Electrical Workbook

Electrical Trades WORKBOOK

Contents Orientation 7 Overview 9 The Workplace 19 Occupations 29 Workplace Law in Ontario 39 Certification, Training, and Experience 53

Terminology 65 Tools 67 Work Tasks 79 Communication 91 Health and Safety 103 Personal Plan 115 Glossary 125

Acknowledgements The Steps to Employment project was made possible with funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada–Ontario Administration of Settlement and Integration Services (CIC–OASIS). LCRT Consulting researched each sector, developed the materials and conducted pilot tests of the workshops. Many individuals and organizations were involved throughout the project. Thanks to all who provided input and support. Special thanks to electrical workers, established as well as newcomers to the field, and to focus group participants, for sharing their experiences with the researchers and writers. March 2001 Katherine Babiuk Program Consultant Citizenship and Immigration Canada, OASIS

Andrea Strachan LCRT Consulting Principal Writer

Kaoli Hanawa Illustrator, Workshop Manuals

Peggie Shek LCRT Consulting Project Manager and Administrator

Kevin Cheng Supercat Illustrations Illustrator, Promotional Materials Kathleen Doe Web Site Designer and Webmaster Centre AlphaPlus Web Site Host Louise Thomas Internet Researcher Toronto Public Library Intellisearch Media and Literature Researchers Luis Vasquez Focus Group Facilitator Learning Enrichment Foundation Learning Enrichment Foundation Focus Group Site Anton van den Heuvel Electrician Advisor

Bruce Russell and Andrea Strachan Curriculum Designers, Researchers, and Principal Consultants LCRT Consulting Monika Etzler Toronto District School Board, LINC Program Outreach and Recruitment Consultant Peter Bok, Director Employment & Training University Settlement House Reviewer Henry Wong Lead Electrical Instructor, Electrical Training Course University Settlement House Reviewer Harry Ouyand Electrical Instructor, Electrical Training Course University Settlement House Reviewer

The information in the Steps to Employment series was researched, collected and written in 19992000 by LCRT Consulting under contract with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Some of the information may change in time. Please consult the contacts listed for the most current information. The Steps to Employment workshop manuals are strictly for use in non-commercial, not-for-profit educational environments.

Steps to Employment in Ontario

Where do you begin? If you just arrived in Ontario and want to get back into electrical trades, these are the first few steps to take: Know your sector – employers, working conditions, and entry-level qualifications. Know your job-related traits – be able to describe your skills, knowledge and interests. Know sector-specific terminology – be able to discuss your occupation with others. Know what credentials are required and how to translate and evaluate your documents. Know where you can get training, upgrading and help finding a job.

In this workshop you will learn about… ;

labour market trends for electrical workers

;

employers in this sector, how they hire, and what they are looking for in their workers

;

jobs in the electrical trades and occupations

;

working conditions, including wages, duties and responsibilities

;

laws that protect workers in Ontario

;

basic health and safety issues for electrical workers

;

vocabulary for describing duties and responsibilities

;

vocabulary for common tools, equipment, and procedures

You will also practise … ;

pronouncing key words clearly

;

getting information on employment, training and upgrading opportunities

;

getting information on employers, hiring practices and working conditions

;

describing your skills and knowledge

;

basic dialogues for conversations with co-workers and supervisors

…and prepare… ;

a plan for the next steps to take in your job search in Ontario

Icons used in the workbook The following icons head exercises in the workbook. The icon indicates the type of activity intended by the exercise.

Reading

Vocabulary

Writing

Pair Discussion

Group Discussion

Research

Pronunciation

Orientation

Overview The Workplace Electrical Trades in Ontario Workplace Law in Ontario Certification, Training, and Upgrading

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Introduction INTERVIEW Steps to Employment

Interview Ask your partner the following questions. Write down his or her answers in complete sentences. Once you are finished, prepare to introduce yourself to the group using the answers on your partner’s sheet. 1. What is your name? 2. Where are you from? 3. How long have you been in Canada? 4. What is your occupation? 5. How much do you know about working in this field in Ontario? 6. How much work experience and training have you had in this occupation? 7. Why are you taking this workshop? 8. What are your hopes for this workshop?

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OVERVIEW In this unit you will learn about the industry in Ontario provincial and federal regulations trends

Electrical trades in Ontario Electrical trades are found in every sector of the economy. Electricity and electricallypowered equipment is part of the production and service sectors. The production sector makes or builds goods for sale, as in construction and manufacturing. The service sector is responsible for the distribution of electricity and the maintenance of electrical systems, as in transportation and utilities. There are about 1,000 different jobs for electrical workers. These include: •

professional positions such as electrical engineering

•

technical occupations such as electrical technicians and technologists

•

skilled trades, such as electricians, power linespersons

These occupations share the same standards and regulations, and much of the same theory. Skill levels and specialty areas differ, and often these occupations are found on the same worksite, working as a team.

Activity 1: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words and phrases, then practise saying each one. production

construction

distribution

service

manufacturing

transportation

sector

maintenance

utilities

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Activity 2: Vocabulary matching Match these words with the most suitable definition on the right. 1. ___ construction 2. ___ industry 3. ___ manufacturing 4. ___ private sector 5. ___ public sector 6. ___ service sector 7. ___ telecommunications 8. ___ transportation 9. ___ utilities

a) the building of residential, commercial and industrial buildings, roads, bridges, etc. b) firms that make goods on a large scale using machinery c) the part of the economy that provides goods and services as independent companies d) goods and services provided by the state. Examples in Ontario are schools and hospitals. e) the distribution and exchange of information, wired or wireless f)

services such as the supply of water, electricity, gas

g) movement of goods and supplies, including electricity, from one place to another h) the part of the economy that produces large goods i)

the part of the electrical industry concerned with transportation and distribution of electricity

Activity 3: Discussion 1. What kind of companies have you worked for before? Were they part of the production or service sector? 2. In which sector of the economy would you like to work here in Ontario? Why?

Activity 4: Research Find a local company in each of the sectors that we discussed. Ask your classmates, look in the Yellow Pages, research a company directory (such as Scotts Directory), or use the Internet. Fill in the chart with the information:

Industries:

Examples of companies in your area:

Utility Construction Manufacturing Telecommunications Power distribution

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Overview

Trends The information revolution is changing the electricity industry worldwide. The electronicsbased world of today means that businesses and the public need better access to electrical power, high-quality, low-cost electricity, and sophisticated electronics and communications devices. All these expectations fuel changes and advancements in all sectors of the economy. Some electricians still climb ladders and pull wire, others work on modern construction sites using electronic line tracers to sort out the routing for colour-coded communication cables. Some use sophisticated instruments with digital displays to troubleshoot problems in complex alarm systems, others program digital control systems or install standby power units to keep sensitive computers running twenty-four hours a day. New technologies in construction Today we have smart house technology. The smart houses require the installation of hi-tech alarm systems of intelligent security systems, digital home entertainment, and other sophisticated monitoring applications. More and more people are using personal computers and more and more buildings have computers to control building functions such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, elevators and lighting. Electricians who install the equipment and do the wiring for these control systems are almost guaranteed a job. Wiring of home security systems and electronic house management systems are also new areas of work. Telecommunications The development of wireless communication and digital telecommunication systems has opened international data highways for high speed data communications. The telecommunications industry is growing every day. The transmission of data, graphics and video is more common now, but this kind of transmission requires more sophisticated cabling. Although telephones are still the largest part of the telecommunications industry, wire line networks (that use wires and cables to connect customers’ homes and businesses to central offices) are now the norm for installations. Work in telecommunications installations will probably continue to be outsourced. Outsourcing means that large telecommunication companies or carriers will be hiring contractors to do installation and maintenance. Job opportunities will be greatest with construction and telecommunication carrier industries. This means a lot of jobs for cable and power line installers. New technologies in manufacturing Manufacturing now relies on computer-aided systems of production. Because robots and computerized control equipment are standard for most auto parts and other manufacturing plants, electricians who install and repair computer-aided systems have become an important part of the manufacturing team.

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There will be many employment opportunities with large electrical contractors who specialize in the installation and maintenance of this equipment. Many electricians will have the opportunity to upgrade and move into electrical technologists and technicians’ work.

Activity 5: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words and phrases, then practise saying each one. hi-tech

stand by

computer-aided

routing

devices

transmission

digital

smart house

sophisticated

contractor

wire line

line tracers

Activity 6: True or false Read each statement and circle F if it is false and T if it is true. T

F

1. Electricians are needed to install and maintain computerized control systems.

T

F

2. Wiring is becoming more and more automated.

T

F

3. Businesses have an expectation of a high quality supply of electricity.

T

F

4. Smart houses mean that robots do the housekeeping.

T

F

5. Electricians don’t need to understand computerized systems.

T

F

6. Telecommunications is a shrinking industry.

T

F

7. Installation work for large telecommunication companies will be outsourced to smaller contractors.

T

F

8. The technological developments in the design of industrial equipment will only improve job opportunities for electricians.

T

F

9. Computerized manufacturing controls are the responsibility of electrical technologists and technicians.

T

F

10. All electricians must use digital measuring instruments.

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Activity 7: What about you? Which of the following new technologies have you worked with before? Circle yes (Y) or no (N), then briefly describe the job that involved the technology listed in the chart:

Do you have experience with…

Can you give an example?

Intelligent security systems

Y

N

1.

Computerized lighting controls

Y

N

2.

Telecommunications installations

Y

N

3.

Computer-aided manufacturing

Y

N

4.

Robots

Y

N

5.

Digital measuring system

Y

N

6.

Digital control systems

Y

N

7.

Computerized heating or air-conditioning controls

Y

N

8.

Activity 8: Describe your experience Use the information from the previous activity and write complete sentences about your knowledge of and experience working with new technology. Start with I have experience with … or I have worked with… 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Activity 9: Discussion Electrical workers may work in utilities, construction, manufacturing, telecommunications, and other parts of the private and public sector. In which sector of the economy did you work before?

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Real stories… Privatization of energy provision in Ontario The business of electricity supply and service is being transformed in Ontario. The electricity industry has been a governmentregulated monopoly in Canada, but the industry is now being deregulated and utility companies are currently restructuring. There is a move towards competitive efficiency to meet increasingly sophisticated customer demand. Customer choice is the industry’s biggest concern. Two of the main trends that may follow this change are that in the future we may see more exporting of electricity to the U.S., and

with consolidated energy service companies, we will see more companies in Ontario which will supply both electricity and natural gas. Regardless, electrical workers will continue to be the maintainers of the power grid. They will continue to ensure that electricity gets from the power plant to the home, the factory, and the office; they will install the branch circuits that deliver electricity to every workbench, every machine, every desk, and every kitchen and bedroom. Source: Various media reports

Activity 10: Vocabulary matching Match the words and phrases on the left with their definitions on the right. 1. __ deregulate

a) to control or direct, usually by law

2. __ regulate

b) to merge several functions of the economy under one company

3. __ restructure 4. __ consolidate

c) to remove the regulation. In this case, to change a pubic sector operation and open it up for competition. d) to reorganize a company

Activity 11: Discussion 1. What do you know about electric utilities in Ontario? Can you describe Ontario’s power supply system? 2. How is the supply of power in Ontario changing? 3. What is the utility company responsible for the generation and distribution of electricity in your city? 4. What is meant by “power grid”? 5. Describe how the generation and distribution of electricity works in another country. 6. How is the supply of energy in Ontario different from other countries?

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Regulations Electrical workers in Ontario must comply with federal, provincial, and municipal regulations that control the safe use of electricity and electrical equipment. These regulations protect the health and safety of workers and the public. Electrical workers refer informally to these rules and regulations as regs. Here are some of these regulations: Canadian Electrical Code The Canadian Electrical Code provides minimum safety requirements to prevent electrical fire and shock hazards. Electrical code compliance is mandatory in all provinces and territories of Canada. Electrical workers must adhere to the code to meet legal requirements. Electrical tradespeople, and electrical workers in general, need to know the code very well so that they can install electrical equipment and operate facilities to the correct specifications. Designers, installers and operators of electrical equipment and electrical facilities are responsible for code compliance and public safety. Ontario Electrical Safety Code The Ontario Electrical Safety Code sets out the legal regulations for electrical safety code in Ontario. It defines compliance requirements for workers, employers, builders, and inspectors. It is based on the Canadian Electrical Code. Electrical Safety Authority The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) regulates the safe use of electrical equipment in Ontario. The ESA is the provincial authority responsible for wiring inspections, general inspections, Ontario Electrical Safety Code advice and information, and product approval inspections. Canadian Standards Association The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) writes the Canadian Electrical Code. It is also the agency that approves tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment. For example, in Canada you must look for the CSA-approved seal on workboots and electrical supplies.

Activity 12: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words and phrases, then practise saying each one. code

comply

compliant

compliance

health

safety

electrical

specification

reg.

installation

operation

regulation

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Activity 13: Vocabulary matching Match the words and phrases on the left with their definitions on the right. 1. __ regulate

a) to control or direct, usually by law

2. __ reg

b) a short form for regulation

3. __ regulation

c) to act in accordance to the regulation

4. __ requirements

d) obedience

5. __ compliance

e) a law or control over something

6. __ comply

f)

thing ordered or demanded

Activity 14: Fill in the blanks Complete the sentences by choosing the correct word from the list. comply

installation

specifications

reg

compliance

inspections

standards

code

1. All electrical wiring in Ontario must _______________ with the Ontario Electrical Code. 2. Electricians must install and operate electrical equipment in ________________ with the Canadian Electrical Code. 3. The Electric Safety Authority is the organization that does __________________of new wiring installations to ensure that the work meets the ______________ set by the code. 4. Electrical workers must ensure that any _____________________ is done according to the _____________________ of the Canadian Electrical Code. 5. Electrical workers need to know the _____________ very well so they can operate facilities to the correct specifications. 6. ________ is the short word used for regulations.

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For more information on…

electric utility companies in Ontario information on the restructuring of power distribution in Ontario is available at www.canelect.ca Canadian Niagara Power Company Limited, www.cnpower.com Great Lakes Power, www.glp.on.ca Hydro One, hydroone.com Ontario Power Generation, www.ontariopowergeneration.com Hydro Ottawa, www.ottawahydro.on.ca Toronto Hydro Corporation, www.torontohydro.com

provincial regulators the Ontario Electricity Board at www.oeb.on.ca, is responsible for the licensing of public utilities in Ontario the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology, www.est.gov.on.ca see Electrical Safety Authority, www.esainspection.net

construction industry see www.ceca.org/english/study3.html

trends view an excellent slide show on the labour market conditions for the electrical trades at www.ceca.org/english/study.html, the Web site for the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association.

historical overview visit www.hydroone.com and follow the links to historical timeline

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2

THE WORKPLACE In this unit you will learn about employers and worksites unions hiring practices self-employment You will also practise how to describe different companies describe different working conditions

Employers and worksites With more than 1,000 different occupations available to electrical workers, it is no surprise that they work in almost every kind of workplace and for a variety of employers. Here is a description of some of these occupations and workplaces: Electrical engineers work in electrical utilities, communication companies, firms manufacturing electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, manufacturing and processing plants, transportation industries, and government. Electrical technologists and technicians work in manufacturing, business services, and

utilities. Construction and maintenance electricians work for electrical contractors, electrical

construction firms, electric power companies, maintenance departments of companies or institutions, and other organizations. Industrial electricians work for electrical construction firms, motor vehicle manufacturers,

primary steel producers, mining companies, pulp and paper companies, motor vehicle parts manufacturers, electric power companies, electrical contractors who specialize in the installation and maintenance of industrial equipment, and in maintenance departments of factories, plants, mines, shipyards and other industrial workplaces. Power system electricians and electrical power line and cable workers work in electric

power generation, transmission and distribution companies. In this workshop, we will focus on electrical trades in Ontario, including electricians, power lineworkers, and power systems workers. Source: Ontario Job Futures 2000

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Electricians Main industries of employment

Industrial Electricians Main industries of employment

There are about 45,000 electricians working in Canada Construction

There are about 10,000 industrial electricians working in Ontario 72%

Manufacturing

Accommodations and food services

2%

Mining, quarrying and oil well industries

Education

2%

Construction

Local administration

2%

Communications and utilities

Hospitals

1.8%

Electric power utilities

1.6%

Other

56% 6% 15%

Other

5% 18%

18.6% Source: Canada Job Futures and Ontario Job Futures 2000

Activity 1: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words and phrases then practise saying each one. manufacturing

firms

industry

companies

contractor

utilities

industries

business

organization

Activity 2: Discussion 1. According to the reading, what kind of employer might you expect to have? 2. Are there many manufacturing plants in your city? 3. What are these manufacturing plants? 4. Is there a lot of construction going on? 5. Can you name a construction company? 6. What kind of service company might you be qualified to work for? 7. What job title from the reading describes your experience? 8. What kind of employers did you work for? 9. What industry are you interested in?

