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Sector : 07 - Buildings and Public Works

8834 Water and Sewer Labourer

M834

Field of application	Water and sewer labourers are employed by the Public Works departments of cities, municipalities or band councils. They work varied shifts: day, evening or night, weekdays or weekends. They assist pipe fitters who specialize in maintaining and repairing aqueducts and sewer lines and in connecting new residences to them. Water and sewer labourers sometimes work alone on sewer and storm water systems.
Other job titles	Municipal blue-collar worker; labourer; water and sewer system assistant
Information specific to the trade	A valid Class 5 or Class 3 driver’s licence may be mandatory.

560 - Attend a municipal construction site meeting	Add to my plan	2
Performance criteria Attentive listening to explanations Correct interpretation of safety instructions Asking of relevant questions Accurate interpretation of technical information (lines, symbols, etc.) Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others Tasks Listen to the foreman or forewoman’s explanations about the work to be done and the time frame in which it is to be completed (e.g. filling potholes, repaving, cutting roadsides, maintaining fire hydrants, repairing broken water mains, etc.). Listen to the explanations about the specific characteristics of the site and potential sources of danger (e.g. ditches, excavations, overpasses, bridges, underground electrical or gas lines, etc.). Listen to the explanations concerning environmental protection measures. Listen to the explanations regarding the types of materials and their characteristics. Consult a plan, diagram or sketch: distinguish the views, recognize the symbols, read the title block, etc. Ensure that he/she fully understands the tasks to be done, the safety instructions and the instructions to follow in case of an emergency.

560 - Attend a municipal construction site meeting

Performance criteria

Attentive listening to explanations
Correct interpretation of safety instructions
Asking of relevant questions
Accurate interpretation of technical information (lines, symbols, etc.)
Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others

Tasks

Listen to the foreman or forewoman’s explanations about the work to be done and the time frame in which it is to be completed (e.g. filling potholes, repaving, cutting roadsides, maintaining fire hydrants, repairing broken water mains, etc.).
Listen to the explanations about the specific characteristics of the site and potential sources of danger (e.g. ditches, excavations, overpasses, bridges, underground electrical or gas lines, etc.).
Listen to the explanations concerning environmental protection measures.
Listen to the explanations regarding the types of materials and their characteristics.
Consult a plan, diagram or sketch: distinguish the views, recognize the symbols, read the title block, etc.
Ensure that he/she fully understands the tasks to be done, the safety instructions and the instructions to follow in case of an emergency.

561 - Lay materials (gravel, sand, earth, asphalt, etc.)	Add to my plan	2
Performance criteria Observance of occupational health and safety rules Compliance with work instructions Compliance with material thickness standards Observance of time allotted Accurate identification of materials and their properties Proper application of work techniques Proper use of hand tools Clear communication with team members Demonstration of ability to work in a team Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others Vigilance Tasks Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.). Unload the tools from the municipal vehicle. Implement the safety measures required for working in ditches and excavations. Assist in unloading materials from the road maintenance vehicle. Shovel materials. Move materials using a wheelbarrow or any other kind of equipment. Install ropes in order to level the materials. Spread an asphalt emulsion. Spread out the materials. Level the materials to obtain the desired formation and slope. Measure the level of the materials. Check the quality of the work. Detect problems and notify the person in charge.

561 - Lay materials (gravel, sand, earth, asphalt, etc.)

Performance criteria

Observance of occupational health and safety rules
Compliance with work instructions
Compliance with material thickness standards
Observance of time allotted
Accurate identification of materials and their properties
Proper application of work techniques
Proper use of hand tools
Clear communication with team members
Demonstration of ability to work in a team
Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others
Vigilance

Tasks

Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.).
Unload the tools from the municipal vehicle.
Implement the safety measures required for working in ditches and excavations.
Assist in unloading materials from the road maintenance vehicle.
Shovel materials.
Move materials using a wheelbarrow or any other kind of equipment.
Install ropes in order to level the materials.
Spread an asphalt emulsion.
Spread out the materials.
Level the materials to obtain the desired formation and slope.
Measure the level of the materials.
Check the quality of the work.
Detect problems and notify the person in charge.

