U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce
Generic
Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-A
Knowledge of Cutting Sheetmetal
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to use devices such as power and hand shears; scroll, ring and circle shears; roto-shears; open-throated shears; hand and power saws such as do all, hacksaws, abrasive cutoffs, delta bandsaws; gas torches; notching machines; nibbling machines. Cutting irregular shapes and contours, inside circles, straight lines, square or angular joints, etc.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity of cutting may be found in one or more lines of work:
Cutting irregular spherical shapes, contour lines, inside circles, etc., to tolerance of .005 inch; sawing irregular shapes to .01 inch.
Notching 90 joints; cutting straight lines to 1/64 inch; nibbling to 1/32 inch.
Using hand shears to cut 1/8 inch or to cut where tolerances are not a factor.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
Able to do the most accurate and complex cutting jobs in the line of work.
Common
Able to complete cutting jobs common to the journeyman job in the line of work on his own initiative.
Less Difficult
Able to perform common tasks associated with the journeyman job in the line of work, under close supervision, and with advice from the supervisor as to procedures.
Able to do the simpler cutting tasks in the line of work.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each kind listed below that you can do, note job numbers or other information to show where you did it.
Simple cutting of sheetmetal where you don't have to consider tolerance.
Routine work such as notching 90 joints and cutting straight lines to moderate tolerance.
Complex work such as cutting irregular spherical shapes, contour lines, inside circles, etc., where tolerances are important.
For each of these kinds of cutting, write the number of each statement that describes your training and experience.
1. Haven't done.
2. Have assisted.
3. Have done under guidance.
4. Have been FULLY RESPONSIBLE.
5. Have been called on to do job other journeymen could not do.
List tools you used. Show tolerances involved.
To Guide IndexRATING GUIDE NO. 23-B
Knowledge of Brazing, Soldering
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to join or fuse metal. using soldering irons, gas torches, and one or more fusable metals such as silver solder, copper, zinc, tin, and lead.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity of brazing and soldering operations may be found in one or more lines of work:
-Brazing and soldering dissimilar metal joints in difficult access, to tolerance of .010 inch, where breakage results in hazard ,or serious damage. Choosing correct brazing and soldering materials for all kinds of work. Sweating for joint tightness on pressure and vacuum systems or on difficult access work involving joining materials of different flow temperature in same assembly; doing lead burning of vertical joints of lead tanks or lead pipe joints. Soldering electrical joints in difficult access.
-Brazing and soldering with similar metals where appearance, tolerance, breakage are factors; sweating waterlines, gutters, downspouts, and tanks.
-Doing repetitive brazing and soldering with similar metals where appearance, tolerance, or breakage is a factor.
-Brazing a single class of metal and joint, where joint will be subject to stress.
-Soldering electrical joints at easily accessible terminals.
-Soldering joints that will not be subject to stress.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
Able to perform the more complex brazing, soldering, sweating, etc., in the line of work.
Common
Able to perform the brazing, soldering, sweating, etc. tasks common to the line of work.
Less Difficult
-Able to perform the common operations under close guidance.
-Able to perform the simpler operations in the line of work.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each kind listed below that you can do, note job numbers or other information to show where you did it.
-Soldering where you do not have to consider stress and appearance.
-Sweating or soldering where you have to prevent leakage.
-Sweating and soldering where you have to consider appearance or tolerance.
-Joining metals that are not similar, where you need close tolerance and where leakage could result in serious damage or hazard. For each of these kinds of soldering, write the number of each statement that describes your training and experience.
1. Have not done.
2. Have done when material and equipment were specified for me.
3. Have selected material and equipment and done job on my own.
4. Have been consulted by other journeymen for advice.
Give examples of the materials you soldered and problems you handled.
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-C
Knowledge of Bending, Braking, and Folding
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to perform operations on sheet-metal in obtaining desired structural shapes by hand or power equipment such as presses, brakes (cornice, box, press, etc.) in producing flanges, hems, lock joints, bands, etc. This involves a knowledge of bend allowances, hand and power equipment, etc.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity of operation are found in one or more lines of work:
-Operation on heavy gauge metal and aluminum alloys (size of metal sheet complicates braking operation); making reverse bends using drop and press brakes, multiform brakes, etc.; forming chassis, boxes, covers, shields, etc.; forming Pittsburgh locks by hand in producing seals in air-conditioning and ventilating units.
-Forming double seam lock joints in roofing work, and single lock seams in pipe or rain spout unions; forming bends less than or greater than 90; bending to 1/64 inch; bending heavier gauge steels.
-Making simple bends on light gauge metals to 1/32 inch accuracy; forming 90 bends using cornice brakes.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
Able to perform the more complex operations in the line of work.
Common
Able to complete jobs requiring forming of common joints.
Less Difficult
-Able to do common tasks in the line of work under continuous supervisory advice and guidance, and with inspection at the completion of each task.
