and decontaminate the facility, as well as remove any radioactive or contaminated materials. Treatment, storage and disposal (TSD) workers transport and prepare materials for treatment or disposal. To insure proper treatment of materials, laws require workers in this field be able to verify shipping manifests. At incinerator facilities, these workers transport materials from the customer or service center to the incinerator. At landfills, they follow a strict procedure for the processing and storage of hazardous materials. They organize and track the location of items in the fill and may help change the state of a material from liquid to solid in preparation for its storage. These workers typically operate heavy machinery such as forklifts, earth moving machinery and large trucks and rigs. Hazardous materials removal workers, whether working in asbestos and lead abatement or in radioactive decontamination, must stand, stoop and kneel for long periods of time. Workers may also be required to construct scaffolding or erect containment areas prior to the abatement or decontamination. Government regulation, in most cases, dictates that hazardous materials removal workers are closely supervised on the work site. The standard is usually one supervisor to every 10 workers. The work is very structured, planned out sometimes years in advance and team oriented. There is a great deal of cooperation among supervisors and coworkers. Due to the nature of the materials being removed, work areas are restricted to licensed hazardous materials removal workers, minimizing exposure to the public. Working Conditions Hazardous materials removal workers face different working conditions depending on their area of expertise. Although many work a standard 40-hour week, overtime and shift work is not uncommon, especially in asbestos and lead abatement. Asbestos and lead abatement workers tend to work primarily in buildings and other structures, such as office buildings and schools. Because they are under pressure to complete their work and must work around the schedules of others, completing projects often requires night and weekend work. Treatment, storage and disposal workers are employed primarily at facilities such as landfills, incinerators, boilers and industrial furnaces. These facilities are often located in remote areas due to the kinds of work being done. As a result, workers employed by treatment, storage or disposal facilities may commute long distances to work. Decommissioning and decontamination workers, decontamination technicians and radiation protection technicians work at nuclear facilities and electrical power plants. These sites, like treatment, storage and disposal facilities, also are often far from urban areas. They may need to use sharp tools to dismantle contaminated objects, often in cramped conditions. A hazardous materials removal worker must have great A hazardous materials removal worker sprays to minimize dust during an asbestos abatement. self-control and a level head to cope with the daily stress associated with working with hazardous materials. Hazardous materials removal employees work in a highly structured environment to minimize danger. Each phase of an operation is planned out in advance and workers are trained to deal with safety breaches and hazardous situations. Crew and supervisors take every precaution to insure the work site is safe. Some hazardous materials removal workers must wear fully enclosed personal protective suits for several hours at a time, which may be hot and uncomfortable and cause some individuals to experience claustrophobia. Hazardous materials removal workers may be required to travel outside their normal working area in order to respond to emergency situations. These emergency cleanups sometimes take several days or weeks to complete and workers usually are away from home for the duration of the project. Employment Hazardous materials removal workers held about 38,000 jobs in 1998. About two-thirds were employed by special trade contractors, primarily in asbestos and lead abatement. The next largest industry of employment was sanitary services, including treatment, storage and disposal facilities. A small number worked in electric services at nuclear and electric plants as decommissioning and decontamination workers and radiation safety and decontamination technicians. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Formal education beyond a high school diploma is not required to become a hazardous materials removal worker. However, workers must be able to perform basic mathematical conversions and calculations, manipulating readings for consideration during the abatement. To perform the job duties, workers should also have good physical strength and manual dexterity. Federal regulations require a license to work as a hazardous materials removal worker. Most employers provide technical training on the job, but a formal 32- to 40-hour training program must be completed to be licensed to work as an asbestos and lead abatement worker or a treatment, storage, and disposal worker. The program covers health hazards, personal protective equipment and clothing, site safety, hazard recognition and identification, and decontamination. In some cases, workers will discover one hazardous material while abating another. If the workers are not licensed to work with the newly discovered material they cannot continue to work. Many experienced workers opt to take courses in additional disciplines to counteract this problem. Some employers prefer to