562 - Compact materials (gravel, asphalt, sand, etc.)	Add to my plan	2
Performance criteria Observance of occupational health and safety rules Compliance with work instructions Compliance with compacting standards Observance of time allotted Accurate identification of materials and their properties Proper application of work techniques Proper use of the compactor Clear communication with team members Demonstration of ability to work in a team Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others Vigilance Tasks Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.). Unload the vibrating plate or diesel compactor from the municipal vehicle and take it to the work site. Implement the safety measures required for working in ditches and excavations. Check the condition of the equipment. Fill it with gasoline: make sure to be in a ventilated area, then remove the cap, put the gasoline in the tank, replace the cap and ensure that there are no leaks. Add oil. Add water to the tank, if applicable. Start the motor. Steer the compactor, taking into account the effect of the compaction on the material. Check the quality of the work. Detect problems and notify the person in charge.

562 - Compact materials (gravel, asphalt, sand, etc.)

Performance criteria

Observance of occupational health and safety rules
Compliance with work instructions
Compliance with compacting standards
Observance of time allotted
Accurate identification of materials and their properties
Proper application of work techniques
Proper use of the compactor
Clear communication with team members
Demonstration of ability to work in a team
Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others
Vigilance

Tasks

Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.).
Unload the vibrating plate or diesel compactor from the municipal vehicle and take it to the work site.
Implement the safety measures required for working in ditches and excavations.
Check the condition of the equipment.
Fill it with gasoline: make sure to be in a ventilated area, then remove the cap, put the gasoline in the tank, replace the cap and ensure that there are no leaks.
Add oil.
Add water to the tank, if applicable.
Start the motor.
Steer the compactor, taking into account the effect of the compaction on the material.
Check the quality of the work.
Detect problems and notify the person in charge.

563 - Cut materials (concrete, cast iron, cement, etc.)	Add to my plan	2
Performance criteria Observance of occupational health and safety rules Observance of rules of hygiene, if applicable Compliance with work instructions staying within the limits of the occupation Observance of time allotted Accurate identification of materials and their properties Proper application of work techniques Proper use of the concrete saw Clear communication with team members Demonstration of ability to work in a team Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others Vigilance Precise work Tasks Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.). Unload the saw from the municipal vehicle and take it to the work site. Install the saw’s blade: make sure to have the appropriate saw blade (correct diameter and type of blade for the material to be cut), check the condition of the blade and install it in the correct rotation direction, etc. Check the condition of the saw (saw guard, cleanliness of the handles, water-spray system, as needed, ignition cable, spark plugs, etc.) and make the necessary adjustments. Fill it with gasoline: make sure to be in a ventilated area, then remove the cap, put the gasoline in the tank, replace the cap and ensure that there are no leaks. Add water to the saw’s tank, if applicable. Ensure that the work area is free of people and obstacles. Measure the length to be cut. Ensure that the object to be cut is in a stable position. Apply the hygienic measures required for cutting water pipes, if applicable. Start the motor. Start up the saw. Make an emergency stop as needed. Check the quality of the work. Detect problems and notify the person in charge.

563 - Cut materials (concrete, cast iron, cement, etc.)

Performance criteria

Observance of occupational health and safety rules
Observance of rules of hygiene, if applicable
Compliance with work instructions
staying within the limits of the occupation
Observance of time allotted
Accurate identification of materials and their properties
Proper application of work techniques
Proper use of the concrete saw
Clear communication with team members
Demonstration of ability to work in a team
Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others
Vigilance
Precise work

Tasks

Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.).
Unload the saw from the municipal vehicle and take it to the work site.
Install the saw’s blade: make sure to have the appropriate saw blade (correct diameter and type of blade for the material to be cut), check the condition of the blade and install it in the correct rotation direction, etc.
Check the condition of the saw (saw guard, cleanliness of the handles, water-spray system, as needed, ignition cable, spark plugs, etc.) and make the necessary adjustments.
Fill it with gasoline: make sure to be in a ventilated area, then remove the cap, put the gasoline in the tank, replace the cap and ensure that there are no leaks.
Add water to the saw’s tank, if applicable.
Ensure that the work area is free of people and obstacles.
Measure the length to be cut.
Ensure that the object to be cut is in a stable position.
Apply the hygienic measures required for cutting water pipes, if applicable.
Start the motor.
Start up the saw.
Make an emergency stop as needed.
Check the quality of the work.
Detect problems and notify the person in charge.

