Profession steeplejack

Steeplejacks are specialised heightworkers who safely scale the outside of buildings and structures to perform critical work.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

• Climbing equipment

  The various pieces of equipment used for climbing and associated operations, such as ropes, connectors, helmets, ascenders, arresters, harness, pulleys and devices. Their operation, usage cases, advantages, disadvantages and costs.

Skills

• Handle equipment while suspended

  Safely operate hand equipment while suspended on a rope. Take on a secure and stable position before starting the operation. After finishing, store the equipment safely, usually by attaching it to a belt buckle.

• 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.

• 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.

• Spot other climbers

  Attend to another climber's safety and climbing progress. Belay them, shortening the amount of rope between them and the next anchor or giving slack if the climber needs to perform a manoeuvre. Communicate and coordinate with the climber.

• Work ergonomically

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

• Inspect construction supplies

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

• Follow safety procedures when working at heights

  Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

• Build scaffolding

  Assemble temporary scaffolding structures for construction, maintenance or event-related purposes. Set vertical standards on the base plate of the scaffolding structure. Ensure the scaffolding structure is secured from lateral forces and supported sufficiently. Place wood or metal scaffolding decks into the transoms to stand on and make sure they are aligned. Safely set scaffolding stairs and ladders, which allow enough room for safe and easy manoeuvring.

• Construct working platform

  When the structural elements of the scaffolding structure have been completed, attach working platforms which approach or touch the structure to be worked on. Place decks on the platform and remove the guard rail that separates it from the main scaffolding deck.

• Work from suspended access cradle

  Work safely from a suspended access cradle, also known as a swing stage, a cradle suspended from four ropes. Move the cradle around or coordinate with others who move it. Take care to keep the cradle balanced and to prevent any objects falling out.

• Inspect climbing equipment

  Check your climbing equipment. Keep track of the usage history of the product. Make sure the product is certified and lifetime has not been exceeded. Verify the presence of all parts. Check the equipment for cuts, damage, wear. Check any safety stitching. Make sure buckles work properly and present no twists. Detect signs of corrosion or chemical damage.

• 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.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB