Insulation

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Insulation is a specialised trade that is utilized in several sectors across Trinidad and Tobago. Insulation systems can protect the environment, equipment and personnel, reduce noise, reduce energy and operating costs and increase process efficiency.

Generally, an Insulator’s role covers a range of activities; from fitting insulation system to pipework, equipment and structures; installing cladding over insulation to prevent mechanical damage to the insulation and ingress of moisture referred to as ‘controlling ‘corrosion under insulation’ (CUI). Inspection, removal and maintenance of insulated systems are carried out as instructed. The insulation team should be aware of health and safety requirements to prevent damage to equipment, the environment and injury or fatalities.

In addition, the Insulator’s professional role covers the knowledge and understanding of applicable regulations, standards, equipment and systems, physical sciences, engineering principles and efficiency and environmental safety. Essential competencies include communicating effectively with employees, estimating jobs, as well as supervising and managing the insulation team.

Insulation provides a rewarding career, with highly transferable skills that can be utilized in the energy, construction, maritime and various other sectors. As an Insulator practitioner you can grow as a professional and develop your career with training and clear progression pathways or be self-employed.

At this level the supervised worker prepares the work area, tools and equipment for insulation. This includes marking and cutting insulated materials, installing insulated materials to un-insulated pipes and removing insulation materials according to supervisor’s instructions.

He or she must also be able to follow health, safety and environmental procedures, respond to hazards and emergencies in the workplace and maintain an effective work environment.

  1. Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.

  2. Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.

  3. Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.

  4. Prepare the work area as well as tools, equipment and materials for insulation.

  5. Store materials, tools and equipment after use as well as restore the work area after insulation activities.

  6. Perform manual handling and lifting.

  7. Mark and cut insulation materials as instructed by supervisor.

  8. Install and remove insulation materials on pipes in accordance with supervisor’s instructions.

  1. Written and Oral Communication

  2. Application of numbers/ computation

  3. Work in teams

  4. Basic troubleshooting skills

  5. Organized and able to follow instructions

  6. Detail-oriented

  7. Customer relations

  8. Good Work Ethic

  1. 1-3 years’ experience working in a similar field

  2. Acceptable combination of academic/technical qualifications

  1. Insulator

  2. Sheet Metal Technician

  3. Sheet Metal Fabricator

Technical and Core Skills:

  1. Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
  2. Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
  3. Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
  4. Prepare the work area as well as tools, equipment and materials for insulation.
  5. Store materials, tools and equipment after use as well as restore the work area after insulation activities.
  6. Perform manual handling and lifting.
  7. Mark and cut insulation materials as instructed by supervisor.
  8. Install and remove insulation materials on pipes in accordance with supervisor’s instructions.

Employability Skills:

  1. Written and Oral Communication
  2. Application of numbers/ computation
  3. Work in teams
  4. Basic troubleshooting skills
  5. Organized and able to follow instructions
  6. Detail-oriented
  7. Customer relations
  8. Good Work Ethic

Qualification and Experience:

  1. 1-3 years’ experience working in a similar field
  2. Acceptable combination of academic/technical qualifications

Articulation:

  1. Insulator
  2. Sheet Metal Technician
  3. Sheet Metal Fabricator

At this level he/she is responsible for installing or removing and replacing insulation materials and surface cladding to pipes, fittings and equipment. Insulators use common hand tools and power tools to fasten or spray-on insulation. Sometimes they wrap a cover of aluminium or sheet metal over the insulation to protect it from contact damage and moisture.

He or she must also be able to prepare technical reports as well as maintain an effective work environment by following health and safety requirements when performing tasks.

  1. Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.

  2. Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.

  3. Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.