833401 - Assist pipe fitters in maintaining, repairing and cleaning aqueducts	Add to my plan	2
Performance criteria Observance of occupational health and safety rules Observance of hygiene and cleanliness rules Compliance with work instructions staying within the limits of the occupation Accurate identification of the components of aqueduct systems Correct interpretation of pressure principles Proper application of work techniques Proper use of tools and equipment Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others Clear communication with team members Demonstration of ability to work in a team Vigilance Tasks Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.). Implement the safety measures required for working in ditches and excavations. Locate the shut-off boxes for the pipes in the water supply system. Dig around potable water mains in order to expose them. Help to disinfect water mains. Open and close gates. Watch for the arrival of the water when water mains are being flushed. Help locate water leaks. Paint pipes, gates and fire hydrants. Help unthaw gates, fire hydrants, water mains and connections using steam or electricity.

833401 - Assist pipe fitters in maintaining, repairing and cleaning aqueducts

Performance criteria

Observance of occupational health and safety rules
Observance of hygiene and cleanliness rules
Compliance with work instructions
staying within the limits of the occupation
Accurate identification of the components of aqueduct systems
Correct interpretation of pressure principles
Proper application of work techniques
Proper use of tools and equipment
Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others
Clear communication with team members
Demonstration of ability to work in a team
Vigilance

Tasks

Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.).
Implement the safety measures required for working in ditches and excavations.
Locate the shut-off boxes for the pipes in the water supply system.
Dig around potable water mains in order to expose them.
Help to disinfect water mains.
Open and close gates.
Watch for the arrival of the water when water mains are being flushed.
Help locate water leaks.
Paint pipes, gates and fire hydrants.
Help unthaw gates, fire hydrants, water mains and connections using steam or electricity.

833402 - Carry out regular maintenance on fire hydrants	Add to my plan	2
Performance criteria Observance of occupational health and safety rules Compliance with work instructions Observance of maintenance schedule Accurate identification of the components of aqueduct systems Proper application of work techniques Proper use of tools and equipment Vigilance Concern for avoiding damage to pipes Tasks Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.). Unload the tools from the municipal vehicle. Ensure that the information in the file matches that on the fire hydrant. Check the condition of the fire hydrants. Listen for the sound of running water. Open a fire hydrant and check that the bonnet and the hydrant valve are watertight. Read the water pressure. Close the fire hydrant. Mark the fire hydrant. Detect problems and notify the person in charge. Record the inspection data.

833402 - Carry out regular maintenance on fire hydrants

Performance criteria

Observance of occupational health and safety rules
Compliance with work instructions
Observance of maintenance schedule
Accurate identification of the components of aqueduct systems
Proper application of work techniques
Proper use of tools and equipment
Vigilance
Concern for avoiding damage to pipes

Tasks

Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.).
Unload the tools from the municipal vehicle.
Ensure that the information in the file matches that on the fire hydrant.
Check the condition of the fire hydrants.
Listen for the sound of running water.
Open a fire hydrant and check that the bonnet and the hydrant valve are watertight.
Read the water pressure.
Close the fire hydrant.
Mark the fire hydrant.
Detect problems and notify the person in charge.
Record the inspection data.

833403 - Assist pipe fitters in maintaining, repairing and cleaning sewer and storm water systems	Add to my plan	2
Performance criteria Observance of occupational health and safety rules Compliance with work instructions staying within the limits of the occupation Correct interpretation of the principles of gravity Proper application of work techniques Proper use of tools and equipment Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others Clear communication with team members Demonstration of ability to work in a team Vigilance Tasks Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.). Implement the safety measures required for working in ditches and excavations. Dig around wastewater or storm water pipes to expose them. Help unclog domestic sewer pipes. Help perform colour tests on sewer pipes. Watch for the arrival of the water when sewer pipes are being flushed. Help fix the passage around the drains and gates.

