Sprinkler Fitter (Pipe Fitter) apprenticeship

Description of an apprenticeship as a Sprinkler Fitter (Pipe Fitter)

Table of Contents

Sprinkler Fitter (Pipe Fitter) apprenticeship

DOT code: 862.281-022, AIMS code: 0414

Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook for a detailed description of this trade. Type the trade name in the search box and hit enter.

Description

Lays out, assembles, installs, and maintains pipe systems, pipe supports, and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial production and processing systems, applying knowledge of system operation, and following blueprints: Selects type and size of pipe, and related materials and equipment, such as supports, hangers, and hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications. Inspects work site to determine presence of obstructions and to ascertain that holes cut for pipe will not cause structural weakness. Plans installation or repair to avoid obstructions and to avoid interfering with activities of other workers. Cuts pipe, using saws, pipe cutter, hammer and chisel, cutting torch, and pipe cutting machine. Threads pipe, using pipe threading machine. Bends pipe, using pipe bending tools and pipe bending machine. Assembles and installs variety of metal and nonmetal pipes, tubes, and fittings, including iron, steel, copper, and plastic. Connects pipes, using threaded, caulked, soldered, brazed, fused, or cemented joints, and handtools. Secures pipes to structure with brackets, clamps, and hangers, using handtools and power tools. Installs and maintains hydraulic and pneumatic components of machines and equipment, such as pumps and cylinders, using handtools. Installs and maintains refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, including compressors, pumps, meters, pneumatic and hydraulic controls, and piping, using handtools and power tools, and following specifications and blueprints. Increases pressure in pipe system and observes connected pressure gauge to test system for leaks. May weld pipe supports to structural steel members. May observe production machines in assigned area of manufacturing facility to detect machinery malfunctions. May operate machinery to verify repair. May modify programs of automated machinery, such as robots and conveyors, to change motion and speed of machine, using teach pendant, control panel, or keyboard and display screen of robot controller and programmable controller. May be designated Steam Fitter (construction) when installing piping systems that must withstand high pressure.

Work process schedule

Task Hours
A. Plan reading and interpretation 750
B. Care of tools, materials, and equipment 800
C. Preparation of tools, materials, and equipment 650
D. Pipe cutting (threading, reaming, and welding) 1250
E. Installation of underground piping and accessories 650
F. Wet pipe systems 1600
G. Dry pipe systems 500
H. Standpipe systems 500
I. Special hazard installation 350
J. Installation of fire pumps and accessories 350
K. Maintenance and repairs 600
(Every 2,000 hours = one year) total hours: 8000

Related Technical Instruction

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires 150 hours each year of related technical instruction which must be mastered by the apprentice in order to successfully complete the program. The following is a general listing of instruction topics for this trade. For further information, please call the Division of Apprentice Standards at (617) 626-5409.

Module A - Personal Responsibility & Job Safety
Module B - Steel Piping
Module C - Plastic Pipe
Module D - Copper Tube Systems
Module E - Underground
Module F - Sprinklers and Nozzles
Module G - General Purpose Valves
Module H - Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems
Module I - Dry Pipe Systems
Module J - Water Supplies
Module K - Standpipes
Module L - Construction and Plans
Module M - Preaction/Deluge System
Module N - Inspection and Maintenance

Additional Resources

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