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Activity 3: Research Search the Internet, the Yellow Pages, the classified section of newspapers, or industry directories for names of employers and write them in the chart.

Electrical contractors Electrical construction firms Utilities Hospitals Education Manufacturing Electric power generation Telecommunications Electric power transmission Government

Activity 4: Where did you work before? Where did your work before? It is important to be able to describe your previous employers, especially if they are in another country, so that you can describe the kind of workplace that you are familiar with. If you can make comparisons between your previous employer, and your potential employer, you will be able to show the Canadian employer that you really understand their business. Write down information about two companies, it could be your previous employer and your next employer, and then compare them. On a separate piece of paper, write a report of about 100 words, describing the differences and similarities between the two companies. Name of the company:

Name of the company:

Sector:

Sector:

Size of company:

Size of company:

Number of employees:

Number of employees:

Clientele:

Clientele:

Projects undertaken or products developed:

Projects undertaken or products developed:

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Unions In Ontario there are both unionized and non-unionized workplaces. Construction sites, for example, often hire workers from one of Ontario’s building trades unions. Most electricians who are employees of large industry belong to a union. What is a union? Ontario labour laws say that workers have the right to join a union. A union gives workers the right to negotiate, as a group, with their employer for wages, benefits, and conditions of work. This process is called bargaining. If there is a problem with your job that you cannot solve, the union will help by filing a grievance on your behalf. The union also offers training and upgrading courses, which make you more employable in your trade. Building trades unions An important service provided by the building trades unions in Ontario is employment. Hiring is done through the union’s hiring hall. A member may leave his or her name with the union, and as employers call to recruit workers, the union will match available members with employers. Building trades unions have collective agreements and relationships with many employers. Union dues Every union has the right to set dues to pay for the services it provides. Every employee who is represented by a union may be required to pay dues. Even if you pay dues to a union, you are not automatically a member. You must sign an application card to become a member. For union information, speak to your shop steward. How do I become a union member? A good way to get into the union is to ask an employer on a worksite who knows your work to recommend you to the union. Otherwise, you can go in person to fill out an application form. You will have to take your documentation with you to prove that you have the licences and training required. Unions for electrical workers in Ontario Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) represents public sector electrical workers. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Construction Council of Ontario (IBEW CCO) represents electricians and lineworkers in Ontario. IBEW CCO represents thirteen IBEW Construction Local Unions in the province of Ontario, serving over 14,000 electricians and lineworkers. Electrical workers in other manufacturing plants may belong to the union for that workplace. For example, if you work as an electrician in a car parts manufacturer you will probably be a member of Canadian Automotive Workers (CAW). CUPE Ontario has an Ontario Electrical Workers sub-committee that represents several thousand utility workers across Ontario including members of CUPE Local 1000.

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Activity 6: Vocabulary matching Match the words on the left with the definitions on the right. Write the letter of the most appropriate definition in the space provided. 1. ___ hiring hall

a) fees paid to the union

2. ___ union dues 3. ___ grievance

b) a complaint made to the company by the union on behalf of the worker

4. ___ union local

c) the office for the union that represents your community

5. ___ union steward

d) the worker who is a union representative in your workplace e) the office in a union that works as a broker and arranges jobs for the union members

Activity 7: Writing Fill in the blanks with the words in the box. grievance

union

union steward

hiring hall

union dues

Peter got a job in a construction project through the _____________________ of his _______________________. He was glad to get a job because during his last construction project he filed a _____________________ against the company because they neglected to record the overtime he worked. When that happened, he asked the _________________ to help him fill out a grievance form and act on his behalf. He decided that it was worth paying his ________________ regularly so that he always has the protection and help of the union.

Real stories… Unions say firing more common When Pierre realized unionized electricians at his Ottawa construction site were making much more money doing the same work, he figured joining a union made good sense. But just before a vote to unionize took place, Pierre and nine of his co-workers were let go. “I was really shocked that day,” he said to a reporter. “They just came out and basically told us that we were no longer needed when there was plenty of work.” Source: The Barrie Examiner, February 2, 2000

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Activity 8: Discussion 1. Why did Pierre want to join a union? 2. In this story, what does the phrase “let go” mean? 3. What other words in English have the same meaning as this idiom? 4. What do you know about unions that represent electrical workers in Ontario? 5. Have you ever belonged to a union? If so, what did the union do for you?

Real stories… CUPE fights to keep traffic signal work The Ontario Ministry of Labour is insisting that only electricians should be servicing traffic signals, even though municipal workers have looked after them for years. In Guelph, municipal workers have been responsible for servicing traffic lights since they were first installed.

The order was issued following a ministry inspection of a worksite in Guelph. The city of Guelph has appealed the order, and CUPE is supporting the appeal. If the appeal fails, CUPE members could lose jobs. The order could have ramifications across the province.

Source: www.cupe.on.ca/sectors/mun-newsletter2000.html

Activity 9: Discussion 1. Who is the employer in this story? 2. What is the regulatory body? 3. According to the story, who is currently responsible for servicing signals? 4. According to the ministry, who should be servicing traffic signals? 5. In your opinion, why would the ministry insist that electricians do this job? 6. Who is appealing the ministry’s order? Why? 7. What will happen if this order passes? 8. What is your opinion on who should be allowed to service traffic signals? 9. What service is the union providing to the workers in this case? 10. In other countries, who is responsible for repairing traffic repairs?

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Hiring practices Working in construction Union hiring halls and networking are effective ways to get a job as an electrician on construction sites. The local newspaper classified section, the union, the Internet, door-todoor cold calls, and word of mouth are also effective. Other ways to get jobs are to visit electrical contractors and construction firms to inquire about training and apprenticeship programs. Manufacturing firms Some employers recruit workers directly from the campuses of community colleges. They know they will get knowledgeable and well-trained workers there. Colleges and universities have job fairs each year. Industry trade fairs are also held at large convention centres. Manufacturers place advertisements in daily newspapers. Some smaller firms use government employment agencies to find qualified workers. Most companies are willing to take unsolicited applications and resumes for positions in these occupations. Temporary placement agencies Companies may also use temporary placement agencies to hire workers to work on special short-term projects (during peak times in construction, for example) or to replace workers in positions that are vacant (because of maternity or sick leave). Placement agencies interview and do reference checks on candidates before they are accepted as new workers for the agency. When you are hired through an agency, the agency is your employer. The company where you work is the agency’s client. The client company pays the agency for your work. The agency pays you, keeping some amount for itself. You should never have to pay an agency to get you a job. If they ask you to pay, they are breaking the law and are not a good company to work for.

Activity 10: True or false Read each statement and circle F if it is false and T if it is true. T

F

1. Union halls help their members find work.

T

F

2. Employment agencies will find permanent jobs for workers.

T

F

3. Door-to-door cold calls are not a good way to get a job in construction.

T

F

4. Door-to-door cold calls are not a good way to get a job in manufacturing.

T

F

5. Non-union construction electricians can get a job through a union hall.

T

F

6. Unions recruit workers directly out of college.

T

F

7. Job fairs are a good way to get information about jobs available.

T

F

8. Internet job search is an effective way to look for work.

T

F

9. Looking in the newspaper classified section is a good way to look for work.

T

F

10. When you work for an agency, our paycheque comes from the employer.

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Activity 11: Discussion 1. How did you find your first job? Who helped you? 2. According to your experience, how do people normally get hired in other countries?

Activity 12: Reading job ads Read each job ad and discuss the abbreviations and acronyms. Fill in the information from each ad. Where the information is not available write, N/A.

?

ELECTRICAL subcontractors install fire alarms 123-456-7890

Job title: Employer: How to apply:

@ A

B C

ELECTRICIANS AND MILLWRIGHTS Lic. W/ industrial exper. Varying shifts, Fax to 123-456-7890 or email [email protected]

Job title:

ELECTRICIAN for service calls, excellent motor, control and PLC troubleshooting skills req’d. Ex. Pay, benefits and service truck provided. Fax resume to: 123-456-890

Job title:

ELECTRICIAN/3rd yr apprentice exper. in industrial construction. Fax resume 123-456-7890

Job title:

ELECTRO MECHANICAL ASSEMBLERS Globally recognized electronics manufacturing company is experiencing incredible growth. Experience working in a productive environment; and involved in electronic, electrical or mechanic component insertion, inspection and packaging. Fine hand dexterity is required and some soldering experience is an asset. Fax resumes to 123-456-7890 or email to [email protected]

Job title:

Employer: How to apply:

Employer: How to apply:

Employer: How to apply:

Employer: How to apply:

Which of these jobs would you apply for? Why? How?

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Self-employment Some electricians in Ontario are self-employed. Self-employed electricians may work as subcontractors or have an electrical repair business. According to Ontario Job Futures, only 2% of all industrial electricians in Ontario are self-employed, but approximately 10% of all construction electricians in Ontario are self-employed. If you want to be self-employed and run an electrical repair contracting company, or other kinds of small business, you must get information about licences and permits in your area. Here are a few things to look for: • • • •

business registration municipal licences and permits GST registration other taxation

For more information on starting a small business contact the Canada Ontario Business Call Centre at 1-800-567-2345, or visit your local library and research entrepreneurship or small business in Ontario.

Activity 13: Research 1. Look in the Yellow Pages or your community newspaper, and find three small electrical contracting firms. What are some of the services that they offer? 2. Collect advertising from local electricians and compare their services. Do they give free estimates? Are they certified? What are the services they offer?

Activity 14: Group work Work in a small group of three or four to write an ad for a small electrical contracting company. Describe your services, the qualifications of the workers, what you specialize in, and any other information that you feel may be useful in an ad.

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employers

For more information on…

research business directories such as the Blue Book of Canadian Businesses and the Ontario Business Directory. They are available at any reference library and often in employment resource centres.

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for an example of a high voltage electrical contracting company, and great pictures of equipment visit www.powertel.on.ca Electrical Contractor Association of Toronto www.ecat.org has a list of contractors in Toronto. Similar associations exist for other cities. Look in the Yellow Pages or do a search on the Internet.

unions the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Construction Council of Ontario represents electricians and lineworkers in Ontario. Visit their Web site at www.ibewcco.org The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) represents municipal electrical workers. Their Web site is www.cupe.on.ca

employment agencies search the Yellow Pages under employment agencies, placement agencies, recruitment agencies, or temporary agencies search the Internet for employment agencies, placement agencies, recruitment agencies, or temporary agencies for an example of Industrial and Electrical Recruiters visit the Web site for the People Bank at www.thepeoplebank.com

self-employment for local bylaws regarding licences for electrical contractors, contact city hall For information on the legal aspects of setting up your own business visit the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations Web site at www.ccr.gov.on.ca

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OCCUPATIONS In this unit you will learn about duties and responsibilities titles used for different jobs wages working conditions You will also practise how to describe your qualifications

Duties and responsibilities Electricians must read and interpret drawings and electrical code specifications to determine wiring layouts for new or existing installations. They install, replace and repair lighting fixtures, electrical control equipment and distribution equipment. This includes switches, relays and circuit breaker panels. Electricians also bend conduits and conductor enclosures then splice, join and connect wires to fixtures and components to form circuits. Following installation or repair, they test continuity of circuits using test equipment to ensure compatibility and safety of the system. They also troubleshoot and isolate faults in the electrical and electronic systems, then remove and replace faulty components. In Ontario, the electrical trades are divided into specialized areas. Here are some of the major electrical trades: Construction electricians Construction electricians work on almost every kind of residential and commercial construction projects. They assemble, maintain, and connect a wide range of electrical fixtures, devices, control equipment, and wiring. Some of the jobs electricians perform include installing security systems, heating and power, and lighting. Maintenance electricians Maintenance electricians conduct preventative maintenance programs and keep maintenance records. Industrial electricians Industrial electricians install, maintain, test, troubleshoot and repair industrial electrical equipment and associated electrical and electronic controls and hydraulic and pneumatic equipment.

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Power system electricians Power system electrician install, maintain, test, and repair electrical power distribution system equipment and apparatus. Electrical power line and cable workers Electrical power line and cable workers construct, maintain, and repair overhead and underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems. Lineworkers often work in a variety of work sites depending upon the location of high-voltage transmission lines, support towers, etc.

Activity 1: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these verbs, then practise saying each. assemble

connect

install

isolate

build

erect

interpret

join

Activity 2: Matching Match the verbs on the left with the definitions on the right: 1. ___ assemble

a) fit together

2. ___ build

b) put into position and connect to power supply

3. ___ connect

c) find a problem and deal with it separately

4. ___ erect

d) set upright

5. ___ install

e) construct

6. ___ interpret

f)

7. ___ isolate

g) hook up to power supply

8. ___ join

h) put parts together

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Activity 3: Matching Mix and match the jobs, verbs and electrical apparatus to make correct sentences about the job duties of electrical workers. conduits

assemble

construction electricians

electrical lighting fixtures

connect

industrial electricians

security systems

erect

maintenance electricians

wiring for alarm

install

power lineworkers power systems electricians

wiring for communication

interpret

faults in wiring

isolate

blue prints and sketches

Activity 4: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these verbs, then practise saying each. maintain

service

repair

test

remove

splice

replace

troubleshoot

Activity 5: Matching Match the verbs on the right with the definitions on the left: 1. ___ maintain

a) brainstorm and test to find the fault

2. ___ remove

b) connect or fasten one thing to another

3. ___ repair

c) do maintenance and repairs

4. ___ replace

d) examine

5. ___ service

e) fix

6. ___ splice

f)

7. ___ test

g) substitute something

8. ___ troubleshoot

h) take out

keep in good condition

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Activity 6: Fill in the blanks Fill in the blanks with the following verbs: maintenance

repair

test

remove

replace

troubleshoot

1. Electricians working on a home renovation project might ________________ old panel boards, switch boxes, pull boxes and other electrical devices and __________________ them with new ones. 2. Electricians on all job sites _______________ electrical and electronic equipment for proper function. 3. Electricians called in to repair an electrical problem in an office isolate and ______________________ faults in electrical control systems. 4. Power lineworkers ______________________ electrical power transmission systems. 5. The main job of a maintenance electrician is to do preventative __________________.

Activity 7: Complete the sentences Use the verbs that you just practised to describe your experience. It is helpful to always give an example of where, when and under what circumstances you performed these tasks. Use the examples to help you.

Describing your skills, experience and training… Think about your job skills and experience. The most important skills for electricians are knowledge of the code, ability to troubleshoot and skill. How would you describe them to an employer? Here are some examples to help you. “I know how to repair hydraulic equipment.” “I have ten years’ experience working with fire alarms.” “I have training in the installation and maintenance of control systems for power supply companies.” “I know a lot about the electrical utilities sector. I worked in an electrical contracting firm for 15 years before coming to Canada.” “I have studied the Ontario Electrical Code and have a good understanding of Ontario’s standards.” “I’m familiar with the wiring system in North America because I lived and worked in the United States before coming to Canada.”

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1. I know how to

2. I have ___ years’ experience

3. I have training in

4. I know a lot about

5. I’m familiar with

Job titles Job titles may be different depending on where the job is, and on how much training the tradesperson has had. In any trade, the tradesperson in training is called an apprentice. They become 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year apprentices as they move along in their training. Once they have completed the training and passed the provincial exam, they become journeypersons. Electricians can also become master electricians. Here are some examples of the many different job titles: Construction and maintenance electricians

apprentice electrician, construction electrician, maintenance electrician, and electrician Industrial electricians

electrician, shipyard electrician, marine electrician, mill electrician, mine electrician, plant electrician, plant maintenance electrician Power system electricians

apprentice power system electrician, power electrician, power station electrician, and power system electrician Electrical power line and cable workers

apprentice lineman/linewoman, electrical power lineworker, cable installer, cable splicer, construction lineman/linewoman, power line patroller, and power lineman/linewoman

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Activity 8: Where do they work? Where might these electricians work? With a partner, discuss where each of these workers might work: For example: cable splicer/ telecommunications company 1. cable splicer A cable splicer might work for a telecommunications company. 2. mill electrician 3. plant electrician 4. power line patroller 5. power station electrician 6. power system electrician 7. power transformer repairer 8. shipyard electrician

Wages Here is a list of average wages and salaries for electricians. Construction and maintenance electricians apprentice electrician building electrician electrician

$21/hour $39,208 - $40,851/year $16.04 - $24.25/hour $21.03 - $22.57/hour $25/hour - $27/hour

journeyperson construction electrician

$29/hour

Industrial electricians industrial electrician

$26/hour $17.60/hour $22/hour $23 - $28/hour $24.81/hour

Journeyperson industrial electrician

$29/hour

Electrical trades contractors and supervisors electrical wiring installation contractor

$12/hour Source: www.workwaves.com

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Activity 9: Wages Read the chart and answer the questions about wages for different clerks. 1. What is the average wage for a construction and maintenance electrician? 2. What would you guess are the factors that affect the difference in wages for construction and maintenance electricians? 3. What is the average wage for an industrial electrician? 4. What would you guess are the factors that affect the difference in wages for industrial electricians? 5. What is the lowest average wage in the chart? 6. What is the highest hourly rate for an industrial electrician?

