Use safety equipment in construction

Description

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.

Alternative labels

using PPE
use personal protective equipment
using safety equipment in construction
use of safety equipment in construction
using protective clothing
safety equipment use in construction
use PPE
using personal protective equipment
use construction safety equipment
using construction safety equipment
use protective clothing

Skill type

skill/competence

Skill reusability level

cross-sector

Relationships with occupations

Essential skill

Use safety equipment in construction is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Asphalt laboratory technician: Asphalt laboratory technicians perform asphalt and related raw materials inspections and laboratory testing, ensuring a high quality of the products. They also participate in coming up with resolutions to technical issues on construction sites.
Insulation supervisor: Insulation supervisors monitor insulation operations. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Tile fitter: Tile fitters install tiles onto walls and floors. They cut tiles to the right size and shape, prepare the surface, and put the tiles in place flush and straight. Tile fitters may also take on creative and artistic projects, with some laying mosaics.
Bricklaying supervisor: Bricklaying supervisors monitor bricklaying activities. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Bridge construction supervisor: Bridge construction supervisors monitor the construction of bridges. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Bricklayer: Bricklayers assemble brick walls and structures by skilfully laying the bricks in an established pattern, using a binding agent like cement to bond the bricks together. They then fill the joints with mortar or other suitable materials.
Plumbing supervisor: Plumbing supervisors monitor plumbing operations. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Door installer: Door installers set doors in place. They remove the old door if present, prepare the frame opening, and set the new door in place square, straight, plumb, and watertight if called for. Door installers also inspect and service existing doors.
Construction general supervisor: Construction general supervisors keep track of the proceedings of all stages in the building process. They coordinate the different teams, assign tasks, and resolve problems.
Tower crane operator: Tower crane operators work with tower cranes, tall balance cranes consisting of a horizontal jib mounted on a vertical mast, along with the necessary motors and lifting hook attached to the jib. Operators control the crane from within a control cabin, or use radio control.
Civil engineering technician: Civil engineering technicians help design and execute construction plans and take on organisational tasks, for example in the planning and monitoring, and in bidding and invoicing of construction work. They also calculate material requirements, and help with the purchasing and organising, and ensure the quality of the construction materials. Civil engineering technicians may perform technical tasks in civil engineering and develop and advise on policy implementing strategies for road works, traffic lights, sewerage and water management systems.
Water conservation technician: Water conservation technicians install systems to recover, filter, store and distribute water from different sources such as rainwater and domestic greywater.
Construction painter: Construction painters paint the interior and exterior of buildings and other structures. They may use standard latex based paints or specialised paints for decorative effect or protective properties. Building painters are skilled in using brushes, paint rollers and paint sprayers for different applications.
Tiling supervisor: Tiling supervisors monitor tile fitting operations. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Construction scaffolder: Construction scaffolders put up scaffolds and platforms in order to make safe construction work at heights possible.
Power lines supervisor: Power lines supervisors monitor the construction and maintenance of power lines and associated equipment. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Mobile crane operator: Mobile crane operators work with a variety of crane types that can be moved easily around the road, rail and water. Mobile cranes are often mounted on trucks.
Concrete finisher supervisor: Concrete finisher supervisors monitor the concrete finishing process. They assign tasks to finishers and take quick decisions to resolve problems. They may also pass on their skills to apprentices.
Staircase installer: Staircase installers put in place standard or custom designed staircases between the various levels in buildings. They take the necessary measurements, prepare the site, and install the staircase safely.
Rail construction supervisor: Rail construction supervisors monitor the construction and maintenance of railway infrastructure. They assign tasks, either on the ground or from a control room, and make quick decisions to resolve problems.
Carpenter: Carpenters cut, shape and assemble wooden elements for the construction of buildings and other structures. They also use materials such as plastic and metal in their creations. Carpenters create the wooden frames to support wood framed buildings.
Sewer construction supervisor: Sewer construction supervisors supervise the installation of sewer pipes and other sewage infrastructure. They assign tasks and make quick decisions to resolve problems.
Lift installation supervisor: Lift installation supervisor monitor the installation of lifts. They keep an overview of the proceedings, assign tasks, and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Construction scaffolding supervisor: Construction scaffolding supervisors plan and supervise the transport, assembly, disassembly and maintenance of the structures. They also ensure the safety of the scaffolds, support structures, access ladders and fenders.
Construction quality manager: Construction quality managers make sure the quality of the work meets standards set in the contract, as well as minimum legislative standards. They establish procedures to check quality, perform inspections, and propose solutions to quality shortcomings.
Building electrician: Building electricians install and maintain electricity cables and other electrical infrastructure in buildings. They make sure installed electrical equipment is isolated and presents no fire hazards. They understand existing situations and make improvements if called for.
Window installer: Window installers place windows into structures and service them. They take out old windows if present, prepare the opening, mount the window, and attach it in place plumb, straight, square and watertight.
