Profession 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.

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Personality Type

• Realistic / Enterprising
• Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

• Mechanical systems

  Mechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.

• Excavation techniques

  The methods to remove rock and soil, used in an excavation site and the associated risks.

• Mechanics

  Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

Skills

• 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 sites

  Ensure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.

• 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.

• 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.

• Dig sewer trenches

  Prepare trenches for sewer pipes. Dig judiciously according to plans, avoiding underground utility infrastructure. Brace the trench to prevent compaction of the sewer pipe. Fill the trench after the pipes have been installed.

• 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.

• Secure working area

  Secure the operation site fixing boundaries, restricting access, placing signs and taking other measures in order to guarantee public and staff safety.

• Prevent damage to utility infrastructure

  Consult utility companies or plans on the location of any utility infrastructure that may interfere with a project or be damaged by it. Take the necessary steps to avoid damage.

• Work ergonomically

  Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

• Transport pipes

  Transport pipes manually or by operating equipment such as mechanical lifts and truck winches.

• 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.

• Inspect construction supplies

  Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.

• React to events in time-critical environments

  Monitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.

• Level earth surface

  Change the profile of the earth surface, turning it flat or shaping it to match a certain slope. Remove irregularities such as knolls, pits and ditches.

• 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.

• Lay sewer pipe

  Use the appropriate equipment, such as a hydraulic grappler, to lay sewer pipes into a prepared trench. Coordinate with a co-worker to manoeuvre the pipe so as to fit securely on the previously installed pipe. Push and wiggle the pipe if necessary to create a seal.

• 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.

• Provide pipe bedding

  Lay bedding in a trench to stabilise a pipe if called for. Lay bedding beneath the pipe and around it to protect from environmental influences.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB