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Built EnvironmentISCO 7114

Terrazzo setter

A terrazzo setter is a person who makes terrazzo surfaces: preparing the base, fitting the dividing strips, pouring a mix of cement and marble chips, and polishing the result to a smooth, glossy finish.

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Rate 5 of the 15 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

apply proofing membranes

grind terrazzo

prevent premature drying

transport construction supplies

inspect construction supplies

About terrazzo setter

The terrazzo setter prepares the substrate, which means making it level, sound and clean enough for the mix to bond to it, and inspects the construction materials before they go in: the grade of cement, the size and colour of the marble chips, and whether anything has absorbed moisture in storage. The setter then fits the dividing strips, which set the pattern and help limit cracking.

The setter mixes the materials for terrazzo, and the proportion of chips to cement and the amount of water decide both the look and the strength of the finished floor.

Finally, the setter grinds and polishes the surface with progressively finer abrasives until the chips are exposed evenly and the shine is uniform. The setter handles the chemicals in the mixes and sealers safely, transports construction materials and follows health and safety procedures in construction. Working ergonomically matters, particularly when kneeling.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (15)

work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.apply proofing membranesapply proofing membranesApply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water. Securely seal any perforation to preserve the damp-proof or waterproof properties of the membrane. Make sure any...grind terrazzogrind terrazzoGrind the poured and cured terrazzo layer in several steps, from rough to fine, using a grinding machine.prevent premature dryingprevent premature dryingTake the precautionary steps to avoid a product or a surface from drying to quickly, for example by covering it with a protective film or by humidifying it regularly.transport construction suppliestransport construction suppliesBring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers' safety and protection from deterioration.inspect construction suppliesinspect construction suppliesCheck construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.prepare floor for terrazzoprepare floor for terrazzoMake sure the floor is ready to receive a terrazzo layer. Remove any previous floor coverings, dirt, grease, other impurities and moisture. Rough the surface with a shot blaster if required.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.work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.pour terrazzopour terrazzoPour the prepared terrazzo mixture on the planned floor section. Pour the right amount of terrazzo and use a screed to make sure the surface is even.mix terrazzo materialmix terrazzo materialCreate a mix of stone fragments and cement in consistent proportions. Add colouring if called for.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.screed concretescreed concreteSmooth the surface of freshly poured concrete using a screed.blast surfaceblast surfaceBlast a surface with sand, metal shot, dry ice or other blasting material to remove impurities or rough up a smooth surface.grout terrazzogrout terrazzoCover any small holes in the terrazzo surface with a grout mixture of the appropriate colour after it has been roughly ground.
Optional (13) — show
aestheticsaestheticsSet of principles based on which something is appealing and beautiful.maintain terrazzomaintain terrazzoTreat old terrazzo replacing missing granules or mosaics, using chemicals to obtain the desired colour, sanding and polishing to give the surface a new lustrous look.lay terrazzo divider stripslay terrazzo divider stripsLay strips of various materials to separate different coloured sections of terrazzo flooring. Interpret the plan to determine the correct positions. Mark the positions and attach the strips to the flo...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...calculate needs for construction suppliescalculate needs for construction suppliesTake measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.install insulation materialinstall insulation materialPlace insulation material, often shaped into rolls, in order to insulate a structure from thermical or acoustic influences and to prevent fire. Attach the material using face staples, inset staples, o...keep personal administrationkeep personal administrationFile and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.order construction suppliesorder construction suppliesOrder required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.process incoming construction suppliesprocess incoming construction suppliesReceive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.mix construction groutsmix construction groutsMix construction materials with water and other materials based on the appropriate recipe. Mix thoroughly to prevent lumps. Avoid contamination, which will adversely affect the properties of the mixtu...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...keep records of work progresskeep records of work progressMaintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.polish stone surfacespolish stone surfacesPolish stone using polishing tools and machines in order to obtained a smooth and lustrous product.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a terrazzo setter do?

Terrazzo setters create terrazzo surfaces. They prepare the surface, installing strips to divide sections. They then pour the solution containing cement and marble chips. Terrazzo setters finish the floor by polishing the surface to ensure smoothness and shine.

What skills does a terrazzo setter need?

A terrazzo setter needs 15 essential skills, including work ergonomically, apply proofing membranes, grind terrazzo, prevent premature drying, transport construction supplies.

Will AI replace terrazzo setter jobs?

The AI disruption score for terrazzo setter is 27/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: keep personal administration, keep records of work progress, process incoming construction supplies. Most resilient: use safety equipment in construction, install insulation material, prepare floor for terrazzo.

Quick Facts

SectorBuilt Environment
ISCO GroupBuilding and related trades workers
Essential Skills15

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