👨🏭FIELD GUIDE 15: A Tradesman’s life
Today I am holding my husband hostage to bring you the day in the life of a tradesman on the job rigging up and lifting heavy things. Safely.
Skyler
Name
Matthew Cail
Soundtrack
Occupation
Welder, Pipe-fitter, Rigger, the list goes on
Habitat
Wherever the work takes us.
Where it started
In 2009, Matthew joined Local Union 188 in Savannah, GA. He was later initiated in 2010. He “turned-out” or received his journeyman status in 2015.
Where its taken him
With trade work, sometimes it’s best to follow the work. Matthew has been many places with this idea. Here are a few:
White Lake, NC
Hilo, HI
Marshalltown, IA
Okeechobee, FL
Cove Point, MD
Gansevoort, NY
Oxford, CT
With the possibility of new places and new jobs popping up regularly.
What is it about?
Union hands in general help build America (and a handful of other countries).
“My current position is allowing me to take part in the world’s largest expansion of a nuclear facility. I have done a number of jobs in this facility in the last three years.”
Currently, Matt is working as a Rigger. Being a Rigger entails quite a few different jobs rolled into one.
“Simply put (and what I tell my daughter), I pick stuff up and put stuff down all day. Which is essentially what we do, but there is more to it.”
We determine the weight of any load. This is the most important (and the first) factor to consider.
Once this is determined we can then figure out what rigging will support this load to be transported.
We then locate the center of gravity of the load and place the rigging accordingly. We have to ensure the load is hoisted perfectly balanced to ensure the safety of the work environment and the delivery of the load.
It is also important to maintain constant communication with your crane operator to ensure safety of the load and those working in the area.
Different straps/rigging have different weight limits. It is crucial to not under-rig something which could result in losing the load.
This may not always be such a big deal but being in a nuclear facility, the work environment is surrounded by critical sensitive equipment at all times.
Why Union?
Being a tradesman, as Matt’s mentioned, has granted him the opportunity to travel many places and to work with many other union tradesmen and learn from the best. But what does the union route provide for members?
“There are many benefits from going the union route to learn a trade. This route avoids student loan debt that could be associated with trade schools. We have the opportunity to work while also receiving education via classroom setting. This means we get both on and off the job training. Working with older, or more experienced hands, opens the door to learning tricks of the trade. Not to mention, less stress when it comes to finding another job.”
The elected board of union members come together to advocate and ensure things we care about as employees are guaranteed on any job that is agreed upon. These things include, fair wages, better benefits, stable schedules, safe work environments and so much more.
All the things you advocate for, for yourself in your job is done with a team behind you ensuring you get the job experience you deserve.
Fun Facts
Three tons. There are three versions of a ton when measuring a load’s weight. I didn’t learn this until after working for a few years. A US ton is measured at 2,000 pounds. This is also known as a short ton. A long ton is the British ton, which is measured at 2,240 pounds. A metric ton is the third ton measurement. It is 1,000 kilograms, which is about 2204 pounds.
So. Much. Math. A lot of jobs require on the fly math. Measuring angles, distance from one point to another, etc. You know how most of the time you think, “Why did we have to learn that math with the alphabet in it”? This isn’t one of those jobs you think that with. I’m also pretty good at eyeballing how tall things are now, it’s come in handy outside of work many times.
Crane Booms. Since working with cranes and crane operators, I have learned that the boom of the crane is made to bend like a fishing pole. This is called boom deflection. The first time I noticed this was a real “oh shit” moment.
Learn More
Watching things be done the right way is a great way to understand and learn technique when you’re first starting out. David Ciriza shows you some basics to pipe fitting and welding.
If you’re interested in going Union, there is a local nearby in the trade you are looking for. Here is mine, Local Union 188 specializing in plumbing, pipe fitting, and HVAC.
Don’t really want to go the union route? You can get rigging certifications with the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators.
My rv weighs 22,000 pounds or 11 tons. It’s my first understanding of a ton. I’m always watching construction and intrigued. You’re such a vital important integral piece of a grand puzzle. Thanks for your passion and sharing!