Bathroom fitter: Bathroom fitters install bathroom elements. They take the necessary measurements, prepare the room, removing old elements if necessary, and install the new bathroom equipment, including the connection of water, gas and sewage pipes and electricity lines.
Construction safety manager: Construction safety managers inspect, enforce and control health and safety measures at construction sites. They also manage workplace accidents and take action to make sure that safety policies are correctly implemented.
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.
Grader operator: Grader operators work with a heavy piece of mobile equipment that creates a flat surface by slicing off the top soil with a large blade. Graders usually provide a flat finish on the heavy earthmoving work performed by the scraper and bulldozer operators.
Road roller operator: Road roller operators work with equipment to compact a variety of materials, such as soil, gravel, concrete or asphalt, in the construction of roads and foundations. They walk behind, or sit on top of the road roller, depending on the type and size, and roll over the area to be compacted.
Civil engineering worker: Civil engineering workers perform tasks concerning the cleaning and preparation of construction sites for civil engineering projects. This includes the work on building and maintenance of roads, railways and dams.
Dredge operator: Dredge operators work with industrial equipment to remove underwater material in order to make the area accessible to ships, to establish ports, to lay cables or for other purposes, and move the material to the desired location.
Electrician: Electricians fit and repair electrical circuits and wiring systems. They also install and maintain electrical equipment and machinery. This work can be performed indoors as well as outdoors, in nearly every type of facility.
Sheet metal worker: Sheet metal workers in construction use sheet metal to construct roofs, ducts for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, gutters and other metal structures. They read plans and determine the type and amount of materials to be used, then measure, bend, cut, shape, and attach pieces of sheet metal to create the required structure.
Concrete pump operator: Concrete pump operators drive and operate trucks to haul concrete from the plant to project sites, and operate pumps to disperse concrete at the site. They also clean and maintain the truck and its mechanical parts.
Dismantling supervisor: Dismantling supervisors monitor the operations involved in dismantling activities such as removing and possibly recycling industrial equipment and machinery or decommissioning of plants. The distribute the task among workers and supervise if everything is done according to safety regulations. If problems arise they consult with engineers and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
House builder: House builders construct, maintain and repair houses or similar small buildings using a range of techniques and materials of several construction building workers.
Construction commercial diver: Commercial divers work below the surface of the water to install equipment, such as hydraulic structures, waterways and marine facilities. They also inspect, remove and repair the structures.
Industrial electrician: Industrial electricians install and maintain electricity cables and other electrical infrastructure in large industrial and commercial buildings. They perform inspections and repair defective parts of electrical systems to ensure efficiency.
Road construction worker: Road construction workers perform road construction on earthworks, substructure works and the pavement section of the road. They cover the compacted soil with one or more layers. Road construction workers usually lay a stabilising bed of sand or clay first before adding asphalt or concrete slabs in order to finish a road.
Plate glass installer: Plate glass installers fit panes of glass into windows and other structural elements like glass doors, walls, façades and other structures.
Water conservation technician supervisor: Water conservation technician supervisors supervise the installation of systems to recover, filter, store and distribute water from different sources such as rainwater and domestic greywater. They assign tasks and take quick decisions.
Bridge inspector: Bridge inspectors inspect bridge structures for joint break, cracks, rust and other faults. They also carry out or organise the maintenance of the structures.
Roofing supervisor: Roofing supervisors monitor the work on roofing a building. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Structural ironworker: Structural ironworker in construction install iron elements into structures. They erect steel frameworks for buildings, bridges and other construction projects. They set metal rods, or rebar, to form reinforced concrete.
Construction painting supervisor: Construction painting supervisors plan, direct and oversee the work of the crew of painters assigned to a certain project or location. They supervise and evaluate the work of painters.
Road sign installer: Road sign installers take road signs to the specified location and erect it. The installers may drill a hole into the ground, or remove existing paving to access the soil. They may anchor heavy signs in concrete.
Dredging supervisor: Dredging supervisors monitor dredging operations. They make sure the operation proceeds per regulations and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Sewer construction worker: Sewer construction workers install sewer pipes to transport wastewater out of structures and to a body of water or treatment facility. They dig trenches and insert the pipes, making sure they have correct angle and are connected watertigh. Sewer construction workers also construct other elements of sewage infrastructure, such as manholes, and maintain and repair existing systems.
Rail maintenance technician: Rail maintenance technicians execute routine inspections of railway tracks, powerlines, signage stations, switches, and other railway infrastructure. They are also sent out to repair defects quickly, safely, and at any time of the day or night.
Road marker: Road markers apply markings to roads to increase safety, indicate traffic regulations, and help road users find the way. They use different pieces of machinery to paint lines onto the road and install other markings such as reflective cat’s eyes.
Tunnel boring machine operator: Tunnel boring machine operators work on large pieces of tunnelling equipment commonly known as TBMs. They regulate the operation of the machine, adjusting the torque of the rotating cutting wheel and screw conveyor to maximise stability of the tunnel before tunnel rings are installed. Tunnel boring machine operators then put the reinforced concrete rings in place using remote controls.