hire workers licensed in multiple disciplines. For decommissioning and decontamination workers employed at nuclear facilities, training is more extensive. In addition to the standard 40-hour training course in asbestos, lead, and hazardous waste, workers must take courses on regulations governing nuclear materials and radiation safety. These courses add up to approximately three months of training, though most are not taken consecutively. Many agencies, organizations and companies throughout the country provide training programs that are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, and other regulatory bodies. Workers in all fields are required to take refresher courses every year to maintain their license. Job Outlook Overall employment in this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. Employment of the largest group of workers, asbestos and lead abatement workers, is expected to grow as fast as other occupations in special trade contractors, but opportunities will be best in lead abatement. Unlike other occupations in construction trades, employment for these workers is little affected by slowdowns in the economy. Employment of decontamination technicians, radiation safety technicians, and decommissioning and decontamination workers is expected to grow due to increased pressure for safer and cleaner nuclear and electric generator facilities. In addition, the number of closed facilities that need decommissioning may continue to grow due to federal legislation. These workers are less affected by fluctuations in the economy because the facilities they work in must operate regardless of the state of the economy. Earnings Median hourly earnings of hazardous materials removal workers were $13.28 in 1998. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.76 and $17.85 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.26 per hour and the highest 10 percent earned more than $22.14 per hour. According to the limited data available, treatment, storage and disposal workers usually earn slightly more than asbestos and lead abatement workers or decontamination technicians. Decontamination and decommissioning workers and radiation protection technicians, though comprising the smallest group, tend to earn the highest wages. Related Occupations Asbestos and lead abatement workers share similar skills with other construction trades workers, including bricklayers and stonemasons, concrete masons and terrazzo workers, insulation workers, and sheetmetal workers. Treatment, storage and disposal workers, decommissioning and decontamination workers, and decontamination and radiation safety technicians work closely with plant and system operators such as electric power generating plant operators and water and wastewater treatment plant operators. Sources of Additional Information For more information on hazardous materials removal workers, including training information, contact: Laborers-AGC Education and Training Fund, 37 Deerfield Rd., P.O. Box 37, Promfret, CT 06259. Insulation Workers (O*NET 87802) Significant Points Opportunities for insulation workers are expected to be favorable because of high turnover. Most insulation workers learn informally on the job; others complete formal apprenticeship programs. Nature of the Work Properly insulated buildings reduce energy consumption by keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. Refrigerated storage rooms, vats, tanks, vessels, boilers, and steam and hot water pipes also are insulated to prevent the wasteful transfer of heat. Insulation workers install the materials used to insulate buildings and equipment. Insulation workers cement, staple, wire, tape, or spray insulation. When covering a steam pipe, for example, insulation workers measure and cut sections of insulation to the proper length, stretch it open along a cut that runs the length of the material, and slip it over the pipe. They fasten the insulation with adhesive, staples, tape, or wire bands. Sometimes they wrap a cover of aluminum, plastic, or canvas over it and cement or band the cover in place. Insulation workers may screw on sheet metal around insulated pipes to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical abuse. When covering a wall or other flat surface, workers may use a hose to spray foam insulation onto a wire mesh. The wire mesh provides a rough surface to which the foam can cling, and adds strength to the finished surface. Workers may then install drywall or apply a final coat of plaster for a finished appearance. In attics or exterior walls of uninsulated buildings, workers blow in loose-fill insulation. A helper feeds a machine with fiberglass, Insulation workers remove asbestos from buildings. cellulose, or rock wool insulation while another worker blows the insulation with a compressor hose into the space being filled. In new construction or major renovations, insulation workers staple fiberglass or rockwool batts to exterior walls and ceilings before drywall, paneling, or plaster walls are put in place. In major renovations of old buildings or when putting new insulation around pipes and industrial machinery, insulation workers often must first remove the old insulation. In the past, asbestos-now known to cause cancer in humans was used extensively in walls and ceilings and for covering pipes, boilers, and various industrial equipment. Because of this danger, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations require that asbestos be removed before a building undergoes major renovations or is demolished. When asbestos is present, specially trained workers must remove the asbestos before insulation workers can install the new insulating materials. (See the statement on hazardous materials removal workers elsewhere in the Handbook.) Insulation workers use common handtools-trowels, brushes, knives, scissors, saws, pliers, and stapling guns. They use power saws to cut insulating materials, welding machines to join sheet metal or secure clamps, and compressors for blowing or spraying insulation. Working Conditions Insulation workers generally work indoors. They spend most of the workday on their feet, either standing, bending, or kneeling. Sometimes, they work from ladders or in tight spaces. The work requires more coordination than strength. Insulation work is often dusty and dirty, and the summer heat can make the insulation worker very uncomfortable. The minute particles from insulation materials, especially when blown, can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Workers follow strict safety guidelines to protect themselves from the dangers of insulating irritants, keeping work areas well ventilated, wearing protective suits, masks, and respirators, and taking decontamination showers when necessary. Employment Insulation workers held about 67,000 jobs in 1998. The construction industry employed 9 out of 10; most worked for insulation or other construction trades contractors. Small numbers of insulation workers held jobs in the Federal Government, in wholesale trade, and in shipbuilding and other manufacturing industries that have extensive installations for power, heating, and cooling. Most worked in urban areas. In less populated areas, carpenters, heating and air-conditioning installers, or drywall installers may do insulation work. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Most insulation workers learn their trade informally on the job, although some workers complete formal apprenticeship programs. For entry jobs, insulation contractors prefer high school graduates who are in good physical condition and licensed to drive. High school courses in blueprint reading, shop math, sheet-metal layout, and general construction provide a helpful background. Applicants seeking apprenticeship positions must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and be at least 18 years old. Trainees who learn on the job receive instruction and supervision from experienced insulation workers. Trainees begin with simple tasks, such as carrying insulation or holding material while it is fastened in place. On-the-job training can take up to 2 years, depending on the work. Learning to install insulation in homes generally requires less training than insulation application in commercial and industrial settings. As they gain experience, trainees receive less supervision, more responsibility, and higher pay. In contrast, trainees in formal apprenticeship programs receive indepth instruction in all phases of insulation. Apprenticeship programs may be provided by a joint committee of local insulation contractors and the local union of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers, to which many insulation workers belong. Programs normally consist of 4 years of on-the-job training coupled with classroom instruction, and trainees must pass practical and written tests to demonstrate knowledge of the trade. Skilled insulation workers may advance to supervisor, shop superintendent, insulation contract estimator, or set up their own insulation business. Job Outlook Opportunities for insulation workers are expected to be favorable. Employment of insulation workers is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2008, but replacement needs are usually high due to the many workers who transfer to other occupations. Concerns about the efficient use of energy to heat and cool buildings will result in growth in demand for insulation workers in the construction of new residential, industrial, and commercial buildings. In addition, renovation and efforts to improve insulation in existing structures also will increase demand. Despite growth in demand, replacement needs will account for most job openings. Each year thousands of jobs will become available as insulation workers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. There are no strict training requirements for entry, and many people with limited skills work as insulation workers for a short time and then move on to other types of work, creating many job openings. Insulation workers in the construction industry may experience periods of unemployment because of the short duration of many construction projects and the cyclical nature of construction activity. Workers employed in industrial plants generally have more stable employment because maintenance and repair must be done on a continuing basis. Most insulation is applied after buildings are enclosed. Sources of Additional Information For information about training programs or other work opportunities in this trade, contact a local insulation contractor; a local chapter of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers; the nearest office of the State employment service or State apprenticeship agency, or: International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers, 1776 Massachusetts Ave. NW., Suite 301, Washington, DC 20036 National Insulation Contractors Association, 99 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 222, Alexandria, VA 22314. Insulation Contractors Association of America, 1321 Duke St., Suite 303, Alexandria, VA 22314. Painters and Paperhangers (O*NET 87402A and 87402B) Significant Points Painters and paperhangers are one of the larger construction occupations. Most painters and paperhangers learn their craft informally on the job as helpers to experienced painters. Opportunities for jobs should be good due to high job turnover in the occupation. Nature of the Work Paint and wall coverings make surfaces clean, attractive and bright. In addition, paints and other sealers protect outside walls from wear caused by exposure to the weather. Although some people do both painting and paperhanging, each requires different skills. Painters apply paint, stain, varnish, and other finishes to buildings and other structures. They choose the right paint or finish for the surface to be covered, taking into account durability, ease of handling, method of application, and customers' wishes. Painters first prepare the surfaces to be covered so the paint will adhere properly. This may require removing the old coat by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, burning, or water and abrasive blasting. Painters also wash walls and trim to remove dirt and grease, fill nail holes and cracks, sandpaper rough spots, and brush off dust. On new surfaces, they apply a primer or sealer to prepare the surface for the finish coat. Painters also mix paints and match colors, relying on knowledge of paint composition and color harmony. In large paint shops or hardware stores, this function is automated. There are several ways to apply paint and similar coverings. Painters must be able to choose the right paint applicator for each job, depending on the surface to be covered, the characteristics of the finish, and other factors. Some jobs only need a good bristle brush with a soft, tapered edge; others require a dip or fountain pressure roller; still others can best be done using a paint sprayer. Many jobs need several types of applicators. The right tools for each job not only expedite the painter's work but also produce the most attractive surface. When working on tall buildings, painters erect scaffolding, including "swing stages," scaffolds suspended by ropes, or cables attached to roof hooks. When painting steeples and other conical structures, they use a "bosun chair," a swinglike device. Paperhangers cover walls and ceilings with decorative wall coverings made of paper, vinyl, or fabric. They first prepare the surface to be covered by applying "sizing," which seals the surface and makes the covering stick better. When redecorating, they may first remove the old covering by soaking, steaming, or applying solvents. When necessary, they patch holes and take care of other imperfections before hanging the new wall covering. After the surface has been prepared, paperhangers must prepare the paste or other adhesive. Then they measure the area to be covered, check the covering for flaws, cut the covering into strips of the proper size, and closely examine the pattern to match it when the strips are hung. The next step is to brush or roll the adhesive onto the back of the covering, then to place the strips on the wall or ceiling, making sure the pattern is matched, the strips are hung straight, and the edges butted together to make tight, closed seams. Finally, paperhangers smooth the strips to remove bubbles and wrinkles, trim the top and bottom with a razor knife, and wipe off any excess adhesive. Working Conditions Most painters and paperhangers work 40 hours a week or less; about 1 out of 10 works part time. Painters and paperhangers must stand for long periods. Their jobs also require a considerable amount of climbing and bending. These workers must have stamina because much of the work is done with their arms raised overhead. Painters often work outdoors, but seldom in wet, cold, or inclement weather. Painters and paperhangers risk injury from slips or falls off ladders and scaffolds. They may sometimes work with materials that can be hazardous if masks are not worn or if ventilation is poor. Some painting jobs can leave a worker covered with paint. Employment Painters and paperhangers held about 476,000 jobs in 1998; most were painters. Almost 2 out of every 3 painters and paperhangers work for contractors engaged in new construction, repair, restoration, or remodeling work. In addition, organizations that own or manage large buildings, such as apartment complexes, employ maintenance painters, as do some schools, hospitals, factories, and government agencies. Self-employed independent painting contractors accounted for over 40 percent of all painters and paperhangers, significantly greater than the proportion of building trades workers in general. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Painting and paperhanging are learned through apprenticeship or informal, on-the-job instruction. Although training authorities recommend completion of an apprenticeship program as the best way to become a painter or paperhanger, most painters learn the trade informally on the job as a helper to an experienced painter. Few opportunities for informal training exist for paperhangers because few paperhangers have a need for helpers. The apprenticeship for painters and paperhangers consists of 3 to 4 years of on-the-job training, in addition to 144 hours of related classroom instruction each year. Apprentices receive instruction in color harmony, use and care of tools and equipment, surface preparation, application techniques, paint mixing and matching, characteristics of different finishes, blueprint reading, wood