Activity 10: Research Find the average wages in your area.

Working conditions Working conditions refer to the hours of work, the working environment, the schedule, the wages and benefits and many other aspects of a job. Here is a summary of the average working conditions for electrical tradespeople. Industrial electricians Industrial and maintenance electricians are often full-time workers, and they often work shifts, generally indoors. Much of their work is done standing, crouching or kneeling, often in confined spaces. It involves lifting carrying heavy equipment and tools, reaching and stretching to install and repair equipment. The work includes a lot of variety and problem solving. Construction electricians Construction electricians often work on contract. The work is done at several job locations such as offices, homes or buildings under construction. Construction work can be seasonal, with most of the work done during the warmer months. Winter work is possible when the framing and shell of a building are ready for the construction electrician to install the wiring.

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Electrical power line and cable workers Lineworkers often work in a variety of worksites depending upon the location of high-voltage transmission lines, support towers, etc. Electrical lineworkers work all year, but activity tends to be more intense during summer months. Repair and service lineworkers are on call most of the time and may work for long periods during emergency conditions, such as major storms. Power line maintainers work on lines carrying up to 500 kilovolts (KV) of electricity and sometimes work from helicopters. There is also some work on underground systems. Some jobs require living in bush camps for weeks on end while new lines are installed. Source: Ontario Job Futures 2000

Activity 11: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words and phrases then practise saying each one. confined

shift work

indoors

full-time

contract

seasonal

outdoors

part-time

Activity 12: Matching Match the word on the left with the best definition on the right: 1. ___ full-time 2. ___ part-time 3. ___ casual part-time 4. ___ contract work 5. ___ shift work 6. ___ salary 7. ___ wage 8. ___ benefits 9. ___ job security

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a) a fixed, regular payment to employees. This could be a monthly, weekly or bi-weekly payment. b) insurance paid for by employers to pay for things like sick pay, dental plan and parental leave. c) is a set number of hours in a day. For example, the day shift is usually from 8AM to 4PM; the afternoon shift is from 4PM to midnight; and the night shift, also called the “graveyard” shift, is from midnight to 8AM. d) means 40 hours a week and a regular schedule. For example, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. e) means that work is not steady. Sometimes it may be 10 hours a week, and sometimes 20. It depends on how much work there is. f) means that you are hired to do a job or a project. When the job or project is finished, so is your employment. g) means working only a few hours a week. For example, fewer than 25 hours per week, maybe Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 to 3. h) refers to the permanence of a job. i) regular payments received for work or services, usually given as an hourly amount.

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Activity 13: True or false Circle T if the statement is true, and F is the statement is false. Refer to the reading for help. T

F

1. Construction electricians don’t work during the winter.

T

F

2. 50% of all Industrial electricians are self-employed.

T

F

3. Construction workers often work on different projects, on a contract basis.

T

F

4. Electricians must be good problem-solvers.

T

F

5. An industrial electrician’s job is the same, day in and day out.

T

F

6. Electrical power line and cable workers never work in the winter.

T

F

7. All electrical trades people often work in confined spaces.

T

F

8. Construction electricians often work on contract.

T

F

9. Physical fitness is not important for an electrician.

T

F

10. Construction electricians work in unfinished buildings, even in the winter.

Activity 14: Discussion Discuss the following questions with your class: 1. What hours did you work at you previous job as an electrician? 2. Did you work shift work? Describe the shifts. 3. What working conditions would you feel are ideal for an electrician?

Activity 15: Writing Write five questions about working conditions that you would like to ask an electrician working in Ontario. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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duties and responsibilities

For more information on…

read Towards 2001 on the Web site: www.toronto-hrdc.sto.org

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read Ontario Job Futures: www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/jobfutures

entry-level qualifications see job ads in local newspapers, on job boards and on the Internet look in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Directory at your local Employment Resource Centre

working conditions and job outlook talk to someone who already works as an electrician look for articles in the newspaper that talk about current issues in this area read the description of each occupation in Ontario Job Futures. You can find this publication at any HRDC Employment Resource Centre, or at the HRDC Web site: www.on.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

salary expectations see the report on wages at www.workwave.com talk to someone who works as an electrician look in job ads in the newspaper visit the HRDC Web site and search for wages

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WORKPLACE LAW IN ONTARIO In this unit you will learn about employment standards human rights health and safety workers’ compensation

Real stories… Air conditioner installer Mr. R worked 80 hours for an air conditioning and heating company. His job was to install air conditioners and do carpentry and general trades work. The employer paid Mr. R $350.00, well below the minimum wage, and then fired him. The company did not provide Mr. R with a record of employment as required by law. The company owed Mr. R $1,204.80 in back wages and vacation pay. Mr. R tried to get the money from his

employer. The employer paid him an additional $367.00, but still less than the amount owed. Parkdale Legal Community Services helped Mr. R file a claim with the Ministry of Labour. The Ministry found that Mr. R was entitled to vacation pay, but because Mr. R had not received employment records from his employer and had no proof of the hours that he worked. After appealing his case, Mr. R received $878.80 from the Employee Wage Protection Program Fund.

Source: Bad Boss Stories, Employment Standards Working Group, 1996

Activity 1: Discussion 1. What happened to the worker in this story? 2. How could he have proven the number of hours that he worked? 3. Who helped the worker to file a claim with the Ministry of Labour? 4. Did he eventually receive payment for his work? Who paid him? 5. Are there laws that can prevent this kind of abuse from happening? 6. What were some employment standards that this employer did not comply with?

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Laws that protect workers in Ontario The Ontario Ministry of Labour is responsible for labour laws in Ontario. These laws describe the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers in this province. Ontario’s Employment Standards Act does not apply to industries regulated by the government of Canada, such as the railways, airlines, post offices, and shipping companies that cross provincial and state borders. These employees are covered under the Canada Labour Code. As a new worker, you need to learn about these laws so that you know your rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

Employment standards The Employment Standards Act is the law that contains Ontario’s basic rules about the minimum standards for salary, overtime, vacations, maternity benefits, termination, and more. This provincial law covers most workers in Ontario. The Act describes: Minimum wage: Employers must pay both full-time and part-time workers at least the minimum wage. Any changes are announced in newspaper ads at least a month before the change happens. Hours of work: This is the number of hours for each normal working day. The Act says that the limit for most employees is eight hours a day and 48 hours a week. Employers must pay employees overtime if they work more than the legislated hours of work. Overtime pay: Overtime pay is the wage that employers must give workers who work overtime. Overtime pay is the regular wage x1.5, or time and a half. Meal breaks: Workers must have a meal break each working day. The length of this meal break is determined either by the law, by the employer, or by union contracts. The Act does not set coffee and rest breaks, but some employers allow coffee and rest breaks throughout the day. Public holidays: Under the law, Ontario has eight paid public holidays. Workers who qualify for paid public holidays don’t have to work on these days, but are still paid their regular wages for the day. Vacation pay: Workers are entitled to a minimum number of days of paid holidays each year. The law determines how long workers must work before they are eligible for paid holidays and vacation pay. Pregnancy and parental leave and benefits: This is the time off for a new parent. While on pregnancy leave, employees can receive employment insurance maternity benefits. While on parental leave, employees can receive employment insurance parental benefits. To qualify for these benefits the employee must have paid EI over a period of time prior to the arrival of the baby.

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Deductions: These are payments that employers can legally deduct from an employee’s paycheque. This includes Employment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan payments. Termination of employment: The law determines how employees or employers end their contracts and how much termination pay must be paid.

Activity 2: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words, then practise saying each one. vacation

overtime

deduction

minimum

compensation

standards

termination

benefits

Activity 3: Vocabulary matching Test your understanding of employment standards terminology by matching the terms on the left with their definitions on the right. 1. ___ minimum wage 2. ___ hours of work 3. ___ overtime pay 4. ___ meal breaks 5. ___ public holidays

a) payments that employers deduct from an employee’s paycheque b) the wage that employers must give workers who work more than the normal hours of work in a workweek

6. ___ vacation pay

c) employers must pay at least this much to parttime and full-time employees

7. ___ deductions

d) firing or giving notice

8. ___ termination of employment

e) time off or the equivalent pay f)

a normal working day

g) time available for breakfast, lunch or dinner, depending on the work schedule h) days of rest, recreation or festivity

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Activity 4: Reading and completing a pay stub Here is a paycheque stub for two weeks. Fill in the pay stub with this information: This person worked for 75 hours. The regularly scheduled hours were 72.5. The total pay before deductions was $915.00. Canada Pension Plan contributions were $27.45. Employment Insurance (EI) deductions were $18.30. She received $45 overtime pay. Union dues were $12.00. Taxes deducted were $228.75.

O EARNINGS TIME

Detach Cheque Here

O

DEDUCTIONS

OVERTIME

GROSS PAY

INCOME TAX

EI

CPP

UNION DUES

NET PAY

$

$

$

$ 18.30

$

$12.00

$

72.5 hr $

Real stories… Did you know? While the typical vacation for North American workers is two weeks, many European governments mandate longer vacations. French employers are required to provide 25 vacation days per year. German workers are entitled to 24 days. In Spain workers have 22 days. Employers in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands provide 20 days, and in the U.K., vacation requirements are from 15 to 20 days. Source: Society for Human Resource Management, 2000

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Activity 5: Interview Work with your partner to fill in the chart with information about Ontario’s employment standards, then ask your partner about workplace law in other countries. Question

In Ontario

In _________

1. What is the minimum wage? 2. How many weeks’ vacation do most workers get each year? 3. How many public holidays are there? 4. What are the normal working hours each week? 5. What are the normal working hours each day? 6. Are employers required to pay overtime? 7. What are some deductions from paycheques? 8. Is there maternity and parental leave? How long is it?

Real stories... Safety or discrimination? A foreperson at a construction site was concerned about one worker’s ability to do heavy work so he went to talk to the supervisor. The worker in question was Muslim and during Ramadan he observed the fast during the day. He did not drink or eat anything. The foreperson was concerned that the worker would become dehydrated and weak and pose a danger to himself as well as other workers. Although he understood the right of the worker to observe his own religion he is also responsible for the prevention of accidents in the workplace.

Activity 6: Discussion 1. Does the foreperson in the story have something to worry about? 2. Does he have the right to interfere? 3. Is this a case of harassment? Is it a case of discrimination? Why? Why not? 4. What are some of the ways in which discrimination and harassment can happen in the workplace? 5. Do you know of an example?

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Human rights in the workplace Ontario Human Rights Code The Ontario Human Rights Code is the law that ensures that all citizens in Ontario must receive equal and just treatment. The Code protects workers in Ontario from discrimination and harassment by their employers or co-workers. It also reminds all workers to treat each other with respect. The Ontario Human Rights Code forbids discrimination against a person because of race, colour, religion or sex. Employers and workers must act according to the principles described in this law. For example, it is inappropriate to continue sexual advances after they ask you to stop–this would be called sexual harassment. It is also inappropriate to make jokes about people of different races–this would be called harassment too. Discrimination Discrimination means being treated differently from other people. There are situations in which the employer is allowed to be selective on the basis of citizenship, age or disability. But generally it is against the law to discriminate against people because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, age, record of offences, marital status, same-sex partnership status, family status or handicap. This is why it is illegal for employers in Ontario to ask questions about an applicant’s marital status, number of children, age, etc. Harassment Harassment is a situation in which someone threatens or insults you. Racial harassment includes racial jokes and derogatory comments. Sexual harassment includes unwanted touching, sexual comments, sexual jokes and suggestions. Discrimination and harassment can occur in job advertisements, questions about Canadian experience, job applications, job interviews and in the way workers treat each other and how the employer treats the workers. Ontario Human Rights Commission The Ontario Human Rights Commission is the office that enforces the Ontario Human Rights Code. Anyone who has been discriminated against or harassed in the workplace should try to solve the problem with the colleagues and employer, but if this fails, the commission can help.

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Activity 7: Vocabulary matching Match the terms on the left with their definitions on the right. 1. ___ ancestry

a) being in a parent and child relationship

2. ___ creed

b) derogatory comments and unwelcome advances

3. ___ family status

c) physical or mental disability

4. ___ handicap 5. ___ harassment

d) the person to whom you are married or with whom you live as a couple

6. ___ marital status

e) single, married, divorced, common law

7. ___ place of origin

f)

8. ___ sexual orientation

g) where you were born

9. ___ spouse

h) heterosexual (straight), homosexual (gay)

10. ___ discrimination

i)

being treated differently from others

j)

your beliefs, especially religious

relatives from many generations back

Activity 8: Discussion Brainstorm questions that an employer might ask or statements that you might see in a job ad that would be against the Human Rights Code.

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Activity 9: Matching Match each situation with the type of discrimination or harassment that it is. P – place of origin

R – race

G – gender

C – creed

A – age

D – disability

__

1. Andrea answered an advertisement for a general labourer. The duties of the job involved cleaning up the construction site and sorting lumber. When she called to ask for an interview, she was told that the job was for “guys” only.

__

2. Amir applied for a job at an electrical contracting company. It is a small company, and in the morning when the crews are divided into different vans, some of the guys say “Who’s taking the “Pakie”?

__

3. Mark speaks with a stutter. One of his co-workers makes fun of him when he stutters. He knows that this makes it harder for him to speak, but he does it anyway.

__

4. Nathan works at a hardware store. He is black. Most of his co-workers are white. Last week his co-workers were telling “black jokes.” Nathan asked them to stop, but they just laughed at him and went on with the jokes.

__

5. Jim has been looking for a job for almost two years, since is company closed. He can’t understand why it is so difficult. His friends say that it will be impossible for him to get a job because he is 52 years old.

__

6. Ahmed is a Muslim. He has a special prayer time every Friday. Every Friday one of his co-workers teases him: “There goes Ahmed to the mosque again!” Adapted from Discrimination and Harassment at Work, CLEO. August 1993

Activity 10: Discussion For each situation in the previous activity, decide if the worker was experiencing discrimination or harassment.

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Real stories… Aluminum toxicity affects electrician An electrician in Ontario claimed that the neurological problems he has are a result of his exposure to aluminum dust while working as an electricians. He says that dust from cutting and grinding aluminum parts, sanding with aluminum oxide paper, and welding is what caused his neurological problems. The worker often licked his fingers when looking through blueprints and seldom used a mask or gloves. The worker was unable to work because of his illness, and was convinced of the link

between his working conditions and his health. Scientific studies have not proven that exposure to aluminum always causes aluminum toxicity, so when the worker applied for workers’ compensation he was refused. To appeal his case, the worker had to appear in front of the WSIB Appeals Tribunal. Eventually he was given workers’ compensation for the time that he has not worked because of his illness, up to the time of his retirement. Source: The Globe and Mail, November29, 1996

Activity 11: Discussion 1. What happened to the electrician in the story? 2. According to the worker, what caused his neurological problems? 3. What were some health and safety guidelines that this worker did not follow? 4. Did he automatically receive workers compensation? 5. Did he receive compensation for the time that he was unable to work?

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Occupational Health and Safety Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers, supervisors and workers share the responsibility of identifying and solving workplace health and safety problems. By law, the Act must be posted in your workplace. All workers have the right to know about any hazards they may be exposed to on the job. This includes: • the right to be trained • the right to have information about machinery, equipment, working conditions, processes and hazardous materials • the right to training about WHMIS, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, where the work involves hazardous materials. Reporting workplace hazards If you believe there is a hazard in the workplace, you have a duty to report it to your employer or supervisor. If you believe the problem is not being dealt with adequately, you should advise the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative in the workplace. If the workplace has no committee or representative or if, after consulting your committee or representative, you want more information or advice, phone your nearest Ministry of Labour office. Hazardous materials All controlled products (for example, flammable or poisonous materials) must be labelled or identified. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which give information about handling these products safely, must also be available in the workplace. Do not handle products that are not labelled or that you have not been trained to use! Your right to refuse unsafe work You have the right to refuse work you believe is dangerous to either your health and safety or another workers’s health and safety. Your responsibilities Your employer has the basic responsibility for your health and safety in the workplace, but you share this responsibility. You also share responsibility for the health and safety of other workers. Your duties as a worker include: • using or wearing any equipment, protective devices or clothing required by your employer • reporting to your employer or supervisor any missing, broken or defective equipment or other hazard in the workplace, or any violation of health and safety law that you know about • not working or operating equipment in a way that could be dangerous to yourself or anyone else in the workplace and not taking part in pranks or horseplay.

