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ESCO occupation

concrete finisher

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Concrete finishers work with binding agents like cement and concrete. They put up any removable forms and pour concrete into the forms. They then execute one or several actions to finish the concrete: cutting, screeding or levelling, compacting, smoothing, and chamfering to prevent chipping.

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Competences
49
Groups
3
Essential
18
Optional
31

Competences and skills

49 ESCO relations
Essential skills and competences 18 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

8 competences
inspect concrete structures

Visually inspect a concrete structure to see if it is structurally sound. Check for different types of cracks, such as those due to reinforcement corrosion, impact damage or high water content.

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monitor concrete curing process

Monitor the process where the poured concrete cures or sets. Make sure the concrete does not dry too quickly, which may cause cracking. Rehumidify the concrete when called for.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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screed concrete

Smooth the surface of freshly poured concrete using a screed.

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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.

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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.

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Cross-sector

10 competences
clean wood surface

Use a variety of techniques on a wood surface to ensure it is free of dust, sawdust, grease, stains, and other contaminants.

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follow health and safety procedures in construction

Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

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inspect supplied concrete

Check the quantity and quality of delivered concrete. Make sure that the concrete will withstand any expected pressures.

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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.

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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.

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react to events in time-critical environments

Monitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.

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recognise signs of corrosion

Recognise the symptoms of metal showing oxidation reactions with the environment resulting in rusting, copper pitting, stress cracking, and others, and estimate the rate of corrosion.

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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.

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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.

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work ergonomically

Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

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Optional knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
types of concrete forms

The shapes, construction methods and purposes of different types of concrete forms, including special forms like sliding and climbing formwork. Suitable materials for forms and any products or coatings used to enhance the properties of the form.

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types of concrete pumps

The types of machines used to pump liquid concrete such as the boom concrete pumps used for large construction projects or line pumps generally used for small-scale works.

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Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Optional skills and competences 29 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
check mixer capability

Check the water-cement ratios and their conformance to the mixer capabilities.

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Sector-specific

13 competences
apply finish to concrete

Finish concrete using a variety of techniques like polishing and acid staining.

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discharge cement

Discharge the cement from the mixer into cans.

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guide concrete hose

Guide the concrete hose while the pump is operating. Make sure to distribute the concrete efficiently and securely.

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install insulation blocks

Install insulation materials shaped into blocks on the outside or inside of a structure. Attach the blocks using an adhesive and a mechanical fixing system.

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interpret 2D plans

Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.

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monitor stock level

Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.

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operate road roller

Operate various types of mechanic and manual road rollers, pieces of equipment used to compact surfaces.

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plan surface slope

Make sure the planned surface has the necessary slope to prevent puddling of water or fluids.

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process incoming construction supplies

Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.

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set up reinforcing steel

Set up reinforcing steel, or rebar, to be used for reinforced concrete construction. Set mats and columns securely in place to prepare for concrete pouring. Use separator blocks called dobies to keep the construction from the ground.

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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.

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tie reinforcing steel

Tie together bars of reinforced steel or rebar to ensure stability of the structure before concrete is poured. Use metal wire to tie the bars together at every second, third or fourth intersection as required. Use the standard flat tie or more advances ties such as saddle ties and figure 8 ties to support heavier loads such as workers standing or climbing on the rebar structure.

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use sander

Use different types of drywall sanders, automatic or manual, handheld or on an extension, to sand surfaces to a smooth finish or to rough them up for better adhesion.

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Cross-sector

15 competences
apply 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.

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apply spray foam insulation

Spray foam insulation, usually polyurethane, to fill a space.

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calculate needs for construction supplies

Take measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.

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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.

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feed hoppers

Feed hoppers with the required materials using various tools such as lifting equipment or shovels.

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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.

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inspect construction supplies

Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.

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interpret 3D plans

Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.

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keep heavy construction equipment in good condition

Inspect heavy equipment for construction projects before each use. Maintain the machine in good working order, taking care of small repairs and alerting the responsible person in case of serious defects.

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keep records of work progress

Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.

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operate concrete mixer truck

Work with concrete mixer trucks. Drive the truck and operate controls. Keep track of time. Take the necessary steps to evacuate the concrete upon arrival at the site, either alone using a full range chute, or with help when using a rear chute.

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order construction supplies

Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.

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report defective manufacturing materials

Maintain required company records and forms in order to report any defective materials or questionable conditions of manufacturing machinery and equipment.

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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.

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sort waste

Manually or automatically sort waste by separating it into its different elements.

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