Good Bricklaying Work

By Author: Erik Olsen
Total Articles: 24
Comment this article

Bricklayers lay bricks, concrete blocks, and building stones in mortar to construct and repair internal and external walls, partitions, arches, and other structures. Personal requirements for a bricklayer:
- Enjoy practical work
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Able to perform technical activities
- Able to interpret and follow plans
- Capable of meeting the physical demands of the job

Education and training for bricklaying
Entry requirements may vary, but generally, employers require completion of year 10. In some places, bricklayers either need to be accredited or work under the supervision of a registered building expert. Construction industry workers must undergo safety induction training and be issued a Construction Induction Card (CIC).

Facts about vibrating machines and tools
Hand-operated tools for drilling and cutting construction elements impose a strain on hands and arms. This can cause a lack of sensation, numbness, and pain in fingers, hands, and arms. In the worst cases, ...
... it can lead to "white fingers," a condition known when blood flow to the fingers temporarily stops.
- Use machines and tools that vibrate minimally
- Choose a working method with minimal vibration. For example, when sanding a floor, you can avoid full-body vibration by walking behind the machine instead of using a "standing plate" attachment
- Use suitable vibration-damping handles on tools and consider vibration-damping gloves
- Always wear gloves that keep fingers warm
- Avoid smoking for 1 hour before working with vibrating tools. Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, worsening the effect

Facts about heavy lifting when handling machines and tools
Using heavy machinery can lead to harmful effects on the body due to often awkward working positions; the inclined and often heavy lifting can be damaging.
- Use technical aids for transporting or placing machines and tools. For instance, use a mini-crane on a truck
- Machines or parts of machines should not be lifted above shoulder height without technical aids
- Disassemble as many parts of the machine as possible before placing or moving it
- You may need two people to place machines and/or tools

The right protective equipment
What respiratory protection? It's important to use protective equipment when working with dust. Respiratory protection may include dust filters or masks with replaceable filters or turbo masks. Filters are categorized into classes:
- Class P1 provides limited protection against dust. These filters should not be used if the limit for the contaminated substance is below 5 mg/m3. For example, this filter provides no protection against asbestos fibers or quartz dust.
- Class P2 provides protection against most dust types harmful to health and liquid aerosols but not, for instance, against bacteria or viruses.
- Class P3 provides protection similar to Class P2, but it also protects against bacteria and viruses. Particle filter respiratory protection offers no protection when the air contains harmful gases or vapors.
If working for more than 3 hours at a stretch with a filter mask, use a turbo mask."