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Activity 12: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words, then practise saying each one. hazard

protect

safe

W HMIS

hazardous

protection

unsafe

occupational

Activity 13: Whose responsibility is it? Write an E for employer and a W for worker in front of each sentence, according to whose responsibility you think it is to: ___

1. give information, training and supervision

___

2. not work or operate equipment in a way that could be dangerous

___

3. make sure safe work procedures are followed and equipment is used properly

___

4. report any broken equipment or safety devices

___

5. keep safety equipment in good condition

___

6. use the safety equipment available in the workplace

___

7. report any health and safety violations

___

8. provide training on how to handle hazardous materials

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Workers’ compensation Workers’ Compensation Act The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act says that workers who are injured at work or get sick from their work can receive compensation and assistance in getting back to work. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is the office responsible for administering workers’ compensation. The WSIB also enforces the provincial occupational health and safety system. No injury is too small to report! All employees must be registered with the WSIB. Employers must register any new employees with the WSIB within ten days of hiring, or they can be fined. Employers must also report any injuries that occur on at the workplace to the WSIB within three days of the injury. Workers must report any injury to their employer immediately. If a worker misses work because of an injury or illness, the employer must report it to the WSIB within three days after the accident. Workers must also make a claim with the WSIB within six months of their injury. Although both the employer and the employee report any injury related to their job, employees must apply for workers’ compensation and the WSIB decides if the law covers a worker or not.

Activity 14: Discussion 1. Have you ever been injured at work? What happened and how did you recover? 2. What are some reasons for a worker not reporting an injury at work? 3. Why is it important to report every injury? 4. Use the following models to help you paraphrase the rules for workers’ compensation.

Models: If you _________________, you must ________________________________. If you _________________, your employer must _______________________________. If you are eligible, the WSIB will ____________________________________.

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For more information on…

employment standards general information: contact the Ministry of Labour at 416-326-7000 or tollfree at 1-800-531-5551 visit the Ministry of Labour Web site at www.gov.on.ca/lab to get information fact sheets on minimum wage, hours of work, public holidays, vacation and more

WSIB contact the WSIB at 416-344-1013 or toll-free at 1-800-387-8638 visit the WSIB Web page at www.wsib.on.ca

health and safety regulations contact the Ministry of Labour at 416-326-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-531-5551 contact the Industrial Accident Prevention Association at www.iapa.on.ca workers in non-unionized places can contact the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. for information at www.ohcow.on.ca or call: Toronto 416-449-0009 Hamilton 1-800-263-2129 Sudbury 1-800-461-7120 Windsor 1-800-565-3185

WHMIS call and ask for information on WHMIS and request a copy of WHMIS symbols from Occupational Health and Safety at 416-314-5421 or print a copy from www.gov.on.ca/lab/ohs

getting help look up community legal clinics in the Yellow Pages visit settlement agencies in your community to seek out help search www.settlement.org look in your telephone book under community services contact CLEO at 416-408-4420 for information on legal clinics in your area

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5

CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE In this unit you will learn about entry-level qualifications certification for foreign-trained electricians “Canadian experience” training and upgrading

Entry-level requirements There are laws and regulations that set the entry-level requirements for skilled trades in Ontario. Many electrical trades in Ontario are regulated, meaning that they are controlled by these provincial laws. For example, construction and maintenance electricians in Ontario must be certified, or licensed, in order to work legally in the province. To work in regulated trades, applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass an exam. Here are the entry-level requirements for some of the major electrical trades. Construction and maintenance electricians Construction and maintenance electricians must have a licence (called the Certificate of Qualification) to work in Ontario. This is a regulated trade, and it is illegal for a person to do any of the work of these electricians unless they have a valid certificate. To become certified, construction and maintenance electricians must complete a four and a half year apprenticeship and pass a provincial exam. Foreign-trained electricians who have proof of at least four and a half years of training and experience as an electrician can write the examination. The Certificate of Qualification is given to those who pass the provincial exam. Industrial electricians Industrial electricians in Ontario must complete a four-year electrician apprenticeship program or have a combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in industrial electrical equipment. In Ontario industrial electricians are regulated, but certification is not required by law. However, most employers want certified industrial electricians. To become certified, applicants must pass the provincial exam and get the Certificate of Qualification (licence). Power system electrician Power system electricians must complete secondary school and a four-year apprenticeship or have a combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in electrical technology. For this trade, certification is not required by law,

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but employers might ask for it. To become certified, applicants must pass the provincial exam and get the Certificate of Qualification (licence). Electrical power line and cable workers Electrical power line and cable workers must complete secondary school and a four-year provincial lineworker apprenticeship program or have a combination of four years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in electrical technology. This trade is also a voluntary trade. Certification is not required by law, but employers might ask for it. To become certified, applicants must pass the provincial exam and get the Certificate of Qualification (licence). Source: Ontario Job Futures 2000 and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Activity 1: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words and phrases, then practise saying each. apprentice

license (v)

qualification

certification

apprenticeship

licence (n)

regulated

certificate

Activity 2: Matching Match the words with the best definition: 1. ___ apprenticeship

a) high school

2. ___ certificate

b) when a licence is require by law for a trade

3. ___ community college 4. ___ compulsory certification

c) work for a skilled employer for a fixed period in return for learning

5. ___ diploma

d) document stating your registration in a trade

6. ___ licence

e) document showing that permission has been given to do something

7. ___ secondary school

f)

8. ___ voluntary certification

when a licence is not required for a trade, but it is possible

g) certificate given when you pass an exam or complete a course h) post secondary school where training for trades is available

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Activity 3: Reading comprehension Fill in the chart with information from the reading.

Construction electrician

Length of apprenticeship or work experience required

Certification (compulsory or voluntary)

4½ year apprenticeship

compulsory

Electrical power line and cable worker Industrial electrician Power system electrician

Activity 4: What about you? Discuss these questions with your group. 1. Did you study at college? 2. Did you do an apprenticeship? 3. Do you have a licence to work as an electrician in another country? 4. Talk about the differences in licensing requirements in Canada and in other countries.

Activity 5: What are your qualifications? Write information about your training and certification or licensing in the chart. Training / Certification

Y

N

Describe or give examples as appropriate.

Secondary school College or equivalent Experience in the trade Certification and/or licence

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Job ads A good way to find out about requirements of local employers is to look at the job ads in your local newspaper. Here are some examples.

?

Electrical Apprentices req’d immed. Fax 123-456-7890

@

Electricians & Electrical Apprentices. Call 123-456-7890

A B C D

Electrical Apprentice 3rd/4th yr., req’d immed. Fire alarm exper. an asset. Fax resume to 123-456-7890 Electrical Foreperson req’d immed. Fax resume to 123-456-7890 Ex. Health & Benefit pkg. Electricians & Apprentices construction projects very good wages. Fax resume to 123-456-7890 Electrician licensed, 3rd to 5th year apprentices needed. Exp. in comm./ind. or automation. Annual bonus/benefit plan. Fax resume to: 123-456-7890

Activity 6: Abbreviations What does each of the following abbreviations mean? Read the job ads and guess their meaning. req’d

immed.

ex.

ind.

comm.

yr.

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Activity 7: Reading newspaper ads According to the job ads: 1. What is the average number of years of experience that employers are looking for? 2. Are employers looking for licensed electricians only? 3. What is the meaning of: Foreperson, Bonus, and Health & Benefit Package? 4. Generally speaking, what are the minimum requirements for this trade?

Real stories… Labour barriers Raul has been a construction electrician for about ten years, working in his trade on both sides of the Quebec-Ontario boundary. Now, Raul can’t work in Quebec because he’s wanted there for arrest. His crime: failing to pay a $300 fine for working in the province without a permit.

Quebec law requires that all construction workers belong to one of five unions. Illegal workers, if caught, are fined. If they don’t pay up, they end up in jail. Yet thousands of plumbers, bricklayers and electricians, an estimated 50% of Ontario construction workers working in Quebec, take their chances anyway. Source: The Ottawa Sun, March 20, 2000

Activity 8: Discussion Answer the questions with information from the story. 1. Did you know that there are barriers to workers moving within Canada from one province to another? Why is this? 2. What is the barrier in the article above? 3. How are trades regulated in other countries? 4. What is an Interprovincial Red Seal? 5. What are the barriers that you are facing as a foreign-trained electrician in Ontario? 6. Do you know how to overcome these barriers? 7. Is there an “international electrician licence”? 8. How would it be possible to establish an “international electrician licence”?

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Certification for foreign-trained electricians Electricians in Ontario usually complete an apprenticeship and write a provincial exam, the Certificate of Qualification Exam. The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) is responsible for trades apprenticeships and the licensing of tradespeople in Ontario. There is no automatic certification for foreign-trained electricians in Ontario, but there is a system to recognize the training and experienced foreign-trained tradespeople have. If you already have training and experience, these are the steps to take to become certified in Ontario: Step 1 To be eligible to write the exam, you must prove that you have worked in the trade for the required number of years (usually about four to five years), and that you have done the work that apprentices do during their apprenticeship. Your first step is to collect all documentation that you have this work experience and training. This documentation should include: • letters from current or past employers, dated and written on company letterhead, which clearly states your job duties (the tasks that you performed at work), dates of employment (how long you worked), and numbers of hours (show the total number of hours) • copies of your certificate or diploma and your licencse, and if available, official transcripts from your training including a detailed list of the subjects covered in each course, and the length of each course. • You can also prepare a Declaration of Electrical Experience ahead of time. If these documents are not in French or English, you must translate them. The most important documents to have are those that describe your work experience, because certification in Ontario is based on the apprenticeship system, which consists of hands-on training. If you did not serve an apprenticeship in Ontario you must show that you have the equivalent experience. Step 2 Visit a Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Field Office, present your documents and fill out an application form. A Ministry Consultant will assess your documents and help you fill out the application form. You may also be asked to fill out and sign an Attestation Form, in which you formally state that you have done all of the work tasks required for that trade. Step 3 If your training and experience is equivalent to an apprenticeship in Ontario you will be able to write the exam.

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You can write the Certificate of Qualification Exam for Electricians at the Field Office. This is a multiple-choice written exam of about 110 to 150 questions (depending on the electrical trade) that test your practical knowledge of electricians’ work. You are allowed three hours to complete it. If you need more time to complete the exam you can begin the exam in the morning and make special arrangements to stay for a maximum of six hours. You can also bring a translator with you. Once you get the Certificate of Qualification, you can also get a Red Seal, which is the interprovincial certificate. If your experience is not equivalent to an apprenticeship in Ontario, you will have to find an employer and get work experience. You may want to enter into an apprenticeship agreement (for industrial electricians) or contract (for construction and maintenance electricians) so that you are trained while working.

Activity 9: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words and phrases, then practise saying each. certificate

licence

equivalent

recognize

attestation

assess

Activity 10: True or false Circle T if the statement is true, or F is the statement is false. T

F

1. Letters from your previous employers are more important to have than certificates.

T

F

2. You must translate all your documents into English.

T

F

3. You will have to have a special assessment of your documents.

T

F

4. The Ministry of Labour is responsible for apprenticeship in Ontario.

T

F

5. Electricians who have two years’ experience overseas will be eligible to write the exam.

T

F

6. Foreign-trained electrical tradespeople who have the equivalent training and experience are eligible to write the exam.

T

F

7. All foreign-trained electrical tradespeople must complete an apprenticeship in Ontario.

T

F

8. Once you pass the Ontario exam you can work in any Canadian province.

T

F

9. The pass mark on the Certificate of Qualification Exam is 80%.

T

F

10. The provincial exam for electricians is a hands-on practical exam held at a worksite.

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Activity 11: Research Use the Yellow Pages to find telephone numbers for the following services. Then call and ask about the charges for these services. Prepare the questions before you call. Service

Telephone number or address

Questions to ask

Translation of documents Apprenticeship Office (Field Office) Textbooks to help prepare for the exam

Activity 12: Fill in the chart Fill in the chart with information on the entry-level requirements for electricians in other countries and in Ontario. Discuss the differences. In Ontario… High school diploma Post secondary education Apprenticeship On-the-job experience Electrician’s licence Knowledge of the industry Knowledge of regulations Knowledge of industry standards Interpersonal skills Team working skills

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In another country of origin…

Certification,

Training,

and

Experience

Canadian experience Canadian experience can be a real barrier for newcomers to Canada. One of the main reasons employers want Canadian experience is so that new workers will adapt to the workplace easily and quickly. You must be able to show that you have knowledge of the Canadian labour market, understand the Canadian work ethic, and are familiar with common workplace practices. There are many ways to get this knowledge and some exposure to the Canadian workplace. Here are some examples: Become a volunteer Being a volunteer provides you with the opportunity to work in a Canadian setting, and to show your commitment to the community. It also gives you a Canadian reference. To find out about volunteer jobs, call a community agency that does work in your area such as the volunteer association in your city. Ask for the volunteer coordinator to get information about volunteering. Research the Ontario workplace Talk to a few people who have successfully adapted to the Canadian workplace. Compare the Canadian workplace with the workplace that you used to work in and find the differences. If possible, do volunteer work in your field.

Join a temporary placement agency Temporary placement agencies place workers in short-term assignments for companies who require short-term help. Unless you really like change and can afford to be without work for periods of time, this is a difficult way to make a living. This may be a good way to get Canadian experience but make sure you still have time to look for a permanent job.

Co-op programs Some public schools and community colleges offer co-op programs where you can do academic upgrading and get on-thejob practice through co-op job placements. These are unpaid jobs, but they give you the opportunity to get Canadian experience.

Source: Community college course calendars

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Activity 13: Discussion 1. What transferable skills would this volunteer position provide?

Volunteers Wanted Community Centre is looking for a handyperson to help maintain and upkeep the centre Call Joseph at 123-4567.

2. How could this volunteer position add to your “Canadian experience”?

Activity 14: Research Check in your local newspaper or search the Internet for a volunteer opportunity that interests you. Some volunteer organizations, such as the volunteer centre in your city, may have their own postings on a Web site.

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For more information on…

apprenticeship and licensing for general information and to find the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Office for your area, visit the Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Training and Universities Web site at www.edu.gov.on.ca look in the Blue Pages under Government of Ontario, Apprenticeship Offices

translation and evaluation of foreign documents visit a settlement agency in your city and request the help of a counsellor look in the Yellow Pages under translators. Call around and compare prices visit the World Education Services Web site at www.wes.org. This type of evaluation is not required, but acceptable, for trades documentation the Ontario Comparative Education Service at the University of Toronto evaluates secondary and post-secondary credentials for employment purposes. For information, call 416-978-2185

addresses and Web sites for community colleges for a list of Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology visit the Ministry of Education and Training Web site: www.edu.gov.on.ca

materials to help in preparation for the exam pick up a copy of the Apprenticeship Training Standards for your trade at the Apprenticeship Field Office Take a pre-exam course at a community college or vocational school Study the following textbooks and manuals: Standard Textbook of Electricity (Delmar Publishers) Electronics for Industrial Electricians (Delmar Publishers) Canadian Electrical Code (Canadian Standards Association) Residential Wiring (Delmar Publishing) Commercial Wiring (Delmar Publishing)

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Terminology

Tools Tasks Communication Health and Safety Personal Plan

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6

TOOLS In this unit you will learn about hand tools power tools reporting faulty power tools describing tool usage and faults

Real stories... The Robertson screwdriver Some time around the turn of the century, Peter Lymburner Robertson was setting up a street booth from which he planned to sell tools, when the slot-headed screwdriver he was using slipped out of the screw head and slashed open his hand. “There must be a better way,” he mumbled to himself. He then went on to create the ultimate screwdriver. P. L. Robertson patented his square-headed driver and screw system in 1908. And not long after, the Fisher Body Company (famous for constructing the Ford Model T) decided to use his invention in its production line. Robertson’s colour-coded screwdrivers–green, red and black from smallest to largest, and square-headed screws–dominate the Canadian fastening market: 85% of the screws sold in Canada use the Robertson head. After 90 years of production, Americans are finally accepting the fact that Robertson indeed created a better screwdriver. About 10% of the screws sold in the U.S. are Robertson.

Activity 1: Discussion 1. Do you own and use a Robertson screwdriver? 2. Is the Robertson screwdriver used in other countries? 3. Can you name three other types of screwdrivers? 4. Can you name, in English, three different types of screwdrivers used by electrical tradespeople?

