check straightness of brick
Use tools such as the level or the mason's line to check if the wall is straight and flush, and take action it isn't.
Bricklayers assemble brick walls and structures by skilfully laying the bricks in an established pattern, using a binding agent like cement to bond the bricks together. They then fill the joints with mortar or other suitable materials.
Competences and skills
49 ESCO relationsEssential skills and competences 19 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
10 competencesdischarge cement
Discharge the cement from the mixer into cans.
finish mortar joints
Use a trowel to apply extra mortar to joints to smoothen and finish them after the mortar has partially hardened. Make sure that the joints are full to prevent dampness and other outside influences from passing through the wall.
install construction profiles
Install a variety of metal or plastic profiles used to attach materials to each other or to structural elements. Cut them to size if called for.
interpret 2D plans
Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.
lay bricks
Lay bricks in the specified pattern and apply a layer of mortar to create walls. Make sure every course of bricks is level and flush.
mix construction grouts
Mix construction materials with water and other materials based on the appropriate recipe. Mix thoroughly to prevent lumps. Avoid contamination, which will adversely affect the properties of the mixture.
snap chalk line
Stretch a line covered in fine, non-staining chalk between two points and snap it against a surface to produce a straight line.
split bricks
Use the appropriate tools to trim, split and shape bricks for use in walls. Use a mason's hammer for occasional shaping, and a hammer and chisel for larger quantities or when the split has to be especially straight.
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.
Cross-sector
9 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
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.
inspect construction supplies
Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
interpret 3D plans
Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.
secure working area
Secure the operation site fixing boundaries, restricting access, placing signs and taking other measures in order to guarantee public and staff safety.
sort waste
Manually or automatically sort waste by separating it into its different elements.
use measurement instruments
Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
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 1 competence
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
1 competencebuilding codes
The set of guidelines that determine the minimum standards for buildings and other constructions in order to protect public health and safety.
Optional skills and competences 29 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
16 competencesapply finish to concrete
Finish concrete using a variety of techniques like polishing and acid staining.
apply restoration techniques
Select and apply appropriate restoration techniques in order to achieve the required restoration goals. This encompasses preventive measures, remedial measures, restoration processes and management processes.
document survey operations
Complete and file all required administrative, operational and technical documents related to a survey operation.
estimate restoration costs
Estimate the cost implications of restoring and replacing products or parts.
install falsework
Read technical documentation and drawings, and assemble the pipes and beams to build the temporary structure that will support arched or spanning structures during construction.
monitor stock level
Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
operate masonry power saw
Use a masonry power saw to cut bricks to the right size and shape. Operate a table saw or hand-held saw.
operate surveying instruments
Operate and adjust measuring instruments such as theodolites and prisms, and other electronic distance-measuring tools.
place concrete forms
Set up forms out of wood, plywood, various plastics, or other suitable materials to form concrete into supportive columns or walls. Place sheathing delineating the shape of the planned structure and use supportive constructions, usually incorporating wales, cleats and stakes, to keep the sheathing firmly in place as the concrete cures.
pour concrete
Pour concrete into a form from a mixer truck chute, hopper or hose. Pour the correct amount to balance efficiency with the risk of the concrete not setting completely.
process incoming construction supplies
Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.
remove concrete forms
Remove concrete forms after the concrete has cured fully. Recuperate materials if possible, cleaning it and taking the right steps to store it for later reuse.
screed concrete
Smooth the surface of freshly poured concrete using a screed.
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.
use squaring pole
Use a squaring pole, a telescopic measurement pole that allows for checking the length of the diagonals of an inset area of a structure. If the diagonals are of equal length, the inset is straight.
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
13 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.
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.
calculate needs for construction supplies
Take measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.
inspect supplied concrete
Check the quantity and quality of delivered concrete. Make sure that the concrete will withstand any expected pressures.
install insulation material
Place insulation material, often shaped into rolls, in order to insulate a structure from thermical or acoustic influences and to prevent fire. Attach the material using face staples, inset staples, or rely on friction to keep the material in place.
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.
maintain equipment
Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
maintain work area cleanliness
Keep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.
mix concrete
Use compact concrete mixers or various ad-hoc containers such as wheelbarrows to mix concrete. Prepare the correct quantities of cement, water, aggregate and optional added ingredients, and mix the ingredients until an homogenous concrete is formed.
order construction supplies
Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.
reinforce concrete
Reinforce concrete by inserting reinforcing steel members.
rig loads
Safely attach loads to different types of hooks and attachments, taking into account the weight of the load, the power available to move it, static and dynamic tolerances of all instruments and materials, and the mass distribution of the system. Communicate with the operator verbally or with gestures to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation. Detach loads.