Gas Fitters

Nature of work

Gas fitters (gas technicians) install, service and maintain gas-utilizing appliances, piping and equipment. There are two classes of Gas Fitter – Gas Fitter A and Gas Fitter B. Gas Fitter A installs, services and maintains any size of gas-utilizing appliances, piping and equipment. Gas Fitter B installs, services and maintains any size of gas-utilizing appliances, piping and equipment with an input rate of 400,000 Btu/h or less. They work for gas utility companies and, gas servicing companies, and propane suppliers.

Job duties

Gas fitters:

• Study drawings and specifications to determine the layout of the installation and materials required.
• Measure and mark reference points for installation of gas lines and equipment.
• Install and maintain gas meters and regulators and gas lines between gas unit and gas meter.
• Install, maintain and service gas heating units and their components like burners, valves, and automatic controls.
• Test and replace defective equipment or components.
• Test and adjust control mechanisms and check pipes and piping connections for gas leaks using gas detecting devices.
• Attend to gas escape calls and assist in the investigation of gas fires and explosions.
• Prepare reports on work performed and condition of facilities.
• Advise clients regarding standards, safety features and maintenance of gas units and systems.
• May repair and service gas appliances and related equipment.

Sample job titles

• apprentice gas fitter
• gas fitter
• gas fitter-installer
• gas pipefitter
• gas technician

Skills

• mechanical, electrical and electronic aptitude
• manual dexterity
• problem solving skills
• patience
• ability to follow instructions
• ability to deal courteously with customers
• ability to work with little direction or supervision
• agile and coordinated
• ability to work well with others

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent (usually).
• Training through a one-level Class A, 1,800-hour or two-level Class B, 3,600-hour apprenticeship program: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
• Trade Qualifier option, 2,700 hours Class A or 5,400 hours Class B and other criteria.
• Certification for gas fitters is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for gas fitters.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
• Obtain a Fuel Safety Technician licence from Technical Safety. A Gasfitter A or Gasfitter B Certificate of Qualification is required to apply for a licence.

Other considerations

• Setting: both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in cramped or awkward positions. The work is physically demanding.
• Risks: there is some risk of injury when working with explosive gases and power tools.
• Work hours: 40-hour week with overtime sometimes required.
• Experienced gasfitters may advance to supervisory positions like foreperson, maintenance manager, or service manager or start their own business.
• Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

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