Sheet metal workers
National Occupation Code (NOC): 7233
Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products. They are employed by sheet metal fabrication shops, sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal work contractors and various industrial sectors.
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Job Duties for Sheet metal workers
- Read engineering and architectural drawings, sketches and work specifications to be performed, and lay out, measure and mark sheet metal according to drawings or templates
- Develop patterns for sheet metal using computer-assisted design and drafting (CAD) software package
- Operate light metalworking machines such as shears, brakes, punches, and drill presses, including computer numerical control (CNC) equipment to cut, bend, punch, drill, shape or straighten sheet metal
- Operate computerized laser or plasma cutting equipment to cut sheet metal
- Install and use rigging and hoisting equipment
- Fit and join sheet metal parts using riveting, welding, soldering and similar equipment to fabricate products such as ventilation shafts, exhaust hoods, eavestroughs, partition frames, air and heat ducts, material handling systems, roof decking and sheet metal buildings
- Install sheet metal products according to specifications and building codes
- Grind and buff seams, joints and rough surfaces
- Inspect product quality and installation to ensure conformance to specifications.
Sheet metal workers may specialize in on-site installation or shop manufacture of sheet metal products, or servicing and maintenance of installed equipment and systems.
Working Conditions for Sheet metal workers
Sheet metal workers typically work 40 hours per week, however, some overtime may be required to meet deadlines. Work is done both indoors and outdoors in a variety of settings, including shops, homes and commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. Although duct systems and kitchen equipment are installed indoors, the installation of siding, roofing and gutters involves outdoor work in various kinds of weather.
Sheet metal workers who do installation work are required to do considerable bending, lifting, standing, climbing and squatting, sometimes in close quarters or in awkward positions. These workers also often work at heights from ladders and scaffolding. Safety regulations are followed in order to prevent injury, such as cuts from metal and burns from soldering and welding.
Working conditions have changed somewhat in recent years, as greater mechanization has reduced the labour intensity of this type of work. In addition, various CNC cutting machines using water jet and laser technology are becoming more widespread within the industry, which increases the need for workers with computer skills.
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