install frost protection materials
Install insulation materials such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, foam glass or extruded polystyrene to reduce frost penetration and any resulting road damage.
Road construction workers perform road construction on earthworks, substructure works and the pavement section of the road. They cover the compacted soil with one or more layers. Road construction workers usually lay a stabilising bed of sand or clay first before adding asphalt or concrete slabs in order to finish a road.
Competences and skills
37 ESCO relationsEssential skills and competences 15 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceSector-specific
8 competenceslay base courses
Lay the stabilising courses that support a road. Lay the road base, which enhances the drainage properties of the road, and a sub-base if called for. Use the correct material for this, usually a mix of aggregates or local secondary materials, sometimes with some binding agents added.
level earth surface
Change the profile of the earth surface, turning it flat or shaping it to match a certain slope. Remove irregularities such as knolls, pits and ditches.
pave asphalt layers
Use different grades of asphalt to lay the asphalt layers of a road. Lay an asphalt base layer with low bitumen content to provide a stable surface, a binder layer with intermediate bitumen content, and a surface layer containing the highest grade material with the highest bitumen content to withstand the stresses of road transport. Tend a paver to lay the asphalt or use different techniques and instruments.
plan surface slope
Make sure the planned surface has the necessary slope to prevent puddling of water or fluids.
prepare subgrade for road pavement
Make sure the surface underneath the road is ready to be paved. Ensure that it is flat, stable and able to resist the mechanical stresses of road traffic.
transport construction supplies
Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers' safety and protection from deterioration.
work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
work safely with hot materials
Take care when handling hot materials. Wear the right protective clothing and take care not to burn yourself or others, damage equipment, or create fire hazards.
Cross-sector
6 competencesfollow health and safety procedures in construction
Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
green
inspect construction supplies
Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
perform drainage work
Dig draining ditches and lay the pipe or gutter installation to allow evacuation of surplus liquid and avoid subsidence or other damage.
prevent damage to utility infrastructure
Consult utility companies or plans on the location of any utility infrastructure that may interfere with a project or be damaged by it. Take the necessary steps to avoid damage.
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.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
Optional knowledge 2 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
2 competencesmechanical tools
Various type of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
types of asphalt coverings
Different types of asphalt covering, based on their bitumen content and composition. The strengths, weaknesses, and price points of each type. Special properties such as porosity, resistance to skidding and noise characteristics.
Optional skills and competences 20 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceinstall kerbstones
Strengthen the edges of the road by installing gutters and by laying concrete blocks or natural stone slabs to form a kerb.
Sector-specific
12 competencesguide operation of heavy construction equipment
Guide a colleague in operating a piece of heavy construction equipment. Follow the operation closely and understand when feedback is called for. Use communication techniques like voice, two-way radio, agreed-upon gestures and whistles to signal the appropriate information to the operator.
lay concrete slabs
Lay concrete slabs, used as road covering, on a prepared surface. Guide a crane operator to position the slab in the right place and manually set it correctly, often using tongue and groove joints.
operate bulldozer
Operate a tracked or wheeled bulldozer, a powerful piece of machinery equipped with a shovel-like blade used to move earth, rubble or other material over the ground.
- Scope note
- Bulldozer operators Bulldozer operators . may work with large bulldozer as used in surface mining, or smaller bulldozers used for precision work, as in construction projects.
operate excavator
Operate excavators used to dig materials from the surface and load them onto dump trucks.
- Scope note
- Types of excavators used in mining include hydraulic and electric powered equipment.
operate mobile crane
Operate a mobile crane safely. Take into account the condition of the terrain, weather conditions, load mass, and expected manoeuvres.
operate road roller
Operate various types of mechanic and manual road rollers, pieces of equipment used to compact surfaces.
place temporary road signage
Place temporary traffic signs, lights and barriers to alert road users of activities on the road.
process incoming construction supplies
Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.
remove road surface
Remove an existing road surface. Use the appropriate machinery or coordinate with machine operators to assist in the excavation of asphalt or concrete road coverings.
set up temporary construction site infrastructure
Set up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water supply. Establish supplies stores and garbage disposal in a sensible manner.
transfer stone blocks
Transfer cut blocks of stone to the storage hopper, by depressing the pedal to raise stops.
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.
Cross-sector
7 competencesapply proofing membranes
Apply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water. Securely seal any perforation to preserve the damp-proof or waterproof properties of the membrane. Make sure any membranes overlap top over bottom to prevent water from seeping in. Check the compatibility of multiple membranes used together.
drive mobile heavy construction equipment
Drive movable heavy equipment used in construction. Load the equipment onto low loaders, or unload it. Judiciously drive equipment on public roads when required.
inspect asphalt
Inspect the placement of asphalt concrete ensuring that the specifications are met and no flows are present.
keep personal administration
File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
keep records of work progress
Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
manoeuvre heavy trucks
Drive, manoeuvre and park tractors, trailers and lorries on roads, around tight corners, and in parking spaces.
monitor heavy machinery
Monitor the performance of heavy-duty equipment. Record troubleshooting, ensure that all operations comply with safety and health requirements.