Road construction supervisor: Road construction supervisors monitor the construction and maintenance of roads. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Carpenter supervisor: Carpenter supervisors monitor carpentry operations in construction. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems. They pass their skills on to apprentice carpenters.
Electrical supervisor: Electrical supervisors monitor the operations involved in installing and servicing electricity cables and other electrical infrastructure. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Demolition supervisor: Demolition supervisors monitor operations involved in the demolition of buildings and clean up of debris. They take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Structural ironwork supervisor: Structural ironwork supervisors monitor ironworking activities. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
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.
Steeplejack: Steeplejacks are specialised heightworkers who safely scale the outside of buildings and structures to perform critical work.
Rigger: Riggers specialise in the lifting of heavy objects, often helped by a crane or derrick. They work with crane operators to attach and detach crane loads. They may also install the heavy object in place.
Crane crew supervisor: Crane crew supervisors are present to supervise crane operations. They keep an eye on safety and make sure regulations are followed. The supervisor takes quick decisions to resolve problems.
Insulation worker: Insulation workers install a variety of insulation materials to shield a structure or materials from heat, cold, and noise from the environment.
Roofer: Roofers cover structures with roofs. They install the weight-bearing elements of a roof, either flat or pitched, then cover it with a weatherproof layer.
Pile driving hammer operator: Pile driving hammer operators work with a piece of heavy equipment that positions piles and hammers them into the ground using a rigging mechanism.
Kitchen unit installer: Kitchen unit installers install kitchen elements in homes. They take the necessary measurements, prepare the room, removing old elements if necessary, and install the new kitchen equipment, including the connection of water, gas and sewage pipes and electricity lines.
Bulldozer operator: Bulldozer operators operate a heavy vehicle to move earth, rubble or other material over the ground.
Scraper operator: Scraper operators work with a mobile piece of heavy equipment that scrapes the top layer of the ground and deposits it in a hopper to be hauled off. They drive the scraper over the surface to be scraped, adapting the speed of the machine to the hardness of the surface.
Glass installation supervisor: Glass installation supervisor monitor the process of installing plate glass. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Rail layer: Rail layers construct railway tracks on prepared sites. They monitor equipment that sets railroad sleepers or ties, usually on a layer of crushed stone or ballast. Rail layers then lay the rail tracks on top of the sleepers and attach them to make sure the rails have a constant gauge, or distance to each other. These operations are usually done with a single moving machine, but may be performed manually.
Demolition worker: Demolition workers operate equipment to demolish structures. They safely destroy buildings and remove the debris to permit the site to be used for a different purpose.
Underwater construction supervisor: Underwater construction supervisors monitor underwater construction projects such as tunnels, canal locks and bridge pillars. They guide and instruct construction commercial divers and make sure they adhere to safety regulations.
Dismantling worker: Dismantling workers perform the dismantling of industrial equipment, machinery and buildings as instructed by the team leader. They use heavy machinery and different power tools depending on the task. At all times safety regulations are taken into account.
Plumber: Plumbers maintain and install water, gas and sewage systems. They inspect pipes and fixtures on a regular basis or make repairs as needed. They bend, cut, and install pipes. They test systems and make adjustments safely and following regulations. They place sanitary equipment.
Excavator operator: Excavator operators use excavators to dig into earth or other materials to remove it. They are involved in a variety of projects, such as demolition, dredging, and the of digging holes, foundations and trenches.
Irrigation system installer: Irrigation system installers build the necessary infrastructure for irrigation of soil, usually for agricultural purposes. They may be specialised in one or more of the various types of stationary irrigation systems.
Construction quality inspector: Construction quality inspectors monitor the activities at larger construction sites to make sure everything happens according to standards and specifications. They pay close attention to potential safety problems and take samples of products to test for conformity with standards and specifications.
Building inspector: Building inspectors perform inspections of buildings to determine compliance with specifications for various focuses of assessment. They observe and determine the suitability of construction, quality and resistance, and general compliance with regulations.
Road maintenance worker: Road maintenance workers perform routine inspections of roads, and are sent out to perform repairs when called for. They patch potholes, cracks and other damage in roads.
Stonemason: Stonemasons manually carve and assemble stone for construction purposes. While CNC operated carving equipment is the industry standard, artisanal carving for ornamental stone is still done manually.
Lift engineer: Lift engineers set lifts into a prepared framed hoistway. They install support assembly, set up the lift pump or motor, piston or cable, and mechanism. Lift engineers connect the necessary electronic elements to complete the installation and connection of the lift cabin. They also perform the necessary steps to inspect and repair lifts, as well as the shaft and any associated electronics. Lift engineers make sure every inspection and report action is noted in a log book, and report to the client on the state of the serviced lift.
Drainage worker: Drainage workers assemble and maintain drainage and dewatering systems. They lay tubes or drainpipes to dry out the ground of a certain structure in order to put a hold to imminent groundwater. This work is usually performed under pavements and in basements.
Building construction worker: Building construction workers prepare and maintain building construction activities on construction sites. They perform preparation and clean-up work in order to assist specialised construction workers.