-Able to complete simple bends.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each type of work you can do, write the job number or other item numbers to show where you did it.
-Making simple bends on light gauge metals with handtools.
-Making simple bends on light gauge metals with power tools.
-Forming double seam lock joints, lock seams, etc.
-Fabricating large sheets of heavy gauge metal into forms or shapes which are not very intricate.
-Fabricating large sheets of heavy gauge metal into intricate forms or shapes.
-Fabricating forms or shapes where appearance, pleasing contours, and symmetry are important.
For each type of work, write the number of each statement that describes your experience.
1. Have not done.
2. Have assisted.
3. Have done under guidance.
4. Have been FULLY RESPONSIBLE.
5. Have been called on to do jobs other journeymen could not do.
Give examples of type and gauge of metal used, tolerances involved, etc.
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-D
Knowledge of Using Gas Torch for Cutting, etc (List any additional local uses such as flame spraying and heat treating).
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to use hand or machine gas torch (usually on heavier material) with working tolerances depending on type of equipment used.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity of operation are found in one or more lines of work:
-Flame-cutting by hand torch to tolerance finer than 1/16 inch; flame-cutting by machine to tolerance finer than 1/32 inch.
-Hand-cutting to tolerance of 1/16 inch; machine-cutting to tolerance of 1/32 inch. Flame- spraying; heat-treating; brazing.
-Rough hand-burning as in burning an entry hole.
-Disassembling scrap with hand torch.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Note: Lack of evidence of training in safe use of equipment or poor safety record should result in lowering of credit assigned. Evidence of very poor safety record should result in disqualification.
Most Difficult
Able to do jobs that are more complex and difficult with respect to one or more factors such as unusual kinds of metal, unusual positions, unusual tolerances, unusual uses of the torch, etc.
Common
Able to do the common tasks associated with the journeyman job in the line of work.
Less Difficult
-Able to do the common tasks associated with the journeyman job in the line of work, with supervisory guidance, assistance, and close inspection.
-Able to do the simpler tasks in the line of work.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Give examples of work you have done using hand torches. Mention kinds of flame-cutting machines you have used, if any, and examples of work. Tell about tolerances and kinds of metals. Tell about your use of jigs and fixtures to guide your work, and your work without jigs and fixtures. Tell about any experience you have had in flame spraying to build up metal surfaces or to spray protective coatings; and use of torch for heat treating, soldering and brazing. Tell about your training in safe practices with respect to gas burning experience. Describe any accidents you had with this equipment.
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-E
Knowledge of Painting Metal
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to prevent metal surface corrosion by application of one or more coats of paint. This involves surface preparation of material to be coated, knowledge of paint characteristics, etc.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
Able to do unusually difficult brush and/or spray painting jobs in the line of work.
Common
Able to do jobs of brush and/or spray painting common to the journeyman job in line of work.
Less Difficult
-Able to do all common paint jobs, under close supervision and guidance.
-Able to do rough painting in the line of work.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each aspect of painting listed below that you have done, write the job numbers or other item numbers to show where you did it.
-Mixing of paints to match desired color and consistency. (Tell what paints you used.)
-Preparing of surface to be painted. (Tell type of surface involved.)
-Selection of tools (brushes, spray guns, etc.) for the job. (Tell what brushes, spray guns, and tools you used.)
-Brush painting. (Tell surfaces.)
-Spray painting. (Tell surfaces.) For each aspect of painting, write the number of each statement that applies to your experience and training.
1. Have not done.
2. Have done under guidance.
3. Have been FULLY RESPONSIBLE.
4. Have been consulted by journeymen for advice.
Give examples of the more difficult work you did, problems encountered, etc.
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-F
Knowledge of Riveting
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Fastening metal pieces together with rivets by hand or machines. Involves a knowledge of hand and power riveters, rivet types, fastening methods, etc.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity of riveting operations may be found in one or more lines of work:
-Riveting where precedents do not exist and where stretch of materials or metals is a critical factor in tolerance.
-Riveting where precedents exist but where stretch of materials or metals is a critical factor in tolerance, where hole diameter must be exact, and where strength of joint is vital.
-Routine riveting where tolerance and strength are important.
-Riveting where neither tolerance nor strength is critical.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
-Able to do complex riveting operations in experimental work, prototype work, etc.
-Able to do riveting work of complex character for line of work.
Common
Able to do riveting common to the line of work at common tolerances.
Less Difficult
-Able to do riveting common to the line of work with close supervision and guidance.
-Able to do the simple riveting tasks in a line of work.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each kind listed below that you can do, note job numbers or other information to show where you did it.
-Simple riveting where you don't need tolerance or strength.
-Routine riveting where you must consider tolerance and strength.
-Complex riveting where stretch of materials, tolerances and strength are critical.