  4. Write technical reports as well as other documentation in line with project specifications and company procedures.

  5. Install insulation on pipes, fittings and equipment

  6. Remove and replace insulation on pipes, fittings and equipment

  7. Prepare and install fabricated cladding on pipes, fittings and equipment

  8. Remove and replace cladding on pipes, fittings and equipment

  9. Fabricate removable insulated blankets

  10. Remove and replace removable insulated blankets

  1. Written and Oral Communication

  2. Application of numbers/ computation

  3. Work in teams

  4. Troubleshooting skills

  5. Work in teams

  6. Critical Thinking

  7. Time management skills

  8. Customer Relations

  9. Computer Literacy

  10. Adaptability

  11. Good Work Ethic

  1. 3- 5 years’ experience working in a similar field

  2. Acceptable combination of academic qualifications

  1. Insulation/Sheet Metal Foreman

  2. Insulation Supervisor

Technical and Core Skills:

  1. Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
  2. Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
  3. Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
  4. Write technical reports as well as other documentation in line with project specifications and company procedures.
  5. Install insulation on pipes, fittings and equipment
  6. Remove and replace insulation on pipes, fittings and equipment
  7. Prepare and install fabricated cladding on pipes, fittings and equipment
  8. Remove and replace cladding on pipes, fittings and equipment
  9. Fabricate removable insulated blankets
  10. Remove and replace removable insulated blankets

Employability Skills:

  1. Written and Oral Communication
  2. Application of numbers/ computation
  3. Work in teams
  4. Troubleshooting skills
  5. Work in teams
  6. Critical Thinking
  7. Time management skills
  8. Customer Relations
  9. Computer Literacy
  10. Adaptability
  11. Good Work Ethic

Qualification and Experience:

  1. 3- 5 years’ experience working in a similar field
  2. Acceptable combination of academic qualifications

Articulation:

  1. Insulation/Sheet Metal Foreman
  2. Insulation Supervisor

At this level he/she performs a broad range of functions that includes supervising the insulation services and work crew. He/she examine and inspect work progress, estimate projects, monitor team performance against work plans and schedules as well as verify the safety of the work area and to ensure that specifications are met.

He/she is responsible for coaching, mentoring and training of workers to follow guidelines for health, safety and environment as well as operational aspects.

  1. Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.

  2. Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.

  3. Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.

  4. Prepare advance technical reports.

  5. Preparation of the work area, materials and equipment prior to the insulation services.

  6. Estimate Insulation and Cladding Job Requirements.

  7. Monitor the quality of the Insulation Systems installed by the subordinates.

  8. Monitor Removable Insulation Blanket Activities

  9. Read and interpret specifications and technical drawings

  10. Maintains excellent standards of housekeeping on the work area.

  11. Inculcates strong values and work ethics among the team

  12. Responsible for the training and development of team members.

  13. Knows understands and applies plant operating procedures and company policies.

  14. Takes responsibility for all company assets and activities within his assigned area of responsibility.

  15. Co-ordinate Team Activities / Supervise a Team

  16. Monitor team performance against work plans and make the necessary adjustments to the plan

  17. Manage projects – plan, schedule, coordinate resources, project management

  18. Handle emergencies and implement response plan

  1. Written and Oral Communication

  2. Application of numbers/ computation

  3. Work in teams

  4. Critical Thinking

  5. Time management and multi-task skills

  6. Customer Focus

  7. Computer Literate

  8. Organizational and planning skills

  9. Analytical skills

  10. Good Work Ethic

  11. Supervisory Skills

  12. Leadership Skills

  13. Report writing Skills

  14. Incident Investigation

  15. Emergency Response

  16. Work at heights

  1. Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution

  2. At least 7 years’ experience working in a similar field

  3. Acceptable combination of academic qualifications

  1. Insulation Superintendent

  2. Insulation Team Lead

Technical and Core Skills:

  1. Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
  2. Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
  3. Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
  4. Prepare advance technical reports.
  5. Preparation of the work area, materials and equipment prior to the insulation services.
  6. Estimate Insulation and Cladding Job Requirements.
  7. Monitor the quality of the Insulation Systems installed by the subordinates.
  8. Monitor Removable Insulation Blanket Activities
  9. Read and interpret specifications and technical drawings
  10. Maintains excellent standards of housekeeping on the work area.
  11. Inculcates strong values and work ethics among the team
  12. Responsible for the training and development of team members.
  13. Knows understands and applies plant operating procedures and company policies.
  14. Takes responsibility for all company assets and activities within his assigned area of responsibility.
  15. Co-ordinate Team Activities / Supervise a Team
  16. Monitor team performance against work plans and make the necessary adjustments to the plan
  17. Manage projects – plan, schedule, coordinate resources, project management
  18. Handle emergencies and implement response plan

Employability Skills:

  1. Written and Oral Communication
  2. Application of numbers/ computation
  3. Work in teams
  4. Critical Thinking
  5. Time management and multi-task skills
  6. Customer Focus
  7. Computer Literate
  8. Organizational and planning skills
  9. Analytical skills
  10. Good Work Ethic
  11. Supervisory Skills
  12. Leadership Skills
  13. Report writing Skills
  14. Incident Investigation
  15. Emergency Response
  16. Work at heights

Qualification and Experience:

  1. Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
  2. At least 7 years’ experience working in a similar field
  3. Acceptable combination of academic qualifications

Articulation:

  1. Insulation Superintendent
  2. Insulation Team Lead

At this level he/she is responsible for managing and directing the operations of fabrication and installation of insulation and cladding as well as supervisory responsibility for workers. He/she is responsible for preparing and interpreting method statements and work procedures, conforming to engineering drawings and specifications, cost control, scheduling of work as well as maintaining positive working relationships with clients, suppliers, engineers and jobsite staff.

  1. Ensure implementation; management and compliance with all Safety Management policies

  2. Provides direction and leadership to the departmental team to achieve quality, productivity, reliability, efficiency and commitment to standards.

  3. Participates in recruitment and promotion processes

  4. Develop and implement training and development plans

  5. Competent in reading and understanding specifications, drawings, and all other discipline related project and engineering documentation.

  6. Prepare relevant reports and ensure proper records are maintained and prepare and provide estimates to clients.

  7. Audit fabrication and installation of the insulation and cladding onsite

  8. Random checks on insulation and cladding materials and accessories to ensure it meets the client specifications.

  9. Provides effective coaching to progressively improve performance.

  10. Prepare project progress records and reports to management.

  1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  2. Understanding company quality procedures

  3. Manage others to achieve results

  4. Team leadership

  5. Motivational skills

  6. Use of Project Management Software

  7. Skill in programme/project planning and implementation

  8. Problem solving and analysis skills

  9. Decision making skills

  10. Negotiating skills

  11. Time/cost Management

  12. Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

  1. Proven ability to lead and direct a team of insulators and sheet metal applicators and leading hands

  2. Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution

  3. Sound understanding of industry standards, and relevant legal requirements Insulation and Sheeting

  4. At least 10 years’ work experience

  5. Acceptable combination of academic qualifications

  1. Insulation Manager

Technical and Core Skills:

  1. Ensure implementation; management and compliance with all Safety Management policies
  2. Provides direction and leadership to the departmental team to achieve quality, productivity, reliability, efficiency and commitment to standards.
  3. Participates in recruitment and promotion processes
  4. Develop and implement training and development plans
  5. Competent in reading and understanding specifications, drawings, and all other discipline related project and engineering documentation.
  6. Prepare relevant reports and ensure proper records are maintained and prepare and provide estimates to clients.
  7. Audit fabrication and installation of the insulation and cladding onsite
  8. Random checks on insulation and cladding materials and accessories to ensure it meets the client specifications.
  9. Provides effective coaching to progressively improve performance.
  10. Prepare project progress records and reports to management.