Optional skill

Use safety equipment in construction is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Sprinkler fitter: Sprinkler fitters are responsible for the installation of fire protection systems that sprinkle water. They connect pipes, tubing and the necessary accessories. Sprinkler system installers also test the systems for leaks.

Paperhanger supervisor: Paperhanger supervisors monitor the hanging of wallpaper. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Abrasive blasting operator: Abrasive blasting operators use the proper equipment and machinery to smoothen rough surfaces by abrasive blasting. Abrasive blasting is commonly used in the finishing process of metal workpieces and for blasting building materials used in masonry such as bricks, stones and concrete. They operate blasters or sand cabinets which forcibly thrust a stream of abrasive material such sand, soda or water, under high pressure, propelled by a centrifigal wheel, in order to shape and smoothen surfaces.
Hardwood floor layer: Hardwood floor layers install floors made of solid wood. They prepare the surface, cut parquet or board elements to size, and lay them in a predetermined pattern, straight and flush.
Installation engineer: Installation engineers oversee and manage the installing of structures, which take often many years to design and construct. They ensure safety, avoid risks and they aim to the optimalisation of costs. Installation engineers also create constructive designs of systems and perform installation system testing. They determine the material needed for the construction of these systems and the costs, and use CAD software to design these systems.    
Solar energy technician: Solar energy technicians install and maintain systems that collect solar energy. They prepare the necessary fixtures, often on roofs, install solar panels, and plug them into an electronic system including an inverter to connect the solar energy systems to the electricity lines.
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (and refrigeration) service engineer: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (and refrigeration) service engineers install and maintain industrial heating, air conditioning and possibly refrigeration systems. They set up furnaces, thermostats, ducts, vents, and other equipment needed to ensure the controlled passage and treatment of air. They also carry out repairs.
Terrazzo setter supervisor: Terrazzo setter supervisors monitor terrazzo setting operations. They assign tasks and take quick decision to resolve problems.
Paperhanger: Paperhangers are specialised in hanging up wallpaper. They apply adhesives to the paper, or to the wall in the case of reinforced wallpaper, and fix the paper straight, well aligned, and avoiding the inclusion of air bubbles.
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.
Plastering supervisor: Plastering supervisors monitor plastering activities. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Construction equipment technician: Construction equipment technicians inspect, maintain and repair heavy-duty vehicles used in construction, forestry and earthworks such as bulldozers, excavators and harvesters. They perform evaluations of the equipment, and ensure the safety and optimal efficiency of the machinery.
Property developer: Property developers buy land, finance deals, order construction projects and orchestrate the process of development. They purchase a tract of land, decide on a marketing strategy, and develop the building program. Developers must also obtain legal approval and financing. When the project is finished, they may lease, manage, or sell the property.
Construction general contractor: Construction general contractors take on the responsibility to deliver a construction project. They participate on bid processes for construction projects and hire subcontractors to deliver the different stages of the construction process from beginning to completion. They make sure subcontractors hold up their part of the agreement and work in the construction site to make sure the project is delivered in time and according to agreed standards.
Security alarm technician: Security alarm technicians install and maintain security alarm systems to protect against hazards such as fire and burglary. They install sensors and control systems and connect them to power and telecommunication lines if required. Security alarm technicians explain usage of the installed systems to the prospective users.
Carpet fitter: Carpet fitters lay rolls of carpet as a floor covering. They cut the carpet to size, prepare the surface, and put the carpet in place.
Plasterer: Plasterers apply plaster made from gypsum, cement or other solutions to walls as a smooth finish. They mix dry plaster powder with water, then smear the resulting paste onto a wall. The plaster is then smoothed before it hardens and forms a solid coating on the wall.

 


 

References

  1. Use safety equipment in construction – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022