For each of these kinds of riveting, write the number of each statement that describes your training and experience.
1. Have not done.
2. Have assisted.
3. Have done under guidance.
4. Have been FULLY RESPONSIBLE.
Give examples of metals riveted and problems encountered.
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-G
Knowledge of Sealing and Leak Testing
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to seal by seaming, caulking, joining, welding, etc. Involves tests such as hydrostatic, helium, vacuum, etc.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity of operations may be found in one or more lines of work:
-Testing for and sealing leaks in vacuum systems, using, as appropriate, helium leak detector, McCloud gages, Piranha gages, etc.
-Hydrostatic and helium testing, water immersion, use of soap and water in leak detection.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
Able to do the more difficult sealing and testing for leaks.
Common
Able to perform all common tests and to plug leaks commonly found in the line of work.
Less Difficult
-Able to do common testing and sealing tasks under close supervision and inspection.
-Able to do the simpler testing in the line of work, or testing where safety or serious equipment damage is a less serious consideration; able to do the simpler sealing tasks.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Tell about your work in sealing operations by seaming, caulking, joining, and welding, and in testing for leaks. What instruments have you used for testing? How much checking of your work did your supervisor do?
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-H
Knowledge of Skin Fitting
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Applying metal skin to framework using hand or power stretching and shrinking equipment.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
Able to do the more difficult tasks in the line of work.
Common
Able to do fitting of sheetmetal as commonly required in the line of work.
Less Difficult
Able to do simpler fitting of sheetmetal covering.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Tell about your experience in applying metal skin to framework using hand or power stretching and shrinking equipment. To what tolerances have you worked?
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-I
Knowledge of Welding
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to use gas, electric, or heliarc welding in joining materials by fusion and adherence.
Note: The applicants' level of ability may be determined in terms of the levels given below by evaluating his experience and training.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity of welding may be found in one or more lines of work:
-Welding on molybdenum, titanium, numetal, aluminum, inconel, stainless steel; welding on metal .003 inch thick to 1/16 inch thick; welding reverse curves.
-Oxyacetylene welding on all materials; metallic arc welding using coated and bare electrodes, and shielded arc process of consumable electrodes; welding ferrous and nonferrous metals including mild steel and stainless steel thicker than 1/16 inch or metals of equal difficulty; welding to fine tolerances.
-Welding in flat, horizontal, overhead, and vertical positions.
-Metallic arc welding where close tolerance, appearance, strength, etc., are not important factors.
-Tack welding by machine; spot welding.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
-Able to do welding considered to be unusual in the line of work, and found in experimental and prototype work rather than in regular production.
- Able to do the more difficult welding in the line of work.
Common
Able to do common welding typical of the journeyman job in the line of work.
Less Difficult
-Able to perform tasks typical of the journeyman job under close supervision and guidance.
-Able to do the simpler tasks in the line of work.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each type of work you can do, write the job numbers or other item numbers to show where you did it.
-Spot welding.
-Welding where close tolerances and appearance are not important.
-Welding where strength and appearance are important such as welding auto equipment, structural steel, etc.
-Welding where danger to others is important such as hydraulic fluid lines, high-pressure steam pipes, etc.
-Welding to fine tolerances such as precision welding of gears, shafts, etc., which must fit into assemblies exactly.
For each type, write the number of each statement that applies to your experience:
1. No experience.
2. Oxyacetylene gas welding.
3. Carbon electrode arc welding.
4. Coated electrode arc welding.
5. Inert gas arc welding.
6. Flat position.
7. Vertical position.
8. Overhead position.
9. Horizontal position.
10. Working from blueprints.
Give examples of metals involved, welding process used, etc.
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-J
Knowledge of Metal Preservation
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity may be found in one or more lines of work:
-Insuring that supplies in long-term storage have proper preservation methods and processes.
-Removing and disassembling parts, components, structures, and equipment to permit preservation; spraying or coating critical metal surfaces to prevent damage or corrosion. Applying established preservation methods and processes including use of preservation equipment, protective methods, and compounds.
-Spraying or coating metal surfaces where concern for critical damage is a minor factor; removing and disassembling parts, components, structures, and equipment to remove dirt, grease, rust, etc., prior to application of preservatives.
-Applying preservatives to surfaces where possible damage is not a factor.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
-Able to develop and revise procedures, processes, and specifications which control metal preservation methods and processes such as cleaning, drying, application of preservative compounds, use of barriers, etc. Able to furnish advice on preservation matters.
-Able to perform the more complex preservation functions in the line of work.
Common
Able to do the common preservation tasks of the line of work.
Less Difficult
-Able to do the common preservation tasks under close guidance and supervision.
-Able to do the simpler preservation tasks of the line of work.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Describe your training and experience in metal preservation to show your ability to disassemble parts and to spray or coat surfaces. Show the extent of your knowledge of proper preservation methods and processes. How much responsibility have you had for metal preservation matters?