833403 - Assist pipe fitters in maintaining, repairing and cleaning sewer and storm water systems

Performance criteria

Observance of occupational health and safety rules
Compliance with work instructions
staying within the limits of the occupation
Correct interpretation of the principles of gravity
Proper application of work techniques
Proper use of tools and equipment
Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others
Clear communication with team members
Demonstration of ability to work in a team
Vigilance

Tasks

Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.).
Implement the safety measures required for working in ditches and excavations.
Dig around wastewater or storm water pipes to expose them.
Help unclog domestic sewer pipes.
Help perform colour tests on sewer pipes.
Watch for the arrival of the water when sewer pipes are being flushed.
Help fix the passage around the drains and gates.

833404 - Carry out regular maintenance of drains and sewer manholes	Add to my plan	2
Performance criteria Observance of occupational health and safety rules Compliance with work instructions Proper application of work techniques Appropriate use of tools Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others Demonstration of ability to work in a team Vigilance Tasks Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.). Unload the tools from the municipal vehicle. Place the cone markers to mark off a safety perimeter on the sidewalk or public road. Help connect drains to the sewer mains. Install drain frames and grills. Take off the manhole covers and put them back. Take air samples in the sewer manholes. Place support stakes beside the drains. Break the ice on the drains.

833404 - Carry out regular maintenance of drains and sewer manholes

Performance criteria

Observance of occupational health and safety rules
Compliance with work instructions
Proper application of work techniques
Appropriate use of tools
Constant concern for personal safety and the safety of others
Demonstration of ability to work in a team
Vigilance

Tasks

Wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, reflective vest, etc.).
Unload the tools from the municipal vehicle.
Place the cone markers to mark off a safety perimeter on the sidewalk or public road.
Help connect drains to the sewer mains.
Install drain frames and grills.
Take off the manhole covers and put them back.
Take air samples in the sewer manholes.
Place support stakes beside the drains.
Break the ice on the drains.

564 - Participate in cleaning the construction site	Add to my plan	1
Performance criteria Observance of occupational health and safety rules Observance of environmental laws and regulations Cleanliness Tasks Pick up tools and equipment and pack them properly in the municipal vehicle. Pick up the signalling devices and store them. Remove rubble and debris using a shovel and a wheelbarrow. Sweep the pavement or sidewalks.

564 - Participate in cleaning the construction site

Performance criteria

Observance of occupational health and safety rules
Observance of environmental laws and regulations
Cleanliness

Tasks

Pick up tools and equipment and pack them properly in the municipal vehicle.
Pick up the signalling devices and store them.
Remove rubble and debris using a shovel and a wheelbarrow.
Sweep the pavement or sidewalks.

720 - Take action in an emergency situation	Add to my plan	2
Performance criteria Observance of occupational health and safety rules staying within the limits of the occupation Compliance with the institution's emergency protocol Proper use of the material in the first-aid kit Self-control Promptness Tasks Recognize that the situation is an emergency. Notify the person in charge or call the emergency number (310-4141 or 911). Apply the prescribed measures. Reassure the person and stay with them until help arrives. Intervene while being mindful of your own safety. Write an event report.

720 - Take action in an emergency situation

Performance criteria

Observance of occupational health and safety rules
staying within the limits of the occupation
Compliance with the institution's emergency protocol
Proper use of the material in the first-aid kit
Self-control
Promptness

Tasks

Recognize that the situation is an emergency.
Notify the person in charge or call the emergency number (310-4141 or 911).
Apply the prescribed measures.
Reassure the person and stay with them until help arrives.
Intervene while being mindful of your own safety.
Write an event report.

Optional competency or task. Competencies or tasks marked with this symbol are not required in all workplaces. They could be included in a student’s training plan if the practicum setting offers the opportunity for the student to apply them.