Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

• Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.
• Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural steel members, using plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits, or levels.
• Erect metal or precast concrete components for structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, towers, storage tanks, fences, or highway guard rails.
• Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.
• Assemble or inspect hoisting equipment or rigging, such as cables, pulleys, or hooks, to move heavy equipment or materials.
• Lift steel beams, girders, or columns using cranes or forklifts, or by signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift or position structural steel members.
• Fabricate metal parts, such as steel frames, columns, beams, or girders, according to blueprints or instructions from supervisors.
• Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.
• Pull, push, or pry structural steel members into approximate positions for bolting into place.
• Unload and position prefabricated steel units for hoisting, as needed.
• Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope.
• Cut, bend, or weld steel pieces, using metal shears, torches, or welding equipment.