Resilient floor layer

Resilient floor layers place prefabricated tiles or rolls of flooring materials such as linoleum, vinyl, rubber or cork to serve as floor covering.

The following job titles also refer to resilient floor layer:

vinyl floor installer
layer of resilient floor
linoleum installer
floor layer (resilient)
resilient floor installer
linoleum layer
vinyl tile installer
laminate floor installer
resilient flooring installer

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as a resilient floor layer.

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.

Resilient floor layer is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to resilient floor layer.

carpet fitter
plasterer
terrazzo setter
door installer
insulation worker

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

plastering supervisor
construction painting supervisor
insulation supervisor
terrazzo setter supervisor
tiling supervisor

These skills are necessary for the role of resilient floor layer.

• Create floor plan template: Lay out the floor plan of the area to be covered on a suitable medium, such as strong paper. Follow any shapes, nooks and crannies of the floor.
• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Apply floor adhesive: Apply a suitable adhesive to a floor or underlay to keep a floor covering, such as carpet or linoleum, in place. Spread the adhesive evenly and wait the appropriate time for the adhesive to get tacky, but not dry out before laying the covering.
• 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.
• Install laminate floor: Lay laminate floor planks, usually with tongue-and-groove edges, on a prepared underlayment. Paste the planks in place if called for.
• Prepare floor for underlayment: Make sure the floor is free of dust, protrusions, moisture and mould. Remove any traces of previous floor coverings.
• 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.
• Cut resilient flooring materials: Cut materials used for resilient floor covering such as vinyl, linoleum or cork with a sharp knife according to the cutting plan. Make straight cuts and avoid causing damage to the materials or surroundings.
• Interpret 3D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.
• 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.
• Mix construction grouts: Mix construction materials with water and other materials based on the appropriate recipe. Mix thoroughly to prevent lumps. Avoid contamination, which will adversely affect the properties of the mixture.
• Interpret 2D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.
• Lay underlayment: Lay an underlayment or pad on the surface before placing the top surface covering in order to protect the carpet from damage and wear. Tape or staple the underlayment to the floor and attach the edges to each other to prevent intrusion of water or other contaminants.
• Lay resilient flooring tiles: Lay resilient flooring tiles on a prepared surface. Align the tiles along straight lines. Remove any protective backing and paste the tiles onto the surface.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of resilient floor layer. 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.
• 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.
• Answer requests for quotation: Make up prices and documents for the products that customers may purchase.
• 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.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• 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.
• Calculate needs for construction supplies: Take measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.
• Seal flooring: Use a suitable sealer to seal a floor, preventing damage from fluids and other spills.
• Install insulation material: Place insulation material, often shaped into rolls, in order to insulate a structure from thermical 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.
• Work safely with chemicals: Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
• 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.
• 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.
• Demonstrate products’ features: Demonstrate how to use a product in a correct and safe manner, provide customers with information on the product’s main features and benefits, explain operation, correct use and maintenance. Persuade potential customers to purchase items.
• Operate wood sawing equipment: Operate various machinery and equipment to cut wood in different sizes and shapes.

7122 – Floor layers and tile setters

References

1. Resilient floor layer – ESCO