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Tools You learned in the previous reading that there is at least one tool that is unique to Canada: the Robertson screwdriver. There are many tools that different electricians use, and in some cases many different names for one tool. This workshop cannot cover the names for all tools used by electrical workers. In this unit we will talk about some basic electrician’s hand tools, practise how to describe faulty power tools and categorize electrical equipment and supplies using their English names. The Electrician’s tool kit Electricians are expected to have a basic tool kit when they arrive on the job. In general, apprentices collect tools as they train to become a journeyperson electrician. When working with a contractor on a construction site, the contractor usually furnishes all other necessary tools or equipment and replaces all bits, taps and hacksaw blades broken on the job. The company usually also gives electricians locked storage for their tools and equipment on the job. Maintenance or industrial electricians working for a company are also expected to have a basic tool kit. The company provides power tools and safety equipment. There is usually a locker for each employee where these tools can be stored. Tool maintenance Workers are responsible for the care and maintenance of both the personal and company tools. An important skill and responsibility for electricians is the ability to select and use tools, inspect tools for faults, and do routine maintenance on tools and equipment. Source:Interviews and the Apprenticeship Standards for Electricians

Activity 2: Discussion 1. Do you have a tool kit? 2. Describe the contents of your tool kit. 3. What standard for measurements and weights are you accustomed to using? 4. What are some other differences between tools here in Canada and tools in other countries? 5. How much would you expect to pay for a complete tool kit?

Activity 3: What tools do you need? Work with a partner to write down the name, in English, of the tools you think electricians need in their tool box. Write down as many as you can.

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Tools

Tool lists for electrical apprentices Apprentices supply themselves with the following basic tools. If collected at each stage of their apprenticeship, they have a complete list of tools when they become a Journeyperson electrician: 1st period 1 8" diagonal-cutting pliers 1 long-nose pliers 1 lineman’s pliers 1 pocket knife 1 steel tape, 12-foot or 10-foot 6 Robertson and standard types screwdrivers 1 tool box 1 tool pouch for hand tools

2nd period 1 adjustable hacksaw 1 ball peen hammer

3rd period 1 medium-sized level 1 1/2" cold chisel

4th period 1 voltage tester 1 combination square or 6" square 1 centre punch 1 half-round file

5th period 1 Channelock

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Activity 4: Pronunciation Pronounce each tool name individually and make note of the primary stress for each word. pliers

screwdrivers

belt for hand tools

level

centre punch

lineman’s pliers

chisel

electrician’s knife

ball peen hammer

Channellock*

pocket knife

adjustable hacksaw

Phillips*

tool box

long-nose pliers

Robertson*

tool pouch

voltage tester

*These are name brands

Activity 5: Matching Many tools have different names. Sometimes electricians use the brand name to name the type of tool, as in the use of Channellock for pump-pliers. Match the name of the tool to the nickname: 1. ___ side-cutters

a) diagonal-cutting pliers or diagonal pliers

2. ___ long-nose pliers

b) the smallest-sized Robertson

3. ___ Channellock

c) needle-nose pliers

4. ___ pocket knife

d) pump pliers

5. ___ red handle

e) electrician’s knife

6. ___ green handle

f) a medium-sized Robertson

7. ___ yellow handle

g) the largest-sized Robertson

8. ___ black handle

h) the most commonly-used Robertson

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Activity 6: Fill in the blanks Use the name of the appropriate tool to complete these sentences. electrician’s pocket knife

long-nose pliers

diagonal-cutting pliers

voltage tester

lineman’s pliers

needle-nose pliers

1. ___________________________ are used to snip wires in tight places such as small fixture boxes. 2. __________________________ are usually used to bend wires to fit around screw terminals. 3. __________________________ is a heavy-duty tool used for pulling cable into fixture boxes, bending wire, and twisting knockouts from metal boxes. 4. An __________________________ has a safety lock to keep it from closing in use. The straight part of the blade is used to strip insulation from heavy cable before it is connected. 5. A _________________________ is used to check that the current is off inside an electrical box before beginning a job, and to determine which is the incoming hot wire in a circuit.

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An electrician’s tool kit All electricians are required to have the following tools: 1/2" cold chisel

1/2" wood chisel

6" square

600-volt tester

8" diagonal pliers

adjustable hacksaw

ball peen hammer

belt or pouch for hand tools

cable stripper

centre punch

Channellock

claw hammer

coax cable crimper

combination square

conduit bender

continuity tester

electrician’s knife

fish tape

half-round file

keyhole saw

level

lineman’s pliers

long-nose pliers

pipe bender

ratchet

Robertson screwdriver

screwdrivers

solenoid voltage tester

tap wrench

tin snips

tool box

wire stripper

wire basket

Activity 7: An electrician’s tool kit Work with a partner to write a list of three other tools that an electrician needs. First decide if this electrician works in commercial, residential, construction or industrial settings.

Activity 8: Pronunciation Practise the pronunciation for each tool. Ask the instructor to help you with the tool names that you find difficult to pronounce. Mark the main stress for each word to help you pronounce them clearly. chisel

tap wrench

belt for hand tools

square

centre punch

coax cable crimper

cable stripper

claw hammer

ball peen hammer

tin snips

fish tape

conduit bender

continuity tester

diagonal pliers

adjustable hacksaw

Channellock

keyhole saw

lineman’s pliers

ratchet

pipe bender

combination square

solenoid tester

wire basket

long-nose pliers

half-round file

wire stripper

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Activity 9: Fill in the blanks Fill in the blanks with a tool that best suits the definition. (One does not fit.) conduit bender

cable stripper

voltage tester

fish tape

pipe cutter

continuity tester

1. A __________________________ turns metal conduit around a corner without crimping. 2. _____________________ is used to pull cables and wires through walls, ceilings, and other enclosed spaces. 3. A __________________________ slits plastic sheathing on electrical cables without damaging the wires inside. 4. A __________________________ is used to secure wire and cable to the end of a fish tape. 5. A hacksaw can be used to cut heavy wall conduit, a _______________________ can be used for smaller pipes. There is a metal-cutting tool and a plastic-cutting tool. 6. A ____________________________________ is used to ensure that the power has been shut off at a panel or circuit and to check the wiring of 240-volt circuits.

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Activity 10: Asking for clarification In pairs, practise the sample dialogue, then make up your own dialogues using the information given by replacing the text in italics.

Dialogue sample Luiz: Pass me the screwdriver. Bruce: Do you want the Robertson or the Phillips? Luiz: Pass me the Robertson screwdriver. Bruce: Is that the one with the square tip? Luiz: Yeah, pass me the square-tip.

Dialogue 1

Dialogue 2

Hammer

Robertson

Ball peen or regular hammer

Green handle or red handle

Regular hammer

Green handle

The one with the claw?

The square tip with a green handle?

Dialogue 3

Dialogue 4

Pliers

Make up your own.

Diagonal or long nose? Diagonal pliers The ones with the short jaws?

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Tools

Power tools

Activity 11: Power tools Using a dictionary and your knowledge of English terms to complete this information. Work in groups. Work with a group to list six power tools that you have used or that electricians might need at work: 1. electrical drill

4.

2.

5.

3.

6.

Now brainstorm ten faults that are possible in these power tools: 1. The chuck slips.

4.

2.

5.

3.

6.

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Activity 12: Reporting a faulty power tool Work in pairs to think of ways to report faulty power tools. Practise reporting each fault to the supervisor: 1. The clutch on this drill is stuck. Could we have it repaired? 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Activity 13: The right tool for the job An important way to do the job well, and avoid accidents, is to use the right tool for each job. Choose tools from this unit for each of the activities listed below: 1. cutting

keyhole saw

2. drilling 3. fastening 4. forming and ending 5. crimping 6. layout 7. levelling 8. rigging 9. splicing 10. wire and cable pulling

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Activity 14: The right tool for the job Use the information in the chart above to make correct sentences in English about the use of each tool. For example: A keyhole saw is the right tool to use when cutting a hole in drywall. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Tricks of the trade… When trying to fish a wire in a wall, try inserting a few feet of 2 pair phone wire into your hole at least three feet or so. Run your snake in the other hole with a small hook on the end. Give the snake a few twists and pull it out. If not caught, try again. The phone wire is so flexible you can usually pull a knot of it down through a ¾” hole then tie on your wire or cable and pull it in. If hand tools are carried in a metal enclosed toolbox, condensation may cause the tools to rust or oxidize. To help prevent this from occurring, place a piece of charcoal in the toolbox. The charcoal will absorb the moisture and prolong tool life. Source: www.elec-toolbox.com/main.html

Activity 15: Tricks of the trade Answer the following questions by referring to the stories and to your own experience: 1. What tools are discussed in the readings? 2. How is wiring different here in Canada from other countries? How are the buildings different? 3. What advice do you have for fishing wires in walls and ceilings?

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the perfect tool kit

For more information on…

talk to an electrician, ask an employer or get a list from a union hall

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equipment and supplies look in electrical supply catalogues search the Internet for electrical tools visit a local building supplies store such as Home Depot, Revy’s or the Tool Box use picture dictionaries to help with the English names of equipment and supplies browse an on-line catalogue. For example, the on-line catalogue for P.P. Electronic Components Ltd., Canadian Tire for basic tools, and others.

terminology www.elec-tool box.com/main.html This Web site is American, but it has a ton of information for electrical contractors. Search for definitions, useful formulas, electrical symbols, tricks of the trade, pictures of bad wiring, and more. glossary of electrical terminology at www.thelearningpit.com/elec/glossary

where to buy tools look in the Yellow Pages under electrical supplies. Most electricians buy their tools from wholesalers. You should ask other electrical tradespeople about the best place to buy tools.

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WORK TASKS In this unit you will learn terminology for electrical equipment and supplies schematic drawings work tasks and procedures You will also practise describing your abilities

Real stories… Knob and tube wiring Older electrical systems can have many interesting aspects to them. Knob and tube wiring gets its name from the knobs (or insulators) used to keep the wires isolated from objects and the ceramic tubes used to line holes, for example, through wooden floor joists. Knob and tube wiring can be found in homes over 50 years in age unless they have been updated. You may find it with older, 60 amp (or less) services. Although the actual wire used may largely be no different from that used today, it consists of only a hot (black) and neutral (white) wire. That is, there is no ground wire. Both wires must run separately to fixtures as opposed to those used now, which are contained within one plastic sheathing. In addition, junction boxes for housing electrical connections were seldom, if ever, used. Although knob and tube is a workable system, and safe when installed and used properly, it would be too costly to maintain or even, install this type of wiring today. However, there are some concerns with this system. Some insurance companies are now refusing to provide homeowners with insurance on houses with knob and tube wiring. Source: www.grassroots.ca

Activity 1: Discussion Answer the questions based on the reading and your knowledge of wiring in Canada. 1. How is knob and tube wiring insulated? 2. How is modern wire insulated? 3. Knob and tube wiring consists of a black and a white wire. What colour is the ground wire in modern wiring? 4. Are the colours used in Canada the same as in other countries? If not, what are the differences? 5. What are three dangers in the use of knob and tube wiring? 6. Why is knob and tube no longer used?

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Electrical supplies

Activity 2: Categorize the electrical supplies Use these words and classify them under the correct category in the chart. air type switchgear

building cables

cable trays and ladders

cellular floor duct

circuit breakers

non-metallic sheathed cable

free air conductors

fuses

non-metallic underground duct

flexible conduit

low voltage wiring

overload devices

PVC

underground cable

rigid building conduit

switchboard meters

switches

trench duct

underfloor duct

surface raceways

high voltage wiring

busways

coaxial cable

oil type switchgear

surface raceways

transformers

Conduits

Wire and Cable

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Service Control Devices

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Tricks of the trade… A hot air gun comes in handy when a quick bend is needed for PVC conduit. Just heat the area to be bent until pliable and then make your bend. Larger conduits can be bent by inserting the area of the conduit to be bent through a three or four inch PVC tee and the hot air gun in the remaining opening in the tee. Leave the conduit in the tee until it’s bendable. Source: www.elec-toolbox.com/main.html

Measuring and testing equipment Electricians must be able to select and use measuring and testing equipment such as voltage meters, solenoid voltage meters, oscillographs, oscilloscopes, and anmetres.

Activity 3: Pronunciation Practise the pronunciation for each piece of equipment. Listen to the instructor and mark the main stress for each word to help you pronounce it clearly, then practise saying each word. voltage

solenoid

meters

oscillographs

oscilloscopes

anmetres

Activity 4: Testing and measuring Mix and match the words to form sentences about your own training and experience: to determine

resistance

to measure

voltage

to calibrate

current

to adjust

power and frequency

to calculate

phase sequence

a voltage meter a solenoid voltage meter I can use an oscillograph an oscilloscope

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Tricks of the trade… When working on a large job, take your set of blueprints and colour code all of your circuits. Then make a legend off to the side on that set of prints telling you which colour corresponds with what circuit. This helps speed up the job and makes things go much smoother, when all the circuits are somewhat divided up in coloured sections. What I usually do on the light plan is colour in all the lights that are on the same circuit. This makes it much easier to see, because with some of the drawings nowadays, especially CAD drawings, it is really hard to see where the engineer intended for the circuit to start and end. On the power plan, I just loop all my receptacle circuits and then colour in the area of the homerun, according to what colour j-box I have it going to. This is really great for apprentices, because it will not confuse them, and it also makes looking at the prints quicker. Source: www.elec-toolbox.com/main.html

Activity 5: Pronunciation Mark the main stress for each word to help you pronounce it clearly. blueprint

legend

plan

drawing

CAD

power plan

homerun

j-box

Activity 6: Terminology for schematic drawings Discuss these questions about the reading: 1. Do you agree with the tricks suggested in the reading? 2. Have you ever used these tricks? 3. What different drawings and blueprints have you worked with? (CAD or other?) 4. Can you read electrical symbols with ease?

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Activity 7: Terminology for schematic drawings Practise this commonly used terminology and sentence patterns by writing three sentences to describe why schematic diagrams are used. Start the sentence with Electricians… electrical code specification technical manuals ladder logic diagrams

layout to determine

read and interpret

distribution drawings

code compliance to understand

architectural plans

specifications

electrical plans as-built drawings

1. 2. 3. 4.

Terminology to describe work tasks and procedures Once you are familiar with using terminology to describe and discuss tools and equipment used by electricians, it is time to describe complete work tasks. It is very important to be able to describe the work tasks and procedures that you are familiar with. This way, you will be well prepared to talk with Ministry consultants, employers and English-speaking colleagues. If you have difficulty describing your experience in English, here is some English terminology used to describe work tasks and procedures. Practise the pronunciation of key words, and write a short personal experience statement. When talking about work tasks and procedures, consider all aspects of the job: health and safety, installation, maintenance of equipment and tools, general operational procedures, communication with co-workers, troubleshooting, planning and preparation, reading and revising drawings, and knowledge of standards and regulations.

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Activity 8: Experience checklist Apprentices receive a list of competencies that they have to complete during their apprenticeship period. A competency is a description of what a person can do. You can also use the word to be competent, which means that you are good at doing something. Read the checklist competencies for industrial and construction and maintenance electricians. Make a check mark beside the competencies that you are familiar with, and think of an example.

'

Competencies Protect self and others Communicate Select and use hand and power tools Install, maintain and repair wiring systems Select, install, maintain and repair lighting systems Select and use test and measuring equipment Read, interpret and revise schematic drawings and documentation Install, maintain and troubleshoot power distribution systems Select, install and maintain batteries and battery charges Install, maintain and troubleshoot control systems Install, maintain, and troubleshoot rotating equipment Install, maintain and troubleshoot motor drive systems

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Install, maintain and troubleshoot microprocessor-based systems Select, install and test grounding and bonding systems Select, install, and maintain communication systems Select, install and maintain power distribution equipment Select, install and maintain instrumentation equipment Install and maintain stand-by power systems Select, install and maintain lighting systems Read, interpret and revise drawings and specifications

Activity 9: Discussion 1. Did you have difficulty giving examples for each of the competencies? 2. Tell your group about your experience. 3. Listen to others describe their skills to find out who in the group has similar experience.