finishing, and safety. Whether a painter learns the trade through a formal apprenticeship or informally as a helper, on-the-job instruction covers similar skill areas. Under the direction of experienced workers, trainees carry supplies, erect scaffolds, and do simple painting and surface preparation tasks while they learn about paint and painting equipment. Within 2 or 3 years, trainees learn to prepare surfaces for painting and paperhanging, to mix paints, and to apply paint and wall coverings efficiently and neatly. Near the end of their training, they may learn decorating concepts, color coordination, and cost-estimating techniques. In addition to learning craft skills, painters must become familiar with safety and health regulations so their work is in compliance with the law. Apprentices or helpers generally must be at least 16 years old and in good physical condition. A high school education or its equivalent, with courses in mathematics, is usually required to enter an apprenticeship program. Applicants should have good manual dexterity and good color sense. Painters and paperhangers may advance to supervisory or estimating jobs with painting and decorating contractors. Many establish their own painting and decorating businesses. Job Outlook Employment of painters and paperhangers is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2008, as the level of new construction increases slowly and the stock of buildings and other structures that require maintenance and renovation grows. Painting is very labor intensive and not suitable to the kinds of technological changes that might make workers more productive and restrict employment growth. In addition to job openings created by rising demand for the services of these workers, thousands of jobs will become available each year as painters and paperhangers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. There are no strict training requirements for entry, so many people with limited skills work as painters or paperhangers for a short time and then move on to other types of work, creating many job openings. Many fewer openings will occur for paperhangers because the number of these jobs is comparatively small. Because there are no strict training requirements, prospects for jobs as painters or paperhangers should be favorable. However, job seekers considering these occupations should expect some periods of unemployment, especially until they become fully skilled. Many construction projects are of short duration, and construction activity is cyclical Sources of Additional Information For details about painting and paperhanging apprenticeships or work opportunities, contact local painting and decorating contractors; a local of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades; a local joint union-management apprenticeship committee; or an office of the State apprenticeship agency or State employment service. For general information about the work of painters and paperhangers, contact: Associated Builders and Contractors, 1300 North 17th St., Rosslyn, VA 22209. International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, 1750 New York Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20006. Home Builders Institute, National Association of Home Builders, 1201 15th St. NW., Washington, DC 20005. Nature of the Work Plastering-one of the oldest crafts in the building trades-is enjoying resurgence in popularity because of the introduction of newer, less costly materials and techniques. Plasterers apply plaster to interior walls and ceilings to form fire-resistant and relatively soundproof surfaces. They also apply plaster veneer over drywall to create smooth or textured abrasion-resistant finishes. In addition, plasterers install prefabricated exterior insulation systems over existing walls-for good insulation and interesting architectural effects-and cast ornamental designs in plaster. Stucco masons apply durable plasters, such as polymer-based acrylic finishes and stucco to exterior surfaces. Drywall workers and lathers, a related occupation, use drywall instead of plaster, when erecting interior walls and ceilings. (See the section on drywall workers and lathers elsewhere in the Handbook.) When plasterers work with interior surfaces such as cinder block and concrete, they first apply a brown coat of gypsum plaster that provides a base, followed by a second or finish coat-also called "white coat"-which is a lime-based plaster. When plastering metal lath (supportive wire mesh) foundations, they apply a preparatory, or "scratch coat," with a trowel. They spread this rich plaster mixture into and over the metal lath. Before the plaster sets, plasterers scratch its surface with a rake-like tool to produce ridges, so the subsequent brown coat will bond tightly. Laborers prepare a thick, smooth plaster for the brown coat. Plasterers spray or trowel this mixture onto the surface, then finish by smoothing it to an even, level surface. Plasterers and Stucco Masons (O*NET 87317) Significant Points Plasterers and stucco masons are projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in construction trades, increasing about as fast as the average for all occupations. The use of plaster in new building construction is regaining popularity because of its durability, finish, and fire-retardant qualities. Plastering usually is learned on the job, either through a formal apprenticeship program or by working as a helper. Plasterers apply durable plasters such as polymer-based acrylic finishes and stucco to exterior surfaces. |