Terrazzo setter

Terrazzo setters create terrazzo surfaces. They prepare the surface, installing strips to divide sections. They then pour the solution containing cement and marble chips. Terrazzo setters finish the floor by polishing the surface to ensure smoothness and shine.

The following job titles also refer to terrazzo setter:

terrazzo worker
epoxy terrazzo setter
terrazzo layer
poured flooring worker
terrazzo flooring worker
terrazzo team member
concrete flooring worker
terrazzo team worker

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a terrazzo setter.

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.

Terrazzo setter is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to terrazzo setter.

resilient floor layer
carpet fitter
plasterer
irrigation system installer
ceiling installer

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

terrazzo setter supervisor
plastering supervisor
tiling supervisor
construction quality inspector
insulation supervisor

These skills are necessary for the role of terrazzo setter.

• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and 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.
• Grind terrazzo: Grind the poured and cured terrazzo layer in several steps, from rough to fine, using a grinding machine.
• Prevent premature drying: Take the precautionary steps to avoid a product or a surface from drying to quickly, for example by covering it with a protective film or by humidifying it regularly.
• 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.
• Prepare floor for terrazzo: Make sure the floor is ready to receive a terrazzo layer. Remove any previous floor coverings, dirt, grease, other impurities and moisture. Rough the surface with a shot blaster if required.
• 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.
• Work safely with chemicals: Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
• Pour terrazzo: Pour the prepared terrazzo mixture on the planned floor section. Pour the right amount of terrazzo and use a screed to make sure the surface is even.
• Mix terrazzo material: Create a mix of stone fragments and cement in consistent proportions. Add colouring if called for.
• 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.
• Screed concrete: Smooth the surface of freshly poured concrete using a screed.
• Blast surface: Blast a surface with sand, metal shot, dry ice or other blasting material to remove impurities or rough up a smooth surface.
• Grout terrazzo: Cover any small holes in the terrazzo surface with a grout mixture of the appropriate colour after it has been roughly ground.

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

• Aesthetics: Set of principles based on which something is appealing and beautiful.

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

• Design floor: Plan a floor to be created from different types of materials, like wood, stone or carpet. Take into account the intended use, space, durability, sound, temperature and moisture concerns, environmental properties and aesthetics.
• Maintain terrazzo: Treat old terrazzo replacing missing granules or mosaics, using chemicals to obtain the desired colour, sanding and polishing to give the surface a new lustrous look.
• Lay terrazzo divider strips: Lay strips of various materials to separate different coloured sections of terrazzo flooring. Interpret the plan to determine the correct positions. Mark the positions and attach the strips to the floor.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Polish stone surfaces: Polish stone using polishing tools and machines in order to obtained a smooth and lustrous product.

7114 – Concrete placers, concrete finishers and related workers

References

1. Terrazzo setter – ESCO