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-K
Knowledge of Forging and Forge-Welding
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Knowledge of and ability to use drophammers, swage blocks and dies, anvils, forging tools, furnaces, etc. This includes knowledge of heat treating principles, pyrometers, tempering furnaces, etc.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity of forging may be found in one or more lines of work:
-Working on forgings above 4" square.
-Hand forging, machine forging, forge-welding, etc., on a variety of common forgings, shapes, tools, parts, etc. Heating and removing steel stock from forge and setting work on anvil of hammer. Directing helpers in selecting swage block dies, etc. Directing drophammer operator while maneuvering steel parts or articles to be shaped. Beveling and scarfing edges to be forge-welded. Working on forgings up to 4" square.
-Rough forging on an anvil on small articles, low tempered handtools, and tools or parts to be hardened and tempered later.
-Assisting blacksmith in holding work on anvil, in obtaining material from furnace to allow forging, and in controlling levers on drophammer while blacksmith manipulates work.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
Able to do forging and forge-welding on an unusual variety of forgings, shapes, tools, parts, and metals. Unusually thorough knowledge of processes, procedures, heat treating principles, instruments, furnaces, etc., to handle unusually difficult blacksmithing assignments.
Common
Able to do forging operations common to the journeyman job in a line of work.
Less Difficult
-Able to perform common forging tasks typical of the journeyman job under close supervision and guidance.
-Able to do simpler forging tasks.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each type of work you can do, write the job numbers or other item numbers to show where you did it.
-Rough forging on small articles, low tempered handtools or parts to be hardened or tempered later.
-Hand forging, machine forging, forgewelding, etc., on a variety of common forging, shapes, tools, parts, etc.
-Work on large forgings above 4 inches square (Show size of largest).
-Work where intricate shapes and contours are involved.
For each kind of work, write the number of each statement that describes your experience.
1. Have not done.
2. Have assisted.
3. Have done under guidance.
4. Have been FULLY RESPONSIBLE.
Give examples of the more difficult work you have done.
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-L
Knowledge of Die Sinking
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to form an impression in a die or drop forging by hand chipping, filing, grinding, and scraping, or by machine using special attachments.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity of dies and molds may be found in one or more lines of work:
--Dies and molds for drop forgings and phenolic molding when there will be no machining after parts are formed and skill is required for hand finishing; multi-station deep drawing, indexing fixtures and sub-press dies; dies requiring work tolerances of .0005-.0025 inch or less.
--Combination dies for parts of irregular contour; box-type drill jigs with nesting fixtures; index milling fixtures; dies and molds for drop forgings (like crankshafts) when machining is necessary after parts are formed; dies requiring tolerance of .002 inch-.005 inch.
--Single perforating and blanking dies for parts of regular contour to tolerances of .005 inch-.010 inch.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
-Able to produce the most highly complexities and molds.
-Able to construct unusually difficult dies in the line of work.
Common
Able to construct common dies typical of the journeyman job in line of work.
Less Difficult
Able to do general machining to tolerances of .005 inch, and able to construct dies common to the line of work under close guidance and supervision.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Tell about your experience in die sinking: forming an impression in a die mold or drop forging, by hand chipping, filing, grinding, and scraping or by machine. What kinds and shapes of dies and molds have you made? What tools, fixtures, and machines have you used? To what tolerances have you worked?
RATING GUIDE NO. 23-M
Knowledge of Rigging and Roping Techniques
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity and thoroughness may be found in one or more lines of work:
-Exercising judgment in selecting all materials; meeting tolerances; judging condition of materials for re-use; inspecting completed rigging and roping.
-Knowledge of carrying strengths of cables, blocking chain hoists, etc.; determining clearance when measuring hoist ropes; judging carrying capacity of manila rope in accordance with size and condition.
-Handling wire rope, including shackles and fasteners; selecting proper materials such as babbits and seizing wire; determining condition of babbits for pouring.
-Recognizing tools required by higher grade mechanics to do rigging and roping; firing butane torch.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
-Able to perform tasks requiring expert knowledge in rigging and roping, where no precedents exist.
-Able to perform tasks requiring a thorough knowledge of principles and practices in rigging and roping.
Common
Able to perform common rigging and roping tasks associated with the journeyman job of the line of work.
Less Difficult
-Able to use facts, figures, and principles concerning common rigging and roping practices, but is dependent on supervisor for continuous check and guidance.
-Able to use the simpler knowledges in the line of work.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
What experience or training have you had in handling roping and rigging? Tell about your work in handling rope such as hoist rope, wire rope, shackles, babbits, seizing, etc. Tell about your knowledge of rope capacity and size, tools required, materials, etc. Mention your work in planning, layout, inspecting, or assigning work and materials to workers on roping or rigging jobs.
Page Updated 11 July 2000
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