Activity 10: Pronunciation Practise the sound at the end of the words ending in –tion. install

installation

inspect

inspection

distribute

distribution

instrument

instrumentation

prevent

prevention

generate

generation

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Activity 11: Matching Match the question with the answer. When you are done, role-play the questions and answers with your partner. 1. ___ Can you identify hazardous conditions, equipment and materials and report or correct according to the Ontario Health and Safety Act and company procedures? 2. ___ Can you put in new program logic circuit (PLC) hardware and software in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and the manufacturer’s specifications? 3. ___ Can you use common trade or layperson’s language to explain a job to a customer? 4. ___ Do you regularly use power distribution drawings and specifications to understand a building’s power supply system? 5. ___ Do you have experience determining the load, size, type and installation requirements for power distribution panels before installation? 6. ___ Are you good at finding problems in control systems?

a) Yes, I can protect others and myself. I am familiar with the OHSA. b) Yes, I can communicate clearly, and explain what I am doing. c) Yes, I’m very good at troubleshooting control systems. d) Yes, I can read and interpret many kinds of drawings, and revise them as built. e) Yes, I have experience installing computerized equipment. f)

Yes, I do very precise planning and preparation before any installation.

Tricks of the trade… When installing underground services, I found a way to cut the installation time in half. I lay the triplex cable next to the trench, glue 20 feet of pipe together, and slide it down the wire. Once it is all glued up, I roll it into the trench. I’'ll never break my back pulling wires again! Source: www.elec-toolbox.com/main.html

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Activity 12: Writing Read the description of work experience training and then write a sentence about your own work experience using the correct terminology. 1. Rules and Regulations: Safety rules and removal of hazards. Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Canadian Electrical Code. 2. Tools: Care and use of power tools and equipment, test instruments, measuring and layout tools. Layout, cutting. Drilling, reaming, threading, forming and ending, fastening, welding, soldering, grinding, levelling, wire and cable pulling, rigging. 3. Installation: Install rigid building conduit, flexible conduit, surface raceways, underground ducts and busways. 4. Wire and Cable: Wire and cable pulling, terminating and testing. Circuit finding, installation of extra low voltage wiring, non-metallic sheathed cable, building cables, and high voltage cables. 5. Insulation: Taping conductors and removing tape. Applying rigid insulation. Applying insulating liquids, paints, varnishes, dipping and baking, insulation testing, and maintenance. 6. Storage Batteries: Installation, removal and necessary servicing of primary cells and storage cells. 7. Lighting: Installation of incandescent and fluorescent lighting, quartz, metal arc and vapour lighting systems. Maintain and service these systems. 8. Heating and cooling: Installation of electric and high frequency heating and electrical components of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Servicing and repairing these systems.

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Describing your experience Employers want to know that you have the skills needed to do the work. To describe these skills, Electricians need to talk about projects that they have worked on, and include specific information about the equipment used, the type of wiring, etc. When you apply for a job in Canada, employers want to know about your work experience. You have to talk about: •

where you worked

•

how long you worked there

• •

your position (job title, occupation) your duties and responsibilities

Here is an example: “In Russia, I worked in a public utilities company for five years. I started as a maintenance electrician. After three years, I was promoted to foreman. I kept records and issued paycheques to staff.”

When applying for your electrician’s licence you will have to show proof that you have had relevant experience. Some foreign-trained electricians choose to prepare a Declaration of Electrical Experience that describes their competencies. Here is an example.

Declaration of Electrical Experience Project: Electricity power supply control for exhaust fan, production and office Job title: Maintenance electrician Tasks performed: Installed 20 sets of 3-phase 380 V exhaust fans to improve the production environment in a garment factory. Installed a 10 A main MCCB electricity power supply including a distribution power supply panel, containing a 20 x 15A MCB 3phase and bus bar. Also installed 4” X 3” cable trunking connection from the MCB panel to the exhaust fan, and conduit pipe size 20 mm to connect the MCB board to the exhaust fan, including the control exhaust fan switch. Performed cable insulation circuit check.

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Activity 13: Your experience statement Write your experience statement using the examples above as a model. Use this statement to tell people about your training, experience and knowledge. The more people know about you, the more they are able to tell others! Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to get a job.

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work tasks

For more information on…

pick up a copy of the Training Standards for your trade at your local Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Office. To get the address, look under Apprenticeship in the blue pages of your telephone book, or visit the Ministry of Training, Cooleges and Universities Web site, www.edu.on.ca, and follow the links to Apprenticeship.

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visit your local library and search for occupation profiles for electricians. You can look for the National Occupational Classification published by HRDC and the Career Monographs published by University of Toronto Press. read Towards 2001 on the Web site: www.toronto-hrdc.sto.org read Ontario Job Futures: www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/jobfutures

materials to help in preparation for the exam pick up a copy of the Apprenticeship Training Standards for your trade at the Apprenticeship Field Office Take a pre-exam course at a community college or vocational school Study the following textbooks and manuals: Standard Textbook of Electricity (Delmar Publishers) Electronics for Industrial Electricians (Delmar Publishers) Canadian Electrical Code (Canadian Standards Association) Residential Wiring (Delmar Publishing) Commercial Wiring (Delmar Publishing)

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8

COMMUNICATION In this unit you will learn about communication skills needed at work workplace culture in construction and industry government and industry standards You will also practise dialogues for workplace communication

Communication in the workplace Miscommunication in the workplace can result in isolation, accidents, dismissal and confusion. Employers are looking for workers who are able to communicate well. This does not mean that your English must be perfect, in fact as the reading above suggests, in many cases electricians may use gestures and other methods of communication. One of the main concerns that employers have about hiring people who speak English as a second language (ESL) is that they will either make a mistake because they have misunderstood instructions, or that they will not be able to respond clearly and quickly in case of an accident. You must reassure them that you are able to work well, and to communicate clearly. The following is a list of situations where communication is important: • giving information to supervisors and co-workers, usually in person or using a walkietalkie • taking directions from supervisors or more experienced workers about health and safety, work progress and how to complete tasks • talking with other workers about ideas and work plans, for example, the electrical engineer confirms the specifications for a transformer • talking with suppliers about the prices of equipment, supplies and tools, and ask how to repair equipment • discussing safety, goals, procedures, time frames and deadlines and projects in staff meetings, training courses, and health and safety committee • reading information on electrical equipment indicating warnings and emergency procedures • reading procedures and regulation manuals, and use equipment manuals when installing new equipment • filling out maintenance sheets, after installing or servicing equipment.

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Activity 1: Discussion 1. Name five other situations where you need good oral communication skills? 2. Name five situations where you need to communicate by gestures or in other ways? 3. What are two tasks for which you need good written communication skills? 4. Name the job titles for five people you would come into contact with during a workday. 5. Do you feel your communication skills are appropriate for the workplace?

Activity 2: Classify the communication tasks Read each job task and discuss examples of each with your group. Then work individually and decide what communication skill is being used. Write the letter for the skill in front of the work task. L – listening

E – explaining

R – reading

IT – understanding and using computer technology

W – writing

F – understanding forms, charts or graphs

__

1. Read and interpret blueprints, technical documentation, regulations and written instructions.

__

2. Give and receive electronic communications.

__

3. Write job-related reports and documentation.

__

4. Interact effectively and in a professional manner with others to perform work safely.

__

5. Use basic computer inputting skills, including keyboarding, bar code and touch screens.

__

6. Use public address systems, telephones, pagers, radios, and cell phones, and to convey instructions and procedures safely and efficiently.

__

7. Read and interpret technical documentation.

__

8. Give and receive verbal information.

__

9. Write job-related reports and documentation.

__

10. Interact effectively with others.

__

11. Interact effectively with computers.

__

12. Interact effectively through communication devices.

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Tricks of the trade… When two electricians are pulling wire through a conduit run, and they are too far apart to talk to each other (or it’s too noisy), use a code system to communicate. One tug means Stop, two tugs means. I'm read, go, three tugs means We're here. Stop now. This obviously only works with pulling by hand, but if properly understood by both parties, it can be a very effective means of communication. Source: www.elec-toolbox.com/main.html

Working on a crew As an electrician, you need to be a team player but also know how to solve problems with people of different backgrounds. If you’re working on a crew and one person is not pulling his or her weight, what would you do? Giving and responding to advice and suggestions is an important part of teamwork. However, advice may sometimes be seen as criticism. If you are trying to give advice and it really is a criticism, make sure that it is “constructive criticism”. Before giving advice, it is a good idea to check to see whether or not your perception is correct. Here are some phrases that you might use: Is something wrong? Is something the matter? Have you run into a problem? Even when your co-worker admits he or she is having a problem, it is a good idea to ask for permission before giving advice. Here are some phrases that you may use: May I make a suggestion? I wonder if I could make a suggestion. Maybe I can help. Your co-worker may give you permission by saying something like: Please do. That would be great. Or he or she may say: No, it’s OK. Thanks. Thanks, but I’ll figure it out. When giving the actual advice, you can say: Maybe you should try… Possibly you could… Why don’t you try…?

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Activity 3: Helping a co-worker Use the information in the previous exercise to role-play the dialogue below. Try the dialogue several times, each time changing the phrases. You: Your buddy: You:

Activity 4: Responding to requests In these dialogues, you will have to develop the correct questions and answers for the different situations and practise them in a role-play.

Dialogue Chris: Do you want me to help you set up the ladder? Raul: Sure, if you don’t mind. Chris: Not at all. I’m not that busy right now. Raul: Thanks. That would be great.

Try these... 1. Erect the scaffolding 2. Put away the power tools 3. Install the ballasts

Activity 5: Helping out at work Use tools from Unit 6 and work tasks from Unit 7 to write a dialogue. You: Could you please explain to me what a _____________________ is? Your buddy: Sure. A ________________ is used for ________________________. You: Oh, I see/I understand. Do you have one around? Your buddy: Yes. There is one in the ______________________.

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Tricks of the trade… When trying to fish a wire in a wall, try inserting a few feet of 2 pair phone wire into your hole at least three feet or so. Run your snake in the other hole with a small hook on the end. Give the snake a few twists and pull it out. If not caught, try again. The phone wire is so flexible you can usually pull a knot of it down through a ¾” hole then tie on your wire or cable and pull it in. Source: www.elec-tool box.com/main.html

Activity 6: Giving advice Two of the main reasons for being able to describe work tasks in detail are the ability to give advice to laypersons and the ability to talk among colleagues about different experiences. Work in pairs to come up with an electric installation, maintenance, health and safety or other problem that might be difficult to solve. Write it on a piece of paper and pass it to another group. Once you have received a problem, try to think of a solution and how you would describe, in English, the solution to this project. Prepare to give advice to the rest of the group.

Workplace culture Workplace culture refers to the values and ethics of companies and communities. These values can be seen in company logos, the way employers treat the staff, the work ethic, the dress code of the workplace, etc. Workers who understand these values will have the best chance of succeeding in that work environment. Be conscious of your environment, observe other workers, listen carefully to the way people communicate with each other, and learn the vocabulary of the company. Some examples of workplace culture are: • At a worksite where construction workers are unionized, the culture will be pro-union. There may be some hard feelings towards workers who are not unionized because they work for less money. Union workers value job security. • Electrical workers at all worksites comply with the health and safety practices. Workers who do not do so are not respected. • Drinking on the job is not allowed, and understood by workers as a potentially dangerous activity. Many workers do go out for a drink with co-workers when they are off-duty. • It is not general practice for workers to accept tea or coffee offered by customers during home visits.

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Real stories… There are several examples of the company culture in this mission statement.

Our company is committed to community and people We work for our customers in every community throughout Ontario, whether they are individuals or local governments. Every one of our employees is an ambassador for our company. He or she represents us in business, and within the communities in which they live and work. We will always be committed to encouraging and supporting activities that will help keep communities strong and healthy. Diversity We value the background, experience, perspective, and talent of each individual. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the diverse populations of the communities in which we operate. We regard differences as positive — they help us provide better products and services to customers. We encourage applications from qualified women, men, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples, and persons with disabilities.

Compensation and benefits Our compensation and benefits are competitive and are based on performance. We offer competitive salaries and vacation schedules, health and dental plans, life insurance, pensions, sick leave provisions and disability coverage. Continuous learning We provide the best in continuous learning and skills upgrading. They are essential to our success today and in the future. Our employees are expected to identify opportunities for personal career development and acquisition of new knowledge and skills, and we support their efforts and provide equal access to these opportunities. This policy, combined with the fact that our company advertises all its positions internally, provides a high potential for career growth. Adapted from: www.hydroone.com

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Activity 7: True or false Test your reading comprehension by answering these true or false questions about the reading. T

F

1. This company has a strong commitment to equal opportunity.

T

F

2. This company values customer satisfaction.

T

F

3. This company offers a weak benefits package.

T

F

4. This company probably has excellent training for new workers.

T

F

5. This company rewards good performance by staff.

T

F

6. This company encourages training and upgrading.

T

F

7. There are opportunities for advancement in this company.

T

F

8. This company offers a good benefits package.

T

F

9. This company never donates money to community events.

T

F

10. This company is looking for employees who agree with its values.

Activity 8: Acronyms used in the trade Test your knowledge of the acronyms used in this trade. More importantly, how are they pronounced? CSA

CEC

UL

GFCI

ISO

Activity 9: Discussion 1. What Canadian standards for electrical work are you familiar with? 2. Can you name at least five associations or organizations that set standards for electrical installations, production, maintenance, repairs, construction, safety, etc.?

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Standards and regulations Standards are the required, expected or accepted level of quality. There are standards that describe how to operate equipment, specifications on how to install electrical fixtures and equipment, and safety certification for electrical supplies and equipment. Standards and safety certification guarantee that electrical supplies and equipment are safe for use. Companies set the standards for the work that they do, and comply with external standards set by governments and other regulatory bodies. Here are some examples: Electrical Safety Authority The Electrical Safety Authority is the standard bearer for the safe use of electric power, equipment and installations in Ontario as defined by Bill 35 of the Energy Competition Act. As such, the Electrical Safety Authority is directly responsible for ensuring compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. By law, the Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires an inspection of all electrical installations, including all routine electrical maintenance work. Routine maintenance work includes: • any maintenance work on the electrical system that requires that the conductors be opened • replacement of any switch, receptacle, or fluorescent lighting ballast • repairs to defective ventilation motors, breaker over current devices, panel boards or distribution centres. Canadian Standards Association (CSA) The Canadian Standards Association certifies electrical equipment for safety. For example, equipment, supplies and personal safety equipment must be CSA approved. Look for the CSA approved stamp on the next lighting fixture or pair of boots that you buy. ISO 9000 For electricians working in industry and manufacturing, it is important to know about ISO 9000. ISO 9000 is a set of universal standards for quality assurance. Industries and manufacturers who are ISO 9000 certified have an excellent system which ensures that their products are made the same way every time. Manufacturers that design their own products and build them use ISO 9001. Organizations that provide goods or services consistent with the specifications of the customer use ISO 9002 The least detailed standard is ISO 9003, which refers to the final inspection and test procedures. QS 9000 is the automotive industry standard and includes all of ISO 9001 and ISO 9002 plus industry and customer-specific requirements. General Motors (GM), Ford, Chrysler and heavy truck manufacturers developed it. Companies that supply car makers with parts also have to be QS 9000 certified. Source: Canada Works,CIC, 1999

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Company Standards Companies set their own standards of practice through various policies and procedures, such as the health and safety policy, or lockout procedures. New employees must be trained in these policies, and work according to them.

Activity 10: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words and phrases, then practise saying each. CSA

ISO 9000

inspection

specifications

certification

standard

Activity 11: Discussion 1. Pass around several objects, including light sockets, plugs, switches, boxes, tools, etc. and check for seals of certification. What are they? What other specifications appear on these supplies and tools? 2. What other standards are you familiar with? Can you name and describe them? 3. Can you list three major differences in Canadian standards and standards in other parts of the world?

Activity 12: True or false T

F

1. Companies don’t have to comply with safety standards set by the government.

T

F

2. If you replace a fan, you need an inspection.

T

F

3. If you replace your panel, you need an inspection.

T

F

4. The Ministry of Energy does home inspections.

T

F

5. Manufacturers who have their ISO 9000 certification make their products the same way every time.

T

F

6. CSA approved safety equipment is equipment that meets Canada’s safety standards.

T

F

7. Companies that supply car makers with parts don’t have to be QS 9000 certified.

T

F

8. Replacement of a fluorescent lighting ballast requires an inspection.

T

F

9. A company’s safety policy states its safety standards.

T

F

10. All employers and individuals must comply with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

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Activity 13: Standards and regulations Make sentences by combining the verbs on the left with the regulations on the right. 1. ___comply with

a) Occupational Health and Safety Act

2. ___interpret

b) Ontario Electrical Safety Code

3. ___apply

c) Workers’ Compensation Act

4. ___understand

d) Canadian Standards Association

5. ___follow

e) Electrical Safety Authority

Activity 14: Describe your abilities Use some of the work tasks in unit 7 to describe your ability to understand and comply with standards. safely. efficiently.

I am able to… I have experience… (use – ing after the verb)

in accordance with company standards. work tasks in accordance with company procedures.

