TECK SHUTDOWN A CHANCE TO HONE SKILLS By David Hogben
WHEN TECK SHUT DOWN one of its roasters at its Trail smelter for maintenance in April and May, it meant there was potentially dangerous work for B.C. bricklayers, welders and ironworkers. It also meant there was an opportunity for qualified tradespeople and apprentices to learn how to work in a unique environment rebuilding the roaster dome. “A lot of people don’t understand the skill required in industrial projects laying brick. A dome is like an arch that goes in all directions,” said Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2 president Geoff Higginson. Clayburn Services supervisor Shawn Friesen said the 60-foot diameter, 25-foot high brick dome on the roof of the zinc roaster employed about 40 bricklayers, about 10 of whom were apprentices. Work on the dome must be precise because of the high temperatures and gases inside. “It basically gives them the breakdown of every dome build that they will ever do. If you can do this job, then you can build any dome.” Safety is paramount in such work, and with this project, COVID-19 protocols also needed to be followed. “As with all activities at Trail Operations, our No. 1 priority during this shutdown will be on the health and safety of our employees and
contractors, which includes stringent COVID-19 preventative measures,” Teck said in a news release when it announced the temporary roaster maintenance. Joe Finlay, a Red Seal welder with the Boilermakers Lodge 359, said being a tradesperson is a life-long learning experience, but even more so working on the dome. “Working on the roasters is a bit of an eye- opener. Especially when you understand the processes that Teck does, the substances that you are dealing with that could harm your body.” Finlay and other welders worked on flanges on the outside, international’s bracing and safety guards. “It was something new. I have never been in a roaster, so I had to learn a whole new process and still develop an understanding.” The technical skills were important as was teaching apprentices how to work safely. “We had three apprentices where it was their first job and my most important thing was: ‘Don’t get carried away. Don’t run off somewhere without letting your journey know, even if it’s going to the washroom and hygiene. Wash your hands, clean your respirator, get new cartridges, respect everything, because the more you do that, the less harmful substances you are going to allow in your body.”
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