How long have you been in this line of work, and how did you get your start?
I have been working as a welder for about 17 years. I started welding while in high school. I entered the RAP program (Registered Apprenticeship Program) and started working in a welding shop during Grade 12. That was in 2004. I started contracting in 2010.
How much education and training do you need to be a professional welder?
Welding is a trade. I believe it is still three years of apprenticeship before you can get your journeyman ticket. There are many different welding processes, and each takes various amounts of practice to learn. Some are easy to learn, while others take a lot more time.
You offer CWB welding services. Exactly what is that?
The Canadian Welding Bureau (now known as CWB Certification) was formed by the Canadian Standards Association more than 70 years ago. CWB administers Canada’s national welding standards, which are embedded in the national building code and other industry-specific documents. I have my CWB all position SMAW ticket. That is needed at most industrial sites to weld structural (basically, anything that isn’t pressurized piping or vessels, such as piles, pipe racks, supports, stairs and walkways).
I also have my B-pressure, which is needed to weld any piping or vessels that will hold pressure.
Both tickets need to be renewed every two years, which require a weld test. There are many other tickets, but these two are the most common.
You offer oil patch welding, is there a lot of field welding involved?
Yes, these days most of the piping and structural supports are pre-built in town and then taken out to site for installation. There is still a lot of welding involved on-site for installation, including cutting and capping piles, welding down buildings and supports, walkways, stairs, and any modifications to the piping or supports to get everything to fit.
I also do repairs to heavy equipment and farm implements. Sometimes when a big piece of equipment breaks down it can be too hard to load and take it to repair shop. It’s easier to repair it out in the field or wherever it broke down.
What is the difference between field welding and shop welding?
Shop welding is done inside a shop, where you can control the environment, have access to many convenient tools and equipment. Field welding is done on location, outside in the sun, rain, or snow – usually in remote areas, live gas plants, or any other industrial sites – working around many different hazards, including pressurized piping and flammable or poisonous gases or other industrial equipment. You must be prepared for the job and bring the necessary tools with you.
How much equipment do you have to bring with you?
That depends on the job, but I can usually fit all my tools and equipment on my welding truck. There is quite a lot of tools for pipe fabrication. I always have my basic hand tools as well as pipe stands, bevelers, cutting torch, vise, and many other smaller welding tools.
Can you explain what Shielded Metal Arc Welding is?
That is more commonly referred to as “stick” welding. The welding rods are covered in a flux that melts with the rod and shields the weld puddle as it cools. Other welding processes, such as MiG, use a gas to shield the weld puddle. That gas can easily be blown away from the wind, resulting in porosity in your weld. The flux from “stick” welding isn’t blown away as easily, making it more suitable for welding outside.
Is pipeline welding dangerous?
Anytime you are working with heavy equipment and open excavations it can be very dangerous, especially in harsh conditions like steep terrain, wet or icy ground, loose soil, large-diameter pipe. There are lots of different variables on each job that must be properly assessed to do the work as safely as possible. Experienced workers who know proper safety procedures and look out for others reduces those risks. There is a lot more emphasis on safety these days. Most jobs run smoothly without any incidents. Unfortunately, accidents do still happen once in a while; however, I feel the most dangerous part of the job is driving to and from job sites.
What geographic area do you cover? How far can you travel to do a job?
I have worked all over Alberta and northeastern B.C. I can travel anywhere I need to. Luckily, the Peace Country usually has a lot of work, and I am normally within a couple of hours of home.
What are some of the health and safety hazards in welding?
The fumes and smoke from welding can be hazardous, depending on what you’re welding. Galvanized steel can give you zinc chills. UV rays from the welding arc can burn your skin and eyes if not properly protected. Hot steel and sparks can burn you. Working outdoors can also be hazardous depending on the weather.
What is the toughest part of the job?
Working in this last cold snap was not fun with wind chill around minus 45°C or colder. But the worst part would be working away from home. I have two small children and a farm with livestock; it’s hard to leave, but my wife does a great job looking after everything when I do work away from home. Fortunately, I do not have to leave very often. We are lucky to live in an area with lots of work around home.
What is the best part of your job?
I do like working outdoors and driving to different locations. I love getting to work on new projects, building and sometimes even just repairing something you’ve never worked on before. Welders are only limited by their imagination. Being challenged to come up with creative solutions can be frustrating at times but also a lot of fun and very rewarding. I would like to take on more custom fabrication and repair jobs when I’m not working in the oilfield.
Contact:
Phone: (780) 251-2345
E-mail: patchwelding@hotmail.com