I know how to…

in accordance with government standards. in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code.

Activity 15: Understand and comply with standards Using the information in the chart above, write eight sentences that describe your ability to do the duties of an electrician. The best way to do this is to give examples of work that you have done in the past, or training that you received. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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Activity 16: Putting it all together Using the information in this unit, form sentences about your ability to communicate in the workplace. Mix and match the information in this chart to describe your communication skills. safely.

answer explain resolve I can… I am able to… I know how to… I have experience… (use – ing after the verb)

respond to describe complete give understand read

an incident report

efficiently.

instructions

in a friendly way.

blueprints

clearly.

technical documentation

correctly. to company standards.

procedures in accordance with company standards.

memos email messages

in accordance with company procedures.

warnings in accordance with government regulations.

write

Activity 17: Describe your skills Using the information from the chart above, write five sentences that describe your skills. You can include some of these in a cover letter when you are ready for your job search. For example: I know how to complete incident reports in accordance with government regulations. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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standards and certification

For more information on…

copies of the Electricain’s Code books are available from community college bookstores (look under community college, bookstore in your phone book) or from the Canadian Standards Association. The cost of Part one of the Code book is about $60.00.

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Canadian Standrads Association (CSA) 178 Rexdale Boulevard Toronto, Ontario M9W 1R3 416-747-4000 see the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) Web site at www.esa.org Canada Works has more information on ISO 9000 and information on workplace culture.

workplace culture read the mission statements of different companies. Some companies have these statements on brochures that advertise their company. Sometimes you can find a company’s mission statement on its Web site. To see an example visit: www.hydroone.com

communication in the workplace see occupational profiles and descriptions, such as Ontario Job Futures, and the Essential Skills Profiles at www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/jobfutures

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HEALTH AND SAFETY In this unit you will learn about health and safety standards health and safety precautions health and safety signs and symbols

Real stories... Company fined $100,000 for health and safety violation TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2000 – Westinghouse Canada Inc., a large corporation with divisions specializing in the generation of power, was fined $100,000 today for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that resulted in burns to two workers. On July 21, 1998, two workers were drilling a hole into a concrete floor to install new electrical breakers when their drill bit came in contact with a live electrical conduit buried in the cement. An explosion and extensive fire resulted. One of the workers suffered second and third degree burns to half of his body, while the other received flash burns. The accident occurred in front of Number 3 generator at Smoky Falls Generating Station, an electrical power station built in

1927 on the Mattagami River in the District of Cochrane, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Kapuskasing, Ont. The station was owned by Ontario Hydro, which hired Westinghouse Canada Inc. to replace the existing controls in the station with new, more automated controls. Westinghouse, in turn, subcontracted the installation to Comstock Canada Limited of Burlington, Ont. Comstock employed the injured workers. A Ministry of Labour investigation revealed that Westinghouse’s field supervisor had a drawing showing the location of the electrical conduit. The drawing was in the supervisor’s office, located about a quartermile from where the installation was taking place.

Source: Safety Alert from the Ministry of Labour Web site, www.gov.on.ca/lab

Activity 1: Group discussion 1. Look on a map of Ontario to identify the location of this accident. 2. Who owned the station at the time? 3. Who was the contractor hired to do the job? Who was the subcontractor? 4. Why did this accident happen? 5. How could it have been prevented?

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Workplace hazards for electricians The risks that electricians face include falling from a height or receiving electrical shock. Outdoor work is common for construction electricians and power lineworkers, so winter work may be a hazard. Many electricians work in confined spaces, and there are strict regulations about how to perform your work in a confined space. Due to working with high voltages of power, safety procedures must be observed at all times against electrical shock.

Tricks of the trade… On jobs that require hard hats you can always carry a dust mask in the hard hat between the shell and the straps above your head. No going back to the job box for one now! Source: www.elec-toolbox.com/main.html

Activity 2: Pronunciation Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words and phrases, then practise saying each one. confined space

electrical shock

falls

hazards

danger

risks

Activity 3: Discussion 1. What hazards have you encountered at work? 2. Describe some of the precautions that you take when working. 3. Do you know how to administer CPR and first aid? 4. Have you had first aid training? 4. Are you aware of the hazards of working in the winter? What are they?

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Health and safety standards Government health and safety standards The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is a law that sets the standards for workplace health and safety that must be met and upheld in the province of Ontario The Ontario Ministry of Labour is responsible for this Act. The Act says that companies must provide safe workplaces, and that workers must work safely. Industry health and safety standards There are also many sector-specific health and safety organizations that work to keep workplaces in Ontario accident-free. For example, the Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA) provides health and safety training for industrial workers. Company health and safety standards and procedures In unionized workplaces, the union and the employer work together to ensure safety. For example, the current Electrical Construction and Maintenance Worker’s Safety Manual, and the agreement between the IBEW (the electrician’s union) and ECAO (the contractor’s or employer’s association) ensure safe workplaces for construction and maintenance electricians. Other workplaces may have their own safety manuals based on the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

Activity 4: Discussion 1. What were some of the health and safety procedures in your previous workplace? 2. What were these procedures based on? Company standards? Government standards? 3. Are you familiar with the OHSA? What is it? How does it protect workers?

Activity 5: Matching Match the words on the left with the definitions on the right: 1. ___ procedure 2. ___ legislation

a) a description of how things should be done, may be a law or a company standard

3. ___ regulation

b) a law

4. ___ standard

c) a set of rules or regulations followed by an industry d) the way something is done

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Health and safety procedures You can see, in this sample contract for a construction job, an example of procedures required for a construction workplace: The contractor and all employees shall comply fully with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and all other legislation that applies to accident prevention and safe and sanitary working practices. The contractor and all employees shall also comply with procedures outlined by the company and the union safety manuals. The union safety manual will be the minimum standard that must be observed by the company. Employees shall supply themselves with, and wear at all times on the job, an approved safety helmet and safety shoes. The contractor will supply, on loan to the employee, any additional personal safety equipment that the employee would not under normal circumstances be expected to wear, but which may be required for a project. When an employer wishes an employee to wear a specially identified safety helmet, the employer shall provide it on loan, complete with a new liner. The contractor shall not supply or require employees to use high velocity powder actuated tools. Only low velocity, CSA approved tools may be used. Two (2) or more journeypersons shall work together on any energized circuit with a potential of three hundred (300) volts or more. This shall not apply to testing or troubleshooting. The company shall provide approved safety tags and locks for isolating purposes for safety reasons. Adapted from: www.ecao.org/agrmnt/provincial/prov_sec14.html

Activity 6: Reading comprehension Answer the questions based on the information in the contract. 1. What safety procedures must all workers on this site know about (there are three)? 2. What safety equipment must electricians have and wear? 3. What happens when the employer wants the employee to wear special safety equipment? 4. What kind of tools may not be used? In your opinion, why is this? 5. When must electricians work with a “buddy”? 6. What must the company provide for lockouts?

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Health and safety gear and equipment This symbol appears on footwear used where there is danger of high voltage. Electric Shock Resistant Footwear carries this CSA marking tag. Footwear must withstand (under dry conditions) a test potential of 18 kV (18,000 volts), 60 Hz for a period of one minute, without discharge to ground of more than one milliampere (1 mA). This symbol appears on footwear used where there is danger of punctures. If the triangle is green it is Grade I; yellow it is Grade II; red it is Grade III. The triangle designates a puncture resistant sole able to withstand 135 kg of pressure, (300 ft. lbs.) without being punctured by a 5 cm nail. Source: www. www.ccohs.ca

Activity 7: Safety equipment 1. What symbol would appear on the footwear for an electrician working on a construction site? 2. What symbol would appear on the footwear for an electrician working on a power transfer station? 3. What symbol would appear on the footwear for an electrician working on an underground power line? 4. Are these symbols used in other countries? 5. Were you ever involved in an accident at work? 6. Were you wearing the proper safety equipment? 7. What safety equipment have you used or worn before? 8. Did you have to buy it yourself or was it provided by your employer?

Activity 8: Buying safety gear Use a catalogue or call a supply company to get a price for the safety equipment that electrical tradespeople must have. CSA-approved safety boots: CSA-approved helmet: CSA-approved goggles: Other: Practise the questions that you might use when asking about prices.

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Health and safety skills Here is a list of tasks and knowledge that electrical tradespeople need for the prevention of accidents at work: • identify and report workplace safety hazards • maintain a safe work site • select and use protective and safety equipment as per CSAO standards and Occupational Health and Safety Act • work in a safe manner

Activity 9: Matching Match the health and safety skills in the left column with the simple descriptions on the right: 1. ___

administer CPR and emergency first aid

a) put up scaffolding so that it is safe and secure

2. ___

erect, maintain and use scaffolding

3. ___

identify and use firefighting equipment

b) clean up spills, secure cables and wires

4. ___

interpret and apply the industrial Occupational Health and Safety Act

c) use first aid and artificial respiration as required d) work in compliance with government safety regulations

5. ___

interpret and apply safe housekeeping practices

e) read labels describing hazardous substances

6. ___

interpret and apply the WHMIS regulations

f)

7. ___

lockout and tag electrical and mechanical equipment

g) choose the right tool for the job

8. ___

select and use tools and equipment for the job they are intended

9. ___

select, adjust, and use personal protective clothing and equipment

10. ___

work in compliance with employer safety regulations

wear the appropriate shoes, hard hat and goggles when needed

h) find and use the fire extinguisher in case of fire i)

follow the work procedures established by the employer

j)

close down electrical equipment while doing maintenance and repairs so that nobody can turn the power on while the work is being done

Activity 10: Describing safety skills With a partner, practise making sentences with the information in the previous activity. Start with I can… or I know how to… or I have experience with…If you can, give an example.

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Lockouts – An example of safety procedures

Real stories… A painter who was painting a large fan wheel almost lost his hands when some enraged manager cut the lock with bolt cutters because staff were complaining of uncomfortable working conditions. The painter was able to jump clear of the fan as the belts started to screech into action. There was nothing electrical about that situation, only that the regs seem to have fallen short on lockout and tagout procedures. Lockouts are necessary for any work done on equipment that may have residual potential energy (electric, mechanic, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.). The main objective of a lockout system is to prevent the accidental re-energization of equipment that could lead to an accident and possible injury when you are doing maintenance on equipment. Where there is a lock there must be a tag. Flipping off the switch does not constitute a proper lockout. Regulations for Industrial Establishments (Reg. 851 sec. 41) state that the power supply shall be disconnected, locked out and tagged before any work is done. If it can be energized by anyone but the person working on it, it needs to be locked out (this includes live work too). An approved lock must be used. The lock should also have a tag affixed to it with all the necessary information about the operation (name, date, purpose, etc.). The Health and Safety Committee for a workplace should develop a lockout procedure for all employees to follow.

Activity 11: Reading comprehension 1. Explain in your own words what a lockout is. 2. What is a tag? 3. According to the regs, what is the correct lockout procedure? 4. Who is usually responsible for establishing a lockout procedure? 5. In the real story, what was the problem with the lockout procedure?

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Activity 12: Describe a lockout procedure Read the following description of a lockout process:

I prefer the one key - one lock method. I carry my own personal lock and tag with me at all times. My organization is a large pulp and paper mill which employs about 960 people. We have a new lockout process. Our present process still has some of the practices from our old system. One of these is allowing only electricians to open electrical master switches with the exception of the chemical plant. In that part of the operation, operators have always been allowed to open switches for lockout purposes. We hope to make a change that will allow operators to open electrical master switches 700 volts and under. 1. What is the one key – one lock method? 2. What kind of company is this? 3. Are only electricians allowed to open switches? 4. What changes do they want to make? Why? 5. In your opinion, are these changes a good idea? Now write a description of a lockout procedure that you have used in the past:

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Winter work Working in the winter can be dangerous if you are working outdoors and are not protected properly. Frostbite and hypothermia are two conditions that you should be careful of. Here are some tips for protecting yourself and others: 1. Wear clothes that will retain your body heat without sweating. That is, wear several layers of light clothing instead of one heavy layer. 2. Cover your head. A warm hat liner is good for keeping your head and ears warm. 3. Try not to wear tight fitting boots. If you can, change boots regularly so that they can dry out completely. 4. Wear mittens instead of gloves if you can. 5. Avoid wetness because of sweating, rain or snow. 6. Limit the time you spend in extreme cold conditions. 7. Get someone to check you for frostbite. 8. Rest regularly in a sheltered space. 9. Avoid tobacco – the nicotine decreases blood flow. Frostbite: skin looks waxy, white and feels numb (no feeling). DO NOT RUB. Warm

frostbitten area with body heat. Hypothermia: when the body temperature falls below normal, it can be fatal.

The danger signs of hypothermia are shivering, slurred speech, stumbling and drowsiness. First aid is to stop further cooling of the body and to provide heat to begin warming. Treatment: • take the person to shelter •

keep the person awake

•

check breathing

•

apply direct body heat

•

remove wet clothing and wrap the person in warm covers

•

re-warm the neck, abdomen and groin

•

give warm, sweet drinks if the person is conscious

•

call for medical help or take the person to the nearest hospital

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Activity 13: Vocabulary matching Match the words on the left with the definitions on the right. 1. ___ hypothermia

a) awake, not sleeping (can hear and talk)

2. ___ frostbite

b) shaking because you are too cold

3. ___ drowsiness

c) falling when you are trying to walk

4. ___ shivering

d) when your body temperature goes down too far

5. ___ numb

e) a place that is safe and protected

6. ___ fatal

f)

7. ___ slurred speech

g) when you have no feeling in parts of your body

8. ___ stumbling

h) the middle of your body

9. ___ shelter

i)

when one part of your body gets so cold that you cannot feel it

j)

when you have trouble talking and people have trouble understanding

10. ___ conscious 11. ___ abdomen

feeling tired

k) can kill you

Activity 14: Complete the sentences Complete the sentences with the words from the previous reading and exercise. 1. Slurred speech, stumbling and drowsiness are signs of _____________________. 2. Wear several layers of light clothing instead of ___________________________. 3. Avoid tobacco because nicotine decreases _______________________________. 4. When the body temperature falls below normal, it can be ___________________. 5. Limit the time you spend ____________________________________________. 6. Wear mittens instead of _____________________________________________. 7. Cover your head. Wear a ____________________________________________. 8. Check for _____________________________________ if your skin feels numb.

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For more information on…

safety alerts for examples of hazards in the workplace look for safety alerts for electricians, see the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) Web site at www.esa.org

occupational health and safety refer to the Occupational Health and Safety Act visit www.ohcow.on.ca, the Web site for the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers. There are five main health clinics located in Hamilton, Toronto, Sudbury, Windsor, and Sarnia.

personal protective system (PPS) through a person-to-person service by telephone, fax, email or at 1-800-263-8466 (toll-free in Canada) the CCOHS Inquiries Service answers the many health or safety concerns people have about the work they do

health and safety associations Electrical & Utilities Safety Association, 905-890-1011, 1-800-263-5024, 905-890-9249, www.eusa.on.ca Construction Safety Association of Ontario, 1-800-781-2726, or www.csao.org Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: www.ccohs.ca Safety in the Manufacturing Sector Industrial Accident Prevention Association 1-800-387-1210, www.iapa.on.ca

First Aid and CPR training St. John’s Ambulance Look in the Yellow Pages under First Aid

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10

PERSONAL PLAN In this unit, you will learn about training and upgrading preparing for the provincial exam You will also do a self-assessment plan your next steps to employment in Ontario

Training and upgrading Innovations and rapid change in electrical equipment and supplies means that people working in the electrical trades need continuous upgrading to keep up with the changes. It is common for skilled electrical workers to take special courses to upgrade their skills. Many large employers see continuing education as part of the job, and offer extra training and upgrading to their employees. Employers also provide training on new procedures and equipment used at work. Health and safety associations offer training on ways to work safely. There are also courses for electricians preparing to write the provincial exam. Workers usually find out about training and upgrading on a bulletin board at work or from their supervisors or forepersons. For training and upgrading courses offered elsewhere, you must research educational catalogues and bulletin boards at schools, community colleges, community centres and employment resource centres. Here are some examples of course descriptions:

LOCKOUT Training on the Web

Electrical Pre-Exam Pre-requisite: You must be referred by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Apprenticeship Branch, for provincial certification, or have successfully completed the advanced level of apprenticeship training. Fee: $300.00 (includes $10.00 materials fee) Hours: Tu & Th 6:00 – 9:00 Duration: three months

This course will introduce applicable legislation (Ontario), standards and guidelines, provide an understanding of how to identify and assess sources of energy requiring lockout, and explain how to develop a checklist and procedures for controlling lockout hazards. The Internet course will run over a two-week period and takes between 4 – 8 hours to complete. Cost: Free System Requirements: Internet access with an email account, 33.6 bps modem, Windows 95 or higher.

