the environment.
• Operate welding equipment: Use welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel; wear protective eyewear during the working process.
• Carry out measurements of parts: Operate measurement instruments to measure parts of manufactured objects. Take into consideration specifications of manufacturers to perform the measuring.
• Maintain equipment: Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
• Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
• Follow written instructions: Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.
• Use rigging equipment: Set up rolling and lifting equipment required to lift and move objects e.g. with a crane or block and tackle system.
• Test pipeline infrastructure operations: Perform tests on pipelines, such checking whether there is continuous flow of materials through them, examining for leakages, and assessing the suitability of the location of the pipeline is.
• Prevent pipeline deterioration: Ensure the conservation of pipelines by undertaking adequate maintenance of the system and its coating properties. Prevent corrosion formation, leaks, and other problems.
• Maintain pipeline coating properties: Perform maintenance to pipelines and their coating properties by applying chemicals and techniques. Maintain external anti-corrosion, internal coating, concrete weight coating, thermal insulation, and other coating properties.
• Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
• Operate soldering equipment: Use soldering equipment, such as a soldering gun, a soldering torch or a gas-powered iron, to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel.
• Follow verbal instructions: Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.

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

• Security requirements of goods transported via pipelines: Know the security requirements and safety measures necessary to avoid accidents during the transportation of goods via pipelines. Ensure measures for the transport of oil and petroleum products, olefin, ammonia, CO2, hydrogen, and others.
• Pipeline transport regulations;: Know about pipeline transport regulations and their application in pipeline fields. Apply pipeline transport regulations in the construction of new sites.
• Types of pipelines: Know various types of pipelines and their different usages. Differentiate between pipelines used to transport goods over short and long distances, and understand their respective feeding systems.

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

• Monitor storage vessels used to transport goods via pipeline: Monitor storage vessels for specific goods such as gases, liquids, crude oil, and others. Check gauge levels and other storage requirements depending on the type of goods.
• Detect flaws in pipeline infrastructure: Detect flaws in pipeline infrastructure during construction or over the passage of time such as construction defects, corrosion, ground movement, hot-tap made by error, and others.
• Assemble manufactured pipeline parts: Assemble parts and components made for pipelines in companies or sites. Construct pipeline infrastructures or re-assemble parts that were taken out for repair. Use welding equipment and other tools in assembly activities.
• Follow up pipeline integrity management priorities: Perform follow up on priority actions in the pipeline infrastructure, such as complete coverage, service consistency, and facilitation.

7126 – Plumbers and pipe fitters

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References

1. Pipeline maintenance worker – ESCO
2. Pipeline Laborer Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
3. Featured image: By USEPA Environmental-Protection-Agency – Worker tight – Enbridge Oil Spill pipeline removal 2, Public Domain