Masonry workers are equally known as masons; they use bricks, concrete blocks, and natural or manmade stones to build buildings, structures, walls, etc. They work hand in hand with other workers to achieve this on a worksite. Masonry workers are likely to work with Carpenters and welders to achieve a common goal of building structures.
What are the masonry job descriptions and duties?
Masonry worker does the below in the cause of their job.
- They mix mortar with hand trowels or with other tools.
- They construct walls.
- The masonry worker conducts a layout of patterns, forms, or foundations together with the construction engineer.
- Break materials to size to fit the measurement of where it is to be used.
- Makes use of plumb and levels to align structures in a good position.
- They assist in calculating materials needed for building and reading the drawings and design Blueprints.
Different types of Masons
Various types of mason exist, but the main focus is that they use bricks, blocks, stone, and a mixture of cement, sand,d, gravel, and water in carrying out their work.
1.Brick mason and block mason.
This type of Mason is also called a bricklayer. Their job is mostly to build and repair Walls. They work with various structures such as brick, terracotta, precast, concrete blocks, and other masonry materials.
2.Cement masons and concrete masons.
This type of mason deals especially with placing and finishing concrete. Their Job may entail coloring Concrete surfaces and making concrete beams, columns, and Panels. They know how the conditions may affect concrete and take steps to prevent defects. Cement mason may make use of wire mesh or rebars in the cause of their work.
3.Stonemasons
Their main Focus is on building stone walls and setting stone exteriors and floors. They work with Stones such as marble, granite, limestone, and artificial Stones such as marble chips.
4.Terrazzo workers and finishers.
They make use of Terrazzo to build decorative walkways, floors, patios, and panels. They also do pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete for terrazzo placement, which is even similar to that of cement mason.
How to become a masonry worker in the US.
In the US, every masonry worker must have undergone an apprenticeship, and most of them have a high school diploma before pursuing an apprenticeship. To learn the trade they need some certain qualifications for them to excel greatly.
Education.
Sometimes a high school diploma is required to enter the profession. The equivalent of a high school diploma can be enough. Some of the technical schools in the US offer programs and courses in masonry. The programs are often well organized and they operate both independently and in conjunction with apprenticeship.
Training.
With effective training, someone can learn a masonry trade through apprenticeship. The apprenticeship exposes the person to be working with experienced masons. The experienced masons will be able to guide such a person in the trade During the training, they will be trained on some similar topics such as building code, blueprint Reading, mathematics for measurement, safety, and first aid. Check out the Home Builders Institute for more information on this.
Qualities every masonry worker should have?
Masonry work requires a range of qualities for someone to excel in that profession. The important qualities needed by every masonry worker include the following
ALSO READ:
- Essential Warehouse safety tips in the US.
- Advantages and disadvantages of external and internal safety and health audit
- 3 types of safety violations every safety officer should know
Physical stamina.
The mason must have physical stamina. The work alone exposes someone to lifting a brick and positioning it from one location to another, and the constant lifting can be stressful most times.
Physical strength.
The masonry worker should be able to lift weights that are about 50 pounds and even more in the course of their job. Their job involves carrying tools and equipment, and the person needs to be strong enough for this.
Work at Height.
Those with a phobia of height may not be able to do masonry work at height. They may resort to doing the ones on the ground. If you are aspiring to do masonry work, you may consider working at height ability to be part of your qualities.
Hand-eye coordination.
Your ability to coordinate properly with your eye in the course of the masonry work will be a good quality skill. With hand-eye coordination qualities, the Masonry worker should be able to apply smooth layers of mortar and set bricks properly before the hardening of the concrete.
Conclusion
To be a masonry worker requires an effort from the individual. The individual has to obtain at least a diploma degree or its equivalent in one of the US institutions and then enroll in an apprenticeship program to gain practical skills in the field. Some institutions also offer apprenticeship programs; it is left to you to consider the best option that suits you. The requirements and qualities are what you need to engage in so that in the end you will become that professional masonry worker that you’ve always wanted.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