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Activity 1: Reading course calendars Read the course descriptions and answer the questions. 1. What is the prerequisite for each course? 2. What is the cost for each course? 3. Who are these courses for? 4. Are these training or upgrading courses? 5. Which course might you be interested in? Why?

Activity 2: Research Look in brochures and college catalogues or visit the Web site for a union (www.ibewcco.org), a safety association or a community college and look for the list of courses offered to electricians. 1. What are some of the topics covered? 2. Who are these courses intended for? 3. List the name of three courses that you would be interested in taking. 4. Are there prerequisites for these courses? 5. Why do they interest you? 6. What are the schedule and the cost?

Preparing for the provincial exam The content of the exam reflects both the on-the-job and the in-school training. You must know basic electrical theory and commonly used formulas. Work experience will also help you with the exam. This is one reason why work experience is helpful before writing the exam. The best way to prepare for the exam is to make sure that you can perform all of the skills described in the Apprenticeship Training Standards, and explain the theory behind each task. It is also important for you to be comfortable with multiple choice exams.

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Activity 3: Sample multiple choice quiz These are not questions from the exam. There are exam preparation courses that use old exam questions. This activity is just a sample of a multiple choice exam. Take this quiz, then discuss with your instructor and classmates about different strategies for taking a multiple choice exam. 1. All wiring shall be installed so that the completed system will be free from: a) b) c) d)

short circuits grounds shorts circuits and grounds none of these

2. Unless identified for use in the operation environments, no conductors or equipment shall be: a) b) c) d)

exposed to liquids and excessive temperatures exposed to fumes, vapours, and gases located in damp or wet locations all of the above

3. An overload may be caused by a short circuit or ground fault. a) true b) false 4. When considering your working space requirements, concrete, brick, or tile walls shall be considered as: a) b) c) d)

in the way grounded inconsequential none of these

5. Equipment approved for use in dry locations shall be protected against permanent damage from the weather during: a) b) c) d)

building construction building demolition floods hurricanes

Activity 4: Discussion 1. Underline the words in the quiz that you are not familiar with. 2. Are you used to taking multiple choice exams? 3. What are some tips for completing multiple choice exams?

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Activity 5: Preparing for the provincial exam Here is a list of the materials that will help you prepare for the exam:

Materials or courses

Where they are available:

Fee:

Apprenticeship Training Standards Pre-exam courses Standard Textbook of Electricity (Delmar Publishers) Electronics for Industrial Electricians (Delmar Publishers) Canadian Electrical Code (Canadian Standards Association) Residential Wiring (Delmar Publishing) Commercial Wiring (Delmar Publishing)

Self-assessment What are the next steps that you need to take? Before you begin your job search it is important to assess and evaluate your skills, training and objectives. This will help you decide if you are ready for the workplace. A self-assessment helps you to evaluate your training and experience, your employability skills, and your readiness for job search. A self assessment will help you to decide if you should get more training, upgrade your skills, practise your English, or begin your job search immediately. The list of questions on these next pages are based on the skills, knowledge, training, and certification that is required for electricians and on what employers are looking for in new employees. The questions will help you think about your previous education, training, experience, skills knowledge, and interests and help you make a plan of action.

Activity 6: Pronunciation Mark the syllable stress in these words and phrases, then practise saying each. evaluate

assess

readiness

evaluations

assessment

self-assessment

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Activity 7: Your training and experience Read each question carefully and decide if the answer is Yes or No. Make a checkmark in the box. Where the answer is No, consider what steps you can take to change this.

Questions

Yes

No

If no, what steps to take…

Education and training Do you have a high school diploma or the equivalent? Did you do an apprenticeship for your trade in another country? Do you have 4 – 5 years of experience in electrical trades? Do you already have a certificate to work in an electrical trade? Do you already have a licence to work in an electrical trade? If this certificate or licence is in another language, has it been translated?

Experience Do you have letters from previous employers stating how long you have worked in the trade? Do you have a record of the kind of work that you have done and different projects that you have worked on? Have you prepared and practised a personal experience statement?

Knowledge Can you name at least five employers in your field in Ontario? Do you know what employers in Ontario expect of their workers? Are you familiar with the Ontario Electrical Code? Are you familiar with health and safety standards for your trade?

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Activity 8: Your employability skills Read each question carefully and decide if the answer is Yes or No. Make a checkmark in the box. Where the answer is No, consider what steps you can take to change this.

Questions

Yes

Communication and language skills Can you describe your job-related skills clearly in English? Can you tell stories about your previous work experience on the spot? Can you fill out forms and write short reports clearly and correctly in English? Are you comfortable using the telephone and walkie-talkies? Can you describe a common work task or procedure to a co-worker or customer in English?

General skills Are you familiar with the hand tools used in Canada? Can you name these hand tools? Are you familiar with power tools and the safety procedures for how they are used? Can you name power tools? Are you familiar with the names of electrical supplies and equipment in English?

Computer Skills Can you use a word processor? Can you search the Internet and use email? Are you familiar with the hardware and software for computer-assisted manufacturing and other controls?

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No

If no, what steps to take…

Personal

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Activity 9: Job search preparation Read each question carefully and decide if the answer is Yes or No. Make a checkmark in the box. Where the answer is No, consider what steps you can take to change this.

Questions

Yes

No Next steps to take…

Licensing Do you need a licence to work in your trade in Ontario? Do you know where to take the licensing exam? Do you know when you can take the exam? Do you know what textbooks can help you prepare for the exam? Do you know about the application forms that need to be completed?

Credentials assessment Do you need to translate your documents? Do you know where you can translate these documents? Do you know the address of the local Apprenticeship Office? Have you prepared a statement of experience?

Job search Do you have a resume? Have you practised filling out application forms for jobs? Do you know where you can go to get the help of a job search counsellor? Do you know about job search classes and programs for newcomers?

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Where will you go next? Training, upgrading and continuing education courses are available from local boards of education, community colleges, private training institutes and universities. There are fulltime, part-time, and co-op programs, offered during the day, in the evenings, and even on weekends. You can also enrol in private training courses. There may be fees for these courses. Computer courses are available through the continuing education department of the boards of educations, community centres, community colleges or private institutions. If you feel that you need more practice with your communication skills in English, look for an English as a second language course or a business communication course. There are many programs to help immigrants access the workplace in Ontario. Some of these are: job search workshops, orientation workshops, and job finding clubs. In Toronto, for example, the University Settlement House offers a course for foreign-trained electricians. Courses for foreign-trained electricians may not be available everywhere, but there may be an ESL course that specializes in terminology for the trade. Look around at bulletin boards and keep networking to find out about these opportunities.

Activity 10: Make a personal plan One way to make sure that you get where you want to go is to make a plan by deciding on a few steps at a time. This is sometimes referred to as “setting realistic goals” or “setting attainable goals”. To start planning, review all the negative answers in your self-assessment and try to think of how you may be able to achieve these skills. Write your ideas in the right column. Choose five of the NOs on your list that you feel you can work on right now. List them here. This is your short-term plan.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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Activity 11: Research Using the training and upgrading pamphlets, flyers and calendars, find information for the chart. Look for courses, workshops and seminars that will help you achieve the goals you set out in the previous activity. Type of Training

Training Providers

Cost

English as a second language (ESL) ESL for electricians

Preparation for the licensing exam Basic computer training

Computer certification

Internet training

Job search programs

Volunteering

Other courses of interest

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training and upgrading for electricians

For more information on…

on-line training is available at www.iapa.on.ca to see examples of training and upgrading courses offered by unions visit the IBEW Web site at www.ibewcco.org see community college course calendars, available at most public libraries

language training/ESL/LINC for a general description of services for newcomers, visit www.settlement.org free ESL and word processing courses are available through the catalogues for boards of education and the bulletin boards at your local library. look in the Yellow Pages under Language Training look at the Citizenship and Immigration Web site for information on the LINC program: www.cicnet.ingenia.com/english/newcomers visit www.settlement.org for general information on services for newcomers, including language training.

computer training word processing and other computer courses are available through the continuing education departments of boards of education There is a fee for these courses. some community agencies for newcomers offer free computer training and other specialized courses or workshops. Check bulletin boards at community agencies, local libraries and schools. private computer training schools offer training. Look in the Yellow Pages, ads in the newspaper, and different advertising for these schools. There is a fee for these courses.

materials to help in preparation for the exam Standard Textbook of Electricity (Delmar Publishers) Electronics for Industrial Electricians (Delmar Publishers) Canadian Electrical Code (Canadian Standards Association) Residential Wiring (Delmar Publishing) Commercial Wiring (Delmar Publishing)

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GLOSSARY

adjust arrange, put in order, regulate amperage, amps measurement of the amount of electric current apprentice person who has agreed to work for a skilled employer for a fixed period of time in return for being taught a trade or skill apprenticeship contract between an employer and someone who is learning a trade assemble to put different parts together assess decide about the value of something assessment evaluation attestation a declaration, often with legal weight automated works by itself (automatically) benefits dental, medical, or vacation plans that your employer provides blueprint photographic engineering plan of something that will be built build as the way something was installed. For example, electricians make a build as drawing to show how the installation was done capacity amount of data or information that can pass through a single cable, wire, or fibre

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carrier company providing telecom services certification licence to practise an occupation certification having a certificate of licence to work in a trade channel in general, a separate path that signals can flow through, provided either by physical separation (like multi-pair cable) or electrical separation (as in frequency- or code-division multiplexing) circuit complete path along which an electric current flows circuit board thin board containing an electrical network circuit breaker automatic device for interrupting an electric current coaxial copper cable used by cable TV companies to link homes and offices to the community network. Contains two cables in one covering, one to carry the signal and the other to act as a ground. code professional standards agreed on by members of a particular profession collective agreement agreement between the employer and the union regarding work duties and pay community college the college system in Ontario, different from universities compensation money you get for being injured at work compliance action in accordance with a request or command comply to do as one is requested

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compulsory what must be done, required by the rules conductor something that allows electricity to flow through it easily. Water and most metals are good conductors. Conductors can allow electricity to flow through them because the electrons in their atoms move between atoms very easily. conduit tube or trough for protecting wires or cable confined, confined space limited, restricted connect to bring together; connect consolidation many companies in an industry sector combine into a few large corporate groups contractor person or firm that does jobs under contract crimper used to attach a terminal to the end of a wire for connection to a block or plug current movement or flow of electricity deregulation removal of government restrictions on pricing and the opening of an industry sector to competition devices tools or instruments diagnose reach a conclusion through analysis of a problem; find the problem digital electronic technology that generates, stores, and processes data as positive (represented as the digit 1) or non-positive (represented as the digit 0); contrasted with analog digital multimeter device used by installers and service testers to test and troubleshoot electrical systems by measuring voltage, frequency, etc.

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diploma certificate awarded for passing an examination or completing a course of study distribution lines power lines that carry electricity through towns and neighbourhoods to homes and businesses. Distribution lines can run overhead or underground documentation proof of what you say you are or have (passport, licence, etc.) drowsiness feeling sleepy electrician person who is licensed to install and maintain electrical systems electricity flow of electrons energy ability provided in a readily utilized form, such as an electric current equivalent same; equal erect build; set up ESA Electrical Safety Authority, an organization responsible for electrical inspections in Ontario faults problems; irregularities fission splitting apart of an atom’s nucleus with the release of a large amount of heat energy. fluorescent bulb light bulb that emits light because the gas inside it glows when it is charged by electricity frequency number of cycles per second of a carrier wave for transmissions. Related to wavelength; the higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength

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fuel cell technology that produces electricity through a chemical reaction similar to that found in a battery generate to produce; occur generator machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy geothermal energy energy that is generated by converting hot water or steam from deep beneath the earth's surface into electricity gopher pole tool which allows you to push or pull wire easily over long distances hazardous dangerous; risky hazards dangers; risks hydroelectricity electricity that is generated when falling water makes a turbine spin incandescent bulb light bulb that emits light due to the glowing of a heated filament inside it industries commercial undertakings that provide services industry any commercial undertaking that provides services inspect check; examine inspection to check and make sure that an electrical installation has been correctly installed install to put in; set up something new

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installation installing; being installed insulation materials that are used to prevent electricity, heat, or sound from passing through wires or cables insulator something that does not allow electricity to flow through it easily. Glass and special rubber are good insulators. Insulators do not allow electricity to flow through them easily because the electrons in their atoms do not move easily from atom to atom. interpret ability to read and understand a document, drawing or chart ISO 9000 a set of universal standards for quality assurance isolate separately journeyperson person who has served an apprenticeship and is qualified to work at a trade under supervision kilowatt 1,000 watts of electricity kilowatt/hour one kilowatt of electricity produced or used in one hour.

lay out to put out or arrange before assembling or installing licence a government permit line aid tells you if a telephone line is reversed or dead maintain keep something in good working order

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maintenance to keep in good working order or condition malfunction something that causes a machine to break down (noun); failure to work properly (verb) manufacturing to make on a large scale using machinery mbps megabits per second; measure of data speed over a telecommunications medium. Related to MHz: the greater the data speed, the larger the bandwidth megawatt 1,000,000 watts of power or 1,000 kilowatts. MHz megahertz; measure of frequency or of bandwidth for high-speed digital data; related to Mbps natural gas gas used as a fuel, which is formed naturally in the earth when organic material decomposes under pressure. network people who you know or can be used to get information network an interconnected system; an arrangement of circuits Ohm’s Law derived SI unit for electrical resistance or impedance; one ohm equals one volt per ampere. outlet socket in a wall for connecting an electrical appliance to a wiring system outsourcing contract work to an outside company or individual overload put too great an electric charge PBX Private Branch Exchange; a phone system that switches calls between users on local lines while allowing users to share a set number of external lines

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photovoltaic cell device that changes sunlight directly into electricity power line wire used to carry electricity. Power lines are located high overhead or buried underground. power plant place where electricity is generated prerequisites courses needed to take before taking other courses private sector business conducted by independent companies or private individuals, as opposed to government control public sector part of the economy that is under direct control by the government PVC Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most common synthetic materials used both as the insulation around individual wires, the sheathing around a bundle of insulated wires, and as a conduit for wires qualified a person who has the proper licence or certificate or experience to do a job raceway pipe or tubing enclosing electrical wires receptacle an electrical outlet receptacle container; space for placing or storing something reel round device for winding or unwinding line or wire regulate control or direct by means of rules and restrictions regulation rule or restriction made by an authority

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remove take out; eliminate repair restore to good condition repeater a device which automatically amplifies or retransmits an electronic message replace to put back in its place; take the place of requirements being necessary or required restructure give a new or different structure or arrangement risks possibility of meeting danger or suffering scaffolding a temporary structure made of tubes or poles providing workmen with platforms to stand on while working seasonal happening during a particular season secondary education Grades 9 – 13 (OAC) within the Ontario school system sector part of the economy sheathing protective covering or casing around an electric cable solar energy electricity produced from the sun’s radiation specification details and instructions describing the design and materials of something splice join wires by fastening the ends together

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sprinkler system a water system in a building that activates when there is a fire standards set of rules or regulations to be followed static still; unmoving substation facility where transformers lower electricity’s voltage switch network device that selects a path or circuit for sending data to its next destination terminology words that are associated with a particular subject (e.g. trade terminology) transformer device used to increase or decrease electricity’s voltage and current transistor small electrical device used in controlling electrical signals as they pass along a circuit transmission lines power lines that carry high-voltage electricity for long distances trench long narrow ditch dug to hold electrical conduits troubleshoot to guess what the problem is (e.g. figure out why the machine is not working) trunking system a network of electrical lines or cables; or a network of telephone lines, each of which carries multiple voice or data channels between two telephone exchange switching systems turbine device used in the generation of electricity. It has a shaft with blades at one end and electromagnets at the other. Water or steam or some other energy source pushes the blades, which make the shaft and the magnets spin very fast. The magnet end is surrounded by heavy coils of copper wire, and the spinning magnets cause electrons in the wire to begin to move, creating electricity.

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utilities services such as electricity, natural gas, or other basic needs. A company which provides these services is called a utility company. utility a company or other organization that provides a public service, such as supplying electricity, natural gas, or water. voltage electrical force measured in volts voltage surge suppressor an instrument that prevents voltage levels from increasing suddenly voluntary certification not required by law but beneficial for the trade wavelength the distance between identical points in the cycles of a sound or light signal; related to frequency WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System WSIB Workers Safety Insurance Board (Government of Ontario)

Sources: Canadian Oxford Dictionary, Oxford University Press, 1998 whatis?com @ www.whatis.techtarget.com Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Oxford University Press, 1989

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