Employability Skills:

  1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  2. Understanding company quality procedures
  3. Manage others to achieve results
  4. Team leadership
  5. Motivational skills
  6. Use of Project Management Software
  7. Skill in programme/project planning and implementation
  8. Problem solving and analysis skills
  9. Decision making skills
  10. Negotiating skills
  11. Time/cost Management
  12. Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Qualification and Experience:

  1. Proven ability to lead and direct a team of insulators and sheet metal applicators and leading hands
  2. Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
  3. Sound understanding of industry standards, and relevant legal requirements Insulation and Sheeting
  4. At least 10 years’ work experience
  5. Acceptable combination of academic qualifications

Articulation:

  1. Insulation Manager

At this level he/she is responsible for managing all aspects within insulation and cladding, protecting assets and reducing operating costs, mitigating the risk of harm by effective work planning and environmental impact. He/she prepares work specifications, estimates bill of materials and approves inspection documents, drawings and project closed out documents. Additionally, he/she reviews the quality documents that come in from the field to ensure they conform to engineering specifications.

The manager is also seen as a technical expert in insulation and is able to perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis of insulation issues. Interprets work specifications, standards and engineering drawings.

  1. Determine training requirements to ensure that all personnel are competent to safely insulate, fabrication and install insulation and cladding.

  2. Ensures compliance with all contractual agreements.

  3. Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements.

  4. Ensures that safety policies and procedures are being thoroughly followed.

  5. Determine optimum manpower requirement and initiate the recruitment process.

  6. Reviews and approve operational procedures

  7. Facilitates and sustain an effective team environment

  8. Must be able to identify client requirements and find solutions to the most challenging problems.

  9. Ensures all work is carried out to the approved drawings and specifications, and that correct work practices are engaged at all times.

  10. Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely lodgement of claims.

  11. Determines departmental and strategic priorities, and objectives.

  12. Analyses and optimizes performance

  13. Ensure that quality procedures and policies are being followed.

  1. Excellent written and verbal communication

  2. Leadership abilities

  3. Problem solving and analytical skills

  4. Time Management skills.

  5. Project Management skills

  6. Team oriented

  7. People focussed

  8. Customer focussed

  9. Outcome focussed

  10. Flexible

  11. Innovative

  12. Detail oriented

  13. Problem solving and analysis

  14. Strategic orientation

  1. BA Management and/or Technician’s Diploma with 15 years’ experience (5 of which must be in a management position)

  2. Project Management

  3. Experience in Managing Insulation Projects

  4. Training Health and Safety Management Systems

  5. Relevant technical training as required

Technical and Core Skills:

  1. Determine training requirements to ensure that all personnel are competent to safely insulate, fabrication and install insulation and cladding.
  2. Ensures compliance with all contractual agreements.
  3. Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements.
  4. Ensures that safety policies and procedures are being thoroughly followed.
  5. Determine optimum manpower requirement and initiate the recruitment process.
  6. Reviews and approve operational procedures
  7. Facilitates and sustain an effective team environment
  8. Must be able to identify client requirements and find solutions to the most challenging problems.
  9. Ensures all work is carried out to the approved drawings and specifications, and that correct work practices are engaged at all times.
  10. Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely lodgement of claims.
  11. Determines departmental and strategic priorities, and objectives.
  12. Analyses and optimizes performance
  13. Ensure that quality procedures and policies are being followed.

 

Employability Skills:

  1. Excellent written and verbal communication
  2. Leadership abilities
  3. Problem solving and analytical skills
  4. Time Management skills.
  5. Project Management skills
  6. Team oriented
  7. People focussed
  8. Customer focussed
  9. Outcome focussed
  10. Flexible
  11. Innovative
  12. Detail oriented
  13. Problem solving and analysis
  14. Strategic orientation


Qualification and Experience:

  1. BA Management and/or Technician’s Diploma with 15 years’ experience (5 of which must be in a management position)
  2. Project Management
  3. Experience in Managing Insulation Projects
  4. Training Health and Safety Management Systems
  5. Relevant technical training as required