Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 9312
Drainage worker
Drainage workers assemble and maintain drainage and dewatering systems. They lay tubes or drainpipes to dry out the ground of a certain structure in order to put a hold to imminent groundwater. This work is usually performed under pavements and in basements.
Check yourself in a minute: drainage worker
Rate 5 of the 18 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
inspect pipelines
provide pipe bedding
create open drainage systems
clear pipelines
detect flaws in pipeline infrastructure
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (18)
mechanical systemsmechanical systemsMechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.types of pipelinestypes of pipelinesThe various types of pipelines and their different usages including the differences between pipelines used to transport goods over short and long distances, and their respective feeding systems.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.inspect pipelinesinspect pipelinesWalk flow lines to identify damage or leaks; use electronic detection equipment and conduct visual inspections.provide pipe beddingprovide pipe beddingLay bedding in a trench to stabilise a pipe if called for. Lay bedding beneath the pipe and around it to protect from environmental influences.create open drainage systemscreate open drainage systemsBuild drainage systems in compliance with technical specifications.clear pipelinesclear pipelinesClear pipelines by pumping water or other substances through them, or wash the pipelines manually or using suitable machinery.detect flaws in pipeline infrastructuredetect flaws in pipeline infrastructureDetect flaws in pipeline infrastructure during construction or over the passage of time. Detect flaws such as construction defects, corrosion, ground movement, hot-tap made by error, and others.keep airport drainage systems functionalkeep airport drainage systems functionalKeep all the drainage systems in the airport functional-especially those in the runways. Aim to prevent the formation of standing water, ponds, and puddles.inspect construction suppliesinspect construction suppliesCheck construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.inspect drainage channelsinspect drainage channelsMaintain and clear gutters, sewer systems, and other water carrying facilities to ensure proper drainage and prevent damage to infrastructure such as roads and railways.perform drainage workperform drainage workDig draining ditches and lay the pipe or gutter installation to allow evacuation of surplus liquid and avoid subsidence or other damage.prevent pipeline deteriorationprevent pipeline deteriorationEnsure the conservation of pipelines by undertaking adequate maintenance of the system and its coating properties. Prevent corrosion formation, leaks, and other problems.follow health and safety procedures in constructionfollow health and safety procedures in constructionApply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.assemble manufactured pipeline partsassemble manufactured pipeline partsAssemble parts and components made for pipelines in companies or sites. Construct pipeline infrastructures or re-assemble parts that were taken out for repair.inspect sewersinspect sewersInspect sewage drains in order to detect explosive gases using gas analysis equipment.use safety equipment in constructionuse safety equipment in constructionUse elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident do...operate sumpsoperate sumpsOperate industrial sumps used to remove excess liquid such as water or chemicals.
Optional (20) — show
types of bedding materialstypes of bedding materialsDifferent types of bedding materials used to stabilise structures such as pipe. The differences in performance, availability and cost of the materials and their suitability for the purpose, climate an...health and safety hazards undergroundhealth and safety hazards undergroundThe rules and risks affecting health and safety when working underground.excavation techniquesexcavation techniquesThe methods to remove rock and soil, used in an excavation site and the associated risks.operate pumpsoperate pumpsOperate industrial pumps used to remove excess liquid.ensure regulatory compliance in pipeline infrastructuresensure regulatory compliance in pipeline infrastructuresEnsure that the regulations for pipeline operations are met. Ensure pipeline infrastructure compliance with legal mandates, and compliance with regulations governing the transportation of goods via th...perform water analysisperform water analysisCollect and analyse samples of surface water and groundwater to analyse them.design drainage well systemsdesign drainage well systemsDesign systems which are found in residential properties as well as in public properties such as on streets and public building rooftops, and which function to drain excess water from these areas. The...dig soil mechanicallydig soil mechanicallyUse mechanical equipment to dig up and move soil. Form pits according to excavation plans.inspect construction sitesinspect construction sitesEnsure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.work in a construction teamwork in a construction teamWork as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible ma...operate vacuum dewatering systemoperate vacuum dewatering systemOperate a vacuum dewatering system which applies a vacuum to material in order to remove excess liquid.install PVC pipinginstall PVC pipingLay different types and sizes of PVC piping in prepared spaces. Cut the piping to size and attach it by using glue or other systems. Make sure the piping has a clean edge, is free of strains and has t...install drainage well systemsinstall drainage well systemsInstall systems which are found in residential properties as well as in public properties such as on streets and public building rooftops, and which function to drain excess water from these areas. Th...test pipeline infrastructure operationstest pipeline infrastructure operationsPerform tests on pipelines, such checking whether there is continuous flow of materials through them, examining for leakages, and assessing the suitability of the location of the pipeline is.operate excavatoroperate excavatorOperate excavators used to dig materials from the surface and load them onto dump trucks.operate GPS systemsoperate GPS systemsUse GPS Systems.use measurement instrumentsuse measurement instrumentsUse different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.transport pipestransport pipesTransport pipes manually or by operating equipment such as mechanical lifts and truck winches.set up temporary construction site infrastructureset up temporary construction site infrastructureSet up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water sup...repair pipelinesrepair pipelinesConduct maintenance and repair work on pipelines to prevent or remedy damages using, if necessary, remote-controlled robots.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a drainage worker do?
Drainage workers assemble and maintain drainage and dewatering systems. They lay tubes or drainpipes to dry out the ground of a certain structure in order to put a hold to imminent groundwater. This work is usually performed under pavements and in basements.
What skills does a drainage worker need?
A drainage worker needs 18 essential skills, including mechanical systems, types of pipelines, mechanics, inspect pipelines, provide pipe bedding.
Will AI replace drainage worker jobs?
The AI disruption score for drainage worker is 26/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: perform water analysis, types of bedding materials, operate GPS systems. Most resilient: use safety equipment in construction, perform drainage work, install drainage well systems.
AI Replacement Risk
26/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
ISCO GroupLabourers in mining, construction, manufacturing and transport
Essential Skills18
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