Sheet metal workers make, repair and install sheet metal products -- things
like ventilation shafts for heating and air conditioning, eavestroughing and
sheet metal buildings. They also specialize in installing and repairing metal
roofs.
They usually make their products at a shop away from the construction site,
although some work is done entirely on site. These workers are in charge of
the product at every step, from fabrication to installation to maintenance.
Sheet metal workers study plans to figure out what kind and quality of
materials would be best suited to a project. They take the sheet metal and
measure, bend, cut, shape and fasten it to produce counters, ductwork and
various other projects. They use machines like shears, brakes, punches and
drill presses.
These workers also play a part in your enjoyment of a restaurant meal.
They manufacture products such as stainless steel range hoods, preparation
tables and many other kinds of restaurant equipment.
Sheet metal workers put in a standard 40-hour workweek, with long periods
of standing. They need good physical abilities: they must lift heavy materials,
and do lots of bending, climbing and squatting to get the job done. Often,
they work in close quarters.
In more and more shops today, sheet metal workers are required to use computers
in their work. Computers enable them to experiment with various layouts and
select the one that will use the least amount of material.
These workers must follow safety guidelines, such as wearing safety goggles
and not wearing anything that could get caught in the machinery. They are
at risk of burns from soldering and welding, falls from high places such as
scaffolding, and cuts from sharp metal.