Pipefitter. A pipefitter or steamfitter is a tradesman who installs, assembles, fabricates, maintains, and repairs mechanical piping systems. Pipefitters usually begin as helpers or apprentices. Journeyman pipefitters deal with industrial/commercial/marine piping and heating/cooling systems. Typical industrial process pipe is under high pressure, which requires metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and many different alloy metals fused together through precise cutting, threading, grooving, bending, and welding. A plumber concentrates on lower pressure piping systems for sewage and potable tap water in the industrial, commercial, institutional, or residential atmosphere. Utility piping typically consists of copper, PVC, CPVC, polyethylene, and galvanized pipe, which is typically glued, soldered, or threaded. Other types of piping systems include steam, ventilation, hydraulics, chemicals, fuel, and oil.

In Canada, pipefitting is classified as a compulsory trade, and carries a voluntary "red seal" inter-provincial standards endorsement. Pipefitter apprenticeships are controlled and regulated provincially, and in some cases allow for advance standing in similar trades upon completion.

In the United States, many states require pipefitters to be licensed. Requirements differ from state to state, but most include a four- to five-year apprenticeship. Union pipefitters are required to pass an apprenticeship test (often called a "turn-out exam") before becoming a licensed journeyman. Others can be certified by NCCER (formerly the National Center for Construction Education and Research).

Occupational summary
Pipefitters install, assemble, fabricate, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot pipe carrying fuel, chemicals, water, steam, and air in heating, cooling, lubricating, and various other process piping systems. Pipefitters are employed in the maintenance departments of power stations, refineries, offshore installations, factories, and similar establishments, by pipefitting contractors.

Scope of work

 Blueprint reading
 Detailing
 CAD drawing coordinators 
 Layout
 Pipe threading
 Pipe grinding
 Plasma cutting
 Gas arc cutting
 Rigging
 Brazing 
 Soldering
 Mitering
 Tube bending
 Valve installation and repair 
 Mechanical pipe cutting and grooving
 Supports and hanger installation
 Preparation and installation of medical gas piping
 Welding; GMAW, TiG, SMAW, Orbital)

Trade groups
In North America, union pipefitters are members of the United Association. Wages vary from area to area, based on demands for experienced personnel and existing contracts between local unions and contractors.  The United Association is also affiliated with the piping trades unions in Ireland and Australia.

Differences between pipefitting and pipelaying
Pipefitters should not be confused with pipelayers. Both trades involve pipe and valves and both use some of the same tools. However, pipelayers usually work outside, laying pipe underground or on the seabed, whereas pipefitters typically work inside, installing piping in buildings, aeroplanes, or ships. 

One author summarizes the different tasks as follows:

whereas,

Occupational hazards 

Pipe fitters are often exposed to hazardous or dangerous materials, such as asbestos, lead, ammonia, steam, flammable gases, various resins and solvents including benzene and various refrigerants. Much progress was made in the 20th century toward eliminating or reducing hazardous materials exposures. Many aspects of hazardous materials are now regulated by law in most countries, including asbestos usage and removal and refrigerant selection and handling. A major occupational hazard that pipefitters face is from welding fumes, including ultraviolet light, heavy metals, and chlorinated compounds during welding or torch cutting. Contact with previously mentioned solvents, adhesives, and epoxies during repair or installation of PVC/ABS pipes. Exposure to materials and liquids in old pipes during repair or removal.

Other occupational hazards include exposure to the weather, heavy lifting, crushing hazards, lacerations, and other risks normal to the construction industry.

See also
 Piping and plumbing fitting

References

External links
 Pipe Hangers & Support

Construction trades workers
Industrial occupations
Fitter